Best Wireless Router Under $120
Jun 14, 2009, 9:07 am
#1
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Best Wireless Router Under $120
I've read through all the CNET reviews, and every single one seems to suck.
So...that begs the question.
I'm currently outfitting a studio apt for a friend.
So the required range is obviously very small.
But this is NYC, so we'd like something with a good signal.
The plan is to use her MacBook wirelessly and Ethernet her Tivo box straight into the router.
So, in this scenario, which router would you go with, sticking to a max budget of $120?
So...that begs the question.
I'm currently outfitting a studio apt for a friend.
So the required range is obviously very small.
But this is NYC, so we'd like something with a good signal.
The plan is to use her MacBook wirelessly and Ethernet her Tivo box straight into the router.
So, in this scenario, which router would you go with, sticking to a max budget of $120?
Last edited by stevenshev; Jun 14, 2009 at 9:49 am
Jun 14, 2009, 9:53 am
#2
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They're all the same at that level. They'll work fine and probably eventually die and then you spend another $50-80 and replace it. I like the Linksys WRT54G2 and it seems to be no better or worse than any other.
Jun 14, 2009, 9:53 am
#3
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CNET, what doesn't suck according to their reviews?
The real reason I replied is your $120 price. If you need the latest and greatest Dual N 'Giga range' with mini-billboard sized antennae, then $120 is about right.
If you do not need the G band, just a plain wireless router with 4 10/100 ports, you can get something in the $40-50 range. Even Walmart carries the higher end models these days, and anything on their website they ship no-cost to the store-front of your choice. Examples: http://www.walmart.com/search/search....y=0&Find=Find
The real reason I replied is your $120 price. If you need the latest and greatest Dual N 'Giga range' with mini-billboard sized antennae, then $120 is about right.
If you do not need the G band, just a plain wireless router with 4 10/100 ports, you can get something in the $40-50 range. Even Walmart carries the higher end models these days, and anything on their website they ship no-cost to the store-front of your choice. Examples: http://www.walmart.com/search/search....y=0&Find=Find
Jun 14, 2009, 10:01 am
#4
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Uch...that's what I figured from my own experience, but it's still aggravating that there's no single perfect router. Thanks, guys.
Jun 14, 2009, 10:36 am
#5
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My needs were similar to your friend's. A Mac (actually two), and a Tivo. Early on, I had a D-Link router and it made me crazy. If it lost power it had to be reprogrammed through a web page on the network. And to Mac people, a lot of the terms are confusing. Finally, it bit the dust and I got an Airport. The beauty of it is just how easy it is to set up. It'll save you from getting calls in the middle of the night from your friend asking for tech support. And it's $99.
Jun 15, 2009, 8:00 am
#7
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Absolutely not the best, but at these prices, who cares.
A decent enough wireless router, plus USB wireless adapter, refurbs, $18 for both.
A decent enough wireless router, plus USB wireless adapter, refurbs, $18 for both.
Jun 15, 2009, 8:34 am
#8
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Absolutely not the best, but at these prices, who cares.
A decent enough wireless router, plus USB wireless adapter, refurbs, $18 for both.
A decent enough wireless router, plus USB wireless adapter, refurbs, $18 for both.
Jun 15, 2009, 8:41 am
#9
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+1 on the Linksys recommendations. I have installed several for myself, friends, and family and have never had a problem. Very easy to setup and rock solid once it is in place. I'm sure you could spends lots of time and effort on this issue, but for a small space and limited connected PC's, I wouldn't worry about it.
Jun 15, 2009, 10:05 am
#10
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Just picked up the Dlink DIR-615 from Fry's for $39.99 and it works great, seems to be fast and stable. Also on Amazon for the same price.
Standards move so fast in this area that it will only be relevent for a couple of years anyway.
- Tim
Standards move so fast in this area that it will only be relevent for a couple of years anyway.
- Tim
Jun 15, 2009, 10:28 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 858
I'd pick up any Linksys N-draft wireless router on sale in that price range, and then flash the bios with DD-WRT or Tomato. The open source firmware does help a lot, and in that regard Linksys routers are cheapest and friendliest. I picked up a refurb Linksys 150NT or something, flashed it with DD-WRT and has been up and running ever since.
Jun 15, 2009, 11:09 am
#12
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I need the speed of 802.11n so got the WRT400N Linksys. It's fantastic.
For only 802.11b/g, the WRT54 is fantastic as noted above. Buffalo also makes a DD-WRT ready router that's nice too. NewEgg conveniently lists compatibility for 3rd party firmwares.
Reviews here are great: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/conte...y/75/96/10/20/
For only 802.11b/g, the WRT54 is fantastic as noted above. Buffalo also makes a DD-WRT ready router that's nice too. NewEgg conveniently lists compatibility for 3rd party firmwares.
Reviews here are great: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/conte...y/75/96/10/20/
Jun 15, 2009, 5:35 pm
#14
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Since OP is in NYC, then a dual band 11n router/access point is preferred.
5.8Ghz band is just much better than 2.4Ghz due to overcrowding and interference. Within our office building, I can count 15-20 access points at any time. At home I only count 3-4 APs and finding an available channel is no problem.
5.8Ghz band is just much better than 2.4Ghz due to overcrowding and interference. Within our office building, I can count 15-20 access points at any time. At home I only count 3-4 APs and finding an available channel is no problem.
Jun 15, 2009, 5:47 pm
#15
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Wow, wasting money on an expensive router is not smart.
I'd recommend a cheap ~$15 - $19 Airlink AR430W router from Fry's Electronics. Cheap, runs DD-WRT if needed, and is rock solid.
She could choose to burn the other $100 in the fireplace if she really needs to get rid of that much money.
I'd recommend a cheap ~$15 - $19 Airlink AR430W router from Fry's Electronics. Cheap, runs DD-WRT if needed, and is rock solid.
She could choose to burn the other $100 in the fireplace if she really needs to get rid of that much money.