You may have opted for a super fast internet speed but if you don’t have the right router then you won’t get the best experience. There are Wi-Fi routers of different frequency bands depending on the kind of internet speed you want.
If you’re someone who wants the fastest speeds possible and in one room alone then a 5GHz Wi-Fi router is recommended. You get a higher data range without interference. But this also means that the coverage for other rooms will be narrow with this router. It’s still the option to go for if only one person is going to use it or only within one room.
So here’s a list of the best budget 5GHz routers you can buy.
How we do our research
Our ranking criteria
We consider each Wi-Fi router's features, including maximum speed, number of ports for connectivity and number of antennas.
Things to consider before buying Wi-Fi routers
Security features
Security is an important issue to consider when a Wi-Fi router as the wireless network can be very insecure.
When buying a 5GHz router, make sure it at least uses WPA2 (the second implementation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol). Other than this, look for a router with extra capabilities such as monitoring devices, blocking unwanted users from the network, and seeing the number of people using your wireless network.
Routers with MU-MIMO
Today, many routers come with a facility called MU-MIMO. Routers with MU-MIMO can deliver higher-speed data. This type of router becomes essential when several people are using a single wireless network.
USB ports
Routers with USB ports allow you to plug an HDD or flash storage drive and share that data with any device on the network. You can also use it to create a networked media hub for streaming movies, music or television shows you own locally.
But, if your main purpose is to access the Wi-Fi network then USB ports on a router aren't something you should be worried about.
The ASUS RT-AC59U Wi-Fi router that offers 867Mpbs speed at 5GHz frequency, and 600Mbps at 2.4GHz frequency. It has four external antennas, and features four Gigabit LAN ports along with one USB 2.0 port. This Wi-Fi router also supports AiMesh to connect with other compatible ASUS routers for a more powerful Wi-Fi network at home. This Wi-Fi router is recommended for medium-sized homes, and it can support up to 20 devices. It also has a smartphone app for parental controls, guest networking, firewall and more. The ASUS RT-AC59U Wi-Fi router is a highly recommended 5GHz Wi-Fi router.
This is another dual-band Wi-Fi router from TP-Link. The 5GHz band offers 867Mpbs speed while the 2.4GHz band offers 300Mbps speed. The Wi-Fi router has MU-MIMO technology that simultaneously transfers data to multiple devices. It is equipped with four external antennas for a wide coverage. The Wi-Fi router also has access point mode that transforms your wired connection into a wireless network, and OneMesh that helps eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones. There’s also a TP-Link Tether app that lets you easily set up the Wi-Fi network. The TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 Wi-Fi router is another option that you can go for a 5GHz Wi-Fi router.
The D-Link DIR-825 features a compact design with four antennas and two bands. You get 867Mbps speed on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz. It is equipped with one Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports. This Wi-Fi router also has multiple operating modes including router mode, access point mode and repeater mode. It comes with a USB 2.0 port so you can connect external devices and access files. The D-Link DIR-825 5GHz Wi-Fi router is recommended for those who want something compact and looks sleek.
The Netgear R6120-100INS is another 5GHz Wi-Fi router that you can consider. You can get maximum speeds of up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It comes with two external antennas and it provides coverage for large homes. The Wi-Fi router can be used for streaming, gaming and connected smart home devices as well. It supports all major and local internet service providers. The Netgear R6120-100INS is another option to consider if you’re looking for a 5GHz Wi-Fi router.
The Tenda AC10 AC1200 is a dual-band Wi-Fi router featuring four omni directional antennas. The Wi-Fi router offers 5GHz 867Mbps speed and 2.4GHz 300Mbps speed. It comes with features such as remote app management, universal repeater, signal power adjustment, and beamforming. It also supports VPN servers and has Wi-Fi scheduling. The Wi-Fi router is also equipped with one WAN port and three LAN ports. The Tenda AC10 AC1200 can also be considered if you’re looking for a 5GHz Wi-Fi router.
The D-Link R15 AX1500 Eagle PRO is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router with advanced features such as AX1500 dual-band Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for improved connectivity. It has a powerful quad-core processor, Gigabit Ethernet ports, and USB 3.0 for wired connections and file sharing. It features advanced security with WPA3 encryption, built-in firewall, and VPN support. Managing the router is easy with the D-Link Wi-Fi App and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Overall, the D-Link R15 AX1500 Eagle PRO is a reliable and feature-rich router for fast, secure, and seamless networking.
The TP-Link Archer C50 is a wireless dual-band router that provides fast and reliable internet connectivity for home or small office use. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, allowing for simultaneous connections and faster speeds. The Archer C50 has four external antennas for improved coverage and signal strength. It also features four Ethernet ports for wired connections, a USB port for file sharing, and supports IPv6 for future-proofing. The Archer C50 comes with easy setup options and robust security features, including WPA/WPA2 encryption and guest network access. Overall, the TP-Link Archer C50 is a budget-friendly router that offers decent performance and features for basic networking needs.
The Tenda AC5 V3 AC1200 is a wireless dual-band router that delivers high-speed internet connectivity for home or small office environments. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, allowing for simultaneous connections and faster speeds. With its four external antennas, the AC5 V3 AC1200 provides extended coverage and reliable signal strength. It also features four Ethernet ports for wired connections, a USB port for file sharing, and supports IPv6 for future-proofing. The AC5 V3 AC1200 comes with easy setup options and offers basic security features, including WPA/WPA2 encryption and guest network access. The router is budget-friendly, making it an affordable option for users with basic networking needs.
DISCLAIMER: The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
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