5 Best DD-WRT Routers Under $100 in 2024
When used right, DD-WRT is a powerful type of firmware that can greatly expand your router's capabilities. Just imagine having the ability to fine-tune your Web experience, set up parental controls, create a VPN network, and optimize your router's gaming performance. Well, all of that is done via DD-WRT, but you need to know which router to buy. In general, these routers are not the most affordable options, as many of them cost several hundred dollars. However, you can find some incredibly affordable DD-WRT routers if you know where to look. As you can already see, we're here to help - so let's talk about the best DD-WRT routers under $100!
Before we jump to our list of recommendations, a handy note, just because you'll be paying less, this doesn't mean that you'll end up with a (highly) limiting DD-WRT router. On the contrary, we've made sure to cover different types of users. You'll find both single- and dual-band routers powered by capable CPUs, providing plenty of bandwidth. Many of those come with plenty of Wi-Fi coverage as well, easily covering your entire apartment or house. And, of course, all of the following picks bring support for DD-WRT firmware.
So, we are ready to present the 5 best DD-WRT routers under $100 that you can buy right away!
1. NETGEAR R6700 Nighthawk
The Nighthawk lineup from Netgear is an enthusiast line of products that usually cost quite a lot, but the R6700 is finally affordable enough to be bought without breaking your budget. This router has 256MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory, which more than exceeds what we need to run an OpenVPN client on it.
This is an 802.11ac dual-band product that has a combined throughput rated at 1750Mbps. It’s split in a 450+1300 Mbps division between the two bands. That way, your old and new devices don’t have to compete for airspace. The Ethernet ports run at one gigabit, which means you can connect truly bandwidth-hungry devices this way and leave more room for your iPads and laptops.
This router is one of the best DD-WRT routers overall - and for a good reason. It has close to 20,000 user reviews on Amazon and still maintains a four-star rating. Honestly, this might be the best $100 you’ve spent on a router. However, it must be said that there are some complaints about the build quality and a few units dying after some months. That’s bad news if you’ve flashed it with DD-WRT because the warranty will be void. It’s not a super-common issue, though, and at this price, it's worth the risk.
- Pros:Â Great specifications; Very fast performance; A good range for larger homes.
- Cons:Â Complaints about stock firmware.
2. TP-Link Archer A7
TP-Link is known for its range of home-friendly routers. Even though you can find better options when it comes to online gaming or ultra-high-definition streaming, TP-Link is known for its well-balanced routers suitable for families. The Archer A7 comes with a simple design, and it covers up to 2,500 sq. ft. thanks to three high-gain antennas. You can connect up to 50 devices at once, as powerful CPU power it and also comes with bandwidth prioritization (QoS).
Among other features, you'll find that the Archer A7 comes with a nice set of built-in features. You can use the company's Tether app to set up and control this device, and even check-in remotely via the cloud. It's also compatible with Alexa and IFTTT, in case you're an Amazon customer who has this company's smart speakers. And finally, please note that the Archer A7 is compatible with 802.11ac devices (and below) and it supports both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies.
- Pros: High-end performance; Dual-band; Compatible with Alexa, IFTTT.
- Cons: Relatively new (untested) DD-WRT firmware.
3. D-Link DIR-859
The D-Link DIR-859 has been on the market for several years now, and it managed to attract a lot of attention. We are more than happy to place it on our list of affordable DD-WRT routers since its price had dropped recently, increasing its value even more.
When it comes to its design, this is a fairly standard-looking router. It comes with three non-detachable antennas and transmits a really strong signal. There are four Gigabit ports and one WAN port. As many reviews have pointed out, one of the best things about the DIR-859 is its performance. You can expect consistent speeds across 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz networks. The only downside is that there are no USB ports. This means that creating an entertainment hub isn't quite impossible, but having a USB port would certainly help.
- Pros: Easy to manage (even via the cloud); Solid performance on 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.
- Cons:Â Limited advanced features.
4. Linksys EA6700
This is a router that used to sell for a hundred bucks or more not too long ago. It’s got 256MB of RAM and a whopping 128MB of flash memory. Like the TP-Link Archer A7, this is another AC1750 dual-band router, which means you’re unlikely to have any bandwidth issues.
It also has a much faster USB port, which uses the 3.0 standard. Most other routers in this price range use USB 2.0, of which this router also has one. So that’s two USB ports in total. The port can be used to attach storage or share resources such as a printer. The E6700 is a real steal for the asking price and completely deserves its spot on this list of DD-WRT routers under $100.
- Pros: Dual-band support; Plenty of RAM; USB 3.0.
- Cons: Some limited bandwidth.
5. D-Link EXO DIR-869
If you take a closer look at the DD-WRT routers found in this article, you'll see that all of them bring a similar design. So, we are more than glad to give a recommendation to those looking for something different, and this is exactly where the EXO DIR-869 comes into play.
Bringing a somewhat aggressive design, the DIR-869 comes with a triangular design and bright orange all over its body. You will find four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and one WAN port, and that's pretty much it. Sadly, no USB ports here. Since this is a dual-band router, it offers both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz channels, while the Wi-Fi itself is 802.11ac - the most recent version. Finally, let's not forget to praise this unit's performance as well as its vast coverage. Even larger homes should be properly covered. If that doesn't happen, you can also use this unit to extend your Wi-Fi coverage.
- Pros: Compact and unique design; Dual-band Wi-Fi; Good range; Acts as an extender.
- Cons:Â No USB ports.
Setting a budget limit like this really makes you think hard about what you really need in a router. These 5 best DD-WRT routers under $100 each have their own unique strengths and trade-offs. Unfortunately, for this sort of money, there’s no magic bullet router solution. However, you can get something that will fit your needs to a tee.
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