Need For Speed: The 5 Best Routers for Gaming
We've all been there: you're in the middle of a heated gaming session, about to capture the enemies flag or open that lost treasure chest, when your wifi connection begins to lag. It's one of the most frustrating things about online gameplay, but it's not an inevitability. In fact, you can help minimize those frustrations with one of these top gaming routers, which are specially designed to increase connection speeds and optimize performance for connected gaming devices. Our best budget gaming router picks offer some of the most advanced features on the market today, from MU-MIMO data streaming to beamforming.
Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500
A truly state-of-the-art gaming router
As its name suggests, the Nighthawk Pro XR500 was designed for gaming — intense, high-energy, professional-level gaming. It’s one of the most advanced models out there, full of features that represent the cutting-edge of what a gaming router can do. There’s MU-MIMO, allowing for simultaneous — as opposed to sequential — data streaming to multiple clients.
There’s also beamforming, which focuses the connection directly at your device, increasing efficiency and range. It even allows for geo-filtering, which uses your location to link up with the closest servers in your area and ensures the fastest connection possible. That’s all on top of the usual specs that any gaming router worth its mettle should have, such as multiple ethernet ports, dual-band wifi, and a gaming dashboard that allows you to monitor connection speeds in real-time.
Pros:
- Fast 1.7GHz dual-core processor
- 2 USB 3.0 ports
- Comes with Nitehawk app for easy mobile management
Cons:
- Only 4 external antennas
- A little expensive
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
An unrivaled speed demon
It’s huge, it’s pricey, and it’s ugly (debately). But for those looking for a pro-grade gaming router that is all but guaranteed not to slow you down while you’re in the heat of battle, the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is it. This behemoth comes with a huge range of game-specific features that are difficult to find on more conventional routers, such as tri-band wifi, so you can separate your gameplay traffic from other wifi connections; mesh network compatibility, which allows you to link up with other routers and increase the wifi coverage in large homes; and built-in ASUS AiProtection, which automatically neutralizes threats from hackers and viruses. It also supports GameForce V, which optimizes other ROG devices to ensure your gameplay is prioritized over other activity.
Pros:
- Super fast 1.8 GHz quad-core processor
- 8 large wifi antennas extend wifi range
- Supports gaming private networks
Cons:
- Very large footprint
- Not the most attractive design
TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band
The swiss-army knife of routers
Whether you’re using it for gaming, at the office, or as your everyday home router, the TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band is sure to satisfy users who are looking for a reliable — and fast — connection. It has three different wifi bands, including one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz, so you can keep your gaming traffic separate from regular computer and cellphone activity.
It also has a whopping 8 ethernet ports — nearly twice as many as most other routers — for hard-wiring all the gaming devices in your home. It’s even compatible with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, so you can do things like enable and disable the guest network from across the room.
Pros:
- 3 co-processors backed up by 1 GB RAM
- MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness mode juggles various connections
- VPN client support secures your data
Cons:
- Can be difficult to set up
- Not as many gaming-centric features as similar options
Linksys WRT32XB
Xbox One lovers take note
If your console of choice happens to be Xbox One, there’s hardly a better choice than the Linksys WRT32XB. While it’s neither the fastest nor feature-rich model out there, it does come with several unique advantages that can enhance gaming on Microsoft’s console.
For one thing, it automatically recognizes and seamlessly synchronizes with your Xbox, helping you get your gaming sessions up and running at faster speeds. For another, its Killer Prioritization mode helps isolate and accelerate gaming traffic above other activity in the home, which the company says can reduce peak ping times by up to 65 percent.
Pros:
- Sleek black design with stylish blue LED lighting
- Fast eSATA port for connecting shared network storage devices
- Intuitive UI dashboard lets you monitor activity
Cons:
- Not great for other consoles
- Not as fast as similar models
D-Link Exo AC2600
Fast wifi at a surprisingly affordable price
While it isn’t marketed specially as a gaming router, the D-Link Exo AC2600 offers a handful of advanced tools that are rarely found on routers in this price range. There’s MU-MIMO for connecting with several devices simultaneously, intelligent QoS for optimizing those connections, and even advanced smart beam for strengthening and increasing the range of those connections. Overall, it’s a great choice for busy households where other internet traffic might interfere with your gaming sessions.
Pros:
- Small footprint with a low profile design
- Great range even with 4 antennas
- 2 USB ports
Cons:
- No gaming-specific features
- Only dual-band
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a gaming routers different from regular wireless routers?
Gaming routers often come with specific features and tools designed to optimize and protect your gaming traffic. Those can include lag and latency-minimizing software, intelligent quality of service, or built-in hacker and threat protection.
What should I look for in a great gaming router?
At the very least, gaming routers should include the latest in wifi-enhancing technology, such as MU-MIMO, intelligent QoS, and beamforming. Ideally, the best gaming routers, will also offer dual or even tri-band connections, so you can separate your gaming traffic from the rest of the activity in the room or house.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.