Best Budget DSL Modems Under $100

TL;DR: The Zyxel C1000Z is a $37.97, 0.8‑lb VDSL2 modem‑router with a 4‑port Ethernet switch, 64 MiB RAM, and 300 Mbps 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, delivering basic performance for budget‑focused CenturyLink users.

This unit packs a 400 MHz dual‑core CPU, 64 MiB of RAM and a 5 dBi antenna gain into a compact 37 mm‑high, 190 mm‑long, 127 mm‑wide chassis. Its four Ethernet LAN ports let you wire up multiple devices, while the built‑in 802.11n radio provides up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

At 0.8 pounds, the C1000Z's noticeably lighter than every other modem‑router in this six‑product roundup, which range from about 1.05 pounds to over 1.9 pounds. It also carries a lower price tag than its peers, while matching their maximum Wi‑Fi speed of 300 Mbps and sharing the same 2.4 GHz frequency. The only trade‑off is the absence of newer Wi‑Fi standards and mesh support that some higher‑priced models hint at.

Reviewers consistently praise the all‑in‑one design that eliminates the need for a separate router and the integrated 4‑port switch that handles wired traffic smoothly. However, users note that the 802.11n 2.4 GHz radio can feel sluggish when several high‑definition streams run at once, and the lack of mesh capability limits coverage in larger homes.

Beyond the basics, the C1000Z supports VDSL2, IPv6 (including 6rd and dual‑stack), dual Ethernet firewalls (NAT and SPI), WPA2/WPA security, UPnP, WPS, and remote management via TR‑069. Power draws 0.5 A at 12 V DC, fitting neatly into typical home power setups.

Best for: Budget‑conscious CenturyLink VDSL2 customers who want a simple, single‑box solution with wired networking.

Avoid if: You need cutting‑edge Wi‑Fi performance (802.11ac/ax) or extensive wireless coverage for a large household.

TL;DR: The CenturyLink Technicolor C1100T offers VDSL2 up to 100 Mbps, four Gigabit LAN ports, and 300 Mbps single‑band Wi‑Fi for $49.97, making it a solid budget gateway for DSL users.

This gateway packs a VDSL2 downstream rate of 100 Mbps and four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, letting you wire multiple devices without a separate switch. At 1.12 pounds (508 g), it’s heavier than the Zyxel C1000Z’s 0.8 pounds but lighter than the Zyxel C1100Z’s 1.92 pounds, striking a middle ground in the lineup.

All six models in this roundup list a Wi‑Fi maximum speed of 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, so the C1100T isn’t slower than its peers. Compared with the TP‑Link unit, which also weighs around 1.19 pounds, the C1100T is marginally lighter while still delivering the same Wi‑Fi ceiling.

Users praise the device for reliable DSL performance and handy VoIP support, noting that the integrated security suite (WPA/WPA2, firewall, port forwarding, DMZ, UPnP, SIP ALG) provides peace of mind. Many complain about the lack of a 5 GHz band or Wi‑Fi 6, saying it limits streaming on multiple devices.

The C1100T includes 1 GB of flash memory for firmware, draws only 6.4 W of power, and runs on a 12 VDC, 1.5 A supply. Its Linux‑based OS and dual‑core Broadcom processor give it enough headroom for typical home use, while the four Gigabit LAN ports ensure wired speeds stay fast.

Best for: CenturyLink or Brightspeed DSL subscribers who want an all‑in‑one gateway with VDSL2 up to 100 Mbps and solid wired networking.

Avoid if: You need modern 5 GHz or Wi‑Fi 6 wireless performance for many devices.

TL;DR: The TP‑Link TD‑W9970 combines VDSL2/ADSL modem and 300 Mbps 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi router in a compact unit, offering four LAN ports and solid 4.3‑star ratings for $99.90.

This model delivers up to 100 Mbps downstream on VDSL2/ADSL lines and 300 Mbps wireless throughput on the 2.4 GHz band, all from a device that weighs 540 g and measures 36 mm × 130 mm × 195 mm.

Compared with the other five DSL modems, the TP‑Link sits in the middle of the weight range—heavier than the Zyxel C1000Z (362 g) and D‑Link DSL‑2750B (476 g) but lighter than the Zyxel C1100Z (872 g) and ZyXEL Q1000Z (612 g). Its 300 Mbps Wi‑Fi speed matches the top wireless rates of the Zyxel C1100Z, CenturyLink Technicolor C1100T, Zyxel C1000Z, and Q1000Z, while its DSL ceiling of 100 Mbps outpaces the D‑Link’s 24 Mbps maximum downstream.

User feedback frequently praises the all‑in‑one design that eliminates a separate modem and the inclusion of a VDSL splitter right out of the box. Reviewers also note the reliable four Fast Ethernet LAN ports and the 1 USB 2.0 port for simple network sharing, though some wish for a dual‑band Wi‑Fi option.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The D‑Link DSL‑2750B offers 300 Mbps Wi‑Fi, 24 Mbps ADSL2+ speeds and four Ethernet ports for $89.99, but its 2.4 GHz‑only Wi‑Fi and lack of gigabit ports limit high‑speed use.

The DSL‑2750B packs a 300 Mbps 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi radio backed by a dual fixed 2x2 MIMO antenna with 2 dBi gain, and a maximum ADSL2+ downstream rate of 24 Mbps. It runs on 64 MB of RAM and provides four 10/100 Mbps LAN ports plus a USB 2.0 sharing port, giving you wired and wireless connectivity in a single box.

At 1.05 pounds, the D‑Link unit is lighter than the TP‑Link Modem Router and the ZyXEL Q1000Z, yet a bit heavier than the Zyxel C1000Z. Its 300 Mbps Wi‑Fi ceiling matches the wireless speed most peers list, but its 24 Mbps downstream ceiling trails the TP‑Link’s advertised up‑to‑100 Mbps DSL speed and aligns with the CenturyLink Technicolor C1100T’s 24 Mbps ADSL2+ downstream. All six devices list 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, but only the D‑Link and a few peers stay within the single‑band realm.

Reviewers appreciate the DSL‑2750B’s compact 32 mm height and straightforward LED panel that helps diagnose sync issues. Professionals note the inclusion of QoS, UPnP and USB SharePort as useful for basic home or small‑office networks, while users point out the single‑band Wi‑Fi and the absence of gigabit Ethernet as limiting factors for modern streaming or gaming rigs.

The router supports WPA/WPA2, MAC filtering and 802.1x RADIUS for security, and it handles static, RIP v1/v2 and DHCP routing. Its ATM support and traffic‑shaping features give it a bit more flexibility than many entry‑level DSL units.

Best for: Home and office users seeking a balance of features and value

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $89.99

TL;DR: The Zyxel C1100Z delivers 300 Mbps 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, four Gigabit LAN ports and automatic CenturyLink detection for $100, but its single‑band radio and bulkier chassis may feel premium‑priced.

The C1100Z’s headline spec is a maximum Wi‑Fi data rate of 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, paired with four built‑in Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 slot for network‑attached storage. It also supports VDSL2 and ADSL2, making it a true all‑in‑one gateway for CenturyLink DSL lines. At 1.92 lb (872 g), it's solidly built, and its internal 2T × 2R antennas provide stable coverage in small‑to‑medium homes.

Compared with the five other budget DSL gateways, the C1100Z is noticeably heavier than the TP‑Link model (540 g), the D‑Link DSL‑2750B (476 g), the Technicolor C1100T (508 g), the Zyxel C1000Z (362 g) and the ZyXEL Q1000Z (612 g). Its chassis also stands taller (66 mm) and longer (269 mm) than the TP‑Link’s 36 mm × 195 mm footprint and the D‑Link’s 32 mm × 127.8 mm depth. Wi‑Fi speed matches the TP‑Link’s 300 Mbps and the Technicolor’s 300 Mbps max, but the C1100Z lacks a dual‑band 5 GHz radio that newer models offer. Unlike the peers, it includes a USB 3.0 port for direct file sharing and dual firewalls (NAT/SPI) for added security.

Reviewers consistently praise the automatic CenturyLink detection and the seamless rate adaptation (SRA) that keeps the DSL link stable even on noisy lines. Professional notes highlight the device’s support for TR‑069 remote management, IPv6 dual‑stack/6rd, G.Vector and VC/LLC multiplexing—features that help squeeze the most out of a VDSL2 connection. On the downside, users note the single‑band 2.4 GHz radio can feel cramped in crowded apartment buildings, and the bulkier design may be harder to tuck behind a TV or on a crowded desk.

Best for: CenturyLink VDSL2/DSL subscribers who want a sturdy all‑in‑one gateway with gigabit wired ports and automatic ISP detection.

Avoid if: You need dual‑band 5 GHz Wi‑Fi, Wi‑Fi 6 performance, or a more compact, lower‑priced solution for large‑area coverage.

TL;DR: The Zyxel Q1000Z bundles a VDSL2/ADSL2+ modem with 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, two 5 dBi antennas and IPv6 support for $35.97, but its wireless is limited and reviews are mixed.

The standout feature is the all‑in‑one design: a VDSL2/ADSL2+ modem paired with a built‑in 2.4 GHz 802.11n router, delivering up to 300 Mbps wireless throughput and equipped with two 5 dBi external antennas for better range. It also offers IPv6 readiness (6rd tunneling, dual‑stack, DHCPv6) and a suite of security tools such as SPI firewall, access scheduler and website blocking.

Compared with the other five budget options, the Q1000Z is physically larger—its depth measures 274 mm, height 56 mm and width 267 mm—making it bulkier than the Zyxel C1000Z (37 mm tall, 190 mm long) and the D‑Link DSL‑2750B (32 mm tall, 127.8 mm deep). At 1.35 Pounds (612 g) it sits between the lighter C1000Z (0.8 Pounds) and the heavier Zyxel C1100Z (1.92 Pounds). Wireless speed caps at 300 Mbps just like the peer devices, but none of the competitors offer a 5 GHz band, so the Q1000Z isn’t at a disadvantage there. It provides only one Gigabit LAN port, whereas some rivals list multiple LAN ports.

Users note that the integrated modem saves desk space and avoids a second power brick, a point reviewers frequently praise. However, reviewers mention the 2.4 GHz‑only Wi‑Fi as a drawback for households that want faster, dual‑band connectivity, and the 3.3/5 star rating from 63 reviews signals mixed satisfaction.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget who need a simple DSL modem‑router combo.

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns.