Best gaming routers: buying guide
If you are a core gamer or in any case a lover of online gaming, you certainly need an optimal and stable Internet connection: something that with your current router, unfortunately, you can not get. You are therefore looking for a router suitable for your needs, but at first glance they all seem the same and the questions arise spontaneously: are gaming routers really different from “normal” routers? What are the technical characteristics that you need to know in order to buy the right one?
Well, you should know that, like PCs, routers also contain more or less performing hardware components and, for this reason, they can prove to be more or less suitable for purposes such as gaming. While playing online, you have to rely on a stable broadband network that can reduce latency times to a minimum to give you the responsiveness you seek in the connected gaming environment.
In this regard, know that in this guide I will explain what are the main specifications of the best gaming routers that you need to know, in order to acquire the knowledge and therefore the autonomy to choose the product that best reflects your gaming needs. If you are ready to get started and maybe find the right product for you (at the end of the guide I will point out some interesting models), keep reading: find everything below! I wish you a good reading and a good choice!
Index
- How to choose the gaming router
- Ports and connections
- Wi-Fi classes, data transfer rates and frequency bands
- Chipset, RAM, CPU, antennas and mesh networking
- Which gaming router to buy
- Best budget gaming routers (up to $ 100)
- Best mid-range gaming routers (up to 250 euros)
- Best high-end gaming routers (over 250 euros)
How to choose the gaming router
There are several aspects to consider to know how to choose the right gaming router for your needs. It is not just a question of aesthetics, but of real technical parameters that will be the direct protagonists of the performance of the network generated by the device.
In the following chapters, therefore, I will illustrate all these characteristics in detail. You will see that, at the end of the reading, you will be able to evaluate and compare the different gaming routers on the market and identify the one that’s right for you.
Ports and connections
The ports and connections are a fundamental aspect to be known in a gaming router. Because you know, the performances guaranteed by a wired connection are always better than those given by a Wi-Fi network.
In this regard, you need to carefully consider the number and type of Ethernet ports on the device. The Ethernet ports, in fact, provide direct access to the network, reducing the latencies that you may encounter contrary to Wi-Fi connectivity and optimizing the stability of the connection.
The Ethernet ports are divided into 4 main bands: the Fast Ethernet port is able to provide a data transfer rate equal to 100 Mbps, the Gigabit Ethernet port that is able to exchange up to 1 Gigabit of data, or 1000 Megabit, per second (it is the most popular standard today). The 10 Gigabit port is capable of transferring up to 10 Gigabits per second, or 10,000 Mbps (very rare in consumer-grade products). Finally, the ports defined as Multi-Gig are those that support all speeds from 100 Mbps up to 5 Gbps.
In the world of online gaming, the wired connection between the PC and the router is the best and most recommended choice compared to a wireless connection, but this choice depends on the “location” of your gaming station with respect to the point where the router is located and on the possibility of having a cance or not to be able to extend an Ethernet cable between the PC and the router.
The USB port of a router can also be very useful. For example, they allow you to connect storage devices ( external hard drives or USB sticks ) or services (e.g. printers or scanners ) and interface them to the network, so that they can be shared with users who use the same network, if necessary.
If you intend to replace your current router that doubles as a modem, you must ensure also that by gaming router you’re interested in supports the connection protocol provided by your ISP ( FTTC, FTTS, FTTE, FTTH or FWA ) or, in the worst hypothesis, you would end up with a performing router that is unable to provide you with Internet access and therefore having to connect it to a modem.
Always on the basis of your Internet supply and the services granted to you by the ISP, carefully consider whether your router needs support for the fixed telephone network and VoIP (optional but important), since not all routers on the market provide physical connections. for traditional phones and VoIP phones.
Wi-Fi classes, data transfer rates and frequency bands
If your gaming station is located several rooms/rooms away from the router, then, even if, as mentioned, this is not an ideal solution, you must also carefully evaluate the Wi-Fi class and the frequency bands supported by the router.
A next-generation Wi-Fi class supports higher data rates than an outdated class. For example: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac class) supports 3.5Gbps speed, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax class) supports more than double the speed, up to 9.6Gbps. But that’s not all, you need to know that a new class of Wi-Fi also means more secure and robust support for multi-connection of multiple devices.
The technology that allows a router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time ( MU-MIMO ) is already in use in modern routers and devices, but Wi-Fi 6, for example, greatly increases it and this is a fundamental fact to evaluate. in case you are aware that other users besides you may be using the Wi-Fi connections while you are engaged with online gaming. The combination of MU-MIMO and the latest Wi-Fi class is the winning choice if you intend to play online gaming over Wi-Fi.
A new class may also include new technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6 is made so special compared to previous classes thanks to OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology which allows you to get the most out of every transmission that carries a Wi -Fi from the router to the connected wireless devices.
The radio frequency bands used by Wi-Fi routers are the classic 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band and the more recent 6 GHz band (still difficult to find in a router intended for the consumer sector). You need to know that each gang has its pros and cons that can positively or negatively affect the online gaming experience. The 2.4 GHz band is able to reach long distances, useful if your gaming station is far from the router, but is busy with interference due to the presence of more and more wireless devices that make use of this frequency. In addition, it guarantees data transfer rates that are significantly lower than 5GHz or 6GHz networks.
In dual band routers the 5 GHz band takes over, compatible from the Wi-Fi 5 standard to the following ones. This allows you to access a higher data transfer speed and avoid interference encountered by the 2.4 GHz band. However, there is a tighter coverage limit, ie the 5 GHz band can cover a smaller wireless area, it is easily stopped by walls and furniture (especially if made of wood) and requires that the Wi-Fi antenna of your PC or your gaming devices are compatible with that frequency (not all computers are compatible with 5 GHz networks).
In the most modern upcoming dual band routers you will also find the 6 GHz band, compatible with the Wi-Fi 6E standard which quadruples the total space available for traditional Wi-Fi and the wider spectrum allows the signals to stay faster and longer. stronger than those we use today even in situations of greater traffic.
The latest gaming routers available on the market are able to transmit up to three channels at a time ( tri band ), suitable for those who really do not accept compromises and to be considered where the Internet line provided by the ISP was equal to or greater than 30 Mbps ( now the minimum required for medium-high level online gaming).
Chipset, RAM, CPU, antennas and mesh networking
The beating heart of a gaming router is the ecosystem of hardware components designed to manage all the services and functions of the same: chipset, RAM, CPU and antennas are directly responsible for the final performance of the device.
The chipset (the one that connects the processor and other router components) is an element to consider and evaluate in cases where you encounter line problems caused by the long distance from the control panel. In other circumstances, one chipset doesn’t make much difference to another, but in cases like this you might keep in mind some brands like Broadcom and Infineon (chipset makers) who favor router stability and speed even in more stubborn situations.
The CPU (i.e. processor) and RAM of a router are very important, especially when you want to strain them during prolonged gaming sessions. In case you also use the network for streaming, P2P programs, multimedia file sharing and have multiple devices connected in the network, a good CPU and a good amount of RAM memory are essential to manage traffic with fluency, stability and speed.
A traditional router put under stress by multi connections, prolonged gaming sessions and combined streaming, could run into slowdowns due to the inadequacy of the hardware and therefore also to any momentary blocks; consequences that you definitely cannot tolerate during an important gaming session.
The antennas are another important component. Typically gaming routers will be equipped with external antennas, excellent for amplifying the signal and also equipped with optimization technology of the same compared to traditional routers. Antennas play a fundamental role especially where circumstances force you to play online via Wi-Fi network and not via a network cable. In this regard, you may be interested in my tutorial on how to connect antennas to the router.
One method for extending the reach of your home network is through mesh networking, a system supported by some of the most modern routers that allows you to have a single network. Unlike the expansion of the network through Wi-Fi repeaters, the various satellites communicate using a dedicated radio channel and when switching from one network to another there is no interruption or loss of power.
Which gaming router to buy
Now that you have a little clearer ideas about the main features of a gaming router, let’s see together which gaming router to buy and take a closer look at some of the main items available on the market.
Best budget gaming routers (up to $ 100)
If your budget is tight but still want to consider replacing your traditional router with a better performing router for gaming, then let’s take a look at some of the best budget gaming routers.
Huawei WS5200 AC1200
This Huawei router is certainly a must in the economic range, thanks to its price below 50 euros and the ability to access Gigabit speeds even via wireless. The Huawei WS5200 AC1200 model does not offer an integrated modem, but supports dual band and manages a data transfer rate of 1200 Mbps (of which 900Mbps on the 5GHz band). The physical ports are of the Gigabit Ethernet type, while the Wi-Fi is spread throughout the room through four amplified antennas.
Tent AC19 – AC2100
The Tenda brand has been very successful in these years and fifths, to remain among the low-end routers, I propose the Tenda AC19 – AC2100 , a dual band modem router with 4 powerful antennas able to offer you a data transfer rate equal to 300 Mbps in 2.4 GHz and 17,333 Mbps in 5 GHz with the Wi-Fi 5 standard. To conclude the mini work, there are the 4 rear Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB input.
Huawei Wi-Fi AX3
Another router without a modem, but with transfer speeds from a medium-high range model. All at a price of less than 100 euros. This model is Wi-Fi 6 compatible, and offers a data transfer rate of 3000Mbps on the 2.4GHz (574Mbps) and 5GHz (2402Mbps) bands thanks to its four amplified antennas. It supports up to 128 devices at the same time, and Wi-Fi 6 support allows you to take advantage of the maximum transmission speed guaranteed by the latest generation smartphones and tablets.
D-Link DIR-X1860
The D-Link DIR-X1860 is a very attractive low-end modem router. It includes dual band technology with support for the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which guarantees transfer speeds in the 300 Mbps band in 2.4 GHz and 1800 Mbps in 5 GHz thanks to 4 powerful omnidirectional antennas. On the back there are 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports but it does not have USB inputs.
Xiaomi AX3600
The best budget router you can buy right now, especially if you want top performance and latencies, is the Xiaomi AX3600. It can be found under 100 euros, for a model capable of generating a 3.6Gbps network on the 2.4 and 5GHz bands via Wi-Fi 6 protocol, of which 2976Mbps only for connection to the 5GHz band. It can be managed via the web or via smartphone, and also has four Gigabit Ethernet ports that ensure maximum connection stability. The modem is not integrated.
Best mid-range gaming routers (up to 250 euros)
If you want to up the ante and consider a good middle ground between quality and price, then here are some of the best mid-range gaming routers.
Netgear Nighthawk R8000
The Netgear Nighthawk R8000 is a tri band router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 5 GHz) made for coverage of very large homes. Externally you can immediately notice 6 powerful omnidirectional antennas designed to amplify the radio signal which is able to offer you a data transfer rate of 600 Mbps in 2.4 GHz and up to 1300 Mbps in 5 GHz. In the rear you find 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections and two USB inputs for multimedia sharing.
ASUS RT-AX82U
The ASUS RT-AX82U is a mid-range dual band gaming router, accessible at a very attractive price. It supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard and is capable of giving you a transfer rate in 5 GHz equal to 4804 Mbps. (574 Mbps in 2.4 GHz). Externally you can find 4 powerful omnidirectional antennas and the Aurora RGB light, which is the ASUS colored LED system. On the back side you will find a USB input and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
D-Link DIR-X5460
The D-Link DIR-X5460 is a mid-range gaming router with dual band technology and support for the Wi-Fi 6 standard. The 2.4 GHz band is able to offer a transfer speed of 600 Mbps while the band 5 GHz allows you to transfer data up to 4800 Mbps. Externally it is equipped with 6 powerful omnidirectional antennas and on the back it is equipped with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB inputs.
Netgear Orbi RBK50
With the name of Netgear Orbi is represented one of the best families of routers based on mesh networking system, designed for those who have to cover a large environment effectively through many satellites scattered over the surface. This set that I suggest is composed of a three-band router equipped with 4 Gigabit ports to be connected to the ADSL modem or to the Fiber, while the satellite unit can be used to further expand the range of the network, which can once again be expanded adding more additional satellites. Even the satellites boast 4 Gigabit ports and one USB, with the network that can reach a speed of 1733 Mbps via Wi-Fi 5. The same family also has a more advanced and advanced version, with support for Wi-Fi 6.
AVM FRITZ! Box 7590
AVM Fritz! Box 7590 is a model whose main strengths are its reliability and performance. Refined design and granite performance make it a must among gamers, and beyond. It supports Wi-Fi 5 connectivity ensuring a maximum data transfer speed of 2533 Mbps (of which 1733Mbps on the 5GHz band) and implements various advanced features also thanks to the presence of the integrated modem. For maximum connection stability it offers four Gigabit-type ports, along with two USB 3.0. The antennas are integrated into the body, for a router that can be flaunted as if it were a furnishing accessory
Best high-end gaming routers (over 250 euros)
If budget isn’t an issue for you, then check out some of the best high-end gaming routers that deliver uncompromising performance.
TP-Link Archer C5400X
The TP-Link Archer C5400X is a powerful tri band router (Wi-Fi 6) with a quad-core processor designed to give the maximum not to one but to all users connected at the same time. With 8 powerful omnidirectional antennas it is able to offer a wireless data transfer speed of 1000 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2167 Mbps x2 on the 5GHz band. In the back you can find 2 USB inputs and 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 is a powerful dual band (Wi-Fi 6) router with a tri-core processor designed for latency-free gaming and extended streaming. The data transfer rate is 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 4800 Mbps on the 5GHz band. In the outer casing you can see 4 powerful omnidirectional antennas and in the back there is a USB input and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
If budget is not an issue and your passion for gaming comes first, this is the article for you. The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is the router designed for core gamers equipped with a powerful quad-core processor, the tri band router manages to offer you minimum latencies and a data transfer rate equal to 1148 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and well 4804 Mbps x2 on 5 GHz. Externally it is adorned with 8 omnidirectional antennas and in the back you find two USB inputs, a 2.5 Gbps Multi-Gig Ethernet port and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
NETGEAR RAX120
One of the best gaming routers ever, with support for Wi-Fi 6 and the ability to manage 12 streams at maximum power up to 6 Gbps of overall speed and a total of 30 devices at the same time. This is an AX6000 router designed for maximum performance, with a list price that for many can be excessive. However, it guarantees a connection speed of 1200Mbps in 2.4GHz and 4800Mbps in 5GHz, and is designed to cover large spaces without the need to combine accessory satellites (it is however possible to do so to extend the range with additional compatible devices).
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