So my WGR614 bricked during a power outtage, I've been holding off replacing so i'm a bit behind the times on routers. Is there any reliable solutions below $50?

I've found this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127215 $59 with promo code, i'd pay the extra if its worth it. Otherwise i'd like to stay below $50 if possible unless something great is a few bucks over.

Edit:Uses are HD streaming, gaming, surfing and heavy downloading. There are 6 devices usually connected, 2 laptops, tablet, BluPlayer, my pc and an imac. Most are within 20-25ft of the router, the other is about 50ft.

How many of those things are wireless?  This is when a good quality router is needed.  If one or 2 things are wireless then fine any old router would potential do.  However if a good 4/5 of those things are wireless and they are constantly streaming to the router than getting a router that is better equipped with dealing with all the wireless traffic is needed.  Based on what you have said spending $60 on a router would be minimum.  I paid appx $120 on mine and i probally have a similar number of devices as yourself and the difference between that and some cheap ass freebie the telecoms company gave me was massive.

You're not going to get a reliable wireless router for $50 or for any other price tag.  Wireless is intrinsically unreliable.  It's just the nature of the technology.  If you want reliability, then find a way to run Ethernet to most or all of those devices.  If you're just looking for something that isn't really that bad, then hopefully someone else can help you.  I avoid wireless, so I can't.

Always pay extra on wireless routers - cheap is normally for a reason. Wireless ac standard is just around the corner too, so prices will start to change soon.

But if want decent connection without the wireless try some powerline adapters - dont use myself but some colleagues do and say they are brilliant, never any issues.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=powerline+ethernet+adapter+kit&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=9533953760&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1888608235647283470&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_9oeuulpeyk_b

All devices are wireless, Doing a wired connection just isn't going to work in my place. My previous cheapo router worked fine for all the devices.

Funny dat, had the same thing happening to my router a few months ago: simply dying after a power outage. Seems they aren't so keen on that. It was a pretty expensive one too.

Originally posted by DarkPony

Funny dat, had the same thing happening to my router a few months ago: simply dying after a power outage. Seems they aren't so keen on that. It was a pretty expensive one too.

 

It sucks, 3 hours with no power on a 90degree humid night.. you finally get it back only to find your router is dead and you have to rearrange everything to directly connect to the modem. By the time you're done you no longer wanna play forum warrior. =/

Good news is, I forgot I had an Airport express laying around.. all that work for nothing.

Get a UPC to help protect against a power outage.  On routers, I would wait for Wireless-AC.  Its tough to recommend a good brand since they all have pitfalls and benefits.  Typically I recommend Cisco because they are pretty dominant in networking, but for consumer uses the only brand you can go wrong with is Belkin.