Finding a reliable and affordable video gaming router is anything but simple. This is especially true considering the number of similar routers on the market. If you don't understand the specifications of routers and how they affect gaming performance, you can easily get stuck with a router that does not meet your needs.
While premium routers generally offer advanced features, many affordable routers are capable of delivering low latency, stable connections, and fast speeds for gaming.
With the help of the Cybernews research team, I have created a list of the best budget gaming routers in 2025 to help you enjoy seamless, high-speed gaming without breaking the bank.
Best budget gaming router – shortlist
- TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router – overall best affordable router for stable gaming performance
- Reyee AX6000 WiFi 6 Router, Wireless 8-Stream Gaming Router – high-speed gaming router for multi-device households
- ASUS AX3000 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX57) – feature-rich and affordable gaming router for smart homes
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming 6-Stream – best budget router for competitive gaming
- TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router Archer BE550 6 – budget gaming router with cutting-edge technology
- Tenda WiFi 6 Gaming Router, AX3000 – best router for gamers on a tight budget
The best budget gaming router compared
I created the table below highlighting key features of the best budget gaming routers, such as their price range, speed, Wi-Fi standard, and key features to allow you to compare them side-by-side at a glance:
| Model Name | Pricing | Best for | Speed and Wi-Fi standard | Key features |
| TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router | Affordable | Stable connectivity | 1800Mbps; Wi-Fi 6 | Parental controls, security, and beamforming |
| Reyee AX6000 WiFi 6 Router | Mid-range | Multi-device households | 6000Mbps; Wi-Fi 6 | 8-stream, high-speed gaming, security features |
| ASUS AX3000 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX57) | Affordable | Smart homes | 3000Mbps; Wi-Fi 6 | Parental controls, MU-MIMO, and beamforming |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming 6-Stream | Premium | Competitive gaming | 6000Mbps; Wi-Fi 6 | Advanced QoS, beamforming, gaming optimization |
| TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router | Premium | Future-proof option | 9300Mbps; Wi-Fi 7 | Tri-band, security, mesh support, and beamforming |
| Tenda WiFi 6 Gaming Router, AX3000 | Affordable | Budget-conscious gamers | 3000Mbps; Wi-Fi 6 | Parental controls, security, and low latency |
6 Best budget gaming router – our detailed list
I worked with the Cybernews research team to assess each router thoroughly and comb through dozens of user reviews to rank the best budget gaming routers.
1. TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router – overall best affordable router for stable gaming performance
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz & 6GHz) |
| Max speed: | 1.8Gbps |
| Best for: | Stable connectivity for casual gaming and streaming |
The TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router is the number one budget router, in my opinion. It supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which means a faster and more stable internet connection.
This router comes with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, so you can connect multiple devices without lag, providing a smoother online experience. Although this is a cheap gaming router, it is compatible with Alexa, so you can control the network with your voice.
Based on my extensive research, people are delighted with this router as it can cover smaller houses and average-sized apartments without additional signal boosters. The TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router is ideal for gamers and streamers looking for an affordable upgrade.
2. Reyee AX6000 WiFi 6 Router – high-speed gaming router for multi-device households
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | 6Gbps |
| Best for: | Large households with many connected devices |
If you like to play online games or stream high-definition video content, the Reyee AX6000 WiFi Router will give you a smooth experience. Its advanced technology ensures a stable connection even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
If you need a Wi-Fi network that will cover your entire home for gaming and streaming, you can't go wrong with this cheap budget gaming router.
While it is slightly more expensive than other routers on this list, it's faster than most routers, with a speed of up to 6Gbps. This is one of the best-value Wi-Fi routers in this price range, and it can deliver fast and stable internet in every corner of your home.
3. ASUS AX3000 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX57) – feature-rich and affordable router for smart homes
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | 3Gbps |
| Best for: | Smart home integration and gaming |
ASUS is known for its high-quality network devices, and I can confidently say this model is no exception. The ASUS AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router (RT-AX57) supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which means a faster and more reliable network.
This cheap Wi-Fi router is ideal for streaming, playing online games, and working from home. I was thrilled to find that this router comes with advanced security features that protect your network from potential threats.
Based on user reviews, the ASUS AX3000 is a perfect choice for people who want a reliable Wi-Fi 6 router at a reasonable price. It doesn’t just offer solid speeds and excellent range, but also comes with safety features.
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming 6-Stream – best budget router for competitive gaming
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | 5.4Gbps |
| Best for: | Competitive gaming with low latency |
If you are a passionate gamer, then the NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming 6-Stream Router is designed for you.
While all the routers on this list are perfect for gaming and streaming, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro stands out for its ability to provide ultra-fast and stable internet connectivity with minimal latency, which is crucial for online games.
What’s more, you can easily adjust the network settings of this affordable gaming router to optimize its performance based on your needs. The NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro is a perfect router for competitive gamers with 5.4 Gbps speed, minimal latency, and a stable network.
5. TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router – budget gaming router with cutting-edge technology
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Frequency bands: | Tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz & 6 GHz) |
| Max speed: | 9.3Gbps |
| Best for: | Future-proofing for high-speed gaming & streaming |
The TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 is the only router on this list that supports the Wi-Fi 7 standard. This means you’ll get a faster and more reliable connection.
The router has three frequency bands, which ensures multiple devices can use the network simultaneously without any connectivity issues. This makes the TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 ideal for large homes with multiple connected devices.
Although it is not the cheapest router on this list, it is the only one that uses the latest Wi-Fi technology. The TP-Link BE9300 represents the future of Wi-Fi technology, with excellent performance and advanced features to boot.
6. Tenda WiFi 6 Gaming Router, AX3000 – best router for gamers on a tight budget
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) |
| Max speed: | 3Gbps |
| Best for: | Budget gaming with strong speed |
The Tenda AX3000 is one of the most affordable routers on this list, and it delivers solid performance. This budget gaming router supports Wi-Fi 6, which means a fast and more stable connection.
I think this router is a good choice for gamers and streamers as it reduces latency and provides a smooth experience with speeds of up to 3Gbps. It’s also very easy to set up and use this router.
If you are looking for a cheap router for gaming, the Tenda AX3000 is an excellent choice.
How did we select the best routers for gaming and streaming?
I worked with the Cybernews research team to craft a thorough, data-driven review of the best budget gaming routers in 2025 to help you make an informed decision.
My evaluations are backed by extensive research, ensuring I recommend only the best budget gaming routers that deliver excellent performance.
I analyzed product specifications, reviewed customer reviews, and consulted expert opinions to get a well-rounded view of each router. After all, a router can look great on paper, but if real users and experts say it lags in performance, I removed it from the list.
Here’s a brief look at how I assessed and ranked the best budget gaming routers:
Performances
I looked at how well each router performs in "real-world" situations. For gaming, this meant assessing its speeds, latency (or delay), and reliability. I gathered information on how the router performs during data-intensive activities, such as when connected to multiple devices, streaming 4K content, and playing multiplayer games.
Speed is essential, but I also checked if these routers can provide seamless connectivity without dropping or lagging during critical gaming moments. Routers that performed consistently well ranked higher in my review.
Features
These routers come with various features designed to improve your gaming experience.
I tested important features like Quality of Service (QoS), which helps to prioritize gaming traffic, and Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO), which ensures better performance when multiple devices are connected.
We also focused on security features like WPA3 encryption, VPN compatibility, parental controls, and malware protection. Routers that offer a balance of gaming and security features ranked higher on my list.
Value for money
You want the best bang for your buck when buying a router. So, I checked the price-to-performance ratio of each router, comparing what you get in terms of speed, features, and reliability against the cost.
Only the routers that offer the best value, delivering excellent performance without breaking the bank, made it to this list.
Ease of use
While "hardcore" gamers and tech lovers may love tinkering with settings, not everyone wants to spend hours configuring their router. So, I checked the ease of use of each router, from setting up to managing it.
I chose routers that are intuitive to use, with simple interfaces and mobile apps that make managing your network a breeze. The routers on this list are perfect for anyone who wants solid gaming performance without the headache of a complicated setup.
Gaming router vs. regular router: what's the difference?
The main difference between regular routers and gaming routers is that the former are designed to provide a connection good enough for browsing and other basic activities. On the other hand, gaming routers are built to deliver high performance, ensuring you can play games in real-time without any lag or connection drops.
Gaming routers are optimized for low latency, prioritizing your gaming traffic so you get the fastest, most stable connection. Gaming routers also offer advanced Quality of Service (QoS), which allows you to allocate bandwidth specifically for gaming or streaming. For example, if you've got people streaming Netflix or YouTube in the other room, your router can keep your game running smoothly without interruptions.
Gaming routers support higher speeds and lower ping rates, which is essential when playing fast-paced online games like DOOM and Call of Duty. These routers also come with customizable settings, like port forwarding, VPN integration, and device prioritization. This lets you tweak its settings to your liking.
Gaming routers usually have enhanced hardware. They pack more power under the hood, including faster processors and more RAM. It's because of this hardware that they can handle data-intensive gaming, unlike standard routers.
So, why does all this matter? If you're a serious gamer or streamer, these features are game-changers.
A regular router simply can’t handle all your demands, nor does it offer the advantages you get from a gaming router, such as low latency, fast connections, and the ability to prioritize your gaming traffic.
What are the key features of gaming Wi-Fi routers?
There are a few must-have features that every budget router should have for a lag-free and ultra-smooth gaming experience:
- Low latency. Low latency means less delay between your actions and what happens in the game. Routers with low latency ensure your commands get through fast, giving you a competitive edge when it counts.
- Quality of service (QoS). This feature lets you prioritize your gaming traffic over other activities (like Netflix or Zoom calls). That way, even if someone’s streaming 4K videos in the next room, your game won’t lag.
- Dual-band or tri-band support. A dual-band router has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while a tri-band router has an extra 5GHz band for even faster speeds. Dual-band or tri-band support reduces congestion and gives your devices more bandwidth, which means fewer lags, especially when several devices are connected at once.
- MU-MIMO support. Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output allows your router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time. If you’ve got your gaming console, PC, and smartphone all connected, MU-MIMO helps keep everything running smoothly without slowing down the performance of one device for the sake of another.
- Beamforming technology. Beamforming technology helps strengthen the connection where it matters most, so you can say goodbye to dead zones in your home.
- Advanced security. Gaming routers often come with top-notch security features like WPA3 encryption and built-in firewalls, keeping your connection safe from hackers or other threats. If you ask me, with so much personal data being transferred during gaming sessions, it’s important to choose a router with advanced security features.
Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7: which is best for gaming?
When shopping for the best budget gaming router, understanding the differences between Wi-Fi standards is super important. Each one has its perks, but also some downsides. Here's a quick rundown of the three most common Wi-Fi standards:
- Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds and improved capacity for multiple devices. It’s perfect for gaming and streaming. Getting a Wi-Fi 6 router is a good choice if you want solid performance without breaking the bank. It offers the best value for most budget-conscious setups.
- Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E is a step up from basic Wi-Fi 6, giving you access to the new 6GHz band, which means less congestion and faster speeds when the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands are crowded. This could make a noticeable difference if you're in a large household with many devices. However, Wi-Fi 6E routers are a bit pricier than Wi-Fi 6.
- Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 is cutting-edge tech, bringing ultra-low latency and super-fast speeds. It’s perfect for professional gamers. However, Wi-Fi 7 routers are quite expensive right now.
In conclusion, Wi-Fi 6 routers offer the best bang for your buck if you want to save money. Wi-Fi 6E routers are great if you need more capacity for devices, and Wi-Fi 7 routers are for gamers who are willing to splurge a bit for superior performance. It all comes down to balancing price vs performance based on your needs!
How to choose the right budget gaming router?
When picking a budget gaming router, there are a few key factors to keep in mind to ensure you're getting the best device for your money.
Here's what to look for:
- Speed requirements. Make sure the router supports the speed your internet plan offers. If you have high-speed internet, you'll want a router that can handle it without slowing down your connection.
- Coverage area. Choose a router that covers the size of your gaming space. If you have a large home, look for one with a strong signal that can reach all the areas in your property without dead zones.
- Number of devices. If you've got multiple devices connected simultaneously (like a console, PC, and phone), ensure the router can handle your devices without slowing down your gaming experience.
- Customization options. Some routers allow you to tweak your QoS settings and prioritize gaming traffic. Look for routers with customization options to upgrade performance during intense gaming sessions.
- Security features. It’s essential to choose a router that offers security features, like encryption, to protect your device from cyber threats.
- Future-proofing. Consider routers that are compatible with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E to future-proof your setup without breaking the bank.
Should you compromise on key features?
When choosing a budget gaming router, it's tempting to prioritize price over performance, but certain features are essential for an optimal gaming experience.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Features you should not compromise on:
- Low latency ensures smooth gameplay with minimal lag.
- Quality of service (QoS) allows you to prioritize your gaming traffic for a stable connection.
- Adequate speed ensures you can play games online without any interruptions.
- Security features like WPA3 encryption and a firewall help to keep your network safe.
- Dual-band support allows your router to separate your gaming and regular internet traffic for better performance.
Features you can compromise on if needed:
- Tri-band connectivity is not essential unless you have a lot of devices.
- Advanced customization settings can be useful but not critical for most gamers.
- Extra Ethernet ports can be useful, but you only need a couple of ports for a basic setup.
While premium router models may offer lots of extra features, prioritize the ones that directly impact your gaming experience, like speed, latency, and security. If you stick to these essentials, you'll be gaming like a pro without breaking the bank.
A final word on the best budget gaming routers
You don’t need an expensive router to have a smooth and lag-free gaming experience. There are cheap gaming routers that can deliver low latency, stable speeds, and solid security — if you know what to look for.
The Cybernews research team and I picked the best budget gaming routers above after extensive research and comparison, balancing performance and affordability.
Ultimately, the best router for you is the one that suits your gaming needs and budget. Whether you prioritize speed, network stability, or future-proofing, there's an option for you in the list above.
FAQ
Can a budget router handle online gaming effectively?
Yes, a budget router can handle online gaming just fine, provided it offers low latency and reliable speeds. During my extensive research, I found many budget-friendly gaming routers that provide stable connections and support smooth gameplay.
What is the best affordable router for low latency?
There are several excellent budget routers for low latency, but routers with QoS and dual-band support typically perform the best. These features prioritize gaming traffic and reduce lag.
Is Wi-Fi 6 necessary for budget gaming routers?
Not necessarily. While Wi-Fi 6 offers improved performance and efficiency, especially for high-density environments, it's not essential for most budget gaming routers. So, if you're on a budget, focus on routers with solid speed and low latency first, as these are more critical for gaming.
How important is QoS in a gaming router?
It's very important! QoS helps prioritize gaming traffic over other devices, ensuring your gaming sessions aren't interrupted by slower connections from other devices on your network.
Can I stream and game simultaneously on a budget router?
Yes, most budget routers can handle both streaming and gaming at the same time, as long as they offer sufficient speeds and low latency. If you plan to play games and stream simultaneously, opt for a dual-band or tri-band router for the best experience.
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