What is best wireless router for under $50?

[taisingera]

My router blew out last night from a flooding toilet, and the router was in the basement. I plug it in, the lights do a diagnostic flashing and then nothing, it seems to go dead. What is the best router I can pick up for $50 or under? I am looking to get it locally, so Walmart or Bestbuy, so I can get it quickly. All I need is wireless-N, WPS, WPA2, LAN ports would be nice, but not necessary, of course I don't know if firmware would be upgradable over wifi only. The router that died was D-Link DIR-655, had it for 5 years, and paid $120 for it back then.

Luckily the cable modem right next to it didn't get fried.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Since you want something quickly and locally, I'd probably just go to the store, look at their selection, and then check the Amazon or Newegg reviews for each model from your smartphone and pick from there. I know D-Link makes some really cheap routers which will do the job, like the DIR-601 (around $23 on Amazon). My brother bought that as a cheap upgrade and to my knowledge, hasn't had issues.

If you have Amazon Prime and can wait a day, I'd think about another DIR-655 if I were you. The DIR-655 is a great router (had mine since they came out in 2006 and it is still my main router) and can be had for around $65 if you want to spend a little extra money and get the same thing. If you trust a refurb, they're around $45.

 

[Rhezuss]

I have the DIR-615 since 2010 and it's a great router. Easy to setup and great range and speed. IIRC it's under 50 bucks too.

 

[taisingera]

Well, I picked up a Netgear WNR2000v3 and updated the firmware immediately to 1.1.2.6. Seems to work okay. There are only 3 computers in the house, occasionally an ipod touch, and we only have internet of 3/1 (down/up). Range seems to be pretty good, 5 bars with the router on the upstairs floor. Pretty good for $48 w/tax from Best Buy. Didn't need any fancy dual band, or 11AC. I saw somebody else pick one of these up in the store also.

 

[VirtualLarry]

WNR2000 is a fairly solid router. I own several of the v2 units.