When it comes to gaming, whether you are on an Xbox, PS or a good old fashioned PC, the one thing you need is a great internet speed. To ensure that your network never lets you down, FinalBoss has compiled a list of the best router options for gaming. So without further ado, here’s a look at five top-quality routers you can choose from.
TP-Link Archer C5400 v2
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC5400 Tri-band
Ports: 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0
Other features: Support for IFTTT, Amazon Alexa integration
Cost: $189.95 – Buy here
TP-Link earns a lot of points for its easy setup, thanks to the ‘TP-Link Tether’ smartphone app. And with Alexa integration baked in, getting new devices on to the network has never been easier. No matter how much, or little expertise you have in network configuration, you will find the TP-Link process smooth and easy. Most reviews praise the performance of the device, with TechRadar noting that “gamers, or people streaming 4K videos, can use the wireless network without worrying about it impacting performance, instead of having to rely on Ethernet cables.” If there’s one thing to dislike about the Archer, is its large size and uninspiring design. There’s really no good way to hide it in your house.
Asus GT-AC5300
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac,1024QAM (2.4GHz), 1024QAM (5GHz)
Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 8x Gigabit LAN, 2x USB 3.0
Other features: Support for IFTTT, Amazon Alexa integration, network traffic analyser,
Cost: $349.99 – Buy here
The Asus set up process is relatively easy, but what really stands out here is the manager. The ROG Gaming Center web console and the mobile app can really dive deep into the details, so if you are a hardcore gamer you can tweak the router to perfection. You can find data for network traffic, internet status and even a Game Radar feature that lets you see the worldwide servers for specific games. IFTTT and Alexa integrations also work well, giving you easy and quick control over your network. PC Mag’s review summed it up by saying “if you take your gaming seriously and want to ensure that your network is providing maximum throughput for all of your play and streaming needs, this router is as good as it gets.” Design-wise, you will either love it or hate it, but you can’t not notice it. If the eight antenna stalks don’t get your attention, the copper trim and Asus ROG logo definitely will.
Linksys WRT32X Wi-Fi Gaming Router
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band AC3200 MU-MIMO w/ MU-MIMO, DFS
Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0
Other features: Gaming-optimised firmware, prioritisation engine
Cost: $209.99 – Buy here
Unfortunately, there’s no way to set up the router from a mobile app, but that doesn’t mean the setup process isn’t smooth. The Linksys dashboard isn’t the most detailed, but it does give you basic info like the number of devices connected, download and upload speed. What really stands out here is the prioritisation engine, which ensures that gaming hardware like Alienware or Razer takes priority on the network. So if you own some premium gaming kit, this is a great router to get. Otherwise, there’s really nothing unique about this router. Design-wise, it does seem more pleasing to the eye with its blue accents and four antenna giving it a more classic feel.
Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR700
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC2600 Dual-Band
Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 2x USB 3.0
Other features: Express lane for gaming, network monitoring,
Cost: $319.99 – Buy here
Set up is easy and fast, and can thankfully be done via Netgear’s mobile app. You can get really creative with the configuration, if you have the patience to work on two interfaces – the Nighthawk app and DumaOS software. The app gives you control over network name, firewall settings and connection speeds. DumaOS though, is where Netgear really stands out. The dashboard shows everything from CPU and flash storage use to router uptime and the coming and going data packets. The QoS feature in DumaOS really does stand out – it allows you to see all devices connected to the network and reassign bandwidth per device. In TechRadar’s opinion: “Sure, it leads to a pretty techy-looking screen, but the control it gives you over your broadband feels almost God-like.” Design-wise, you can tell that this is a router made for gamers with its aggressive form unlike any other. The wedge shape and red swooping stripe will catch your eye (in a good way), no matter where it is placed.
Razer Sila
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC3000 Tri-band
Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN, 3x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0
Other features: FasTrack QoS engine, isolated guest network support
Cost: $249.99 – Buy here
Set up with the mobile app and you are ready to go. Razer’s first router isn’t the most advanced, but it’s good looks and easy-to-use interface make it a great option for gamers. Through the app, you can manually prioritise bandwidth per device, although the interface isn’t as cool as Netgear’s. Razer has built the router with a FasTrack QoS engine, that employs smart traffic management and adaptive learning to let the router work its prioritization magic automatically in Gaming Mode. What really stands out here though, is the design. Razer has managed to fit nine antennas into the router, but not a single one is visible outside. The clean black box sits very much at home with an Xbox or Apple TV. You won’t even notice it!
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