As remote work becomes increasingly commonplace, having a robust and reliable Wi-Fi network at home is more critical than ever. While high-end routers offer many advanced features, they often have a steep price tag. The market currently offers an excellent selection of budget Wi-Fi routers for remote workers looking for a balance between performance and affordability. This article highlights some of the best budget Wi-Fi routers under $150, perfect for a home office setup.

1. TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router: Best for Most Buyers
Priced at $74.99, the TP-Link Archer AX21 is an ideal choice for most home-based professionals. It supports Wi-Fi 6 technology and delivers impressive throughput performance. Although it lacks multi-gig ports and 160GHz channel support, it compensates with its OneMesh technology, allowing for creating a mesh network. It’s perfect for those needing a mix of solid performance and affordability.

2. Reyee RG-E5 Wi-Fi 6 Router: Best for Performance
At $109.99, the Reyee RG-E5 excels in performance, rivaling much pricier routers. It stands out for its exceptional throughput, especially on the 5GHz band. While it lacks advanced features like multi-gig WAN/LAN and USB ports, its strong signal performance makes it an excellent choice for professionals needing fast, reliable connections.

3. TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (V2): Best for Network Tweaking
For those who enjoy customizing their network settings, the TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750, priced at $55.89, offers an optimal mix of affordability and customization. It delivers fast throughput performance and provides numerous management settings. It’s an excellent option for remote workers who need a robust network without the complexity or cost of higher-end models.

4. Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System: Best Budget Mesh System
At $115.99, the Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System is a budget-friendly solution for extensive home coverage. While it uses older Wi-Fi technology and doesn’t boast top-end performance, its easy installation and comprehensive coverage make it suitable for larger homes.

5. TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router: Best Extreme-Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router
The TP-Link Archer AX10, priced at $61.44, is an excellent entry into Wi-Fi 6 technology for those on a tight budget. It offers decent 5GHz performance and essential utilities like parental controls. It’s ideal for remote workers needing a basic yet modern Wi-Fi solution.

6. Rock Space AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router (RSD0619): A Solid Alternative to TP-Link Archer AX10
At $75.99, the Rock Space AX1800 is a worthy alternative to the TP-Link Archer AX10. It provides solid 2.4GHz throughput performance and basic parental controls. While it lacks some advanced features, it’s affordable for those seeking Wi-Fi 6 capabilities.

7. Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 5 routers suit most home office needs, offering dual-band connectivity and good performance. However, Wi-Fi 6 routers, like the TP-Link Archer AX21 and Reyee RG-E5, enhance performance, especially in environments with multiple connected devices. They are ideal for future-proofing one’s home network.

The best Wi-Fi routers for working from home offer a blend of performance, price, and features suitable for various needs. The routers mentioned above ensure the home network can handle work-related tasks efficiently, keeping one connected and productive.