Hello! I decided to prepare a separate article and talk about choosing the cheapest router. Consider the most budgetary options that are on sale. I think this article will be relevant for at least the entire 2017. We will consider inexpensive models up to $ 15, UAH 400, or 1000 rubles. And despite the fact that in the article on choosing a router for home, I advised in 2017 not to buy routers without a USB port, and support for the 802.11ac standard (Wi-Fi 5GHz), there are situations when there is no way to buy an expensive router, and you need to save as much as possible. And it is not uncommon for a router to be needed to distribute the Internet for a pair of devices, in a small room, and without a serious load. In this case, there is no point in overpaying for unnecessary functions and technologies. The most budgetary router will suffice.
In this article, we will not go into detail about all the technical characteristics and subtleties of choice, I wrote about this in the article, the link to which was given above. Our task is to choose a router that will cost no more than $ 15 (+ -). I have already tested most of these routers, and they are in my collection now :). But, to be honest, I do not have much experience in long-term use of an inexpensive router. It's just that I have a lot of devices in my house, a heavy load, and it is not entirely correct to work through such a router.
In this price range, I found routers from manufacturers: TP-Link, Tenda, D-Link, Totolink, Netis. These are the most popular. ASUS, or Zyxel, does not have such budget models at all. There will already have to increase the purchase budget. If you look at popular online stores, then all these budget models are very popular among buyers, judging by the reviews. They collect the most reviews. And this does not mean that there are more problems and breakdowns with them, just because of their price they are more popular. And the reviews there are no worse than those for expensive models. Although, reviews of routers are generally a topic for a separate article.
Budget router for home
In the process of choosing and using an inexpensive router, there are nuances and possible problems. Although, all this is not excluded when using expensive models, which can not always boast of stable performance and quality.
Let's highlight the following points:
- Stability of the Wi-Fi network and the router as a whole.
- Wi-Fi coverage and connection speed. We know that routers love to cut internet speeds. And even more so for budget models.
- Limited functionality, lack of various functions and technologies. It is clear that buying a budget model, it will not be stuffed with the latest technologies.
- The quality of the router itself, appearance, operating time.
Unstable operation of a cheap router
This is probably the most popular problem with cheap models. The fact is that budget devices are built on weak platforms. Weak processors, little RAM. All this can affect the stability of the router. Especially at moments of stress. When watching online videos, downloading files, torrents, in online games, when connecting a large number of devices. If you are planning on doing everything I just listed, then you better consider the more expensive router models.
All this is manifested by a complete freeze of the router, when the Internet starts working only after a reboot, a strong drop in speed and ping, and interruptions in the Wi-Fi network connection. Therefore, if you have many devices, you plan to watch video on several devices at the same time, or, even worse, play online games and download large files, you have a Smart TV, then I would not recommend buying the cheapest router model. It is better to choose another option for yourself according to this article.
Nobody can tell you whether this or that model will work stably. This is almost impossible, since everything depends on a huge number of different factors. And if everything worked cool on the most budgetary models, then why would they make routers that are 10 or more times more expensive.
Wi-Fi coverage radius and internet speed
Wi-Fi network coverage is one of the main issues that interests almost everyone in the process of choosing a router. According to my observations, in terms of Wi-Fi network coverage, budget models are not always worse than more expensive ones. As a rule, all these "kids" come with one or two Wi-Fi antennas, but these antennas are powerful. There may also be internal antennas. But the number of antennas affects the stability of the Wi-Fi network more than the coverage. I think that such a router should be enough for a small three-room apartment. But it's a stretch. Most likely there will be places where there is no Wi-Fi network coverage.
But again, it all depends on the model you choose, on a huge number of external factors, and the location of the router in the house or apartment. Neither I nor anyone else will be able to tell you a specific model that will provide a signal throughout your home. There are only guesses and assumptions.
A few words about the speed of the Internet via Wi-Fi and cable. If your provider gives 100 Mbit / s, then on the cable from the router you will most likely see about 90 Mbit / s. Maybe all 100. Over Wi-Fi, of course, the situation will be different. We know routers cut Wi-Fi speeds. This is basically normal. But how much this speed will be cut depends on many different factors:
- The power of the router itself. And we already know that budget models are weak. Therefore, they can cut speed more than more expensive models.
- From the type of internet connection. It is best when the ISP uses Dynamic IP (DHCP) technology. Since PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP create an additional load on the router.
- Also, the speed largely depends on the device that you connect to the Internet.
- And from a huge number of other external factors: from interference, walls, signal level, etc.
Almost all the models that we will look at today operate at a maximum speed of up to 150 Mbps. But, there are several models in this price category that can deliver the maximum theoretically possible speed of 300 Mbps. This can also affect how much the router will cut the speed over Wi-Fi.
Modest specifications and functionality
This is clear. The less we pay, the less we get. As I wrote above, the budget model will be devoid of all modern technologies. For example, there will definitely not be support for the new 802.11ac standard. And of course, there will be no support for broadcasting a Wi-Fi network at 5GHz. There will be no USB port, Gigabit LAN and WAN ports, and other chips. For this price point, that's okay.
As for the functionality and settings, even the cheap models have almost everything the same as the more expensive ones. For example, it is possible to launch a guest Wi-Fi network, there are different operating modes of the router (repeater, adapter, client, access point), there is parental control, and a bunch of different settings. So, in terms of functionality, there are no strong differences. Everything, of course, depends on the specific manufacturer and model. The control panel itself, according to my observations, is no different. Only some settings can be cut out, which cannot be there due to the peculiarities of the hardware filling.
Quality, appearance, working time
If you are interested in such things as the build quality, the quality of the case itself, the appearance of the router, the presence of different buttons, sizes, etc., then inexpensive models lose a little here.
Most of these routers are made in a very compact package. And I agree that the more expensive options certainly look better and cooler. All manufacturers. But as for the quality of plastic and assembly, then according to my observations, there are no major differences. If a company makes model roads from good materials and assembles them with high quality, then the budget category does not suffer much here either. Everything is on the level.
Of course, the savings are noticeable. And most often it manifests itself with non-removable antennas, the absence of separate buttons (to turn off the power, activate WPS, turn off Wi-Fi, reset the settings), the absence of rubberized feet and wall mounting (but not on all models). Well, sometimes manufacturers do not make 4 LAN ports, as we are used to seeing, but for example 3, 2, or even 1. But again, it is difficult to fit 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN into such a compact case. But there are exceptions.
I have not carried out any tests, and I cannot say how long the budget router will last, and how long the expensive model will be. But again, according to my observations, cheaper options break more often. Here, the savings on components, power adapters also affect.
Models of inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for your home or apartment
I really do not like to advise specific models. This is generally wrong. Therefore, it is better not to ask me in the comments about this 🙂
Below we take a look at the cheapest routers that can be found commercially in early 2017. I think these models will be relevant for a long time. Almost all the routers that I will write about below, I checked and configured. And they all fully correspond to their low price.
Netis WF2411 and other available models from Netis
I have a Netis WF2411 model. This is generally one of the cheapest routers. But I really liked it. Small, interesting and high-quality body, simple setup, Russian in the control panel. Works well in repeater mode (Wi-Fi network amplifier). Can be used as an adapter for connecting a PC to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
Instructions for configuring Netis WF2411: https://help-wifi.com/netis/nastrojka-routera-netis-na-primere-netis-wf2411/
Netis has other budget options: Netis WF2411E, Netis WF2411R, Netis WF2419, Netis WF2419E. The last two models will be slightly more expensive. But they are better in performance. There is already a maximum Wi-Fi speed of up to 300 Mbps. If possible, it is better to take them.
Most budget routers from TP-Link
At the moment, three models fall under our budget: TP-Link TL-WR720N (the most affordable), TP-Link TL-WR740N, and TP-Link TL-WR840N. Follow the links for a detailed overview of each model.
Many people have probably heard about TP-Link TL-WR740N. A very popular and truly popular model. A very popular router, primarily due to its price and technical characteristics.
TP-Link TL-WR740N setup instructions: https://help-wifi.com/tp-link/kak-nastroit-tp-link-tl-wr740n-nastrojka-wi-fi-i-interneta/. In the "TP-Link" section you will find instructions for setting up other models from this manufacturer.
If there is an opportunity to slightly increase the budget, I recommend considering the TP-LINK TL-WR841N (ND) model. Also a good and popular router.
Inexpensive home router options from Tenda
I now have a Tenda N301 model. And I am also familiar with Tenda N3 (but it is no longer visible on sale). There is also the Tenda N150, Tenda F3 model. I can safely recommend these inexpensive routers. Easy control panel in Russian. Everything is there and everything works.
Instructions for configuring Tenda N301: https://help-wifi.com/tenda/nastrojka-routera-tenda-n301/.
Several models from D-Link
Recently purchased the D-Link DIR-300A model. It fits our budget. A very interesting router with an unusual shape. Normal control panel. However, I don't really like the page with the settings on all D-Links. There is also an inexpensive model D-link DIR-300S / A1A, D-Link DIR-615 / K.
You can familiarize yourself with the settings for the example of D-Link DIR-300A: https://help-wifi.com/d-link/nastrojka-routera-d-link-dir-300a-podrobnaya-instrukciya/
Budget routers Totolink
Recently I got acquainted with routers from the Totolink company. More precisely, with one, Totolink N150RT. From this price point, there is an even more expensive model Totolink N300RT. The latest model supports Wi-Fi speeds up to 300Mbps. This one is clear from the name.
Totolink N150RT is a good device. N300RT is definitely not worse. Everything is very easy to configure and works without problems. Interesting, small body. Which has all the necessary buttons and ports. There is a button to turn off the power. Which is rare on routers at this price point. And there, the top cover slides coolly for additional cooling.
The settings can be seen on the example of N150RT: https://help-wifi.com/totolink/nastrojka-routera-totolink-n150rt-poshagovaya-instrukciya/.
Conclusions
If, when buying a router, the task is to save as much as possible, then you can purchase one of the cheapest models from one of the manufacturers. Everything will work, the only question is how. If you buy a budget router for a huge house, and plan to connect a large number of different devices to it, load the network in full, then this is of course stupid. The router will most likely just "hang" and go away after rebooting.
And if you, for example, have a small apartment, or a private house, several phones, a tablet, and a computer, you do not play heavy online games, and do not download torrents, then even an inexpensive router will cope with these tasks. As you can imagine, it is impossible to select the number of devices or tasks that a budget router cannot cope with.
You should always focus on the tasks that the router will perform. If, for example, you need to share a USB drive, the routers discussed in this article will not work for you. Since there is no USB port. And you already need to look for the cheapest router with USB port (if your budget is tight). If you need an inexpensive router with support for 3G / 4G modems, then you need to start from the models that support work with USB modems and look for the best option among them.
Try to get a model as expensive as possible based on your budget. It's just that you don't buy a router for a month or two. And it is necessary that it work stably for a long time, and that its power is with a margin. After a while, you may want to connect some more devices. But the router may no longer cope with them, and you will have to buy a new model. And it turns out that they wanted to save money, but paid several times more.
