![]() Another cool feature to look for is beamforming, which sends wireless signals directly to clients rather than over a broad spectrum. They have several other improvements, too, especially MU-MIMO technology, which transmits data simultaneously (rather than sequentially) to compatible client devices. Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 routers, on the other hand, are dual-band devices that let you connect using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. They're also ill-equipped for multimedia tasks such as video streaming and online gaming. ![]() They'll work, but they probably won't pair well with today’s PCs, mobile devices, and smart home devices, most of which are looking for at least a Wi-Fi 5 connection. The latter are single-band routers that operate on the 2.4GHz spectrum and offer very limited throughput speeds. These days, you'll find that most budget routers use Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, although you may see a few Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) routers still hanging around. Our top budget picks are below, followed by advice on what to look for (and what to expect) from an under-$150 Wi-Fi router. ![]() If you live in a small home or apartment and have only a handful of devices connecting to your network, you can save a bundle with a budget-class router and still enjoy solid throughput performance and even some of today's more advanced features. You're looking for a speed boost, but you might not need the latest and priciest to get it. Higher-end wireless routers employ the latest Wi-Fi technologies to deliver blazing data rates and advanced features, but they often cost upward of $300. And if today's economy is stretching the limits of your budget as much as your bandwidth, you're likely looking for something inexpensive. ![]() If your router is wheezing while shouldering your work-at-home data load in addition to its normal gaming and entertainment fare, it's time to start looking for something more modern. That presents problems for some, since carrying essential work-related traffic with bulletproof reliability can be a difficult chore for that aging router that's been collecting dust under your TV. The daily commute to the office might be a distant memory, but more time at home means your personal Wi-Fi is now your work Wi-Fi, too. ![]()
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