Table of Contents
Overview of Gaming Routers
In the modern era of gaming, gamers require routers that can keep up with their demands. To meet these needs, gaming routers are specially designed to provide faster speeds and a better online game experience. Gaming routers typically feature gigabit ethernet ports to connect to an ethernet cable which offer increased speed for wired connections, along with features such as Quality of Service (QoS) technology to prioritize gaming traffic over other types of data being sent across your network.
Features of a Gaming Router
Here are some features that are typically found in gaming routers:
Low Latency
Gaming routers are designed to reduce latency or lag time, which is crucial for online gaming. They prioritize gaming traffic over other network traffic to reduce latency.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Gaming routers typically include QoS features that allow you to prioritize network traffic based on your needs. This can ensure that your gaming traffic is given priority over other traffic, such as video streaming or downloads.
Dual-Band or Tri-Band
Gaming routers typically offer both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, with tri-band routers adding an additional 5GHz band. This can help reduce interference and improve overall network performance.
MU-MIMO
Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving network performance and reducing latency.
Beamforming
This technology allows the router to focus the wireless signal toward specific devices, improving signal strength and range. Some of the best wireless routers give seamless connections.
Gigabit Ethernet
Gaming routers typically include Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can provide faster and more stable wired connections.
VPN Support
Some gaming routers offer support for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which can help improve online security and privacy. VPNs encrypt your internet connection, which helps to increase your online security and privacy.
Customization
Many gaming routers offer a range of customization options, such as the ability to prioritize specific applications or devices or to customize network settings to optimize performance.
Best Gaming Routers
1. ASUS RT-AX88U
Product Description
The ASUS RT-AX88U is a high-performance Wi-Fi router designed for home and small office use. It is powered by the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity than previous generations. With a maximum throughput of up to 6,000 Mbps, the RT-AX88U can handle high-bandwidth activities such as online gaming, 4K streaming, and file sharing.
The router is equipped with a powerful 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM, which allows for smooth and responsive performance even with multiple devices connected simultaneously. It also features advanced QoS (Quality of Service) technology, prioritizing network traffic to ensure critical applications and devices receive the necessary bandwidth.
The RT-AX88U includes four high-speed Gigabit LAN ports and a dedicated Gigabit WAN port, allowing high-speed wired connectivity. It also features advanced security features such as AiProtection Pro, which uses machine learning to detect and block malicious content, and parental controls that allow you to restrict access to certain websites and applications.
Thanks to its intuitive web-based interface and mobile app, the router is easy to set up and manage. It also supports ASUS AiMesh technology, which allows you to easily create a mesh network by adding compatible ASUS routers to extend the Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home or office.
Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of some more features included in this modern gaming router:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology
- Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies
- 4×4 MU-MIMO technology
- Maximum throughput of up to 6,000 Mbps
- Powerful 1.8 GHz quad-core processor
- 1GB of RAM
- Advanced QoS (Quality of Service) technology
- Four high-speed Gigabit LAN ports
- One dedicated Gigabit WAN port
- AiProtection Pro security features
- Parental controls
- Intuitive web-based interface and mobile app management
- ASUS AiMesh technology for creating a mesh network.
Pros
- High-speed performance with dual-band Wi-Fi
- Best gaming router due to its advanced features
- Supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster and more efficient connections
- Multiple Gigabit LAN ports for wired devices
- Easy to set up and manage with the Asus router app
- Advanced features such as VPN for information security, AiProtection, and QoS
Cons
- cons=”Expensive compared to other budget routers
- Large size may be a problem for some users
- No built-in modem for DSL or cable connections
- Some users have reported firmware issues and bugs
- Limited range compared to some other high-end routers
Price on Amazon: $219.00
2. Netgear Nighthawk XR700
Product Description
The Netgear Nighthawk XR700 is a gaming router that offers gamers the best-wired connection and overall performance. With its powerful hardware, advanced features, and improved Wi-Fi speeds, it’s sure to be one of the top choices for good gaming routers. This router has an Intel 1.7GHz quad-core processor and three amplified antennas to deliver up to 4.6Gbps of throughput. It also supports 802.11ac dual-band technology, which allows users to connect both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously for better range, speed, and reliability when streaming or playing online games from multiple devices at once.
The Nighthawk Xr700 has a built-in gaming dashboard that provides real-time analytics on your network performance, allowing you to identify and troubleshoot any issues affecting your gaming experience. The router also supports advanced security features, such as VPN, WPA/WPA2 encryption, and DoS protection to keep your network safe and secure. The Netgear Nighthawk XR700 has MU-MIMO support, allowing more efficient data transfer while simultaneously handling multiple streams of high-quality video content without lag or buffering issues.
Specifications
- Supports wireless speeds up to 7.2Gbps
- Has a 1.7GHz quad-core processor
- Includes 6 gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and 1 WAN port
- Supports Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology
- Includes Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize network traffic
- Features a gaming dashboard to help optimize online gaming performance
- Includes geo-filtering to limit distance to game servers for better ping times
- Has two USB 3.0 ports for external storage and printer sharing
- Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
- Includes VPN support for secure remote access
- Features advanced security features, including WPA3 and VPN support.
Pros
- Ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds
- High-end gaming features like Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization and a gaming dashboard to optimize your gaming experience.
- Six Gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB 3.0 ports for connecting multiple devices, such as gaming consoles, PCs, and smart TVs.
- Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
- VPN support for enhanced privacy and security.
- User-friendly web interface for easy setup and management.
Cons
- High price tag compared to other gaming routers on the market.
- Large size and bulky design may not fit well in some environments.
- Limited range due to the high-frequency band used by the 802.11ad wireless standard.
- Some users have reported firmware and connectivity issues, although these are not common.
Price on Amazon: $249.99
3. Asus Rog Rapture GT-AX11000
Product Description
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a Wi-Fi router designed for gamers needing an internet connection to handle their gaming PC. It has the latest technologies, including MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which provide up to 11000Mbps of wireless speed. This router can deliver wireless speeds of up to 11000Mbps across its three bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz-1, and 5GHz-2. It features a 2.5G Ethernet port, eight Gigabit LAN ports, and two USB 3.0 ports, making it ideal for connecting multiple devices simultaneously.
The router also features Tri-Band technology, allowing it to direct traffic across three distinct frequency bands simultaneously, minimizing interference from other devices in your home network. Additionally, this device includes advanced security features such as AiProtection Pro, which helps protect against malicious intrusions on your network.
This state-of-the-art Wi-Fi router offers exceptional performance when paired with a gaming PC or console to ensure optimal speeds while playing games online. It’s also compatible with any existing 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax networks, so you can easily connect multiple devices without worrying about compatibility issues.
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 also features advanced gaming features such as GameBoost, which optimizes gaming traffic for faster, more responsive online gaming, and Gamers Private Network (GPN), which allows users to access private gaming servers to reduce lag and ping times. Additionally, it has customizable RGB lighting that adds a unique touch of style to any gaming setup.
Specifications
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology with a tri-band design for increased speed and coverage.
- A dedicated gaming LAN port and Game Boost feature for optimizing gaming performance.
- AiMesh support for creating a mesh network with other compatible Asus routers.
- Advanced QoS settings and traffic analyzer for prioritizing network traffic.
- Compatibility with WTFast for reduced ping times and lower latency in online gaming.
- User-friendly web interface and mobile app for easy setup and management.
- 2.5G Ethernet port and two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed wired connections.
Pros
- Extremely fast Wi-Fi speeds, even in crowded environments with multiple devices connected.
- Advanced gaming features for enhanced performance and reduced lag.
- Easy-to-use web interface and mobile app for customization and management.
- Support for AiMesh allows users to create a mesh network with other compatible Asus routers.
- Good range and coverage.
Cons
- High price tag compared to other gaming routers on the market.
- Large size and bulky design may not fit well in some environments.
- Some users have reported firmware issues, although these are not common.
Price on Amazon: $324.95
4. Tp-Link Archer C5400X
Product Description
TP-Link Archer C5400X router can provide excellent wireless connection quality for gamers looking to keep up with their demanding gaming needs. With its MU-MIMO technology, this router ensures that even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously, there won’t be any significant reduction in performance or lag time. The TP-Link Archer C5400X is a high-end tri-band wireless router designed for gaming enthusiasts and heavy internet users. It boasts a powerful 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, which allows for smooth and uninterrupted internet connectivity, even when multiple devices are connected.
The router supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ac, and delivers up to 5400Mbps across its three bands (one 2.4GHz: 1000Mbps, and two 5GHz bands: 2167Mbps). It also features eight external antennas and advanced beamforming technology, ensuring the signal is directed to the connected devices for optimal performance and coverage. In addition to its wireless capabilities, the Archer C5400X includes a range of wired connectivity options, including eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections. The router also includes advanced security features such as VPN support, parental controls, and guest network access. It also supports 4K streaming, making it ideal for people who want to watch movies and shows on larger screens without any interruption.
Specifications
- Tri-Band Wi-Fi with speeds up to 5.4Gbps
- 8 Gigabit LAN ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports
- MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness technology for efficient data transmission
- RangeBoost and Beamforming technology for wider coverage and targeted signals
- NitroQAM technology for faster Wi-Fi speeds
- VPN server and OpenVPN support for secure remote access
- Game Accelerator for the optimized online gaming experience
- Advanced QoS for prioritizing gaming traffic
Pros
- Extremely fast Wi-Fi speeds
- A large number of LAN ports and USB ports for wired connections
- MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness technology ensure efficient data transmission for multiple devices
- RangeBoost and Beamforming technology provides excellent coverage and targeted signals
- NitroQAM technology boosts Wi-Fi speeds even further
- VPN support for secure remote access
- Game Accelerator optimizes network settings for the best gaming experience
- Advanced QoS prioritizes gaming traffic, minimizing lag and latency
Cons
- Expensive compared to other gaming routers
- Large sizes may not fit in smaller living spaces
- Some users report difficulty with the initial setup process
- Game Accelerator may not work well with all games
- The router may require frequent firmware updates to maintain optimal performance.
Price on Amazon: $299.99
5. Netgear Nighthawk AX4
The Netgear Nighthawk AX4 is one of the most advanced routers available and it is an ideal choice for gaming systems. This router boasts a powerful four-stream Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) connection that provides up to 3Gbps combined speeds on both bands, ensuring you can easily access your favorite games. The Netgear Nighthawk AX4 also has a Gigabit Ethernet port and two USB 3.0 ports to provide wired connections when needed. Additionally, this router has built-in beamforming technology, enabling it to automatically detect and prioritize devices connected to the network for better performance.
Moreover, the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 offers features like secure guest networks and parental controls so gamers can keep their information safe while playing online without worrying about other future brands infiltrating the system. It even includes Amazon Alexa voice control so users can easily manage their settings via voice commands; these features make the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 stand out from other available options.
Specifications
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, which offers faster speeds and better connectivity compared to the previous Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard
- Two external antennas that can be adjusted for optimal coverage and performance
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting wired devices such as gaming consoles or PCs
- Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize gaming traffic for a smoother gaming experience
- Built-in security features to protect your network from online threats
Pros
- High-speed Wi-Fi performance with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard
- Advanced QoS features to prioritize gaming traffic and reduce lag
- Easy setup and management through the Nighthawk app or web interface
- Four Ethernet ports for wired connections
- Robust security features to protect your network from online threats
Cons
- Only supports up to four simultaneous data streams, which may not be enough for some users
- More expensive than some other gaming routers on the market
- Some users have reported issues with firmware updates and stability
Price on Amazon: $399
Choosing the Right Gaming Router
For gamers looking to stay ahead of the competition, there are several factors to consider:
Speed
The first and most obvious factor to consider is speed. The faster the router, the less lag you will experience. Look for routers with high data transfer rates, such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax (also known as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e respectively) standards. These routers can provide up to 10 Gbps speeds, which is more than enough for most gamers.
Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS is a feature that allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as gaming traffic, over other types of traffic. This is important because it ensures that your gaming traffic gets the highest priority, which can reduce lag and latency. Look for routers that have QoS features that can be customized to your specific gaming needs.
Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band
Most gaming routers are dual-band, which means they operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. On the other hand, Tri-band routers have an additional 5 GHz band, which can help reduce congestion on the network. A tri-band router may be better if multiple devices are connected to your network.
Range
The range is another important factor to consider. If your gaming setup is far from your router, you may experience weak or unstable connections. Look for routers with a longer range and stronger signal strength, such as multiple antennas or mesh networking systems.
Security
Security is always important, especially when it comes to online gaming. Look for routers with built-in security features like firewalls, VPNs, and parental controls. It goes without saying that any serious gamer should prioritize safety and privacy above all else when selecting a router for gaming purposes. Look out for features like firewalls and encryption protocols when shopping around, as these are integral components of secure networks today.
Price
Finally, consider the price. Gaming routers can range from around $50 to several hundred dollars. While more expensive routers may offer more features and better performance, they may not be necessary for everyone. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a decision.
By considering each of these elements carefully before investing in a new router specifically designed for gaming use this year, users can rest assured knowing they’ve made a smart choice that will serve them well into the future, no matter what type of game they play or how competitively they do so.
How To Avoid Common Pitfalls
It is also vital to be aware of common pitfalls during the purchase process. To avoid frustrations:
- Always ensure your chosen device has an up-to-date operating system and hardware that supports high speeds and capacity.
- Consider any potential connection types or port limitations affecting how you connect other devices later.
- Look out for additional programs or services the manufacturer offers, such as parental controls, automatic updates, and extra security measures.
- It is also recommended to consider what type of games will be played while connected through this router, as different characteristics become more relevant depending on the game genre. For instance, latency control would be beneficial if playing online shooter games, whereas those playing strategy games should prioritize bandwidth allocation capabilities instead.
Setting up a Gaming Router
Setting up a gaming router can be an intimidating process. However, with the right guidance and understanding of its features and capabilities, it becomes a straightforward task that anyone can accomplish. A three-column table can help explain how to set up a gaming router in just a few steps:
| Step | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connect your modem to the WAN port on your router using an Ethernet cable. | Your modem will now communicate with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). |
| 2 | Link your console directly to one of the LAN ports on the back of your router. | This will enable you to access online content for games such as downloadable updates or exclusive items. |
| 3 | Configure security settings such as firewalls and encryption protocols to keep hackers out of your network. | You’ll stay safe from malicious attacks while enjoying uninterrupted gaming sessions. |
By following these simple steps, users should have their gaming router fully functional within minutes. With this setup complete, gamers can enjoy faster download speeds, reduced lag times, improved latency performance, and extended wireless coverage – all necessary components for an optimized gaming experience.
Benefits of Using a Gaming Router
Faster and more reliable internet speeds
Gaming routers often have advanced hardware and software features, such as multi-core processors, Quality of Service (QoS) controls, and beamforming technology, which can help prioritize and optimize network traffic for gaming. This can result in faster and more consistent internet speeds, reduced lag, and better overall gaming performance.
Improved Connectivity and Stability
Gaming routers may also include features like multiple antennas, beamforming, and mesh networking that can enhance connectivity and stability, especially in larger homes or multi-story buildings where signal strength can be an issue.
Reduced Interference
Gaming routers may have advanced noise-cancellation features that can reduce interference from other devices and networks, resulting in a more stable and reliable connection.
Customizable Settings
Gaming routers often come with advanced settings that allow gamers to customize their network preferences, such as QoS controls, port forwarding, and VPN support, which can enhance gaming security and privacy.
Improved Gaming Experience
Overall, a gaming router can help provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience, faster speeds, lower latency, and fewer interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Router Do Pro Gamers Use?
Pro gamers typically use high-end routers that prioritize network traffic for gaming and offer low latency and high-speed internet connectivity. Some popular routers pro gamers use include ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700, and TP-Link Archer C5400X.
Are Gaming Routers Compatible With Your Gaming Console?
Yes, gaming routers are generally compatible with gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Gaming routers typically use standard network protocols and interfaces, such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet, which most gaming consoles support. To connect your gaming console to a gaming router, you can use an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. For the best performance and low latency, using an Ethernet cable to connect your console directly to the router is recommended.
Are Gaming Routers Upgradable?
Gaming routers are becoming increasingly upgradable in order to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape of gaming. As such, these devices offer users many benefits, including faster connection speeds and increased range compared to traditional wireless routers.
What Does the Best Budget Gaming Router Offer?
Regarding gaming, a budget router may not offer the same level of performance as high-end routers designed specifically for gaming. However, some budget routers can still provide a decent gaming experience. The best budget routers for gaming typically offer fast Wi-Fi speeds, reliable connectivity, and low latency.
Is a Gaming Router Overkill?
Whether or not a gaming router is overkill depends on your specific needs and usage. A gaming router may be worth the investment if you’re a serious gamer who values a smooth and responsive gaming experience. However, a standard router may be sufficient for your needs if you’re a casual gamer who only plays occasionally.
Conclusion
As technology and gaming continue advancing, gamers need to find the best gaming routers to keep up with the latest trends. When selecting a router, key features include compatibility, wireless range, upgradability, and parental control options. After researching these factors thoroughly, gamers should be able to select a router that meets their budget and needs. Investing in a good quality gaming router that can provide fast speeds and an uninterrupted connection so players can enjoy lag-free gaming sessions is essential. With this knowledge of what makes a great gaming router, anyone will have no problem finding the perfect one.