13 Best Gaming Routers (Review) in 2021

Our top choice for the best gaming router is NETGEAR’s smart router. This wireless AC router will keep you solidly connected throughout hours of gaming and not once lag while providing up to four times your usual internet speed that you will need to see to believe.

It is packed full of features that will make any gamer wish it had arrived much sooner and provides enough signal strength to keep everybody in the house connected. It is without a doubt a router for the home of the future. So lay back in your gaming chair and let the gaming begin!

This cool looking device has been manufactured to give you the best gaming experience, with all its hardware tailored to prove high-speed internet. Because this Asus ROG router has been built with the gamer in mind, every feature it is equipped with works to provide top tier gaming. For instance, the triple-level game accelerations work to boost game traffic while also optimizing ROG devices. This router is, however, also versatile, allowing activities such as streaming, browsing and file transfer. However, this router is specialized to keep gaming separate from other activities by letting users dedicate up to one 5GHz band just for gaming,

What’s more, the ASUS AiProtection security also deals with all Cyber threats to your devices, to keep your network safe as you game and browse the internet. Despite this router being more on the expensive side, purchasers have still appreciated it for its strong WiFi support, air mesh feature, extensive customization options, and gaming support. Thankfully, this router provides WiFi for the whole house, which means it is the only device you will need to get.

As the second device from NETGEAR on our list, the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX80) is a more expensive and upgraded router from the brand. This NETGEAR device provides WiFi connectivity for the entire house with its four high powered antennas, it can also be connected to 30+ devices, making it an even more versatile device. Its USD ports also allow for more connections with other household items such as the printer or storage drive.

This device has worked great for gamers as although it is not specifically built for that purpose, it still houses such strong internet connections to provide the ultimate experience. It also prevents network congestion no matter how many devices are connected, providing for smoother use with no interruptions. An added bonus to this device are its parental control options and the Nighthawk app which equips users with more options gives parents rest of mind and aids an easy set up when first purchased. NETGEAR specializes in creating devices that optimize your online experience and as most customers can confirm, the Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX80) meets all the required expectations.

Our second Linksys router seeks out your console and makes it its number one priority with beamforming technology that means you can always rely on your connection during the most intense gaming sessions. Also included is a custom built gaming interface that provides ultimate control for gamers never experienced in a router before.

Linksys WRT Router is primarily designed to solve Xbox gaming problems, so you might not need it if you own a PS4 or are a PC gamer, but for those with an Xbox,  the optimized gaming network means that the rest of the family might miss out, but when you are battling to reach the top of the worldwide leaderboard, their concerns can wait until you emerge victorious. Good flight sticks might help you in your game so check them out as well. 

This stealth bomber of a router is a dual-band device designed to eliminate any gaming connectivity issues you suffer from. It is capable of transferring 2.6Gb of data per second, making it one of the faster routers on our list.

It has the ability to handle multiple consoles, not just devices, at once, so you can relive the glory years of early 21st Century LAN parties (give that a Google, kids) and maintain excellent performance across platforms. The Nighthawk is a great router for both experienced networkers and novices, and (mostly) reduces any gaming stress from your life. Our handy guide to the best gaming monitors features more great products like this.

For those who spend a lot of time at home and need consistent internet, Linksys AC5400 Tri Band Wireless Router is the product for you. It is perhaps the fastest wireless router on this list, and is the cure to all your WiFi woes. It can connect with all devices around the home, and still provide unbelievable speeds.

Its high bandwidth makes it the perfect gaming partner and provides gaming sessions longer than you have ever experienced, so be sure to stock up on snacks and soda. For anyone tired of complaining that their coverage is bad, this is the upgrade you need to change everything. Be sure to also check out our list of the best wifi extenders for more great items like this.

As one of the highest-rated routers in our list, the TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band Gaming Router comes packed with features for gamers and families alike. Sporting up to 8 antennas, this strange-looking device comes with enough power to send targeted WiFi to each connected device from a wide range. This router even makes it possible to dedicate one band to gaming traffic while the other two offer high-speed internet to other devices, keeping your network free of any lags or interference.

This smart device also connects to Alexa and is provided with up to 8x Gigabit Ethernet ports to optimize connectivity. TP-LINK is a trusted brand that has been in the business for over 22 years, therefore, you can be sure that decades of expertise have been poured into this one device in order to ultimately give you an unmatched experience, whether you are a gamer or a regular internet user. Users have loved this device due to its noticeable upgraded performance amongst the competition. It is also well-liked because of its versatility, easy setup and strong and fast internet connectivity to multiple devices.

You may also be interested in some of the top USB WiFi adapters from our list. Check them out!

A product that looks more like an alien spaceship than a gaming router, D-Link is an intergalactic treat. It can be connected to the console or PC through wireless or ethernet cable and deliver exceptional performance that means no more lagging.

With features abound including high-power amplifiers, smart connect and dual-band technology, it could certainly be under consideration for the most powerful router on this list, so come aboard the mothership and check it out. You will want to put this router in your gaming backpack and use it wherever you go.

ASUS WiFi Tri-Band Gaming Router is designed purely for gamers, that imagines everything you’ve ever needed from a router and makes it a reality. Another product that looks like something straight out of science fiction, this could very well be a gift from a far-flung future, it sure feels like it.

It provides a strong signal even when the rest of the family is bingeing Netflix with its tri-band MU-MIMO technology, and the specialized gamers dashboard makes you feel like this is a product that has been created purely for you. Maybe it has been, so take advantage and enhance your gaming experience and your life.

Our consideration for the best router for gaming, AsRock is our premium choice that comes at a high price, but is well worth the money as you transcend ordinary internet speeds and find yourself on another plain entirely. It has a strong signal provided with 8 antennas and beamforming technology to ensure you always get the best connection, leaving other gamers lagging behind.

The signal will stretch over long distances to reach any device in the house for gaming-on-the-go. As a bonus, we’ve also found it could be considered the best router for streaming, so on your downtime from the week’s brand new games, you can feel comfortable kicking back and catching up on your favorite shows. Make sure you wear your gaming glasses because you will for sure spend hours and hours gaming.

ASUS Dual-Band router comes with a host of helpful and almost hidden features that you could be forgiven for thinking it is just another router. SmartConnect is a great addition which will quickly find the best band available and ensure you get connected to it, while AiMesh will seek out other ASUS routers within the home to create a canopy of reliable connectivity throughout.

Its big feature, though, is the fact it is a long range router covering up to 5000 square feet, so make sure its password protected to keep your neighbors piggybacking off your unrivaled speeds and connection. Love gaming? Check out our review of the best gaming headsets for our top picks.

With eight antennas, it is no surprise that you can enjoy the highest definition TV and gaming all at once through a fantastic TP-Link AC5400 MU-MIMO WiFi router that provides incredible range unseen in most products. No matter where you are in the home, you can be sure that you will be connected from basement to attic.

While it doesn’t have as feature-rich of a user interface as other models, you won’t care when you are able to get every device connected to the internet and browse, stream or game without the slightest hint of slowing down. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the top wireless gaming mouses.

This high-speed gaming router is our choice for the best wifi router for gaming in terms of value. In addition to its great price, there is beamforming and stream boosting for excellent performance all around and its simple setup is made even simpler with a QR code.

Unlike some routers, Zyxel Armor is compact and doesn’t take up too much space, but still provides a strong enough signal to keep everyone in the house happy. With a reasonable price and brilliant performance for gaming, streaming and browsing, this is a great router for those who love to game, but perhaps not all the time. Don’t forget to also check our guide to racing wheels for more great gaming equipment.