A budget WiFi router typically covers 95 to 165 feet on 2.4 GHz, with 5 GHz signals dropping sharply past 60 feet — real-world range depends on walls, router placement, and the specific model’s antenna design.
That $99 router might promise “whole home” coverage, but real-world range depends on which band you’re using and what’s between the router and your device. The 2.4 GHz band can push through walls and reach the far end of a 2,400-square-foot home, while 5 GHz drops hard past 60 feet.
2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz Range on Budget Routers
The two bands do not cover the same distance — treating them the same is the most common mistake. On 2.4 GHz, budget routers deliver a usable signal from 95 feet on the low end up to 165 feet for models with strong antenna designs. On 5 GHz, performance falls off steeply beyond 60 feet.
| Router Model | Max 2.4 GHz Range | 5 GHz Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer BE230 ($99) | ~165 ft; excels through walls | ~60 ft before notable drop |
| TP-Link Archer BE3600 ($99) | ~95 ft; top 200+ Mbps at 6–25 ft | ~60 ft; surpasses 1 Gbps up close |
| TP-Link Archer BE5000 ($110) | ~150 ft (2,400 sq ft coverage) | ~60 ft; extra antenna helps |
| NETGEAR R6700AX ($50–100) | ~120 ft typical | ~50 ft; entry-level Wi-Fi 6 |
| Asus RT-AX1800S (Wi-Fi 6) | ~100 ft | ~55 ft |
If your home runs larger than 2,400 square feet or has concrete walls between rooms, a single budget router may leave dead zones — a mesh system or the Asus RT-AX86U Pro becomes the better bet.
Budget Router Specs That Extend (or Limit) Range
Three specs matter most: antenna count, Wi-Fi generation, and port speed. Antenna design. Budget models with internal antennas typically deliver the lower end of the range spectrum. Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 7 routers at budget prices (the Archer BE3600 for $99) are the cheapest way to hit current speeds, but many lack the 6 GHz band or full multi-link operation. For range, 2.4 GHz performance is similar across Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 models; the benefit comes from 5 GHz throughput at close range. Port speed. Entry-level budget routers may skip 2.5 GbE ports entirely. For most homes on standard gigabit plans, four 1 GbE LAN ports are sufficient — but if you have a multi-gig plan, ensure the model has at least one 2.5 GbE port for wired devices.
See how the top budget picks compare side by side in our full roundup: best cheap WiFi routers tested for 2026.
Common Range Mistakes to Skip
Expecting 5 GHz range to match 2.4 GHz. This is the single biggest cause of “my router is slow in the bedroom.” 5 GHz is not designed to cover a whole house — if your device is 70 feet from the router, it will fall back to 2.4 GHz or lose signal entirely. Assuming all budget routers handle walls the same. Check individual reviews for wall-penetration comments before buying. Sticking with a rented modem from your ISP.
When a Budget Router Isn’t Enough
If the router’s best 2.4 GHz range of 165 feet cannot reach the farthest corner of your home, or if 5 GHz speed at 60 feet is too slow for streaming, the solution is either a mesh system or a higher-end single router like the Asus RT-AX86U Pro. Budget routers work well for 1,000–2,400 square feet; beyond that, the extra $100–200 for a mesh or premium unit is the practical fix.
FAQs
Does a cheap router cover a two-story house?
It depends on square footage and wall construction. Concrete floors or steel framing may create dead zones requiring a mesh system.
Can I improve the range of my budget router without buying a new one?
Yes. Place the router centrally at chest height, away from metal objects and fish tanks. Switching to 2.4 GHz for farther devices and ensuring antennas are vertical can add 10–20 feet of usable range.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 range on cheap routers?
At the budget level, range on 2.4 GHz is nearly identical between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7. The advantage of budget Wi-Fi 7 is higher 5 GHz speeds at close range (under 60 feet) rather than longer reach. Both cap out around 95–165 feet on 2.4 GHz.
References & Sources
- Wirecutter / NYTimes. “The Best Wi-Fi Router.” Provides current budget router recommendations and range testing methodology for models like the Archer BE230 and BE3600.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.