{"id":2032,"date":"2019-10-28T16:34:57","date_gmt":"2019-10-28T16:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/?p=2032"},"modified":"2023-05-31T02:45:42","modified_gmt":"2023-05-31T02:45:42","slug":"need-for-speed-the-5-best-routers-for-gaming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/need-for-speed-the-5-best-routers-for-gaming\/","title":{"rendered":"Need For Speed: The 5 Best Routers for Gaming"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Wireless-Optimized\/dp\/B078GWJ44Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Wireless-Optimized\/dp\/B078GWJ44Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/81K4IHoxEHL._AC_SL1500_.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Wireless-Optimized\/dp\/B078GWJ44Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">A truly state-of-the-art gaming router<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">Fast, reliable, and feature-rich, the Nighthawk Pro XR500 will help you dominate the competition.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Overall<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Wireless-Optimized\/dp\/B078GWJ44Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">As its name suggests, the Nighthawk Pro XR500 was designed for gaming \u2014 intense, high-energy, professional-level gaming. It&#8217;s one of the most advanced models out there, full of features that represent the cutting-edge of what a gaming router can do. There&#8217;s MU-MIMO, allowing for simultaneous \u2014 as opposed to sequential \u2014 data streaming to multiple clients.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s also beamforming, which focuses the connection directly at your device, increasing efficiency and range. It even allows for geo-filtering, which uses your location to link up with the closest servers in your area and ensures the fastest connection possible. That&#8217;s all on top of the usual specs that any gaming router worth its mettle should have, such as multiple ethernet ports, dual-band wifi, and a gaming dashboard that allows you to monitor connection speeds in real-time.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fast 1.7GHz dual-core processor<\/li>\n<li>2 USB 3.0 ports<\/li>\n<li>Comes with Nitehawk app for easy mobile management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Only 4 external antennas<\/li>\n<li>A little expensive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ASUS-GT-AX11000-Tri-Band-Aiprotection-Compatible\/dp\/B07MRD1LDZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ASUS-GT-AX11000-Tri-Band-Aiprotection-Compatible\/dp\/B07MRD1LDZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51zZ6KpHobL._AC_SL1000_.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ASUS-GT-AX11000-Tri-Band-Aiprotection-Compatible\/dp\/B07MRD1LDZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">An unrivaled speed demon<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">If you\u2019re a hardcore gamer with an uncompromising need for speed, look no further than the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best High-End<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ASUS-GT-AX11000-Tri-Band-Aiprotection-Compatible\/dp\/B07MRD1LDZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">It&#8217;s huge, it&#8217;s pricey, and it&#8217;s ugly (debately). But for those looking for a pro-grade gaming router that is all but guaranteed not to slow you down while you&#8217;re in the heat of battle, the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is it. This behemoth comes with a huge range of game-specific features that are difficult to find on more conventional routers, such as tri-band wifi, so you can separate your gameplay traffic from other wifi connections; mesh network compatibility, which allows you to link up with other routers and increase the wifi coverage in large homes; and built-in ASUS AiProtection, which automatically neutralizes threats from hackers and viruses. It also supports GameForce V, which optimizes other ROG devices to ensure your gameplay is prioritized over other activity.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Super fast 1.8 GHz quad-core processor<\/li>\n<li>8 large wifi antennas extend wifi range<\/li>\n<li>Supports gaming private networks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Very large footprint<\/li>\n<li>Not the most attractive design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TP-Link-AC5400-Band-Gaming-Router\/dp\/B076HRZJ66\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TP-Link-AC5400-Band-Gaming-Router\/dp\/B076HRZJ66\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/71MLybZ5IAL._AC_SL1500_.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TP-Link-AC5400-Band-Gaming-Router\/dp\/B076HRZJ66\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The swiss-army knife of routers<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">From its plethora of ethernet ports to its Amazon Alexa compatibility, the TP-Link AC5400 is full of surprises.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Versatile<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TP-Link-AC5400-Band-Gaming-Router\/dp\/B076HRZJ66\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Whether you&#8217;re using it for gaming, at the office, or as your everyday home router, the TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band is sure to satisfy users who are looking for a reliable \u2014 and fast \u2014 connection. It has three different wifi bands, including one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz, so you can keep your gaming traffic separate from regular computer and cellphone activity.<\/p>\n<p>It also has a whopping 8 ethernet ports \u2014 nearly twice as many as most other routers \u2014 for hard-wiring all the gaming devices in your home. It&#8217;s even compatible with Amazon&#8217;s Alexa voice assistant, so you can do things like enable and disable the guest network from across the room.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>3 co-processors backed up by 1 GB RAM<\/li>\n<li>MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness mode juggles various connections<\/li>\n<li>VPN client support secures your data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Can be difficult to set up<\/li>\n<li>Not as many gaming-centric features as similar options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Linksys WRT32XB<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Linksys-Optimized-Prioritization-Latency-WRT32XB\/dp\/B078216T6C\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Linksys-Optimized-Prioritization-Latency-WRT32XB\/dp\/B078216T6C\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51cfOJq%2BP0L._AC_SL1000_.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Linksys-Optimized-Prioritization-Latency-WRT32XB\/dp\/B078216T6C\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Xbox One lovers take note<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">Specially optimized for Xbox, the Linksys WRT32XB will let you take your gaming to new heights.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best for Xbox One<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Linksys-Optimized-Prioritization-Latency-WRT32XB\/dp\/B078216T6C\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">If your console of choice happens to be Xbox One, there&#8217;s hardly a better choice than the Linksys WRT32XB. While it&#8217;s neither the fastest nor feature-rich model out there, it does come with several unique advantages that can enhance gaming on Microsoft&#8217;s console.<\/p>\n<p>For one thing, it automatically recognizes and seamlessly synchronizes with your Xbox, helping you get your gaming sessions up and running at faster speeds. For another, its Killer Prioritization mode helps isolate and accelerate gaming traffic above other activity in the home, which the company says can reduce peak ping times by up to 65 percent.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sleek black design with stylish blue LED lighting<\/li>\n<li>Fast eSATA port for connecting shared network <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/category\/technology\/storage-devices\/\">storage devices<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Intuitive UI dashboard lets you monitor activity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Not great for other consoles<\/li>\n<li>Not as fast as similar models<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>D-Link Exo AC2600<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/D-Link-AC2600-MU-MIMO-Wi-Fi-Router\/dp\/B0711TPTZL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/D-Link-AC2600-MU-MIMO-Wi-Fi-Router\/dp\/B0711TPTZL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/61r9gyb-kkL._AC_SL1500_.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/D-Link-AC2600-MU-MIMO-Wi-Fi-Router\/dp\/B0711TPTZL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Fast wifi at a surprisingly affordable price<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">The D-Link Exo AC2600 proves you don\u2019t have to spend hundreds of dollars for speedy wifi.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best on a Budget<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/D-Link-AC2600-MU-MIMO-Wi-Fi-Router\/dp\/B0711TPTZL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">While it isn&#8217;t marketed specially as a gaming router, the D-Link Exo AC2600 offers a handful of advanced tools that are rarely found on routers in this price range. There&#8217;s MU-MIMO for connecting with several devices simultaneously, intelligent QoS for optimizing those connections, and even advanced smart beam for strengthening and increasing the range of those connections. Overall, it&#8217;s a great choice for busy households where other internet traffic might interfere with your gaming sessions.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Small footprint with a low profile design<\/li>\n<li>Great range even with 4 antennas<\/li>\n<li>2 USB ports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No gaming-specific features<\/li>\n<li>Only dual-band<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p><b>What makes a gaming routers different from regular wireless routers?<\/b><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Gaming routers often come with specific features and tools designed to optimize and protect your gaming traffic. Those can include lag and latency-minimizing software, intelligent quality of service, or built-in hacker and threat protection.<\/p>\n<p><b>What should I look for in a great gaming router?<\/b><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">At the very least, gaming routers should include the latest in wifi-enhancing technology, such as MU-MIMO, intelligent QoS, and beamforming. Ideally, the best gaming routers, will also offer dual or even tri-band connections, so you can separate your gaming traffic from the rest of the activity in the room or house.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 As its name suggests, the Nighthawk Pro XR500 was designed for gaming \u2014 intense, high-energy, professional-level gaming. It&#8217;s one of the most advanced models out there, full of features that represent the cutting-edge of what a gaming router can do. There&#8217;s MU-MIMO, allowing for simultaneous \u2014 as opposed to sequential [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2035,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[969,970],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2032"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53225,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032\/revisions\/53225"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}