Best wifi router under $100 for apartments?

Combined ranking

1. 1
   TP-Link Archer AX55▲19 pts

   GPT #2Claude #1

   The best all-around value at $65-80 — Wi-Fi 6 with 160MHz channels, strong real-world throughput through apartment walls, WPA3, OneMesh extender support, and no subscription paywalls; more than enough coverage for a 1-2 bedroom unit

   To stay #1 Add multi-gig (2.5GbE) WAN so it stops bottlenecking the gigabit-plus fiber plans now common in apartment buildings

2. 2
   TP-Link Archer BE3600▼19 pts

   GPT #1Claude #2

   Best under-$100 apartment pick because it brings Wi-Fi 7, strong 5 GHz performance, MLO/4K-QAM, 2.5 GbE WAN/LAN, USB, EasyMesh, and enough range without overbuying for a small space

   To rank higher Add a 6 GHz band

3. 3
   Asus RT-AX1800S—6 pts

   GPT #3Claude #3

   Strong value for apartments because Asus firmware is flexible, AiMesh support is useful, security features are better than many budget rivals, and AX1800 performance is enough for typical 300-500 Mbps internet

   To rank higher Upgrade to AX3000-class 160 MHz Wi-Fi

4. 4
   TP-Link Archer AX21—4 pts

   GPT #4Claude #4

   Cheap, reliable Wi-Fi 6 router with easy setup, solid AX1800 speeds, broad device compatibility, OneMesh support, and enough coverage for most apartments

   To rank higher Improve 5 GHz throughput and add 160 MHz support

5. 5
   Amazon eero 6+—2 pts

   GPT #5Claude #5

   Best simple apartment option for people who want app-first setup, automatic updates, 160 MHz Wi-Fi 6, compact hardware, and easy expansion later with mesh nodes

   To rank higher Stop putting advanced controls and security features behind subscriptions

Rank history

By model

Tracked by ModelsAgree · rank 1 = 5 pts … rank 5 = 1 pt · re-polled continuously