Need a router for your 100 Mbps connection? It doesn’t matter what your needs are, whether you need a device that can handle intense gaming sessions or a device that can handle multiple devices, I’ve ranked and reviewed the 7 best options in 2024.
Why get into the trouble of picking a router all by yourself, when I’m here? In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best routers available for 100 Mbps connections. These are reviewed against several aspects like speeds, coverage, and security features that you must look into when selecting a router. I also highlighted their strengths and weakness.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a concise understanding of the specifications and features that matter, and you can make an informed decision based on your needs and budget. So without further ado, let’s dig in!
The Best Routers for 100 Mbps in 2024
All the mentioned routers went through tests against several standards to make it into the list. Those who are regular readers of my guides should know how my reviews are backed by solid references. So all you have to do is go through the reviews and make a decision.
A thing to note, my top recommendations are high-speed models and a few work well even with Gigabit plans. But the thing is, they don’t cost a fortune, and should be a handy device if you’re willing to upgrade your plans in the future.
1. Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX55
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN/LAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- App Support: Yes
TP-Link’s mid-range offering, Archer AX55 is a great router to invest in if you’re looking to get great features combined with power without requiring to spend a fortune. Features like dual-band Wi-Fi 6, multiple ethernet ports, and powerful antennas can take care of your future upgrades.
I tested it parallelly with Archer AX50 and found that the latest offering stays much ahead in most aspects.
Speeds & Performance
A maximum throughput capacity of 3000 Mbps might seem overkill for your existing plan, but what if your internet needs increase in future? So it’s better to stay prepared by spending a few extra bucks. Archer AX55 is a dual-band WiFi router, and the speeds are divided over on each band as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
I had my Cox 100 Mbps plan ready to test on my available devices, and it managed to churn out download speeds of up to 96 Mbps. While uploads are carried out at the rate of 15 Mbps. Besides, I tried testing the router with a 300 Mbps plan, and respective speeds clocked at around 287 Mbps and 47 Mbps, which was great.
So, downloading any files as large as 50GB took less than 10 minutes. Blitzing! The router stays much ahead of most routers in this price range, as ones like Linksys MR9600 managed only 210 Mbps download speeds with the same.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Aside from the speeds, you can judge the capabilities of the antennas with their stipulated range of 2,500 Sq Ft. And those with mid to decently-large-sized homes should be more than happy with the range of AX55. In my tests, the router managed to cover an area of around 2,000-2,200 Sq Ft with strong signals. That should do the trick for most!
If you have a house much larger than that, this router has also got you covered with its OneMesh technology. You can pair the device with any compatible extender or mesh system and experience strong and strong signals across your large space.
Other than that, the router entails networking technologies like MU-MIMO and beamforming that lets it send stable signals to multiple devices. The numbers maxed out at 25, which should get most devices in your smart home covered, and more.
Security Features
TP-Link Archer AX55 with HomeShield basic boasts a decent range of security features like WPA3 for password encryption, VPN for remote browsing, temporary guest network, and auto-firmware update. It also has a firewall feature on offer but at a monthly/yearly subscription.
Conclusion
TP-Link Archer AX55 is a major improvement over AX50 it replaces, most importantly due to the addition of a newer Qualcomm SoC chipset which majorly has contributed towards its better performance. Its speeds and coverage are much better than other routers included in the list and also get your network secured with a decent range of security features.
Pros
- Excellent throughput capacity
- Great range and OneMesh compatibility
- Decent device handling capacity
- User-friendly firmware
Cons
- HomeShield Pro requires a subscription
2. Best Runner Up: ASUS RT-AX55
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- App Support: Yes
If you are on the lookout for an all-rounder device that doesn’t cost an abundance, then Asus RT-AX55 is a worthy pick. Features like dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support, and powerful antennas bolstering excellent range resonate well with a powerful processor to fare well with any plans up to 300 Mbps.
Also, I extensively compared it with the ever-reliable Asus RT-AC55 and identified RT-AX55 as a better choice owing to better range and throughput capacity than the former.
Speeds & Performance
Boasting dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support, Asus RT-AX55 has a speed rating of AX1800, and the two radio bands have respective speed values at:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
As evident from the spec sheet, the router is sure to render value to users with entry-level internet plans, and one of the best for 100 Mbps. With it, downloading a large file (>25GB) should take around 20-25 minutes, at the rate of 93 Mbps, while uploads were recorded at 15 Mbps.
At the same time, I had the device tested with the available Cox 300 Mbps plan, and respective speeds for downloads and uploads clocked at 289 Mbps and 46 Mbps. If you wish to upgrade your plans in near future, it seems like a viable option. But irrespective of that, your entry-level plan should be enough for your high-definition streaming, video calls, web surfing, and others.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
This sleek-looking router with four external antennas claims to impart signals up to 2,000 Sq Ft, which seemed enough for any mid-sized apartment or small office. In my testing space, the overall range looked pretty decent at around 1,600 Sq Ft.
Besides, similar to my previous recommendation, it entails an AiMesh tech that lets you add mesh satellites and boost the range by a few hundred feet with ease. The thing is, these satellites come at a price, so your Asus RT-AX55 hardly remains a budget option anymore.
Talking about its device capacity, the router surely takes a few steps ahead of my previous recommendation, with a maximum capacity of 40. In my tests, the maximum number of connections I could establish was around 35, which is enough for most of your small workspace.
Security Features
Security is the hero feature of this value Asus router. Its AiProtection classic bundle entails Tenda Micro powered network security tools and parental controls that comes free for life. With features like a firewall, WPA3 and VPN, it keeps your network and connected devices from outside threats, and you can browse the internet without worrying about compromising your data.
Conclusion
Overall, if you are a subscriber to a 100 Mbps plan, then Asus RT-AX55 is one of the best investments you can make. With it installed in your space, you no longer have to worry about the security of your network or connected devices and browse in peace. Besides, its range and speeds are great enough to rank in the second position.
Pros
- AiMesh for seamless roaming
- Great range
- Excellent throughput
- Lifetime-free AiProtection classic
Cons
- No USB ports
3. Best for Work From Home: Linksys EA8100
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,800 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- App Support: Yes
Moving on, presenting you with another budget offering that manages to establish a perfect balance between its spec sheet and the cost at which it comes in. It has an all-reliable Wi-Fi 5 standard alongside a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) certification that lets the router operate on six 80MHz channels. If it detects any radar interference, it seamlessly switches to safer channels.
I put the router aside from Linksys EA7500 to test them across similar criteria and found the latest offering has a much better performance.
Speeds & Performance
Despite boasting old-fashioned Wi-Fi 5 technology, the dual-band router is capable of handling speeds of up to 2600 Mbps. It’s further divided into two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 800 Mbps |
Based on the spec sheet, it’s a no-brainer that plans equal to or less than 500-800 Mbps should fare well with the router. And if you want to pair a 100 Mbps plan, it means the router’s full potential isn’t utilized.
Nevertheless, paired with a 100 Mbps plan by Cox, the download and upload speeds maxed out at 92 Mbps and 13 Mbps. Such speeds should keep your digital workspace and the devices up and running. Other than that, you can stream HD music, stream HD shows, and play basic games over the internet.
With this router in place, you have the option to upgrade your internet plan in the future and make space for other internet-bound activities.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Linksys EA8100 comes with four external antennas ingrained with beamforming technology that promises to cover any 1,800 Sq Ft space without any issues. My home office, with an overall area of around 1,580 Sq Ft was left with no dead spots or network weak zones. But it lacks any mesh tech, so you must follow a traditional way of expanding the signals, i.e., installing an extender.
The DFS tech the router entails ensures the router always stays connected to the least congested WiFI channels, so devices in the nooks could breeze through streaming HD audio. Besides, MU-MIMO and four spatial streams let you access top download speeds on 11 connected devices, including laptops, desktops, mobile, and TV.
Security Features
Security is the area where the Linksys router falls majorly behind my previous recommendation. But as it’s meant for home workspaces, the network and data you are using should stay safe with features like WPA2 encrypted passwords, guest networks, and basic parental controls. If security is your topmost priority, you can choose to install third-party software or get the Asus RT-AX55.
Conclusion
In short, Linksys EA8100 is a valuable addition to your small home-office setup with a decent antenna setup paired with beamforming and MU-MIMO tech. Also if you’re residing in small or medium-sized households with congested environments, the DFS feature should come in handy in terms of enhancing its wireless connectivity.
Pros
- DFS channels
- Beamforming and MU-MIMO
- Two USB ports
- Stable throughput
Cons
- Limited security features
4. Best Mesh Option: Amazon Eero 6 Mesh
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Ports: 2 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB C
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- App Support: Yes
If you want your basic internet connection reaches the most part of your large space, then you need a mesh system, and nothing’s better than a budget-friendly Amazon Eero 6 mesh system. Features like dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support, expandable coverage, and a decent throughput capacity to fare well with any of your entry-level 100 Mbps plans.
Eero 6 mesh was the first mesh router in this range and has upgraded majorly in terms of coverage, speed, and other, compared to old-generation Amazon routers.
Speeds & Performance
The Wi-Fi 6 support of Eero 6 is actually an upgrade over my previous recommendation, but there isn’t any change in speed rating, i.e., AX1800. The speeds are split over its two radio bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 800 Mbps |
So I had my staple Cox 100 Mbps to connect with my iPhone 13, and measured speeds on the Ookla speed test app. The maximum download speed the router could churn out was around 93 Mbps and 13 Mbps.
Although you’re paying bills a bit high for the advanced features and yet pairing with a 100 Mbps plan, but it’s one of the cheapest yet reliable mesh systems available with such an expandable coverage. The speeds should still get most of your internet-bound tasks except gaming covered.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The standalone Amazon Eero 6 router bolsters a maximum range of 1,500 Sq Ft. In my test, the numbers maxed out at 1,200 Sq Ft, the size of a mid-sized apartment. But it comes with a mesh capability that lets you pair any Eero satellite and expand your coverage by a few thousand feet. If you intend of doing that, I’d ask you to upgrade your internet plan.
Furthermore, I saw a boost in its device-handling capacity compared to my previously reviewed Linksys router. That’s mainly because of an increased number of channels with Wi-Fi 6, which resonates well with beamforming and the MU-MIMO tech the antenna entails. At a stretch, I can connect up to 25 devices at once, including a laptop, work PC, smartphones, and others.
Security Features
Security hasn’t seen much of an upgrade over previously-reviewed Linksys routers with features like WPA2 password encryption, VPN, and a few basic parental controls. But there is a premium two-fold eero secure feature on offer that comes with commercial-grade security features.
Conclusion
Amazon Eero 6 mesh system is an excellent budget device that should get the most basic needs of a user sorted. Courtesy of the comparatively new Wi-Fi 6 support, the signals experience less congestion and you can stream your favorite music in HD with working on trading stocks alongside. But you must pay a premium price to afford Eero satellites and advanced security features.
Pros
- Affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system
- Stable throughput
- Easy to set up
- Decent coverage
Cons
- Eero satellites are expensive
5. Best for Streaming: Netgear R6700
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 20
- App Support: Yes
In the budget category, Netgear R6700 is selling like pancakes since the day it was launched in the market. The reasons are quite obvious, multiple gigabit ethernet port arrangement, powerful three-antenna setup and other networking tech should fare well with any entry-level plans to deliver a decent performance. Let’s discuss the obtained test results in the subsequent sections.
Speeds & Performance
A dual-band AX1800 router with Wi-Fi 5 supports top speeds on its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1150 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
When my work got shifted to my home office in Louisville, Kentucky, I had access to 100 Mbps fiber internet speeds to test. As with most routers on my list, I knew the router is capable of speeds much more than that, but with such speeds, I had a comparable metric with many other routers in this range.
Netgear R6700 managed to clock speeds at around 91 Mbps for downloads and 16 Mbps for uploads. The values are very comparable to Asus RT-AX55, a router that stays above the list. The speeds in the former saw a major drop when moved far away from the device.
But irrespective of the speeds, the connection still was stable and usable, and you can sit there browsing through your stuff and stream your favorite music at the same time. Something else worth noting is the router comes with Smart Connect which combines both bands and automatically steers between them as needed.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
In terms of coverage, a single-unit Netgear R6700 claims a maximum coverage of 1,500 Sq Ft, which in real life, managed a value at around 1,100 Sq Ft. That’s the size of most small to mid-sized apartments. But compared to my previous recommendation, it doesn’t entail any mesh support, so an extender can be a life saver if you need extended coverage.
Its powerful antennas resonate well with technologies like MU-MIMO and beamforming to transmit stable signals to the devices you connect to. The numbers can go as high as 15, depending on the tasks they are involved in.
Security Features
Security isn’t the standout feature of this Netgear router and unlike Asus RT-AX55, there isn’t any firewall on offer for free. There are a few staple ones like WPA3, VPN, guest access, and auto-firmware update which find their place well in most residential spaces. Besides, there’s a premium Netgear Armor software on offer with advanced security tools and features.
Conclusion
To conclude, Wi-Fi 6 isn’t a major upgrade in most residential spaces, and at most, it boosts your speeds by 25-30%, provided you are subscribed to a Gigabit plan. So, when you have low-end plans in place, these Wi-Fi 5 routers come into the picture. The speeds it has got should fare well with any low-tier tasks carried over a decent-sized workspace.
Pros
- Stable and reliable connection
- MU-MIMO and beamforming
- Setup takes only a few minutes
- Decent security tools
Cons
- No USB port
6. Best for Security: Gryphon Tower
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 3 x Gig LAN
- Number of Devices Supported: 100
- App Support: Yes
If you have established a home office and are concerned about the security of the data you’re dealing with, then Gryphon Tower is probably one of the best options available. This tri-band mesh system stays true to its reputation of being a secure device with some state-of-the-art network security tools alongside excellent range and throughput capacity.
And compared to its predecessor Gryphon Tower AX, it brings multiple upgrades in terms of speed and range that translate to excellent performance.
Speeds & Performance
In terms of speed, Gryphon Tower is rated at AC3000, which is on par with my top recommendation, where its three radio bands have individual speeds as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 1700 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 866 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps |
The tri-band setup with such a massive throughput capacity seems to be overkill, especially if you have subscribed to a 100 Mbps plan. It should excel with anything equal to or less than the Gigabit plans. Nevertheless, the respective download and upload speeds fared at around 93 Mbps and 19 Mbps, respectively.
The device even excels at 30 feet where speeds only drop by 15%, staying much ahead of most routers in my list, letting you stream HD shows and movies without any lags or latencies.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Being a mesh system, this two-unit Gryphon tower claims to cover a space of 3,000 Sq Ft, and adding satellites further should add a few extra square feet. I got it tested in my client’s 2,500 Sq Ft space, and it left no dead spots or weak zones, even in the nooks. Besides, MU-MIMO and beamforming the mesh system integrates letting you connect around 47 devices at once without squandering the bandwidth.
Security Features
Gryphon Tower outperforms most routers in terms of security and parental controls, and the best part is that these features are provided free of charge. In addition to the advanced firewall, which effectively blocks unwanted threats such as malware, viruses, and other intrusions, the router also offers basic features like VPN, WPA3, guest access, and more, to deliver added protection.
Other than that, the mesh system has a lot to offer in terms of parental controls. Users can remotely manage the online activities of the connected devices, and make sure they aren’t exposed to anything dangerous.
Conclusion
In summary, Gryphon Tower is a tri-band mesh system that strikes a balance between its price and its speed and coverage capabilities, making it a great value. What distinguishes it from other systems is its outstanding security and parental control features, which effectively protect both your network and your children from potential threats.
But the features it offers and the cost it comes in seem a bit of hyperbole, especially for entry-level plans.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Great security tools
- Easy to install
- Tri-band support
Cons
- Expensive
7. Cheap Yet Good: D-Link DIR-1260
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN
- Number of Devices Supported: 25
- App Support: Yes
Now that I have reached the end of my list, let me present you with the cheapest yet reliable option, D-Link DIR-1260. Features like dual-band Wi-Fi 5 support with a throughput capacity of 1200 Mbps and a set of four external antennas with a decent range makes it an ideal pick for people residing in a decent-sized space and are subscribed to a 100 Mbps plan.
Speeds & Performance
This Wi-Fi 5 enabled router with two radio bands has a maximum throughput capacity of 1200 Mbps, and the band-wise speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
Such a throughput capacity makes an ideal setup for your entry-level plans, especially 100 Mbps. The download and upload speeds were recorded at 89 Mbps and 13 Mbps, respectively. However, unlike other routers, there isn’t much scope for upgrading your internet plans, which is why ranked last on this list.
The speed stays constant throughout my online streaming session for about an hour, courtesy of its beamforming tech.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Despite being the cheapest offering, its coverage doesn’t stay very far away from my top recommendations, at 2,000 Sq Ft. In my tests, the signals travel seamlessly through the 1,600 Sq Ft space. And courtesy of MU-MIMO and beamforming tech, stable connections on up to 21 devices lets you work on low-end online workplace tasks without any issues.
Security Features
Despite being the most cost-effective option, it includes cutting-edge WPA3 encryption to enhance online security. Furthermore, it offers features like VPN and access controls to provide additional functionality. With this product, you can browse the internet without putting your identity at risk.
The DIR-160 allows you to create individual profiles for family members, which enables you to monitor their online activity and pause internet access as needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for people looking for short-term solutions for their 100 Mbps internet plans, DIR-160 is a viable pick. The signals on multiple devices stay stable and you can collaborate with your team without any network bottlenecks. However, its performance in terms of security and coverage is inadequate, resulting in a lower ranking.
Pros
- MU-MIMO enabled
- Stable throughput
- Easy to install and use
- Decent coverage
Cons
- Subpar security features
Frequently Asked Questions
To achieve speeds up to 100 Mbps, a router must support a Wi-Fi 5 standard, that delivers an improved coverage and data transfer speeds compared to previous standards. Besides, make sure it contains at least a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections.
The number of devices a 100 Mbps router can handle depends on several factors like tasks each device is performing, bandwidth requirements of these tasks, etc. In general, a 100 Mbps router can handle a maximum of 20-25 devices performing basic web browsing, streaming music, or other low-bandwidth tasks.
The numbers will decrease when devices are used for HD streaming, gaming, stock trading, and other heavy tasks.
Is a 1 gig router worth it for a 100 Mbps connection?
No. Having a Gigabit router is overkill for 100 Mbps plans as irrespective of its ability, the speeds won’t exceed the per-said internet plan. However, if you plan on upgrading the speeds in future, then it can be tagged as a worthy investment.
Yes, routers with varying capabilities and abilities can affect the speeds. For example, a Wi-Fi 6 router rated at AX3000 will perform miles better than the one with Wi-Fi 5 standard and AC1200 rating.
Verdict
In conclusion, selecting the right router for your 100 Mbps internet connection is essential for ensuring optimal performance, smooth streaming, and lag-free gaming. With our review-based guide, you can make an informed decision and choose the best router that meets your specific needs. But if you still are confused, here’s a list of the best ones:
- If you want the best router that future-proofs you for any high-end plans you choose to upgrade in future, TP-Link Archer AX55 is the best option.
- If you don’t have that much budget, go for Amazon Eero 6 mesh. It comes with the additional advantage of establishing a mesh network and boosting your range by a few hundred feet.
- Finally, if you want the cheapest option, pick D-Link DIR-1260.
With that, I’d wrap up this guide. I would recommend spending a few extra bucks and going for a bit better option keeping in mind increasing internet needs in the future. Happy networking!
