Cheapest NBN Routers [TOP 4 Under $40]

Posted at 10/11/2024 01:28pm

Did you know? The majority of aussies don’t need a hefty-price tagged NBN modem router model for connecting to the internet.

This list of affordable nbn modem routers has been hand-picked by our engineers for the average Australian household with function, features, and reliability in mind, all for $40 or less and no need for overspending.

This curated list of cheap $40 NBN routers include features like VDSL, Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Wi-Fi with optional guest networks, WAN ports, VPN tunnels, QoS, and NAT forwarding for gaming.

Home security IP cameras will work fine too! Yep, even on the cheapest nbn modem routers.

These NBN-compatible modem routers are budget-friendly and ideal for home users wanting to stream TV, connect multiple computers, devices, and mobile phones.

Lets go! Following are the 4 x hand picked Australia's cheapest nbn home internet routers.

1. TP Link Archer C24 ONLY $39!

Perfectly hand-sized NBN router, ideal for the space-conscious household. Consider this an absolute desk space saver for any apartment or townhouse.

The Wi-Fi on the TP-Link Archer C24 is super impressive, with 4 external omnidirectional antennas that easily cover any apartment, townhouse, or house.

What NBN technology can this super affordable NBN router support?

This router works on Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), FTTC, and HFC connection types. Please note, if you have Fibre-to-the-Basement (FTTB), this router won't be suitable.

The maximum supported NBN plan speed is 100 Mbps, as the Archer C24's WAN port has a capacity throughput of up to 100 Mbps.

Perfect option for $40 and a great looking router.

 2. Microtik HAP Lite Only $40

This NBN-compatible router is ideal for small homes, apartments, or townhouses. MikroTik, a top brand in both business and home networking, offers reliability and performance within budget.

MikroTik maintains its own OS called RouterOS, which is highly customisable in terms of functions and features. The hAP Lite is sure to exceed your expectations.

A few distinguishing factors between this NBN-compatible router and the TP-Link Archer C24 are that the hAP Lite wireless operates only on the 2.4GHz band (802.11b/g/n), which is suitable for average home use, YouTube, and streaming.

The Wi-Fi antenna power level stands out at 15dBi, which is comparable to much more expensive NBN routers.

The hAP Lite has 4 Ethernet ports: one can be used to connect to your FTTP, FTTC, HFC, or Satellite NBN handoff point, and the other three can be used for computers, laptops, and printers. This router supports NBN plans up to 100 Mbps.

This microtik is actually one of the cheapest business grade nbn routers on the market.

In conclusion, this $40 NBN router certainly doesn’t compromise on quality.

I highly recommend the MikroTik router for its advanced operating system and impressive wireless performance.

3. Tenda V300 N300 VDSL NBN Router ONLY $40

The Tenda V300 is exceptional for its price tag and my top choice for an NBN modem router.

It’s my ideal choice because it has all the functionality of the previous two routers reviewed, but the V300 is also compatible with VDSL, meaning it can operate on FTTN & FTTB NBN connection types, as well as FTTP, HFC, FTTC, and Satellite!

VDSL essentially connects your modem to the internet through an existing telephone socket in your home. Many apartment units in Australia use VDSL NBN technology, as the NBN connection box (DSLAM) is often located in the building’s basement.

Wi-Fi speeds reach up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

Additional services include DDNS, Port Forwarding, DMZ, IPTV, and WAN support for PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static IP, and Bridge mode. These are extensive options, more than sufficient for NBN use.

Established in 1999, Tenda has been a significant player in the networking hardware industry. Tenda, a Chinese company, is known for producing affordable yet reliable networking devices catering to both home and business needs.

For $40 this Tenda vdsl modem router is an absolute gem for the price.

4. Netcomm NF18ACV VDSL Only $40 inc. VoIP port

My second favourite but most functional, the well-known and popular brand NetComm NF18ACV VDSL Wi-Fi Modem Router, is priced at $40 including GST.

This product is ideal for NBN serviced through FTTN, which utilises telephone cabling connectivity to a node in your street or basement (FTTB) and existing copper for the last-mile connection to your building.

It includes a separate WAN port capable of handling Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000), meaning it can receive speeds of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps.

If you have a landline telephone connected to your NBN service, this model includes an FXS port, allowing you to connect your home telephone.

The NF18ACV provides AC1600 Wi-Fi 5.

It’s also an aesthetically pleasing modem and ideal for those looking for an NBN-compatible, VDSL-enabled router without overspending at only $40.

Conclusion

As an engineer, I can tell you that most NBN routers are priced well over $100, with high-end models even hitting $700. These higher-priced routers typically suit power users like gamers, who need low latency, or large households with over 20 devices and constant streaming across multiple TVs.

Our team at Mr Telco has hand-picked these budget-friendly NBN modem routers specifically for the everyday Australian user or small family, perfect for homes up to three bedrooms. For the majority of users, these options offer all the necessary features without unnecessary expenses.

I hope this has been helpful, and when it’s time to upgrade your router, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions.

Remember, “cheap” doesn’t always mean lower quality; it often just means getting the right information and understanding without overpaying.

Feel free to contact us via our Contact US page and leave any questions.