There is no need to buy expensive routers as any good cheap router these days can give you 100Mbps speed, as long as it is best in class. Therefore, those who live in a smaller home or a small apartment should never go mad at the high-end features of a WIFI router. Instead, best routers under 100 can get the job done for a 100mbps internet plan compatible with major ISPs, such as Verizon, Comcast, CenturyLink, Charter Spectrum, Cox, etc.
In this guide, I’ll ensure you have the best router for a 100mbps internet speed plan. Therefore, I’ve reviewed three top 100mbps routers after strict testing and examining each of them.
As a part of my testing, it starts with the essential and most important features of a router, such as wireless standards, WIFI speed, Frequency bands, range & coverage, different ports, etc., and It ends with comparing each product’s design & hardware, price, and warranty.
In order to make your decision smarter, I’ve summed up all the critical features of a router in the buying guide below. Following, the FAQ section, where, as usual, the most common and frequently asked questions are answered.
Take a look at the best routers for 100Mbps speed internet plans of 2021
- Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R6700)
- Speedefy (AC2100) Smart WiFi Router
- TP-Link AX1800 Smart WIFI Router (AX21)
1. Netgear Nighthawk Smart WIFi Router R6700
There are many reasons many users prefer Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router R6700. It is affordable, easy to set up, and works perfectly fine. This high-selling WiFi router from Netgear can support up to 25 devices without affecting the quality of service.
It has a dual-band, dual-core with a 1GHz processor and speeds up to 1750 Mbps, conveniently supporting online gaming and HD video streaming. Empowered by beamforming, Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router R6700 has coverage up to 1500 square feet, which is relatively high for a WiFi router of its price range.
It uses 802.11ac wireless standard, comes with four 1G Ethernet and one 3.0 USB port. It also supports personal cloud storage, VPN, guest WiFi secure access, and security features like firewall, WPA2, and DOS.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- It can support up to 25 devices
- High coverage range
- Ideal for online gaming and video streaming
- It is affordable
What I don’t:
- It is bulky
- Its throughput speed on the 2GHZ band can be improved
Summary
For its price, Netgear Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router R6700 is a good buy. However, it is just a basic WiFi router. Many advanced features are missing. If you are looking for a low-cost WiFi router, this is for you. Otherwise, you can go for more advanced options.
2. Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router
Speedy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router comes with seven big antennas, which gives it a wide coverage range. You can expect a good signal at an area up to 2500 square feet. Also, with a speed of up to 2100 Mbps, you can expect an outstanding performance.
You can efficiently use the WiFi router for high-speed browsing, video streaming, online gaming, app downloading, and video calls. It has dual-band, dual-core, secured security features and works on IPv6. With its four 4 Mu-MIMO, it can support as many as 25 devices working simultaneously at different locations within its coverage area.
It uses both Ethernet and wireless connectivity. It supports all major wireless standards, including the latest 802.11ax, and also comes with many advanced features, including parental control and a separate guest network.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- It comes with seven antennae which ensures a high coverage
- It can be easily set up
- Support IPv6, which is better than IPv4
- Can support as up to 25 devices
- High internet speed
- Ideal for video calls, online gaming, and video streaming
What I don’t:
- No USB port
Summary
Speedy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router has many advanced features for anyone to admire. The internet speed is also high, and the security features are fine. Its coverage range is equally high. Hence it is a good investment.
3. TP-Link WiFi 6 Router AX 1800 Smart WiFi Router (AX21)
You can find almost everything you desire in a mid-range WiFi router in this router. It has a dual-band quad-core with a 1.5 GHz processor. With a speed of 1.8 Gbps, you can conveniently use this router for 4k HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. You can also use it with Alexa.
TP-Link WiFi 6 Router AX 1800 Smart WiFi Router has a wide coverage area, can be used with multiple devices, and has excellent security features. It can be easily set up and comes with many advanced features on its Tether application.
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- You can use it with Alexa.
- WiFi 6 router, 4-stream dual-band, and 1.5 GHz quad-core processor
- Provides high-speed browsing
- Ideal for video conference, 4K HD streaming, and online gaming
What I don’t:
- There is limited parental control on its Tether application
Summary
If you are looking for a good WiFi 6 router that will not cost you a fortune, then TP-Link WiFi 6 Router AX 1800 Smart WiFi Router is a good option. It has high speed, good coverage, and many excellent advanced features which can be set up on its application.
Buying Guide
Every feature of a WiFi router is significant, but some are essential, while some can be overlooked. Before buying a WiFi router, you must critically consider some features. Here are the major features you must look for in a WiFi router when choosing one.
Standard:
The recently manufactured routers are using the 802.11ac wireless standard. Many modern devices are compatible with this standard and give higher speed and better performance. Although the earlier standards, IEEE802.11a, and 802.11b, can also be compatible, it would be best to buy a router with the latest standard and guarantee compatibility with even future devices.
Band:
There are two major frequencies on which internet networks are broadcast. These frequencies are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. A dual-band router supports both. This means with a dual-band, you can have two separate networks, one on each band. With this arrangement, you will be placed on any network that gives better performance. If your router has a single band, then you would be stuck in one frequency even if there are too many users on it. Even today, we have tri-band routers that operate on three bands.
Speed:
There is no doubt speed is critical to all internet users. Whatever you use your internet signal for, you will undoubtedly want high-speed browsing. This becomes more important if you are downloading heavy applications, streaming videos, or making video conferencing. Therefore you must consider the router’s speed before you decide to buy it—the higher the speed, the better the router.
Range:
Imagine watching a movie on your phone and have to stop if you need to go to the restroom. Certainly, everyone wants a router with the maximum coverage. You should be able to move from one part of your home to another without any interruption to the service. Therefore check the range of the router and ensure it is acceptable before you pay for it.
Ethernet port:
Ethernet connection uses a cable to transmit data. It is generally faster than a wireless connection and more stable and reliable. Different routers come with a different number of Ethernet ports. You must check the availability of the Ethernet connectivity, the number, and the speed before choosing a WiFi router.
FAQ: Most Common Questions Answered About 100Mbps Router
Yes, of course. In this way, you can save a lot of money as long as it handles your 100Mbps Internet speed plan. Indeed, you don’t need to buy any modern router with the greatest features and technologies unless you need them.
However, make sure the older router supports at least 802.11ac wireless standard and offers dual-band frequency. That’s because most modern routers are WiFI-5 compatible; going with the older wireless standards, such as 802.11n and 802.11g, would not be a smart decision even though they handle your 100Mbps plan.
If you expect it from any budget router, then my answer would be no. However, any best router under $100 might give you coverage of up to 2,000 square feet, theoretically. For example, The Speedefy AC2100 Smart WIFI Router. It can cover around 2,500 sq. ft.
Moreover, I suggest people don’t buy long-range routers only for the sake of coverage and range. It is because even expensive routers face speeds dropping issues at the edges of that range. Instead, buy any cheap router and add an affordable WIFI extender to it to get the proper range throughout your house.
Why not? As I said earlier, most smart WiFI devices support the WIFI 6 wireless standard these days. Since it is known for working flawlessly across both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, it eliminates congested and busy network issues, and you’ll see a significantly faster performance.
Of course, they are. All three—Netgear R6700, Speedefy K7, and Tp-Link Archer AX21—support Verizon and other USA-based ISPs, as long as you have their compatible modems.
Verdict: How to choose the best WiFi router for a 100Mbps Internet plan?
Once you figure out your router’s compatibility with your ISP, you’re ready to go with the buying guide above. Still, In order to choose the perfect router for 100Mbps internet requires you to assess your needs, such as the number of users in your family, the size of your house, multiple devices at the same time, location of your router, and of course, your budget.
Conclusion: Netgear Nighthawk R6700 Vs. Speedefy AC2100 K7 Vs. Tp-Link Archer AX21
The first router on the list is from Netgear called Nighthawk R6700. It can handle 25 devices at once. Besides the fact that it has an excellent WiFi coverage of up to 1500 square feet, its maximum 1.75Gbps WiFi speed is incredible for HD streaming and online gaming.
Who’s it for?
If Netgear Nighthawk R6700 fits your needs, go for it. It’ll be a good decision because of its overall performance and features for the price and the brand. For 100Mbps, this is the ticket.
On the other hand, Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router is one of the best routers on the list for 100mbps internet. It offers more features and better performance than Netgear R6700. On the other hand, R7600 offers better security and comes from one of the best router brands. So keeping it in mind, I gave it the first position on my list.
Note: Speedefy AC2100 doesn’t include any USB port.
Who’s it for?
For home and gaming users, without a doubt, should consider the Speedefy AC2100 router.
The third router is from TP-Link. The Archer AX21 Smart WIFI router. It is packed with the latest WIFI 6 standard and supports OFDMA technology in order to communicate multiple devices at the same time.
Additionally, it is equipped with Beamforming technology and has a powerful processor to handle heavy-duty tasks. Furthermore, it supports the latest WPA3 security protocol to enhance cybersecurity and provide more secure encryption regarding WIFI password safety.
Who’s it for?
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is suitable for multiple devices and gaming. If you have WIFI 6 compatible devices in your home, it is the best option for you.