A reliable internet connection is crucial for gaming online, and having the right router can significantly enhance your gaming experience. This article reviews some of the best gaming routers on the market, highlighting key features and performance metrics to help you make an informed decision. The Asus RT-AX86U is recommended as the top gaming router overall, offering fast speeds, Wi-Fi 6 support, and impressive latency management. It comes with a range of gamer-centric features and a user-friendly setup interface, making it a popular choice among gamers.
For budget-conscious gamers, the D-Link DIR-867 is highlighted as an affordable option that delivers excellent performance, especially in real-world speed tests. Despite its lower price point, it includes a quality of service engine to prioritize gaming traffic and enhance the overall gaming experience. The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC2900 is another top contender, offering solid average download speeds, low latency, and a range of gaming-specific features such as customizable Quality of Service settings and open NAT port-forwarding rules.
The Amplifi HD Gamer’s Edition from Ubiquiti stands out for its gaming-oriented design and multipoint mesh networking capabilities. While it may not have topped the speed tests, its plug-in range extenders ensure a stable and speedy Wi-Fi signal throughout the house. With its sleek design, touch screen interface, and LED lights, the Amplifi HD Gamer’s Edition offers a unique blend of performance and aesthetics, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for a stylish yet functional router.
The article also provides a comprehensive list of all the routers tested, including both gaming-specific models and standard Wi-Fi 6 routers. Each router was evaluated based on top speed tests and real-world speed testing in a typical home environment. The results show that Wi-Fi 6 routers generally outperformed Wi-Fi 5 models, with the TP-Link Archer AX6000 emerging as a top performer in both speed categories. The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 and the Asus RT-AC86U also delivered strong performance in real-world speed tests, showcasing their reliability and consistency.
Latency was another key metric evaluated in the testing, with the Asus RT-AX86U emerging as the top performer, recording consistently low latency across multiple speed tests. The Linksys EA8300 and TP-Link Archer A9 AC1900 were found to have higher latency rates, indicating potential performance issues for gaming purposes. Overall, the Asus RT-AX86U demonstrated superior latency management, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking a lag-free gaming experience.
Looking ahead, the emergence of Wi-Fi 6E routers, which operate on the newly opened 6GHz band, promises enhanced performance and reliability for gaming and other high-bandwidth activities. Future testing will involve evaluating these next-generation routers, along with budget-friendly options, mesh routers, and other advanced models to provide gamers with the latest updates and recommendations. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for regular updates on the best gaming routers on the market and share their preferences and suggestions for future reviews.
