Products at a Glance
How we picked the best routers for gaming
When writing this best of, we particularly focused on Wifi speed and gaming optimization options. When weighing up the differences in routers, we noticed that the top contenders had bandwidth optimization options. This means gamers can choose which devices get bandwidth priority. After taking all these factors into consideration – here’s our pick of stand-out gaming routers.
Product Reviews
- Customizable for your gaming needs
- Good security controls
- Expensive
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is arguably one of the best high-end Wifi 6 routers designed specifically for gamers and their gaming needs. This tri-band router allows users to have complete control over their gaming bandwidth. TP-Link’s Tether app allows users to customize their web preferences – these preferences can be further customized over on the web console which features a ‘Game Centre’ specifically designed to allow users to maximize their gaming experience. Importantly, this panel can be used to assign specific devices with bandwidth priority.
Whilst the TP-Link Archer AX11000 features incredibly speedy throughput and file transfer capabilities, it also features thorough security services. The ‘Game Protector’ option allows users to control the router’s parental and anti-malware controls. This service is offered as life-long protection and does not cost users any more, unlike many other routers on the market. In essence, the TP-Link Archer AX11000 allows gamers to have an incredibly high degree of control over their Wifi settings, optimizing their preferences to best suit their gaming needs. The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is our number one pick on our list of the best routers for gaming.
- Great app
- Wide signal coverage
- Clunky design
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro is packed with features optimized for gaming. Top speeds are provided by a 10Gbps LAN/WAN port and 1Gbps LAN ports. The router is powered by a powerful 2GHz quad-core CPU as well as 256 MB of flash memory. The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro’s features can be optimized over on the Asus Router mobile app, which offers multiple settings designed to enhance gameplay. With a strong, gamer-friendly interface, the mobile app allows you to assign bandwidth prioritization. Similarly, users can keep their eyes on traffic, and wireless clients and control the router light settings.
Asus provide us with a significantly robust security option. The ‘Family’ button allows users access to parental controls and create profiles for individual family members, blocking websites displaying adult content. The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro also provides us with wide signal coverage coming from its 8 fixed antennas, and the option to configure a mesh network. All things considered, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro is an incredibly capable gaming router, capable of high speeds, extensive gaming optimization controls, and a robust security system. The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro is clearly one of the best routers for gaming.
- Game Centre
- Gaming optimized
- Bulky
The TP-Link Archer GX-90 AX6600 is a powerful three-band Wifi 6 router designed specifically to perform to the high standard required for online gaming. This makes it a strong contender on our list of the best routers for gaming, and arguably of the best budget routers full stop. Its user-friendly interface (‘Game Center’) lets users optimize their Wifi features. Optimization options allow users to check latency in real time, optimize connections and protect their network from malware.
The router is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and can hit maximum data rates of 1201Mbps on one of the 5GHz bands and 4804Mbps on the second 5GHz band, adding up to a grand total of 6600Mbps. The second 5GHz band can be dedicated as a channel to support purely gaming traffic. The TP-Link Archer GX-90 AX6600 is an incredibly high-performing gaming router, designed specifically for gaming needs.
- Wifi 6E
- Sleek design
- Expensive
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is an incredibly speedy router with Wifi 6E capabilities. With support for 2.5 Gigabit/sec ethernet speeds, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is miles ahead of the game. With a user-friendly interface and straightforward setup, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 can be easily controlled through the Nighthawk app, on your mobile device. Advanced network settings can then be tweaked on the web interface
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 does not however offer any parental control options on its security system. Although it does feature robust protection features – Netgear’s Armor, automatically blocks suspicious connections, scans devices for vulnerabilities, and provides excellent malware protection. Whilst the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 may not be specifically designed for gaming like the other routers on this list, its high performance and speed making it a completely adequate router for all your gaming needs.
What to consider when buying a gaming router
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time. This is calculated in Mbps. Assigning more bandwidth to a certain device will allow you to prioritize how much of your available data volume is flowing to your device.
Speed
Speed is the rate at which data is transferred in a network, from source to destination. The faster your router is, the faster you can upload/download data.
Security
A good router will come with a robust security system. This is important in keeping malware away and blocking certain undesirable sites.
Price
Price is certainly a factor when it comes to picking the best router for gaming, but even though there are many premium options out there, you can still bag one of the best budget routers for gaming for less than you’d think. Consider your requirements and how much you really need before throwing down the big bucks!
Coverage
Good internet coverage will mean that your devices will receive good reception throughout your home/office. The further a device is from the source of WiFi, the lesser the signal. However, good coverage can ensure that the signal remains strong even when you’re far from the source.
Do routers make a difference for gaming?
It depends on the extent of your gaming needs. Most online games won’t need incredibly fast connections. However, gaming routers certainly take things to another level. And for devoted gamers who need the highest performance – gaming routers make a difference.
Do gaming routers reduce lag?
Not necessarily – if your ISP is poor, then your connection can be laggy. However, a gaming router will perform as well as possible for your gaming needs, as long as all other factors are in check.
What is the best router for gaming?
Wifi 6 routers with MUMIMO technology are the best routers for gaming as they can focus bandwidth and direct it toward your games console.
Does the type of router you get matter for gaming?
Yes. Different routers have different features, and suit different purposes, depending on your needs – gaming routers have features specifically targeted at gaming needs. There are also modem router combos, WiFI 6e routers, and wireless routers to check out too.
Our Verdict
With a great app interface, the option to give bandwidth priority, and a futuristic design – the TP-Link Archer AX11000 screams gaming. In short, gamers have complete control of their Wifi preferences with this router.