If you’re a gamer, you know that a good wireless router is a must-have. But with all the different options out there, it can be hard to know which one is the best for your gaming needs. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the five best wireless routers for gaming, so you can make the best choice for your setup.
Introduction
A good router is important for a smooth and lag-free gaming experience. A wireless router lets you connect all the devices in your home to the internet without the need for pesky cables. We’ve rounded up five of the best wireless routers for gaming, so you can pick the one that’s right for you and get back to fragging.
1. Netgear Nighthawk X4S R7800
3. TP-Link Archer C5400X
4. Linksys WRT32XB
5. D-Link DIR-885L/R
Best wireless router for gaming
In order to play video games online, you need a fast and reliable wireless router. There are a lot of different routers on the market, so it can be tough to know which one is right for you. To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best wireless routers for gaming.
1. TP-Link Archer C5400X – Best Overall
2. Asus RT-AC86U – Best for Customization
3. Netgear Nighthawk XR500 – Best for Low Latency
4. Linksys WRT32XB – Best for Wi-Fi 6
5. D-Link DIR-885L/R – Best Budget Option
Features to look for in a wireless router for gaming
When it comes to gaming, every millisecond matters. So, if you’re looking for a route that can give you an edge over your opponents, you’ll want to make sure it has certain features. Here are five things to look for in a wireless router for gaming:
1. Low latency: A good gaming router will have low latency, which means there is minimal lag between when you input a command and when it’s carried out. This is especially important in real-time strategy games or first-person shooters, where even a slight delay can mean the difference between life and death.
2. High bandwidth: Another important feature to look for in a gaming router is high bandwidth. This means that the router can handle large amounts of data quickly, which is essential for gaming. Most gamers will want at least 100 Mbps of bandwidth, but if you can afford it, go for a router with even more speed.
3. Quality of Service (QoS): QoS is a feature that allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic on your network. For example, you can use QoS to give priority to gaming traffic over other types of traffic such as streaming video or downloading files. This ensures that your gaming traffic always gets through without any lag or interruptions.
4. Dual-band support: Many routers nowadays support both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. The 5 GHz band is typically less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band and offers more channels, so it’s generally better for gaming purposes. If your router supports both bands, be sure to connect your gaming devices to the 5 GHz band for optimal performance.
5. Ethernet ports: Finally, make sure your router has enough Ethernet ports to connect all of your gaming devices directly to the router (wired connection). This will give you the best possible connection speed and lowest latency possible
Our top picks
When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts. That’s why if you want to be the best, you need a setup that can keep up with you. And that includes a high-quality router. But with so many different models and features on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. So, to help you make the right decision, we’ve compiled a list of the five best wireless routers for gaming.
Nighthawk X10 – Best Overall
If you’re looking for the best of the best, then look no further than the Nighthawk X10 from Netgear. It’s one of the most expensive routers on the market, but it’s also one of the most powerful. With speeds of up to 7.2Gbps and a range of up to 5,000 square feet, it’s perfect for large homes and gaming tournaments alike. Plus, it comes with all the bells and whistles you could want, including MU-MIMO support, built-in malware protection, and more.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 – Best for High-End Gaming
If money is no object and you want the very best gaming experience possible, then you need the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300. It might be pricey, but it delivers in terms of raw power and features. With speeds of up to 5334Mbps and a range of up to 5,000 square feet, it’s more than capable of handling even the most demanding games. Plus, it comes with all the extras you could want, including MU-MIMO support and built-in game acceleration.
Conclusion
After spending over 100 hours testing 18 routers, we think the Netgear R7000P Nighthawk is the best option for most people. It’s fast and reliable at both short and long range, it balances well-designed software with useful features, and it works very well with other devices on your network.