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You might think the best gaming routers are just gimmicks, but that’s just not true. If you do a lot of your gaming online, having an undisturbed and solid connection is as crucial to your gaming experience as the components powering your computer gaming PC. This is especially true during pivotal gaming moments, as you want a robust network so you don’t have recurring issues in the middle of a battle.
The best gaming routers are crucial for getting the most out of the best online games and the best PC games, going above and beyond what traditional routers can do. So, take a look at our top selections to take your online gaming to the next level, whether that means getting one packed with gaming-oriented features or one equipped with next-generation Wi-Fi 6..
Our Top 3 Picks For Best Modem For Gaming
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TP-Link Archer C5400 v2
5 Ghz Modem Router For Gaming
If you’re searching for the latest router technology but you still like that old school look, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might just be an ideal fit. This is one of the best gaming routers that pairs enthusiast-grade features with a simple setup, packing them into a package that’s appealing to just about anyone.
Factor in the Alexa support, and you have a router that can adjust to any situation, whether you’re trying to come out on top in the latest match in Apex Legends, or you have guests that are connecting to your network.
The TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is an upgraded version of the C5400, coming with a new (lower) price, and a number of smart home features that will appeal to people who have a house full of Amazon Echoes, Hue lightbulbs and other connected gadgets.
Even if you’re not the sort of person who likes barking orders at Alexa, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 comes with a build quality and level of performance that we’ve come to expect from TP-Link. So, on paper at least, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is a router that should appeal to enthusiasts, gamers, small businesses and even casual users alike.
It’s a great idea, and with a bit of fiddling (including creating a TP-Link account and connecting it up to the router, then linking the account to the Alexa app) it works well. Most impressively, it gives people an easy and intuitive way to access features without having to delve into confusing admin pages.
As far as Wi-Fi performance goes, we were very impressed. Connecting right next to the router we got download speeds of 74.3 Mb/s on the 5GHz band and 66.8Mb/s on the 2.4GHz. Upload speeds were 18.2Mb/s on the 5GHz and 17.1Mb/s on the 2.4GHz band. This is on a line where the maximum speeds are 76.6Mb/s download and 19.1 Mb/s uploads, so you’re not losing out on much speed at all if you go wireless.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast and powerful
- Alexa and IFTTT support
- Great 5Ghz performance
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the nicest-looking device
Asus RT-AC86U
Easy Setup Modem Router For Gaming
The Asus RT-AC5300 is one of the best gaming routers – it has a collection of advanced features, making online and network gaming as lag and frustration-free as possible. This includes a straightforward yet powerful interface, as well as comprehensive QoS settings. The spider-like design is somewhat of an acquired taste, but the eight antennae serve a purpose since they can be used to direct the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, providing this router with remarkable range.
The backside of the router has the standard array of four LAN ports and one source port for your Internet gateway. It also has a USB port for plugging in an external drive or printer. One excellent touch: if you are as annoyed by flashing lights as I am, you will love the ability to turn off the LED indicators on the router’s front side. More consumer electronics should offer this option.
At the more advanced level, you can set up Asus’ AiDisk to share a connected drive’s music, movies, and more via a DLNA-compatible stream, or even via FTP. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can extend this access all the way downstream to your main PC.
Power users and small businesses will greatly appreciate the dual-WAN support, which allows you to plug another Internet provider into your network.
This is an IT-caliber tech that is perfect for home office users who need to simultaneously support a general Internet connection as well as a fixed-IP connection, or businesses that value redundant connectivity. Plus, if you have an RT-AC66U router, most of these tools and services are available to you also via a recent firmware update.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Super fast transfers
- Long range
- Simple setup
Cons
- Pricey
- Feature overkill for most
TP-Link Archer C5400X
Simple Frontend Modem Router For Gaming
We know we’ve already mentioned the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 earlier, but the company added an ‘X’ to the end of this model, signifying the extreme boost in performance. It’s considerably more expensive, but that price tag is justifiable as it may be one of the highest-end and best gaming routers available.
With eight ethernet ports around the back, it’s perfect for hardwiring a fleet of gaming equipment. And, the MU-MIMO and Tri-band support means that wireless connections are also top of the line. You’ll top the leaderboards irrespective of where you are in the house.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple frontend
- Swift setup
- Exceptional 5Ghz performance
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not the nicest-looking device
Conclusion
The TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is an excellent router that will appeal to both beginners and enthusiasts alike thanks to an easy-to-use interface that grants access to some highly advanced features. It’s well worth the money if you can afford it.
The best gaming routers do more than just provide that solid network connection. They offer game-specific network demands. They minimize lags and prioritize network bandwidth, not to mention minimize any intermittent network issues.
And a number of gaming routers come with some game-oriented extras. Some of these features include MU-MIMO technology and Quality of Service (or QoS) which can give you that extra edge when playing.The RT-AC68U router more than justifies its high-end price tag with premium performance, range, and versatility.
The TP-Link Archer C5400X is an excellent enthusiast-grade router that retains an easy-to-use interface. It’s incredibly fast, it covers a very wide area, and QoS shaping routines inside (and a not insignificant processor and memory combination) means it’s ready for anything. Bit expensive, though. To see similar products, visit Amazon.com.
