- Compare the best and most affordable NBN modems in Australia for 2025, including options from TP-Link, Netgear.
- Key features to consider include compatibility, Wi-Fi range, speed, and ease of setup.
- Find the perfect budget modem for your NBN connection with tips for troubleshooting and optimal performance.
When setting up your NBN connection, one of the most crucial pieces of equipment is the modem. A good modem ensures that you get the best speeds, stability, and coverage from your Internet service.
With so many affordable options available in 2025, finding a cheap NBN modem that meets your needs is easier than ever. However, it’s important to choose one that’s compatible with your NBN plan, provides adequate Wi-Fi coverage, and supports fast speeds.
Selecting a good router helps to enhance your home Internet experience, offering reliable and secure wireless connectivity with fast speeds, extended coverage, minimal lag, and improved network stability for activities like browsing, gaming, studying, or video conferences.
This guide will walk you through the best budget-friendly NBN modems for 2025, ensuring that you don’t compromise on performance while keeping your costs low.
Comparison of the best and most affordable NBN modems for 2025
The market for NBN modems continues to grow, with many manufacturers offering a variety of models at competitive prices. Here are some of the top affordable NBN modems for 2025:
TP-Link Archer VR400
- Price: Around $90
- Key Features: Supports NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), and Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections. Offers a stable dual-band Wi-Fi network and speeds of up to 100Mbps.
- Why it's great: A budget-friendly option with good Wi-Fi range and easy setup, perfect for smaller households.
Netgear D7000 Nighthawk
- Price: Around $140
- Key Features: Dual-band Wi-Fi, supports speeds up to 1000Mbps, ideal for large homes. It’s compatible with most NBN technologies, including FTTN and FTTH.
- Why it's great: Excellent for medium to large homes, with a stronger Wi-Fi signal and faster speeds.
TP-Link VR600
- Price: Around $120
- Key Features: A dual-band router with AC1600 Wi-Fi speeds, making it suitable for medium-sized homes. It supports NBN FTTN, FTTP, and FTTC connections.
- Why it's great: Affordable without compromising on speed, making it an ideal choice for average users.
TP-Link Archer VR900
- Price: Around $170
- Key Features: VDSL and ADSL compatible, offering speeds of up to 1Gbps. Dual-band Wi-Fi and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections.
- Why it's great: A versatile modem-router that works well for both NBN and ADSL connections.
Cheap NBN modems pros and cons
| Modem | Pros | Cons |
| TP-Link Archer VR400 | Budget-friendly | Limited speeds to 100Mbps |
| Compatible with multiple NBN connections | Basic features, not supportive of high-demand applications | |
| Easy set up | No Wi-Fi 6 support | |
| Netgear D7000 Nighthawk | High-speed performance | Higher price point compared to budget options |
| Excellent Wi-Fi range | Bulky design | |
| Solid build quality and reliable connection | May be overkill for households with basic needs | |
| TP-Link VR600 | Great value for money | Not ideal for high-streaming households |
| Dual-band Wi-Fi for smoother browsing experiences | Not Wi-Fi 6 enabled | |
| Easy set up | Could experience slow speeds | |
| TP-Link Archer AX10 | Wi-Fi 6 support for faster speeds | Lower speeds compared to more premium Wi-Fi 6 options |
| Affordable for a Wi-Fi 6 modem | Not suited for heavy Internet usage | |
| Easy set up | Lacks tri-band Wi-Fi support | |
| Has an app for management |
Popular home Wi-Fi plans
Features to look for in an NBN modem: Compatibility, Wi-Fi range, speed
When shopping for a cheap NBN modem, you’ll need to consider a few key features to ensure it meets your needs:
Compatibility
The modem must be compatible with your NBN connection type (FTTN, FTTP, FTTC, etc.). Ensure that the modem supports your NBN technology before making a purchase.
Wi-Fi range
Look for a modem that provides good Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Modems with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) are often a good choice, as these can provide better speed and range for multiple devices.
Speed
The modem should be capable of handling the speeds offered by your NBN plan. If you have an NBN 50 or NBN 100 plan, make sure your modem can support these speeds without throttling or issues.
Ethernet ports
If you have multiple devices that require a wired connection (such as a gaming console or desktop computer), ensure the modem has sufficient Ethernet ports for your needs.
What do the different Wi-Fi bands mean?
When exploring new routers, terms like dual-band and tri-band often appear, referring to the radio wave frequencies they support. Dual-band routers, operating at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, are suitable for crowded areas, reducing congestion and excelling in tasks like streaming and online gaming.
On the other hand, tri-band routers, with three frequencies (2.4GHz and two 5GHz), offer higher throughput speeds, making them ideal for households with multiple users engaged in simultaneous streaming or gaming.
Whether dual or tri-band, these routers cater to gamers and those requiring reliable connections for multiple devices, with the choice depending on individual needs and budget constraints.
Tips on setting up and troubleshooting your NBN modem
Once you've selected your modem, it’s time to set it up. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth setup and optimal performance:
Initial setup
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up your modem. Most modern modems come with a setup wizard or app to guide you through the process.
Placement
Place your modem in a central location in your home for the best Wi-Fi coverage. Avoid placing it near walls, metal objects, or devices that can interfere with the signal, such as microwaves.
Update firmware
Regularly check for firmware updates for your modem to ensure it’s running optimally and benefiting from any performance improvements or security patches.
Troubleshooting
If you're experiencing issues, restart your modem and check the connection lights. If the problem persists, check your NBN connection status through the NBN provider's website or app.
If Wi-Fi is weak, try changing the Wi-Fi channel in the modem settings or switching to the 5GHz band for less interference.
Contact support
If you continue to experience problems, contact your modem’s customer support for assistance or consider upgrading to a higher-quality modem if necessary.
How can I extend my wireless signal?
For those living in larger or multi-story homes, addressing Wi-Fi dead zones is crucial. Wi-Fi extenders, particularly repeaters, serve as a remedy by amplifying the existing Wi-Fi signal to reach previously weak or dead zones.
Assessing your router's signal coverage with tools like NetSpot or dedicated apps aids in pinpointing areas that require additional coverage, guiding you to select the most suitable Wi-Fi extender for your specific needs.
Compare home Wi-Fi plans with Compare Broadband
Finding a cheap NBN modem doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance. With the right choice, you can enjoy fast and reliable Internet at a fraction of the cost. By considering factors like compatibility, speed, and Wi-Fi range, you can find a modem that fits your needs and budget. Whether you're streaming, working from home, or gaming, a quality budget modem can enhance your NBN experience in 2025.
Compare Broadband stands as an independent Internet comparison platform, dedicated to helping Australians discover the ideal broadband solutions. With a 5-star Trustpilot rating, we are recognised as Australia's most trusted broadband comparison site.
Whether you're seeking a new home Wi-Fi plan or seeking clarity on your current one, utilise Compare Broadband to uncover the perfect broadband deal. Connect with us today or use our comparison tool above!
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