3 best dual band router under 100

A dual-band router under $100 is a networking device that provides both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands for wireless communication. These routers are suitable for home and small office use and offer improved performance and flexibility compared to single-band routers. Here's what you need to know:

Dual-Band Technology: Dual-band routers operate on two different radio frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band provides wider coverage and is suitable for older devices, while the 5GHz band offers faster speeds and is less prone to interference.
Wireless Standards: Dual-band routers typically support Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). These standards provide faster data transfer rates and better overall performance compared to older standards like 802.11n.
Speed and Performance: The 5GHz band offers faster speeds and is ideal for activities that require high bandwidth, such as online gaming, streaming 4K videos, and video conferencing. The 2.4GHz band is better for long-range coverage and compatibility with older devices.
Number of Antennas: The number of external antennas on the router can affect its wireless range and signal strength. Some dual-band routers come with multiple external antennas for better coverage.
MU-MIMO Support: Many dual-band routers support MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, which allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously without a significant drop in performance.
Ethernet Ports: Look for a router with a sufficient number of Ethernet ports (usually Gigabit Ethernet) for wired connections to devices like gaming consoles, desktop computers, or smart TVs.
USB Ports: Some routers under $100 come with USB ports that can be used for connecting external storage devices or printers, making them accessible to the network.
Parental Controls and Guest Network: Some routers offer parental control features and the ability to set up a separate guest network for visitors to use without accessing your primary network.
Security Features: Ensure the router includes security features like WPA3 encryption, firewall options, and the ability to update firmware for security patches.
Brand and Reviews: There are several reputable brands that offer dual-band routers under $100. Reading user reviews and checking the reputation of the manufacturer can help you make an informed decision.
Range and Coverage: Consider the size of your home or office and the router's coverage area. If you have a larger space, you might want to invest in a router with better range or consider adding Wi-Fi extenders for coverage.
Price: Dual-band routers under $100 are budget-friendly options, but the specific features and performance can vary. Look for a router that meets your requirements within your budget.

It's important to note that while dual-band routers offer improved performance and flexibility, the actual speed and coverage you experience will also depend on factors such as your internet service provider's speed, the devices you connect, and the physical environment in which you place the router.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dual band router under 100 on the market

Soapow 3PCS 2.4G/5.8G Dual Band SMA 8DBi High Gain Router Antenna for ASUS AC68U / AC88U / AC66U

Check latest price

Product description

Feature:

1. As a 2.4G/5G dual-band wireless router wireless network card antenna, it is also a 8db SMA omnidirectional antenna.

2. SMA interface wireless router wireless network card can use this antenna for ASUS wireless routing for RT-AC68U / EX6200 / AC15 / AC68U / RT-AC88U / AC88U / AC3200 / AC66U.

3. It can also be a kind of dual-band wireless router usb-ac56 high-end dual-frequency network card antenna.

4. Metal SMA antenna interface with internal pure copper antenna array RG178 cable which embodies the superior performance of the antenna.

5. Made of high quality material, it is not only durable, but also it can help wireless router gain much more powerful signal.

Specification:

Item Type: Antenna

Brand: New

Supported Bands: 2.4 Ghz ~ 5.8 Ghz

Gain: 8dBi

Radiation: Omni

Interface: RP-SMA female

VSWR: < =1.5

Suitable: For wireless LAN and WiFi router adapter

Length: Approx. 19.5cm / 7.7 in

Compliant with: IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n wireless LANs.

Compatible with: For RT-AC68U / EX6200 / AC15 / AC68U / RT-AC88U / AC88U / AC3200 / AC66U

In Addition to This: it is also compatible for Intel 9260 9560 8260 8265 7260 7265 3160 DW1560 NGFF M.2 wifi card etc

As a 2.4G/5G dual-band wireless router wireless network card antenna, it is also a 8db SMA omnidirectional antenna.
SMA interface wireless router wireless network card can use this antenna for ASUS wireless routing for RT-AC68U / EX6200 / AC15 / AC68U / RT-AC88U / AC88U / AC3200 / AC66U.
It can also be a kind of dual-band wireless router usb-ac56 high-end dual-frequency network card antenna.
Metal SMA antenna interface with internal pure copper antenna array RG178 cable which embodies the superior performance of the antenna.
Made of high quality material, it is not only durable, but also it can help wireless router gain much more powerful signal.

Cisco-Linksys BEFSR81 Cable/dsl Router with 8-PT Switch

Linksys

Based on 122 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Share Your High-Speed Internet Connection Throughout Your Home or Office Think of the EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 8-Port Switch as a kind of splitter for your Internet connection. Just connect your DSL or Cable Modem to the Router, and all the computers in your home or office can share the Internet -- all at the same time. The built-in 8-port switch lets you attach eight local PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches as your network grows. Once your computers are connected to the Internet through the Router, they can communicate with each other too, sharing resources and files. All your computers can print on a shared printer connected anywhere in the building. And you can share all kinds of files between computers -- music, digital pictures, and other documents. Keep all your digital music on one computer, and listen to it anywhere in the house. Organize all of your digital pictures in one place, to simplify finding the ones you want, and ease backup to CD-R. Play head-to-head computer games within the household, or against Internet opponents.

A simple and inexpensive way to share your one IP address over your entire network, the Linksys EtherFast cable/DSL router connects up to 253 PCs to a high-speed broadband Internet connection or to a Fast Ethernet or Ethernet backbone. Configurable as a DHCP server or client, the EtherFast cable/DSL router acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your local area network (LAN). The router can be configured via SNMP to filter internal users' access to the Internet and serve as an Internet firewall against intruders.

The router features advanced functions such as dynamic and static port routing, DMZ hosting, filtering, forwarding, and quality-of-service capabilities. All of these functions can be easily configured through any networked computer's Web browser.

The Linksys BEFSR81 router comes with a one-year limited warranty.

LAN Ports - 8 10/100 Mbps RJ-45
Package Content - Router, AC Adapter and Power Cord, User Guide and Registration Card
WAN Ports - 1
Package Content - Router, AC Adapter and Power Cord, User Guide and Registration Card
Package Content - Router, AC Adapter and Power Cord, User Guide and Registration Card

User questions & answers

Question:	Is there a built in dhcp server
Answer:	Yes you can I have a linksys connected and a prescitech router connected to the linksys it gives me two separate networks I have no issues with it being connected like this plus it increases bandwidth and no home deadlines in the house!
Question:	Can you use it as a dhcp server
Answer:	Hi. Yes, that is the purpose of the DHCP server.
Question:	Could I use this. router to run two wireless routers? I know that would give me two separate wifi networks, but thats ok
Answer:	Yes it does, I bought 2 controllers but I think you can have up to 4
Question:	Can you use the built in dhcp server to automatically assign ipaddresses,subnet mask,&default gateway to other computers plugged into the network
Answer:	Hi from Dek 2 toys, our Atari jr systems have a photo of the actual system bundle. We ship from Amazon warehouses mostly from Tennessee. Thanks for asking, hope this helped. Have a great day.

MOTOROLA MG7540 16x4 Cable Modem Plus AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router with DFS, 686 Mbps Maximum DOCSIS 3.0 - Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, More

Motorola

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

MG7540 is a 16x4 686 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with a built-in AC1600 Wi-Fi Gigabit Router. The MG7540 is certified by Comcast XFINITY for all residential speeds, including Extreme 250. Certified by Charter, Time Warner Cable, and other cable service providers for use in their modem ownership programs. Owning the MG7540 eliminates modem rental charges that are often $156 per year. With easy installation, very high-speed, broad compatibility, and superb customer support, Model MG7540 is a great choice for almost any cable modem user. 16x4 modem performance means that up to 16 cable data channels carry data from the Internet, 16 times faster than DOCSIS 2.0; and up to 4 channels carry data to the Internet. AnyBeam beamforming at 5 GHz focuses the signal on wireless clients to allow further improvements to wireless performance and range. The built-in AC1600 Dual Band wireless router provides the range, wireless speeds, and networking support needed for wireless n/ac/g/b/a devices including smartphones, computers, tablets, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, HDTVs. Four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide wired connections to computers, HDTVs, game stations, and other Ethernet-capable devices. Router features include an advanced firewall and a browser-based configuration manager. Guest network access gives visitors Internet services while protecting your local network’s private information. Setup is fast and easy. Seven status reporting LEDs allow easy status monitoring. Two year warranty is the longest in the cable modem industry. Experienced USA-based customer support specialists are ready to help if you need them. Best of all, MG7540 offers the value, performance, and attention to quality that continue to make Motorola the leading brand of cable modems. Model MG7540 DOES NOT have a phone jack. This model CAN NOT be used for making or receiving telephone calls.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this have a wifi on/off button
Answer:	Not a stupid question as visitors with EMF sensitivity need the wifi turned off and unplugging is not convenient.
Question:	Will it broadcast in both 2.4 and 5 at the same time
Answer:	Model MG7550 will broadast in both at the same time.
Question:	What is the difference between the mg7540 and mg
Answer:	The MG7540 has AnyBeam beamforming for only the 5 GHz that will focus the signal on wireless clients to allow better performance and range The MG7550 has AnyBeam beamforming for both the 2 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies which focuses the signal on wireless clients to further enhance performance and range. The MG7550 also has the capability of wireless Power Boost which adds high-performance Wi-Fi power amplifiers to boost the wireless signals to the legal limit, giving a significant boost in speed and range.
Question:	How difficult is the configuration process
Answer:	There wasn't much to the setup. I took the modem/router out of the box and connected it to the cable/internet wall plug. With Comcast I was able to do the setup over the internet (using my phone). It only took a few minutes over the internet versus calling Comcast.

Product features

Compatible with Most Cable Providers

Certified by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, and other cable providers.*†

* Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, and other fiber optic, satellite, or DSL services.

† This cable modem/router does not have telephone jacks for the support of voice calls.

Fast Internet Speed

For other service providers, supported service speeds are similar to Comcast.

Connect All Your Devices

The built-in router provides high-speed shared Internet access to smartphones, HDTVs, computers, tablets, game stations, streaming media devices, and other Ethernet and WiFi devices.

Better WiFi with AC1600 Dual Band

Dual band gives you two WiFi networks operating simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Single band routers only use the 2.4 GHz band. This band is often full of interference as all your devices share that single band with your neighbors. The 5 GHz band in dual band products is typically much less crowded and has less interference. The bottom line? Dual band delivers much better WiFi.