What if we told you that the best gaming routers would ensure your online gaming never gets interrupted? If you spend a lot of time playing best games on pc online, you'll probably run into a huge spike gap sooner or later. And, investing in the best gaming router will help avoid those spikes.
Best Gaming routers prioritize network traffic for your games, courtesy, a neat quality of service (or QoS) feature that helps ensure your gaming session isn't disrupted by your neighbor downloading a game or watching Netflix. You'll also want to keep an eye out for MU-MIMO so that everyone in your house can get some games done without interfering with each other.
- Stretch that router even further with a top wireless extender
Now, wired connections are generally considered the best way to connect your online games, and we totally agree. However, you want to make sure your gaming router is a good router as well. So, not only can the best gaming routers be packed to the brim with Gigabit Ethernet ports, but they also come with the latest wireless standards – currently wifi 5. Having multiple antennas that you can manipulate to increase signal strength doesn't hurt.
Keeping in mind the needs of gamers, we're talking about all the best gaming routers money can buy.
If you're looking for the latest router technology, but you still enjoy that old school design, the TP-Link Archer C5400 B2 might just be the perfect fit. This is one of the best gaming routers that brings together the hotel to offer great services, class features and easy installation, packing them into a package that almost anyone will love. Factor in Alex's support, and you have a router that can adapt to any situation, whether you're trying to win the last match at the Apex of Legends, or you have guests who connect to your network.
Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400 P2
ASUS's RT-AC5300 laptop is one of the best gaming routers out there - it has a range of advanced features that makes online and network gaming lag-free, tear-free and as frustrating as possible. This includes a simple yet powerful interface as well as comprehensive QoS settings. Arachnids look a little amateur, but the eight tendrils have a reason, as they can be used to channel your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, giving your router an impressive range.
Read the full review: ASUS in RT-AC86U
We know we've already reviewed the TP-Link Archer C5400 V2 before, but the manufacturer added an "x" at the end of this model, signifying an extreme performance boost. It's significantly more expensive, but that price is justified, as it could be one of the highest and best gaming routers out there. With eight Ethernet ports on the back, it's ideal for wiring fleet gaming equipment. And, MU-MIMO and tri-band support means wireless connections are also top of the line. You will be the top leaderboard no matter where you are in the house.
Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400X
If you're a hardcore gamer, it can be annoying when your roommates are watching Netflix or downloading their games at the same time. You want to look at something like the XR500 company Kozodoy. Not only does this high-end gaming router deliver surprisingly fast 2.2Gbps speeds, but with MU-MIMO enabled – not to mention unique gaming features like location-based connection filtering and QoS, you can do some gaming all night without hitting a serious LAG Spike. Just be prepared for the high list price and make sure you can deal with such a gamer aesthetic.
Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500
ASUS' RT-AC5300 laptop is a great high-end gaming router that's brimming with tons of impressive features. This includes a lightweight yet powerful interface, on top of a comprehensive QoS settings. The spider-like look isn't for everyone, but the eight tendrils serve a purpose as they can be used to channel your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, making this a great router choice.
Read the full review: ASUS RT-AC5300 Tri-Band Gigabit Router
It may look like he's about to kidnap a close friend or family member, but we promise - your guide to the world of armor and the Z2 AC2600 isn't as alien-featured as it is in appearance. Packing the latest MU-MIMO-enabled that boosts speed when multiple devices are connected to the same network, this gaming router prides itself on its capabilities. Because it can handle multiple devices, while prioritizing bandwidth based on the needs of each device, this is one of the best gaming routers you can buy today.
Read the full review: Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600
The Asus RT-AC88U is an expensive gaming router. However, it justifies the price with the crazy performance of the 802.11 wireless network. Sporting four antennas and NitroQAM Tech that pushes speeds even further, this gaming router delivers wireless performance that can break the 1Gb/s limit. There's a catch - you'll have to grab a NitroQAM wireless adapter like Asus' AC88 to get up to those mighty speeds, but with speeds like that, it's not hard to see why this is one of the best gaming routers available.
It may look like it came straight from the "Battlestar Galactica" - the old Battlestar Galactica - well, the D-Link Deer 885L/R is a reliable mid-range gaming router with great range and speed. If you are looking for the best gaming router, you may want to give this one a try. It comes with a good selection of ports as well as a nicely designed interface. It also boasts DD-WRT on open firmware, making this router as flexible as it is powerful.
Bill Thomas also contributed to this article
- We have also selected the best best WiFi extenders of 2018