Last Updated on November 22, 2023 by Rahul Dutta
Reliable and fast internet has become a necessity in homes and offices today. A good WiFi router is crucial to ensure you get the best networking experience. With so many options in the market, choosing the right router under a budget of 3000 INR can be tricky.
In this detailed guide, we review the top 7 routers under 3000 in India right now. We assess their features, performance, pros, cons, and value for money. You’ll also find a detailed buying guide covering all essential factors when purchasing a budget router. Let’s get started!
Factors to Consider When Buying a Router Under 3000
While routers under 3000 offer great value, you still need to check certain aspects before choosing one. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
Internet Speed Support – Check if the router supports the internet plan you have or intend to get. Dual-band routers with 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are recommended for their ability to handle multiple devices without congestion. Gigabit WAN port allows faster fiber optic internet speeds.
Range and Coverage – Determine how far you need the WiFi signal to reach your home or office. Routers with external antennas provide wider coverage.
Wired Connectivity – Evaluate the number and type of LAN ports if you need to connect desktop PCs, smart TVs, etc. Gigabit LAN ports offer the fastest wired speeds.
Features – Consider useful features like a USB port for sharing storage or printer, guest network access, parental controls, etc.
Ease of Use – Check how easy it is to set up, configure, and manage the router admin settings. Support for mobile apps is a plus.
After Sales Support – Warranty and responsive customer service provide peace of mind. Choose reputed brands that offer this.
Top 7 Routers Under 3000 in India
Now let’s review the top 7 routers under 3000 INR available in the Indian market right now based on the key factors discussed earlier.
1. TP-Link Archer C20 AC750 Dual Band Router
The TP-Link Archer C20 is a budget-friendly AC750 dual-band router perfect for apartments and small homes.
Features:
- Supports AC750 WiFi (300Mbps on 2.4GHz and 433Mbps on 5GHz)
- 4 10/100Mbps LAN ports and 1 10/100Mbps WAN port
- 2 external antennas for improved coverage
- Works with all major internet providers
- TP-Link Tether app for easy management
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Dual-band reduces congestion
- Good performance for the price
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- No Gigabit LAN ports
- Plastic build quality
- 2-year warranty only
Verdict:
If you need an inexpensive dual-band router for a small space, the Archer C20 is a great choice. It provides a faster 5GHz band and wider coverage thanks to external antennas.
2. D-Link DIR-615 Wireless N300 Router
An affordable Wireless N router from D-Link is suitable for studio apartments and dorm rooms.
Features:
- 300Mbps speed on 2.4GHz band
- 4 10/100 LAN ports and 1 WAN port
- WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols
- Useful QoS bandwidth allocation
- mydlink app for monitoring and control
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Easy installation process
- Compact and portable
- Good parental controls
Cons:
- No external antennas
- No dual-band support
- Only 1-year warranty
Verdict:
The DIR-615 gives you basic wireless N networking on a tight budget. Good for lightweight tasks but lacks a 5GHz band.Copy
3. Asus RT-N12 N300 WiFi Router
A straightforward wireless N router from Asus that focuses on essentials. Ideal for small homes and apartments.
Features:
- 300Mbps speed on 2.4GHz band
- 4 10/100M LAN ports and 1 WAN port
- WPA2 wireless encryption for security
- AsusWRT UI for monitoring and settings
- IPTV support and traffic management
Pros:
- Budget-friendly cost
- Easy to setup and configure
- Reliable WiFi connectivity
- Good for streaming and gaming
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- No external antennas
- No dual-band or gigabit ports
- Basic feature set
Verdict:
The Asus RT-N12 provides reliable wireless N networking on a tight budget. Recommended if you don’t need advanced features.
4. Netgear R6080 AC1000 WiFi Dual Band Gigabit Router
A step-up affordable router from Netgear with AC1000 dual band WiFi and gigabit ports. Ideal for medium homes.
Features:
- AC1000 dual band WiFi (300Mbps at 2.4GHz, 733Mbps at 5GHz)
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port
- External antennas for improved coverage
- Useful QoS bandwidth management
- NETGEAR Armor cybersecurity
Pros:
- Fast dual-band WiFi speeds
- Gigabit LAN and WAN ports
- Easy to setup and configure
- Reliable security protocols
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- No USB port
- Large and bulky design
- Mobile app could be better
Verdict:
The R6080 is a great value dual band gigabit router perfect for medium homes and bandwidth-intensive tasks.
5. TP-Link TD-W8961N 300Mbps ADSL2+ WiFi Router
An affordable ADSL2+ router and modem in one device. Suitable for homes with landline broadband connections.
Features:
- 300Mbps WiFi speed over 2.4GHz band
- Built-in ADSL2+ modem with WAN port
- 4 10/100M LAN ports
- IPTV support and QoS controls
- TP-Link Tether app for remote access
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Integrated ADSL2+ modem
- Reliable performance
- Easy to setup and use
- Good value for landline broadband
Cons:
- No external antennas
- No gigabit LAN ports
- Only 1-year warranty
Verdict:
If you need an easy-to-use ADSL2+ WiFi router on a budget, the TD-W8961N is a good choice for its integration and value.
6. D-Link DIR-605L AC750 Dual Band WiFi Router
A reasonably priced dual-band router from D-Link is suitable for small to medium homes.
Features:
- AC750 dual band WiFi (300Mbps at 2.4GHz, 433Mbps at 5GHz)
- 4 10/100Mbps LAN ports, 1 WAN port
- External antennas for wider coverage
- mydlink app for monitoring and control
- Useful media server and firewall
Pros:
- Affordable dual-band WiFi
- Good wireless range and speeds
- Compact wall-mountable design
- Easy to configure and use
Cons:
- No gigabit LAN ports
- Only 1-year warranty
- Limited troubleshooting options
Verdict:
The DIR-605L packs decent dual-band performance and coverage at a budget price point. Worth considering for small and medium spaces.Copy
7. Tend Insight N300 Wireless Router
A simple and affordable wireless N router suitable for studio apartments or dorm rooms.
Features:
- 300Mbps speed over 2.4GHz band
- 4 10/100Mbps LAN ports, 1 WAN port
- Internal antennas
- WPA/WPA2 wireless security
- Useful client and access control
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Compact and portable design
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Reliable wireless N performance
Cons:
- No external antennas
- No gigabit LAN ports
- Basic feature set
- 1-year warranty only
Verdict:
The Tend Insight N300 is a decent-budget wireless router for light networking needs. But lacks advanced features and dual-band support.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Router Under 3000
Now that we’ve reviewed the top routers, let’s discuss what factors you should evaluate when buying a router under ₹3000 for your specific needs:
Internet Speeds – Choose as per your current and future internet plans. Dual-band routers offer flexibility while gigabit WAN port provides headroom for upgrading to fiber internet.
Coverage and Range – Evaluate the size of your home/office and the need for WiFi in every corner. Routers with external antennas give you extended coverage.
Wired Connectivity – If you have desktop PCs, smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc. that need wired connections, check the number and type of LAN ports. Gigabit LAN ports are preferred.
Ease of Use – Consider how easy the router is to set up, configure, update, and monitor. Support for mobile apps can further simplify management.
Size and Design – Routers meant for desktop use should have compact footprints. Wall-mountable designs with detachable antennas save space.
Features – Assess if you need a USB port for sharing storage or printer, guest network access, parental controls, and other convenient features.
Warranty & Support – Opt for established brands that offer at least 2 years of warranty and responsive after-sales support for peace of mind.Copy
Conclusion and Recommendations
Based on our detailed reviews and buying guide, here are our top recommendations for the best routers under 3000 in India:
TP-Link Archer C20 – For its affordable dual-band WiFi and wider coverage, the Archer C20 is our top pick for apartments and small homes.
Netgear R6080 – With its fast AC1000 dual band WiFi and gigabit ports, the R6080 is ideal for medium homes needing high speeds.
Asus RT-N12 – A no-frills yet reliable wireless N router perfect for basic networking on a tight budget.
When choosing a budget router, check user reviews on durability, security, and customer service for the shortlisted models. We recommend dual-band routers for their ability to handle multiple devices efficiently. Also, expert reviews provide deeper insights into real-world performance.
With some diligent research, you can find a feature-packed and future-ready router under ₹3000. Investing in a good router will ensure fast and stable WiFi coverage in your home or office for years to come.
Performance Benchmark Comparison
Include a table comparing the key specs and performance metrics of the top 7 routers:
| Router | WiFi Bands | Max Speed | Ports | Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer C20 | Dual Band AC750 | 300Mbps + 433Mbps | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | Medium | Fast dual-band gigabit |
| DIR-615 | Single Band N300 | 300Mbps | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | Small | Budget wireless N |
| RT-N12 | Single Band N300 | 300Mbps | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | Small | Essential wireless N |
| R6080 | Dual Band AC1000 | 300Mbps + 733Mbps | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | Medium | Affordable dual-band |
| TD-W8961N | Single Band N300 | 300Mbps | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | Small | ADSL2+ modem and WiFi |
| DIR-605L | Dual Band AC750 | 300Mbps + 433Mbps | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | Medium | Affordable dual band |
| Insight N300 | Single Band N300 | 300Mbps | 4 LAN, 1 WAN | Small | Cheap wireless N |
FAQs
Respond to frequently asked questions:
Q: Do I need a dual band router?
A: Dual-band routers are recommended as they provide better performance when multiple devices are connected by reducing congestion and interference. The 5GHz band is faster while 2.4GHz has a longer range.
Q: Is a router with external antennas better?
A: Routers with external antennas provide wider WiFi coverage as the antennas can be positioned for optimal signal transmission and reception. They are beneficial for larger homes.
Q: How important are gigabit LAN ports?
A: Gigabit LAN ports allow wired devices like desktop PCs and smart TVs to get faster speeds exceeding 100Mbps over an ethernet cable. They help future-proof your network.
Final Thoughts
- Summarize the key pointers in choosing a great budget router
- Advise readers to set a budget and list must-have features before buying
- Suggest testing the router thoroughly and using all available features
- Recommend updating firmware and enabling security protocols for better safety
Setting Up and Configuring Your New Router
Provide a step-by-step guide on installing and configuring a new router:
- Place the router in a central location of your home for optimal WiFi coverage. Keep it away from objects that could obstruct signals.
- Connect the router to your modem or wall socket using the WAN port and supplied ethernet cable.
- Connect devices like computers, smart TVs, game consoles, etc. to the LAN ports using ethernet cables.
- Power on the router and log into the admin interface using the default IP address (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 usually).
- Run the setup wizard to configure the WAN connection, set SSID and password, and update firmware if available.
- Adjust settings like WiFi channel, transmission power, security protocols, parental controls, etc.
- Connect wireless devices to the router’s WiFi network by searching for the SSID and entering the password.
- Perform speed tests, and check signal strength across the home to verify coverage. Make antenna or channel adjustments if needed.
- Set up guest networks, configure port forwarding for gaming, enable remote access to the router admin interface, etc.
- Check user manual for guidance. Contact customer support if issues persist. Enjoy high-speed internet!
Troubleshooting Connectivity and Coverage Issues
Discuss common issues like:
- Weak WiFi signal in parts of home
- Slow internet and buffering problems
- Some sites/apps not opening
- Connected but no internet access
Provide tips on checking WiFi interference, changing channels, WAN port connections, restarting router, contacting ISP etc.