Before getting to the best gaming routers in 2023, let’s talk about why it is important to know. When it comes to gaming, the first of the things that come to our mind might be a great PC, CPU, a lot of memory, SSD, graphics card, or even maybe a dedicated console. But the truth is, it doesn’t matter whether you’re passing the ball in a FIFA (now called FC) online friendly, or you’re pulling the trigger in a Call of Duty online session. All that is needed to ruin your experience is a bad internet connection or a bad router.
Before We Begin
If you’re a gamer, you would agree that lagging can put you in life-and-death situations. Not having a proper Wi-Fi connection or a router might mean lagging whenever there’s somebody else in the house turning on Netflix. This is because typical households have one shared Wi-Fi connection. Some gamers prefer having an ethernet connection that might offer steadier internet. But most opt out of a wired connection and rather look for wireless routers.
So the first question to ask is whether you need a router in the first place. The next question would be if you would spend a bit extra on a gaming router as that might be slightly more expensive. Sometimes even switching the routers’ position and antenna angles can make the internet experience better. It’s also to be noted that buying a gaming router will make your gaming experience better only if you have a decent internet connection in the first place. Also, it’s not the router’s fault if you’re a terrible gamer yourself.
Let’s say it’s decided that a gaming router is what we’re looking for. Now, the factors to be considered include price, speed, bandwidth, number of ports, etc. Without further ado, let’s get into the best gaming routers in 2023 in our opinion.
Best Gaming Router in 2023: Our Top 05 Picks
Best Overall Gaming Router: Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro
 |
| Picture: Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro |
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro is one of the best Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Routers currently available in the market. It offers great performance, gamer-friendly customization options, and high-speed connectivity. That’s why it’s the best overall gaming router in our opinion.
| Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro Specifications | |
| Full Name | Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router |
| Wi-Fi Bandwidth | Tri-band AX11000 |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 10.4 x 2.9 in (26.4 x 26.4x 7.4 cm) |
| Weight | 3.94 lbs (1.79 kg) |
| 1st Band (channel width) | 4x4 2.4GHz AX: Up to 1148 Mbps (20/40MHz) |
| 2nd Band (channel width) | 4x4 5GHz-1 AX: Up to 4804 Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
| 3rd Band (channel width) | x4 5GHz-2 AX: Up to 4804 Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
| UNII-4 Support | Yes |
| ASUS RangeBoost Plus | Yes |
| VLAN | Yes |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Gigabit Port | 4 x LAN |
| Link Aggregation | Yes (LAN and WAN) |
| Multi-Gig Port | 1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN 1x 10Gbps LAN/WAN |
| Dual-WAN | Yes |
| USB | 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 |
| Processing Power | 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU, 256 MB Flash, 1 GB RAM |
| Power Adapter | 100-240V |
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | ≈ 370 Wh |
| Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
| Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| IPv6 Compatible | Yes |
| Quality of Service | Yes |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | Yes |
| Supports DD-WRT | No |
| Anti-Malware Tools | Yes |
| Wireless Parental Controls | Yes |
| Link Aggregation | Yes |
| Beamforming | Yes |
| Guest Networking | Yes |
| Pros | Cons |
| High Speed | Relatively Expensive |
| Great Coverage and Range | Big and Heavy |
| 10Gbps LAN/WAN | |
| Parental Control and Security | |
| Excellent Customization Options |
Best Gaming Router on Budget: TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000
 |
| Picture: TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 |
TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 makes the right balance between price and spec. With decent performance and very good speed, this router is priced relatively low compared to its competitors. There are other models in the market that have better performance as to speed and customization. Yet, if you have a mid-sized home and are looking for a decent router around the $100 mark, this might be the one for you.
| TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 Specifications | |
| Full Name | TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 10.2 × 5.3 × 1.5 in (261.1 × 134.5 × 41.0 mm) |
| WiFi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 |
| WiFi Speeds | 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160) 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax) |
| WiFi Range | 3 Bedroom Houses (4× Fixed High-Performance Antennas) |
| WiFi Capacity | Dual-Band |
| Processor | Dual-Core CPU |
| Ethernet Ports | 1× Gigabit WAN Port 4× Gigabit LAN Ports |
| USB Support | 1× USB 3.0 Port |
| Power | 12 V ⎓ 2 A |
| WiFi Encryption | WPA WPA2WPA3WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x) |
| VPN Server | OpenVPN PPTP |
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
| WAN Types | Dynamic IP Static IPPPPoEPPTPL2TP |
| Cloud Service | Auto Firmware Upgrade OTA Firmware UpgradeTP-Link IDDDNS |
| Certifications | FCC, CE, RoHS |
| Environment | Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉ ~104℉) Operating Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing |
| Guest Networking | Yes |
| Quality of Service | Yes |
| Parental Controls | Yes |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | Yes |
| Beamforming | Yes |
| OneMesh™ | Yes |
| EasyMesh | Yes |
| Package Content | Wi-Fi Router Archer AX55 Power AdapterRJ45 Ethernet CableQuick Installation Guide |
| Pros | Cons |
| Remarkable Speed | No multi-gig LAN ports |
| Decent range for a medium-sized home | Need to pay for HomeProtect |
| OneMesh for Mesh | |
| Relatively low priced |
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Gaming: Asus ROG Rapture GT6
 |
| Picture: Asus ROG Rapture GT6 |
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is a two-piece mesh system with great design and high-speed performance. It uses Wi-Fi 6 technology and multi-gig WAN that can be ideal for homes up to 5800 sqft. It can be a bit expensive and even be overkill for many. But if you’re a gamer with a relatively large house looking for a mesh system with strong performance, you can certainly check this one out.
| Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Specifications | |
| Full Name | Asus ROG Rapture GT6 |
| Dimensions (HxWxD): | 175 x 175 x 78mm |
| Network Standard | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi |
| WiFi Data Rate | 2.4GHz AX: 2x2 (Tx/Rx) 1024 QAM 20/40MHz, up to 574Mbps 5G-1Hz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024 QAM 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 4804Mbps5G-2Hz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024 QAM 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 4804Mbps |
| Antenna | Internal antenna x 9 |
| Transmit / Receive | 2.4GHz 2x2 5GHz-1 4x45GHz-2 4x4 |
| Processor | 1.7GHz tri-core processor |
| Memory | 256MB Flash 512MB DDR4 RAM |
| Beamforming | Universal Beamforming Explicit Beamforming |
| Operating Frequency | 2.4G Hz 5 GHz-1 5 GHz-2 |
| I/O Ports | 1 x 2.5 Gigabit WAN Port 3 x Gigabit LAN Ports 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 Port |
| Power Supply | AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz) DC Output : 19 V with max. 2.37 A current / 19.5 V with max. 2.31 A current |
| Product Weight (g) | 880 g |
| Maximum MAC Filters | 64 |
| Gaming | Game Boost / Acceleration Game RadarWTFastROG_FirstOpenNAT (Game Profile)Gaming Port |
| WiFi Encryption | WPA3 Personal, WPA2 Personal, WPA Personal, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Enterprise, Open System |
| Traffic Control | Adaptive QoS Traditional QoSTraffic Analyzer |
| AiProtection | Yes |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | Yes |
| Dual WAN | Yes |
| 3G / 4G LTE Dongle | Yes |
| 4G / 5G Auto Mobile Tethering | Yes |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| Parental Control | Yes |
| Guest Networking | Yes |
| AiMesh | Yes |
| Package Content | ROG Rapture GT6 RJ-45 Cable Power Adapter Quick Start Guide Warranty Card |
| Pros | Cons |
| Great design | Expensive |
| Outstanding Speed | |
| Gaming-Friendly Customization Options | |
| A User-Friendly App |
Best Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router: Netgear Nighthawk XR1000
 |
| Picture: Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 |
Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 is a router specifically designed for gaming. It offers network optimization using the DumaOS management console along with the new Wi-Fi 6 technologies. With its great network connectivity, faster speed, and ability to lower ping by a massive extent, this router can significantly improve your gaming experience. So if you consider yourself a gamer and all these sound like what you’re looking for, you might not want to skip this one.
| Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 Specifications | |
| Full Name | Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 |
| Dimensions | 11.61 x 7.87 x 2.51 in (295 x 200 x 64 mm) |
| Weight | 1.32lb (600g) |
| WiFi Technology | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Dual Band WiFi (AX5400), 2.4GHz AX: 2x2 (Tx/Rx) 1024/256 QAM 20/40MHz, up to 600Mbps‡, 5GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024 QAM 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 4.8Gbps‡, Backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi, 1024-QAM—25% data efficiency and faster speeds than a 256-QAM router, Additional DFS channels reduces interference from neighboring networks |
| Beamforming | Explicit Beamforming for 2.4 & 5GHz bands |
| Ports | Five (5) 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports - 1 WAN & 4 LAN |
| Channel Support | 160MHz Channel Support |
| Memory | 256MB flash and 512MB RAM |
| Processor | Powerful 1.5GHz Triple-Core processor |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| IPv6 Compatible | Yes |
| Quality of Service | Yes |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | Yes |
| Supports DD-WRT | No |
| Anti-Malware Tools | No |
| Wireless Parental Controls | No |
| Link Aggregation | No |
| Guest Networking | Yes |
| Package Content | WiFi 6 Pro Gaming Router (XR1000) 4 detachable antennasEthernet cableQuick start guidePower adapter |
| Pros | Cons |
| Great performance at mid-range distances | No multi-gig internet |
| Includes malware protection | No parental controls |
| Tools and Interface good for Gaming | Security features requiring subscription |
| Simple Setup | Doesn't support link aggregation |
Best Gaming Router for Streaming: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
 |
| Picture: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 |
Last on the list is a router that is considered an ideal option for those who like to stream. This one offers WiFi- 6E, partnering with a gaming port, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and 1024-QAM. Running high-definition games at 100+ FPS and keeping the ping consistently low, Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 gives you a smooth gaming experience. A multi-gig port combined with ethernet ports will cater to the needs of those playing the most demanding games on gaming consoles. Check this out.
| Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 Specifications | |
| Full Name | Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 |
| Dimensions | Folded size: 11.7 x 8.7 x 3.1 in (298 x 221.2 x 78 mm) Unfolded size: 13.5 x 8.7 x 6.7 in (345 x 221.2 x 169.5 mm) |
| Weight | 3.2 lb (1.45 kg) |
| WiFi Technology | WiFi 6E (IEEE® 802.11ax) Tri-Band WiFi (AXE11000) 12-Stream 2.4GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024/256-QAM 20/40MHz, up to 1.2Gbps5GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024/256-QAM 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 4.8GbpsNew 6GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024/256- QAM 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 4.8GbpsBackwards compatible with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFiSupports new WiFi 6E devices on 6GHz WiFi band |
| WiFi Speed | AXE11000 (1.2+4.8+4.8Gbps) |
| WiFi Range | up to 3,500 square feet |
| WiFi Band | Tri-Band 6GHz + 5 GHz + 2.4GHz |
| Beamforming | Improve range and performance for 2.4GHz, 5GHz & 6GHz devices |
| Ethernet Ports | Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN & 4 LAN) + one (1) 2.5G/1Gbps Multi-Gig port (configurable) |
| Processor | Powerful quad-core 1.8GHz processor |
| USB Ports | Two (2) USB 3.0 ports |
| Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| IPv6 Compatible | Yes |
| Quality of Service | No |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | Yes |
| Supports DD-WRT | No |
| Anti-Malware Tools | Yes |
| Wireless Parental Controls | No |
| Link Aggregation | Yes |
| Beamforming | Yes |
| Guest Networking | Yes |
| Packaging Content | Nighthawk® AXE11000 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (RAXE500) Ethernet cableQuick start guidePower adapter |
| Pros | Cons |
| Great speed at both Wi-Fi 6 and 6E | High Price |
| 2.5GbE for top-speed wired connections | Limited parental controls |
| Multi-gig LAN/WAN | Need to pay for security |
| Utilizes 6GHz radio band | No QoS |
| Supports link aggregation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Gaming experience be impacted by my Router?
Certainly. A router that is equipped with fast connections, multiple bands, and advanced features can have a significant impact on your gaming experience. This means that you can enjoy faster speeds, more reliable connections, and reduced lag. If gaming is a top priority for you, it would be wise to invest in a high-quality router.
Is Gaming on Wi-Fi better than on Ethernet?
Ethernet undeniably surpasses wireless connectivity, providing stable and optimal speeds for online gaming. The absence of interferences and obstacles in a wired connection makes it a more reliable option than its wireless counterpart. However, it’s important to note that Ethernet has limitations when it comes to connecting multiple devices, a feature that WiFi readily offers.
What type of router do I need for Gaming?
You need a router that is specifically designed for gaming and includes important features like Quality of Service (QoS), multi-gig ports, and software-based acceleration. It should also have advanced networking technologies such as MU-MIMO and OFDMA to ensure a high throughput capacity that can meet the bandwidth needs of various devices.
What should I consider before buying a Wi-Fi Gaming Router?
When considering a gaming router purchase, several crucial criteria should guide your decision-making process.
Speed: Speed is a paramount factor when choosing routers. Manufacturers often emphasize the overall speed of their routers. But it’s vital to recognize that this speed encompasses the total bandwidth across all connections to the router, not a singular connection. The advertised speed assumes an ideal internet service provider connection and a favorable home environment. Opting for a router with higher bandwidth proves beneficial in busy households with simultaneous activities like multiple gaming rigs and 4K TV streaming.
Range: Range indicates the coverage area of a Wi-Fi router. Single-unit routers have a set range, while mesh Wi-Fi systems support additional nodes to extend coverage within the home.
Bands: Consider the number of bands a router supports. Single-band routers operate on the 2.4GHz band, dual-band routers on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, tri-band routers add a 6GHz band, and quad-band routers introduce a second 5GHz band. Lower-frequency bands cover larger ranges but sacrifice speed, with routers automatically connecting to the optimal band for the fastest speed.
Ports: For homes with numerous wired devices, prioritize routers with ample ports. While most routers feature at least one or two 1Gbps ports, higher-end models may offer 2.5Gbps or even 10Gbps ports.
Design: Consider the design, as gaming routers often have distinctive, larger builds with multiple antennae. Compared to that, the everyday routers may prioritize stylish, lifestyle-compatible designs.
Price: Lastly, strike a balance with the price. Spending too little might mean sacrificing essential features, but overspending on features that don’t align with your needs is equally unwise. Assess your requirements to make a cost-effective decision.
How is a Gaming Router different?
The main difference between a gaming router and a standard consumer router lies in how they handle QoS and prioritize bandwidth. While most routers offer basic QoS, gaming routers go a step further. It allows users to prioritize specific gaming systems and applications, giving them the ability to allocate bandwidth based on their preferences. This is especially important in households with multiple online gamers who are competing for the same network resources.
Gaming routers enhance the user experience by automatically prioritizing devices that have specialized hardware. This ensures that the bandwidth is allocated optimally for lag-free online gameplay. Additionally, these routers often have a Geo-Filter feature that reduces lag by limiting connections to host servers within a specified distance range.
What’s Best for Gaming: Dual-Band or Tri-Band?
A reliable gaming router should, as a standard, offer a minimum of two radio bands. The 2.4GHz band provides a better coverage range compared to its 5GHz counterpart, although at slower speeds. For optimal throughput performance in close proximity setups, it is recommended to utilize the 5GHz band. In situations where multiple devices connect to the network, a tri-band router becomes the preferred option. Tri-band routers introduce a second 5GHz band that can be dedicated to specific devices or applications.
For example, you can allocate an entire 5GHz band exclusively for gaming (provided your PC gaming rig or console supports 5GHz Wi-Fi). Then you can use the other 5GHz band caters to high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming, large file transfers, or torrent downloads. This strategic allocation ensures that the more crowded 2.4GHz band remains available for everyday tasks like web browsing and connecting to smart-home devices like lights, cameras, locks, and security systems.
Who should consider Wi-Fi 6 Routers?
The market is now flooded with a wide range of Wi-Fi 6 routers, which are based on the 802.11ax standard, also known as High Efficiency (HE) Wireless. This is an evolution of the previous 802.11ac technology with several improvements. These include faster throughput speeds of up to 4.8Gbps, reduced network congestion, increased client capacity, and improved range performance.
Wi-Fi 6 is particularly suitable for Wi-Fi mesh networks. Mesh networks are becoming increasingly popular in home networking, especially as their prices decrease. In addition to its mesh capabilities, the 802.11ax standard utilizes previously unused radio frequencies to enhance performance in the 2.4GHz band. It also incorporates improved uplink and downlink bandwidth management for better Quality of Service (QoS). It supports both uplink and downlink MU-MIMO streaming, unlike the 802.11ac which only supports downlink MU-MIMO. While it is backward-compatible with previous Wi-Fi standards, it’s important to note that not all client devices currently support Wi-Fi 6, despite the widespread availability of Wi-Fi 6 routers.
It’s worth mentioning that there are now gaming-specific routers that embrace the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6E. These routers have the same software and features as Wi-Fi 6 routers but can access the newly allocated 6GHz band, providing a significant boost in bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial for bandwidth-intensive applications like gaming, as it helps address connectivity challenges in crowded environments. However, it’s important to consider the compatibility of client devices with Wi-Fi 6E routers.
Are high-end Routers worth the Investment?
The worth of an expensive router depends on your specific needs. If you live in a smaller home with a limited number of devices, a more modest router may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you have a larger home with numerous devices, investing in a pricier router with enhanced features could be a logical decision. Assessing your requirements will help you determine whether the additional investment is justified.
These are in our opinion, the Best Gaming Routers in 2023. Please let us know in the comments which one you pick, and also if you have any improvement suggestions. Have a great day!
Related Tags: Best Gaming Routers, Best Gaming Routers 2023, Best Routers, Best Routers 2023, Gaming Routers, Gaming Routers Review, Best Gaming Routers Review.