Deep into a late-night gaming session with friends, the excitement builds as victory is within reach, only to be shattered by a sudden connection drop. This situation is all too familiar for gamers, highlighting the crucial role a high-quality gaming router plays in your setup. In 2024, the demand for seamless online experiences means that investing in the right router can make all the difference.
This year's gaming routers contain features and possibilities that will please not only a regular gamer but also the most battle-hardened ones. They will provide higher speeds, larger distances, and technologies to reduce lag even with limited connection. Many even have gaming modes that offer different settings for different games and help you prioritize all gaming-related traffic, which means that determining the right router will carry the whole lot for your gaming enjoyment. Here is a look at some of the best gaming routers you can buy in 2024!
Are Gaming Routers Worth it?
To establish whether it is necessary to purchase gaming routers, consider the amount of online gaming you are engaged in and your current internet connection. Upgrading might help if you have experienced lag and disconnections while gaming before. If you are serious about online gaming, then a gaming router's low latency and higher download speeds become very appealing.
A gaming router can also improve your general internet use. With features like Quality of Service (QoS), you can prioritize your gaming device for a better connection. Plus, many gaming routers offer strong security to protect your data while you play. Investing in a gaming router can enhance your gameplay and keep you safe online if you take gaming seriously.
How do Gaming Routers Differ from Regular Routers?
Gaming routers stand out from regular routers in several key ways designed to enhance online gaming experiences. While both routers provide internet access, gaming routers have advanced features that prioritize speed, stability, and performance tailored for gamers.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Gaming routers prioritize gaming traffic over other data, ensuring a smoother connection during intense gaming sessions.
- Higher Bandwidth: They typically support higher bandwidth, which allows for faster download and upload speeds, which is crucial for online gaming and streaming.
- Low Latency: Gaming routers are engineered to minimize latency, reduce lag, and provide a more responsive gaming experience.
- Advanced Security Features: Many gaming routers include enhanced security protocols to protect against DDoS attacks and unauthorized access, keeping your gaming sessions safe.
- Customizable Settings: They often offer more customization options, enabling gamers to tweak settings for optimized performance based on gaming preferences.
- Multiple Antennas: Gaming routers usually have multiple antennas to improve signal strength and coverage, ensuring a strong connection throughout your gaming area.
Important Features to Look for in a Gaming Router
When shopping for a gaming router, knowing what features can significantly enhance your gaming experience is essential. A good gaming router ensures a stable connection and provides options that cater to the unique demands of online gaming. Here are some important features to consider:
- Dual-Band or Tri-Band Support: Look for routers with dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) or tri-band capabilities to reduce congestion and improve performance during online gaming sessions.
- Beamforming Technology: This feature focuses the Wi-Fi signal directly toward your devices, improving range and connection stability.
- Speed and Bandwidth: Choose a router that supports high-speed connections (ideally gigabit speeds) to ensure fast downloads and uploads for gaming and streaming.
- Advanced Security Features: Look for routers with built-in security protocols to protect your gaming accounts and personal information from cyber threats.
- Customization Options: A router that allows customizable settings can let you fine-tune performance to suit your gaming style.
- Multiple Ethernet Ports: Having several Ethernet ports can be beneficial for connecting multiple devices directly, providing a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
- Game-Focused Features: Some gaming routers have built-in features designed specifically for gaming, such as game traffic optimization and device prioritization.
- Firmware Updates: Regular firmware updates ensure your router stays secure and performs optimally, so look for brands that offer easy updating options.
- Mesh Networking Compatibility: If you need to cover a larger area, ensure your router supports mesh networking for seamless coverage throughout your home.
- Design and Heat Management: A router with good heat management and an appealing design can be a bonus, ensuring it performs well without overheating during long gaming sessions.
Best Gaming Router 2024
1. TP-Link AX6000 WiFi 6 Router(Archer AX6000)
A robust option for gamers, the AX6000 delivers speeds up to 6 Gbps with Wi-Fi 6 technology, perfect for eliminating lag during high-bandwidth activities. It features 8 Ethernet ports, offering extensive wired connectivity for multiple devices. Its advanced OFDMA technology ensures efficient data transmission for smoother gaming. Ideal for households with many users and multiple devices, the AX6000 is great for gamers looking for reliable speed and performance. Consider this if you value seamless, high-speed connections.
2. TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router Archer BE550
This future-ready Wi-Fi 7 router is ideal for gamers seeking ultra-fast speeds and low latency. With tri-band support and speeds up to 9.3 Gbps, it's designed to handle demanding online games and large data streams. The multiple Ethernet ports and enhanced signal range suit large homes and heavy device usage. It's perfect for those looking to future-proof their network and enjoy the latest Wi-Fi technology. A solid choice if speed and future readiness are priorities.
3. ASUS RT-AX55 AX1800 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gigabit Router
A budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router, the AX1800 offers solid speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, making it a good choice for gamers on a budget who still want a reliable connection. Its dual-band support and efficient MU-MIMO technology help reduce congestion, ensuring smoother gameplay. It also features AiProtection for network security, a bonus for protecting connected devices. Ideal for small to medium homes, this router is a practical option for casual gamers looking for reliable performance without overspending.
4. TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90)
Built with gamers in mind, this tri-band router offers speeds up to 6.6 Gbps and a dedicated gaming band to minimize interference. With a game accelerator and robust security features, it ensures an optimized gaming experience. The AX6600 is ideal for serious gamers who need consistent high speeds and low latency. Its expansive coverage makes it suitable for larger homes. This router is great if you want a device specifically designed for uninterrupted and lag-free gaming sessions.
5. NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router
Aimed at serious gamers, this router features advanced DumaOS software for precise control over network traffic, reducing lag and boosting speeds. It delivers speeds up to 6 Gbps, making it ideal for competitive gamers who need a stable and fast connection. With support for Wi-Fi 6, it offers improved efficiency for multiple devices. The Nighthawk Pro is a top choice if you value customization and want to optimize your network for gaming. Consider it if low ping and high speeds are your priority.
6. ASUS RT-AX3000 Ultra-Fast Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router
This Wi-Fi 6 router offers speeds up to 3 Gbps, providing a reliable and quick connection for gaming and streaming. AiMesh compatibility can create a whole-home mesh network for larger spaces. Its robust security features and easy-to-use app make managing the network a breeze. It's ideal for medium-sized homes with a moderate number of devices. Choose the RT-AX3000 if you need a well-rounded router that delivers smooth gaming and easy network management.
7. NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (R6700AX) AX1800
A solid choice for casual gamers, this router delivers up to 1.8 Gbps speeds with Wi-Fi 6, making it a good option for a reliable home network. It's built for medium-sized homes and can support multiple connected devices without slowing down. Its affordable price point and solid performance make it a great entry-level choice. This one fits the bill if you're looking for a dependable router for everyday gaming and streaming without breaking the bank.
This high-performance router is designed for gamers who demand fast speeds and low latency. With Wi-Fi 6 and speeds up to 6 Gbps, it easily handles intense online gaming and large file downloads. Its eight LAN ports are perfect for those who need extensive wired connections. The AiProtection security and AiMesh compatibility add extra value. This router is ideal for larger households with multiple gamers or streamers. Opt for the RT-AX88U PRO if speed, security, and coverage are essential.
Offering up to 5.7 Gbps speeds, this dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is tailored for gamers who need fast, reliable connections. It includes a mobile gaming mode for low-latency gameplay and robust security features. The device's easy-to-use interface and extensive coverage make it great for medium to large homes. If you're seeking a router that balances gaming performance with straightforward setup and management, the RT-AX86U Pro is a versatile and powerful option.
10. ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 (1PK) Tri-Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router
This tri-band router is engineered for serious gamers, offering speeds up to 6 Gbps and dedicated gaming ports. It supports mesh networking for larger homes, ensuring seamless coverage throughout. The ROG design and gamer-focused features like game boost and game port make it ideal for reducing lag. Perfect for multi-device households where gaming and streaming are constant, it's a top choice for those who want a powerful router emphasizing gaming performance.
11. TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75)
This router supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, offering access to the less congested 6 GHz band. With speeds up to 5.4 Gbps, it's perfect for gamers who want ultra-fast and reliable connections. It includes robust parental controls and security features, making it suitable for family use. Ideal for medium to large homes, this router is a good pick if you're looking for the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E and want to future-proof your network for faster speeds and lower interference.
This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router offers up to 5.4 Gbps, making it a great choice for gamers seeking enhanced speeds without a tri-band setup. It includes a dedicated gaming port and mobile gaming mode, providing low-latency performance for various gaming setups. Its RGB lighting adds a stylish touch for gaming enthusiasts. This router is suitable for those who want a balance of high speed and aesthetic appeal, making it a solid choice for gaming-focused households.
13. NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) AX5400
With speeds up to 5.4 Gbps, this dual-band router is designed for smooth gaming, 4K streaming, and large file transfers. The Wi-Fi 6 technology ensures faster and more efficient data handling, especially in homes with many connected devices. Its advanced QoS allows for prioritization of gaming traffic, reducing lag. The RAX54S is perfect for gamers who want reliable performance at a reasonable price. Choose this if you need a balance between speed, coverage, and affordability.
14. ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router
A budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 option, this router offers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps. It's extendable with AiMesh, making it suitable for expanding coverage in larger homes. The device is ideal for casual gamers or those new to Wi-Fi 6 looking for a reliable, no-frills router. It's perfect if you're upgrading from an older model and want improved performance without a steep price. This is a good choice for everyday use with some gaming and streaming.
15. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro
Built for competitive gamers, this tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router offers up to 11 Gbps speeds. It has a 2.5G gaming port, game acceleration, and robust network security. The GT-AX11000 Pro is ideal for large households with multiple gaming setups and streaming needs. It offers seamless connectivity across large spaces, perfect for serious gaming and streaming. If you're looking for top-tier performance and extensive customization, this router is worth considering for a powerful gaming network.
16. ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX Gaming Router (GT-AX6000)
Designed for gamers, this dual-band router offers speeds up to 6 Gbps and is equipped with advanced gaming features like Game Boost and a dedicated game port. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and improved capacity, making it ideal for homes with multiple gamers. It's suitable for those who want a reliable connection without interruptions during intense gameplay. Consider this router if you value a gaming-focused design with solid speed and customization.
17. GL.iNet GL-MT6000(Flint 2) WiFi 6 Router
A compact Wi-Fi 6 router that offers a simple setup and speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, it's great for gamers on the go or those with smaller spaces. It includes robust privacy features like a built-in VPN, making it ideal for secure online activities. The Flint 2 is perfect if you need a portable, secure router with enough speed for light gaming. It's a great choice for users who prioritize privacy and need a flexible, easy-to-carry router.
18. TP-Link AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 Router (Archer AX80)
This high-speed router offers 6 Gbps speeds and extensive coverage, perfect for gaming and streaming in large homes. With eight Ethernet ports, it supports multiple wired connections for low-latency gaming. The AX6000's efficient MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies help maintain strong connections even with many devices. Ideal for those looking for a powerful, stable network, it's a great choice if you want consistent speed and coverage for gaming, streaming, and more.
19. Tenda WiFi 6 Gaming Router RX12Pro
The RX12Pro is an affordable gaming router that supports Wi-Fi 6. Its 1.8 Gbps speed makes it perfect for light to moderate gaming needs. Its compact design and easy-to-use interface make it a good option for smaller homes or apartments. This router is ideal for those new to gaming routers and searching for a reasonably priced way to replace their outdated models. If you're looking for an entry-level device with better speed and dependability, go with it.
20. ASUS RT-AX82U AX5400 Dual-Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router
The RT-AX82U delivers speeds up to 5.4 Gbps and offers a unique mobile gaming mode for low-latency connections. Its sleek design with customizable RGB lighting appeals to gaming enthusiasts. It's equipped with AiProtection Pro, offering strong network security. This router is ideal for gamers who want a stylish yet powerful device with features that cater to gaming needs. Choose it if you want fast speeds and a visually appealing addition to your gaming setup.
21. ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX3000 WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router
This router is designed for gamers who want a flexible network solution. It offers up to 3 Gbps speeds with Wi-Fi 6 support and is extendable with AiMesh for whole-home coverage. The GS-AX3000 includes features like Game Boost to prioritize gaming traffic. It's suitable for medium-sized homes with multiple users. Choose this router if you want a balance of gaming performance and easy network expansion, without needing a more expensive, high-end model.
22. NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (RS700S) BE19000
As one of the first Wi-Fi 7 routers, this model offers blazing speeds up to 19 Gbps and tri-band connectivity. It's perfect for future-proofing your network, especially if you want the fastest speeds available. The RS700S includes advanced security features and supports multiple high-bandwidth activities, making it ideal for large households with heavy gaming and streaming. Choose this router if you want cutting-edge technology and a reliable, high-speed connection for years.
23. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 PRO
This Wi-Fi 7 router is designed for extreme performance, with speeds up to 11,000 Mbps and dedicated gaming ports. It offers the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology for low-latency gaming and seamless connectivity across large areas. With extensive security and customization options, it's perfect for competitive gamers. If you're looking for the best in terms of speed and future readiness, this router delivers. Choose it for top-tier gaming performance and a next-level wireless experience.
24. ASUS TUF Gaming WiFi 6 Router (TUF-AX4200)
This dual-band router offers speeds up to 4.2 Gbps, with durability and reliability in mind. It's designed to handle long gaming sessions with efficient heat dissipation. The TUF-AX4200 includes AiMesh support for easy expansion across large homes. It's ideal for gamers who want a durable and high-performance device. Consider this router if you need a tough, reliable network solution to keep up with gaming demands without breaking the bank.
25. WAVLINK AX6000 WiFi 6 Router
With up to 6 Gbps speeds, this router is appropriate for 4K streaming and high-speed gaming. MU-MIMO technology can support multiple devices and maintain smooth performance even under high network traffic. It is a good fit for medium-sized homes due to its simple setup and small size. If you're looking for a dependable Wi-Fi 6 router that's affordable and can meet the demands of both streamers and gamers, go with the WAVLINK AX6000.
