The 5 Best Gaming Routers Reviewed

Gamers are always obsessed with the latest tech that can improve their gaming experience for good reasons. Today’s games require the best graphics cards, gaming keyboards, impressive RAMs, etc., to guarantee a lag-free gaming experience. These hardware components are designed to improve speed and facilitate overall better performance.

These days, online gaming’s rise necessitates fast internet connections to prevent buffering, skips, and lags mid-gaming. As such, many major router manufacturers now offer dedicated gaming routers specifically designed to deliver rock-solid connections throughout your entire gaming session.

Why Do You Need A Good Gaming Router?

A good gaming router has better Quality of Service (QoS) features than your regular router. Therefore, it prioritizes data packets for your specific connected devices. This way, your gaming PC or console takes precedence over any other devices using the network, so you don’t have to worry about other connected devices around the home robbing you of enough bandwidth necessary for smooth performance.
A gaming router with ample QoS can also deliver high-end graphics and game audio to ensure that you can enjoy the game the way it was designed to be experienced.
Competing with other people online may leave your network susceptible to invasion from hackers and other nefarious online forces. Many good gaming routers have advanced security options like VPN compatibility that secure your network.

Best Gaming Routers

The many benefits gaming routers provide necessitates that gamers put much time and effort into choosing suitable ones to guarantee smooth gaming. Luckily, there are many options to select from. Here are some of the best gaming routers available today:

1. ASUS ROG Rapture

The ASUS GT AC5300 ROG Rapture is a tri-band gaming router that delivers a premium 4K streaming and gaming experience. When combined, the absolute maximum Wi-Fi speed potential is 5300Mbps for all 3 frequencies. It’s powered by a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU and has 8 GB LAN ports to support multiple devices. Also included are two super speedy USB 3.0 ports together with a WAN port, 1GB of RAM and a hefty 256 MB of flash memory.

It also has advanced network monitoring and Quality of Service (QoS) features, allowing you to prioritize internet service to individual clients in the network. The router features Ai-Protection Pro, a top-notch intrusion prevention system powered by TrendMicro to offer free life-time built-in protection against online threats. What’s more, it can be set up with other Ai-mesh routers to deliver superb performance and cope with extreme tasks like 4K streaming anywhere around the home.

ASUS GT- AC5300 ROG Rapture is worth considering for a wide range of benefits. Firstly, it offers the fastest Wi-Fi on the 5GHz frequency. Its impressive hardware can also handle many clients simultaneously. Gamers who want the minimum latency in games can also benefit from several useful features that allow for this. Additionally, you have plenty of advanced options to configure how your router should work. You can also control your router from your smartphone as it works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT applets and enjoys several excellent features for VPN connections.

It also has built-in analysis and troubleshooting tools, which are helpful when dealing with problems. Finally, the built-in Ai-Protection Pro powered by Trend Micro Technology is one of the best security protections available on the market.

ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi Gaming Router (GT-AC5300) - Tri Band Gigabit Wireless Router, Quad-Core CPU, WTFast Game Accelerator, 8 GB Ports, AiMesh Compatible, Included Lifetime Internet Security

Tri-band (dual 5 GHz, single 2.4 GHz) AC5300 wireless router with the latest 802.11ac 4x4 MU-MIMO technology for maximum throughput (5334 Mbps) and coverage (up to 5,000 sq. ft.)
1.8GHz 64bit Quad-Core processor maximizes data throughput from 8-ports and dual USB 3.0 for optimizing network traffic and connectivity speeds 3. VPN Fusion enables you to run a VPN and ordinary internet connection simultaneously, effectively maximizing your connection speed to gaming servers (available via firmware update)
VPN Fusion enables you to run a VPN and ordinary internet connection simultaneously, effectively maximizing your connection speed to gaming servers (available via firmware update). WAN Connection Type-Internet connection type- Automatic IP, Static IP, PPPoE(MPPE supported), PPTP, L2TP
Game IPS Powered by Trend Micro provides multi-stage protection for your gaming network from external attacks and threats, neutralizing them before they reach your network or devices.Power supply:AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz),DC Output : 19 V with max. 3.42 A current
ROG Game Dashboard gives you access to exclusive features like Game Boost, Game IPS, VPN Fusion, and route-optimized low ping time gaming servers using WTFast Gamers Private Network (GPN) – all to help you optimize your gaming network

2. TP-Link Archer C54000X

Gamers looking for a super-fast gaming router that’ll optimize their bandwidth to eliminate network lag will undoubtedly find the perfect solution in the TP-Link Archer C54000X. It has eight large removable red and black antennas and eight gigabit LAN ports (two of which can be configured for link aggregation). The C54000X has 128Mb of storage space for settings and software. It runs on a 1.8GHz quad-core processor with three secondary co-processing cores and 1GB of RAM; this facilitates easy execution of multiple applications with instant response. It also has incredible tri-band Wi-Fi speeds over the 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands. You can dedicate one band to gaming while the other two deliver top speed Wi-Fi to the rest of the home. Its RangeBoost feature also provides a far-reaching Wi-Fi range, strengthening reception quality even for far away devices.

TP-Link Archer C54000x’s biggest fans report its good overall performance across-the-board. It also has an integrated 8-port Gigabit switch. Additionally, it provides adequate online protection, with a built-in protection feature powered by TrendMicro, protecting the entire network in real-time against online threats. The C5400X’s parental control features are also top-notch, allowing you to filter online content on one or more clients based on customizable categories. Its far-reaching Wi-Fi range is also effective, guaranteeing solid signal strength and reliable connectivity even far away. What’s more, it has a fast 5GHz throughput, is easy to set up and configure, and has robust management and QoS features, making it an excellent choice if you can afford it.

Sale

TP-Link AC5400 Tri Band WiFi Gaming Router(Archer C5400X) – MU-MIMO Wireless Router, 1.8GHz Quad-Core 64-bit CPU, Game First Priority, Link Aggregation, 16GB Storage, Airtime Fairness

JD Power Award- Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017 and 2019
Wi-Fi Router Made for Gamers: Leading edge 1.8 GHz 64 bit Quad-core CPU and 1G RAM accelerates loading
8 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port, with Link Aggregation, you can team two ports to double connection speed
AC5400 Tri-band Wi-Fi over one 2.4 GHz (1000Mbps) and two 5 GHz bands (2167Mbps), dedicate one band to gaming traffic.
MU-MIMO and AirTime Fairness maximize total throughput and response rates.

3. NETGEAR Nighthawk XR500

Netgear’s Nighthawk XR500 Pro is a dual-band AC2600 router with four LAN ports and one WAN port, making it easy to hardwire your devices for faster connectivity. It packs a dual-core 1.7 GHz processor, streamlining wired and wireless performance. The Nighthawk XR500 Pro’s 2.6Gbps connection is evidence of its lightning-fast Wi-Fi technology, and its multi-user capability ensures that your Wi-Fi speeds remain high even if multiple users are streaming.

Also, it has four high-performance antennas that facilitate better coverage and faster speeds with minimal interference. Additionally, it provides 15 additional 5Ghz channels to ensure an interference-free gaming experience. Its DumaOS Gaming software also allows for geo-fencing, congestion control, ping heatmaps, application QoS, among others.

Users report that the Netgear NightHawk XR500 Pro is swift and delivers speed consistently. Also, gamers have great control with many options to reduce lag, stabilize ping, and ensure local connections when gaming on consoles. This gaming router also has a low-latency design, a very informative dashboard with pop-up screens explaining in detail what each setting does. The router’s 2.4GHz range is also impressive.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi Router with 4 Ethernet Ports and Wireless Speeds Up to 2.6 Gbps, AC2600, Optimized for Low Ping

Minimize ping and maximize performance with four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports for lag free, wired connectivity and 1.7 GHz dual core processor network efficiency.Beamforming : Implicit & Explicit Beamforming. LEDs : On/off LED lights option.
Amp up your Wi-Fi with AC2600 dual band router that delivers blazing fast speeds up to 2.6 Gbps
Put your gaming traffic in a designated express lane with advanced quality of service, bypassing network congestion and reducing lag spikes, jumps and jitters
Make every millisecond count by using Geo filtering to connect to the closest servers and players so you can respond and dominate
Monitor your network and game ping in real time so you can see who’s hogging the bandwidth by device and application

4. ASUS GT- AC2900

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC2900 is a Wi-Fi 5 dual-band router that supports maximum data transfer rates of 2,167Mbps on its 5Ghz network and up to 750Mbps on its 2.4Ghz network. It features triple-level game acceleration, optimizing your online game packets from the game server to your device. It also allows for a seamless cloud gaming experience, facilitating lower ping times and reduced latency. This gaming router has Ai-Protection Pro powered by TrendMicro that neutralizes external threats to your network against external attacks by neutralizing them before they reach your device. It can also be connected to other ASUS Ai-Mesh-compatible routers to form a mesh, providing a strong connection around the home. The GT-AC2900 also has ASUS Aura Lighting, which creates multiple effects for a stylish vibe that you can customize to reflect your network status.

One key benefit of using the GT-AC2900 is that you can manage it remotely using the ASUS Router app available for Android and iOS. It also packs several gaming-oriented features that will excite many gamers. Experts also rate its performance as excellent, as it delivers an 802.11ac performance at up to 10m. The GT-AC 2900 also supports DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), which is quite impressive given that many routers don’t support it. This useful feature allows your router to use less congested channels, mainly reserved for government services. As such, you enjoy better Wi-Fi performance. It also has dedicated gaming ports and allows for link aggregation.

ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi Gaming Router (GT-AC2900) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, AURA RGB, Gaming & Streaming, AiMesh Compatible, Lifetime Internet Security

Triple-level game Accelerator - optimizes your online gaming packets all the way from your PC to the game server..Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 19 V with max. 1.75 A current.
Geforce now recommended router – enjoy an unrivaled cloud gaming experience with no latency.
Aimesh supported - works with Asus AiMesh compatible routers to create a powerful, flexible, seamless whole-home Wi-Fi system.
Front-line network security – Lifetime free AiProtection Pro, Powered by Trend Micro, protects all connected devices from internet threats.
Asus Aura lighting– multiple effects for a stylish vibe while can even be set to reflect the status of your network

5. Speedefy AC2100

The Speedefy AC2100 Smart Wi-Fi Gigabit Router offers a high speed of up to 2100Mbps. This gaming router allows you to connect up to 25 devices without any faltering speed due to the number of connected devices or range. It packs seven powerful antennas and combines dual Wi-Fi bands of 2.4Ghz and 5GHz into one visible signal. Users can select their preferred bands to keep their devices connected at top speeds. It also has a dual-core CPU that reduces buffering and facilitates top-speed gaming, browsing, and video streaming. It’s also IPv6 enabled, guaranteeing a secure and reliable connection by protecting your network from hacks and safeguarding your data and privacy. The Speedefy AC2100 also packs 4*4 MU-MIMO Technology, which enables you to:

easily game online
watch movies in 4K
share large files with minimal lag

The Speedefy AC2100 Smart Wi-Fi Router is cloud-enabled, so you can manage the device’s operation remotely using a smartphone, tablet, etc. It’s also easy to install, as you have to go through a simple one-step installation process that takes about five minutes. The router’s easy-to-manage app and web user interface also allow for convenience, based on your preferred settings. Users report that Speedefy lives up to its name regarding speed, saying that the 5Ghz band will enable you to maximize your internet connection without even being too close to the router.

Additionally, you are guaranteed safe and secure browsing, as it’s equipped with WPA2 protocols. It also has various advanced features like parental control, allowing you to manage your children’s internet access effectively. You can also create isolated guest networks to ensure your home network’s security. Finally, it’s a budget-friendly option compared to similar alternatives.

Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router for Home & Gaming, 4x4 MU-MIMO, 7x6dBi External Antennas for Strong Signal, Parental Control, Support IPv6 (Model K7)

Outstanding Wireless Speed: Speedefy K7 smart wireless router supports 2100M (1733Mbps/5GHz + 300Mbps/2.4GHz) dual band gigabit WiFi. Dual cores CPU reduces buffering and provides high speed web browsing, video streaming and gaming.
Excellent and Powerful Signal: Cutting-edge 7*6dBi external Antennas, 4*4 MU-MIMO, delivers powerful signal, coverage every corner of the room.
Simple Setup, Easy Management: One-Stop installation is easily achieved in 5 mins. App or web interface management brings more convenience for preference setting.
Safeguard Security of Your Internet: Complete WPA2 protocols ensure internet security, detect and prevent risks from internet in real time, keep your WiFi stable and secure.
Various Advanced Features: Parental control manages your kids' internet access; Accelerate WiFi helps to quickly optimize your internet; Guest network separates own information from others’.