Best Gaming Routers
Learn why and how to choose a gaming router (2021 edition).
Home / Networking
Best Gaming Routers 2021
Let us help you navigate the world of gaming routers.
Why use a Gaming Router?
Gaming routers are more than just cool-looking pieces of tech.
They're designed specifically for online gaming needs, reducing intermittent network issues to ensure a buttery smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
More specifically, they smartly prioritise network traffic to make sure packets of data don't get lost in transmission (which happens a lot, especially if you have a lot of devices vying for network bandwidth).
Along with other features like MU-MIMO technology and tri-band networks, they will give you the leg up over your competition.
Why use a Gaming Router?
Gaming routers are more than just cool-looking pieces of tech.
They're designed specifically for online gaming needs, reducing intermittent network issues to ensure a buttery smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
More specifically, they smartly prioritise network traffic to make sure packets of data don't get lost in transmission (which happens a lot, especially if you have a lot of devices vying for network bandwidth).
Along with other features like MU-MIMO technology and tri-band networks, they will give you the leg up over your competition.
Gaming Router
Features
Quality of Service (QoS)
Gaming routers smartly prioritise gaming-related network traffic over other types of data.
High-Speed Wireless
Designed for speed, many gaming routers have support for Wi-Fi 5 and 6 technologies.
Multi-Band Transmission
Tri-band routers can transmit on three channels at once, helping to reduce network congestion.
Gigabit Ethernet
For wired connections, look for a router that has multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed data transfers.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Gaming routers smartly prioritise gaming-related network traffic.
Multi-Band
Tri-band routers can transmit on three channels at once, helping to reduce network congestion.
High-Speed Wireless
Designed for speed, many gaming routers have support for Wi-Fi 5 and 6 technologies.
Gigabit Ethernet
For wired connections, look for a router that has multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Will it improve my gaming?
Why a Regular Router Isn't Enough.
Everyone knows how frustrating it can be to have a jittery gaming experience. That 3-grand PC might not be dropping frames, but that doesn't mean your network isn't.
The main issue is that regular routers don't really consider the different types of data they handle.
Thankfully gaming routers were created specifically to prioritise game-traffic over, let's say, Netflix streaming.
When you're gaming, frame-perfect precision takes precedence over music or video watching, where ping doesn't matter so much. Unfortunately, regular routers treat gaming and streaming traffic the same.
By having dedicated network bandwidth for gaming, optimised QoS, high-speed network technologies and advanced software, gaming routers can help you make the most of your network connection.
Will it improve my gaming?
Why a Regular Router Isn't Enough.
Everyone knows how frustrating it can be to have a jittery gaming experience. That 3-grand PC might not be dropping frames, but that doesn't mean your network isn't.
The main issue is that regular routers don't really consider the different types of data they handle.
Thankfully gaming routers were created specifically to prioritise game-traffic over, let's say, Netflix streaming.
When you're gaming, frame-perfect precision takes precedence over music or video watching, where ping doesn't matter so much. Unfortunately, regular routers treat gaming and streaming traffic the same.
By having dedicated network bandwidth for gaming, optimised QoS, high-speed network technologies and advanced software, gaming routers can help you make the most of your network connection.
ASUS is a company many of you are probably familiar with already. With their ROG (Republic of Gamers) sub-brand, they offer gaming-centric routers tailored for maximum performance.
In their words: "ROG gaming routers are built to deliver a premium gaming experience, with features and tools designed to give you the maximum advantage, even in crowded multi-device environments."
Their models, including the Rapture GT-AC5300, are consistently praised by reviewers. What differentiates ASUS gaming routers is their Dynamic QoS which smartly prioritises gaming traffic, reducing unwanted lag and ping spikes.
Netgear's Nighthawk gaming routers pack in advanced features to reduce lag by up to 93%. Their flagship XR1000 model was the world's first to introduce Wi-Fi 6, which comes with the benefit of even faster speeds and less congestion than before.
"Two years ago we disrupted the gaming world by introducing Nighthawk Pro Gaming routers, the first routers specifically built for gamers. Using proven technology and powered by DumaOS, they became the routers that professional gamers and streamers trust. Now, we have set the bar even higher by introducing the world’s first WiFi 6 gaming router, the XR1000."
Their proprietary DumaOS also allows for streamlined setup and monitoring of your network - a much welcome feature.
TP-Link gaming routers are packed with unique features which help them stand out from the competition. Not only is their flagship AX11000 equipped with Wi-Fi 6, but also with antivirus security (TP-Link Home Care & Trend Micro), and Alexa integration. It can also monitor the real-time latency, game duration and system utilisation at a glance in their dashboard software.
Other features of the AX11000 include:
