Best Gaming Routers: Finding the Perfect Gaming Router for You
Are you a gamer? Do you have a problem with your internet connection? If so, this list of the best gaming routers is for you. A gaming router is specifically designed to handle the high-bandwidth needs of online gaming.
This list of the best gaming routers will highlight the top options for you when it comes to selecting the perfect gaming router for you. With this list, you can ensure that your internet connection is sharper and more powerful than ever, which means better online gameplay for you.
A few other lists that you might benefit from after reading through this list of the best gaming routers are our lists of the best gaming chairs and best blue light blocking glasses. Both of these lists will help improve your gaming experience even more.
Top 10 Gaming Routers:
1. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
Price: $209.99
About the Gaming Router: The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router built for serious gamers. It delivers speeds up to 10,000 Mbps with dedicated gaming traffic lanes. With a 2.5Gbps WAN port and eight Ethernet ports, it ensures high-speed connections. Customizable game acceleration tools enhance performance.
2. Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500
Price: $267.99
About the Gaming Router: The Netgear XR500 uses DumaOS to offer customizable gaming features like geo-filtering and device prioritization. With powerful QoS, it ensures lag-free online multiplayer gameplay. Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit ports support seamless wired and wireless use. It’s optimized for competitive gamers.
3. TP-Link Archer AX6000
Price: $143.99
About the Gaming Router: The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a powerful Wi-Fi 6 router with eight antennas and 2.5Gbps WAN support. It handles speeds up to 6Gbps and supports multiple devices with MU-MIMO and OFDMA. Perfect for gaming households with high network demand. Strong security features protect your connection.
4. ASUS RT-AC5300
Price: $129.94
About the Gaming Router: The ASUS RT-AC5300 delivers up to 5,300 Mbps through tri-band technology. It supports MU-MIMO and has built-in security with AiProtection. Ideal for gamers looking for wide coverage and stable speeds. Its Game Boost mode reduces latency during play.
5. Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router
Price: $399.99
About the Gaming Router: The Linksys WRT32X uses the Killer Prioritization Engine to detect and prioritize gaming traffic. It reduces lag and provides consistent, low-latency performance. With Wi-Fi 5 and advanced firmware, it’s great for large homes. It integrates easily with Killer-enabled gaming PCs.
6. Netgear Nighthawk XR1000
Price: $290.00
About the Gaming Router: The Netgear XR1000 offers high-speed Wi-Fi 6 with up to 5.4Gbps throughput. DumaOS 3.0 provides real-time latency reduction tools for competitive edge. A 1.5GHz triple-core processor ensures responsive performance. Ideal for serious gaming setups with multiple devices.
7. D-Link DIR-885L/R
Price: $29.99
About the Gaming Router: The D-Link DIR-885L/R is an affordable dual-band router supporting Wi-Fi 5 and speeds up to 2,200 Mbps. It includes MU-MIMO and QoS to optimize gaming traffic. Four Ethernet ports allow for solid wired connections. A budget-friendly choice for light gaming.
8. TP-Link Archer AX73
Price: $94.88
About the Gaming Router: The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a sleek Wi-Fi 6 router supporting up to 5,400 Mbps. It’s ideal for families or gamers using multiple devices at once. Features like MU-MIMO and beamforming ensure stable, fast connections. Strong value for both casual and serious gamers.
9. ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000
Price: $73.99
About the Gaming Router: The ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 offers stable and fast Wi-Fi 6 with a rugged design. It features a 2.5Gbps port and lifetime AiProtection Pro security. Gaming features reduce ping and protect your connection. A durable router built for heavy network loads.
10. Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6
Price: $219.00
About the Gaming Router: The Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6 provides seamless mesh coverage with high-speed connectivity. It’s designed for both professional use and home gaming. Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster load times and lower latency. Great for large homes needing reliable coverage.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Gaming Routers
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 – Best Overall Gaming Router
The ASUS GT-AX11000 is our top pick thanks to its unbeatable combination of tri-band Wi-Fi 6, game-specific features, and ultra-fast speeds. With 10,000 Mbps performance and customizable QoS, it’s built for hardcore gamers. Its Game Radar and acceleration features give you a real-time advantage.
Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 – Best for Customization and Control
For gamers who want total control over their network, the XR500 stands out. Its DumaOS firmware allows for geo-filtering, device prioritization, and traffic monitoring. This level of customization ensures consistently low ping and smooth online gameplay for competitive sessions.
TP-Link Archer AX6000 – Best Gaming Router for Families
If you game in a household with lots of connected devices, the Archer AX6000 is a strong contender. It offers Wi-Fi 6 speeds, MU-MIMO support, and robust parental controls. Great for gamers who need bandwidth without sacrificing performance for others on the network.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gaming Routers
What makes a gaming router different from a regular router?
Gaming routers are built to reduce lag, prioritize gaming traffic, and handle high-bandwidth applications. They often include Quality of Service (QoS) settings, advanced firmware, and low-latency processing. These features ensure a stable, faster gaming experience compared to standard routers.
Is Wi-Fi 6 worth it for gaming?
Yes, Wi-Fi 6 is a significant upgrade for gaming, especially in high-traffic homes. It offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in device-dense environments. Routers like the ASUS TUF AX3000 or Netgear XR1000 are perfect examples of Wi-Fi 6’s benefits for gamers.
Do I need a gaming router if I use a wired connection?
While wired connections are generally more stable, gaming routers still offer advantages like traffic prioritization, better security, and low-latency processing. Features like dedicated gaming ports and powerful processors make a difference even for wired gamers.
How important is QoS in a gaming router?
Quality of Service (QoS) is crucial for reducing lag by prioritizing gaming traffic over other activities like video streaming or file downloads. Routers like the Linksys WRT32X and Netgear XR500 use advanced QoS to keep your gameplay smooth even during peak internet use.
Tips for Choosing the Best Gaming Router for You
Choose the Right Speed and Bandwidth
Look for a router that supports speeds above 3,000 Mbps, especially if you’re playing fast-paced games or streaming in 4K. Tri-band routers offer more flexibility for dividing traffic and improving performance during intense sessions.
Consider Future-Proofing with Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 routers provide enhanced speed, capacity, and reduced latency, especially when multiple devices are connected. If you plan to game for years to come, models like the TP-Link AX73 or Netgear XR1000 will keep your setup current.
Don’t Overlook Security Features
Gaming routers often include advanced security tools like AiProtection Pro, firewalls, and automatic updates. These features help protect against cyberattacks and DDoS threats, keeping your gaming and personal data safe.
Look for Customization and Control
Advanced gamers benefit from features like geo-filtering, customizable QoS, and traffic monitoring. Routers with DumaOS or ASUS’s Game Dashboard give you control over your gaming experience. They help reduce ping and ensure your connection stays consistent.
Think About Your Space and Setup
If you live in a larger home, consider routers with strong range or mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6. For multi-device households or shared gaming setups, prioritize routers with multiple Ethernet ports and powerful processors.
Best Gaming Routers Conclusion
If you are a gamer, we strongly recommend that you consider investing in one of these routers. They will help improve your gaming experience and they can also help improve your internet speeds.
Which, of course, will allow you to take your gaming to the next level, and allow you to have more fun and success online.
If you have tried any of these gaming routers before, we would love to hear your feedback below in the comments.
