In this review we feature the best gaming routers designed to provide super-fast WiFi connections over long distances with the lowest ping during online gaming. These routers come with 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for lag-free, wired connectivity and dual core processors for high speed network. Furthermore, some of these WiFi routers can be amped to deliver speeds of up to 2.6 Gbps for intense gaming traffic. We also liked the fact that some of these routers even support geo-filtering to connect to the closest servers for the fastest response time. Our experts have tested these wireless gaming routers to determine which ones provide the fastest speed and connectivity for a superb gaming experience, so be sure to check out our top picks below!
#1 Best Overall: NETGEAR XR500 Gaming Router
Type: High Speed Performance Gaming Router
WiFi Speed: Blazing fast speeds up to 2.6 Gbps, 1.7 GHz dual-core processor network
Features: Four 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, 4 external antennas
View Full Specs: NETGEAR XR500 Gaming Router
The NETGEAR Nighthawk pro gaming XR500 WiFi router is a router that uses high-end software to optimize your internet connection by stabilizing ping, reducing lag spikes, and keeping you in the game with reliable wired and wireless connectivity for fast-paced gaming. The dual-band router delivers fast speeds up to 2.6 Gbps. It uses our 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connectivity and 1.7 GHz dual-core processor for network efficiency and better performance. It supports many devices for better VR gaming, 4K streaming, surfing and more.
The XR500 incorporates four external antennas for better WiFi coverage, faster speeds and less interference. The Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology allows for simultaneous streaming while the Quad-Stream & 160MHz is used for accelerated speeds. The Quality of Service function prioritizes gaming devices over others to prevent lag spikes. Two USB 3.0 ports are incorporated to let you access your media or connect a printer.
The geo-filtering function allows you to connect to the closest servers and players by limiting the distance while the gaming dashboard shows the real-time bandwidth utilization by device and the network monitor identifies applications that could be causing lag. The NETGEAR Nighthawk pro gaming XR500 WiFi router allows you to protect your network identity by connecting to a secure gaming VPN server.
#2 Best 4K Router: D-Link AC2600 Gaming Router
Type: 4K High Performance Gaming Router
WiFi Speed: 800 Mbps in 2.4 GHz, 1733 Mpbs in 5GHz
Features: 4 x 4 data streams and 4 high performance antennas
View Full Specs: D-Link AC2600 Gaming Router
The D-Link DIR-882-US AC2600 MU-MIMO is a Wi-Fi wireless router that delivers premium performance for HD streaming, gaming, and multiple device usage. It comes with
AC2600 Wi-Fi speed (800 Mbps in 2.4GHz + 1733 Mbps in 5GHz) to support more connected Wi-Fi devices to your high speed home network. It allows you to enjoy 4K/HD video and online gaming simultaneously with 4 x 4 data streams and 4 high-performance antennas. Two Wi-Fi bands help fight congestion when there are a lot of additional Wi-Fi networks around, especially for those who live in apartment complexes.
The dual core processor gives you powerful wired and wireless internet network speeds while the multi-user MIMO Technology for simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. The Advanced Smart Beam technology tracks your connected devices for enhanced Wi-Fi speed and range throughout your home. Its intelligent QoS traffic optimization delivers trouble-free performance for your applications.
The DIR-882 automatically places each of your devices on the best band, moving devices to the less crowded band when needed and keeping the Wi-Fi fast for everyone. In addition to that, it comes with two USB ports (one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0) to remotely deliver high-speed data transmission for storage devices.
#3 Best Tri-Band Router: ASUS AC5300 Gaming Router
Type: 4K Streaming High-Speed Gaming Router
WiFi Speed: Tri-band (dual 5 GHz, single 2.4 GHz) for maximum speed (5334 Mbps)
Features: 1.8GHz 64 bit quad-core processor, 8-ports and dual USB 3.0
View Full Specs: ASUS AC5300 Gaming Router
The ASUS ROG Rapture is a gaming tri-band router featuring an 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and the latest 4×4 802.11ac MU-MIMO technology. Thanks to its tri-band (dual 5 GHz, single 2.4 GHz) technology along with the MU-MIMO technology it delivers great throughput (5334 Mbps) and coverage (up to 5,000 sq. ft.) It features an 1.8GHz 64-bit Quad-Core processor that maximizes data throughput from 8-ports as well as dual USB 3.0 for optimizing network traffic and connectivity speed.
The VPN Fusion technology enables you to run a VPN and ordinary internet connection simultaneously, effectively maximizing your connection speed to gaming servers (this feature is available via firmware update). It is Game IPS Powered by Trend Micro, providing multi-stage protection for your gaming network from external attacks and threats, neutralizing them before they reach your network or devices.
The ROG Game Dashboard gives you access to exclusive features like Game Boost, Game IPS, VPN Fusion, and route-optimized low ping time gaming servers using WTFast Gamers Private Network (GPN) to help you optimize your gaming network. The ASUS ROG Rapture is AiMesh supported, which allows you to upgrade your firmware to easily connect to other compatible ASUS routers in order to create a powerful and flexible whole-home Wi-Fi network.
#4 Best High-Speed Router: Nighthawk AC1900 Gaming Router
Type: High speed network gaming router
WiFi Speed: 600+1300 Mbps speed dynamic QoS
Features: 1GHz dual core processor and AC1900 Wi-Fi
View Full Specs: Nighthawk AC1900 Gaming Router
The Nighthawk AC1900 is a smart WiFi router that has been built for gaming, streaming and mobility. It incorporates an 1 GHz Dual Core Processor and AC1900 Wi-Fi, delivering 600+1300 Mbps of connectivity speed. It features high-powered amplifiers and antennas to extend your Wi-Fi coverage throughout large homes and even backyards, while the Beamforming+ technology focuses WiFi signals to both 2.4 & 5GHz devices. Its Dynamic QoS technology prioritizes bandwidth by application and device for the best gaming and streaming experience.
You can use your mobile device with the NETGEAR Up app as well as use Kwilt to view and share all your photos from social media and from your Nighthawk Router attached USB storage. It is also compatible with Echo/Alexa, allowing you to control your home network using voice commands. In addition, you can use the OpenVPN Connect App to access your network remotely using your mobile device.
The ReadyCLOUD USB and ReadySHARE Vault support automatic backup software for Windows PC, keeping it safe and making it easy to access your USB disk anytime, anywhere (note that the wireless network name and wireless security settings of the router and wireless computer must match exactly). The Nighthawk AC1900 router is also compatible with Time Machine for MacOS computers.
#5 Best for Gaming: Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router
Type: Dual-band WiFi gaming router with prioritization engine
WiFi Speed: Speeds up to 3.2 Gbps for high performance gaming
Features: Pro-grade Gigabit Ethernet switch with four ports, dynamic frequency selection
View Full Specs: Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router
The Linksys WRT32X is a dual-band AC3200 WiFi gaming router that features a prioritization engine. The Killer Prioritization Engine identifies, prioritizes and accelerates gaming network traffic above all else in order to reduce peak ping. In addition to that, it synchronizes with Killer-enabled PCs from brands such as Alienware, Gigabyte, MSI and Razer.
The WRT32X delivers combined Wi-Fi speeds up to 3.2 Gbps for high Next-Gen AC Wi-Fi speeds throughout the home. Thanks to its 1.8 GHz dual-core CPU, it promotes simultaneous high-speed data processing, allowing you to perform multiple tasks effectively. Each connected client device receives its own dedicated data stream, so that multiple users won’t have to compete with one another for bandwidth.The WRT32X gaming router also features a pro-grade Gigabit Ethernet switch with four ports, making it suitable for connecting multiple gaming rigs or consoles on occasions such as a LAN party.
The dynamic frequency selection (DFS) certification from the FCC allows operation at 160MHz enabling Tri-Stream160, and in addition to that, it triples the channels available at 80MHz, so the WRT32X can operate in the airspace that other routers aren’t allowed. Finally, the custom-built user interface allows you to see your home’s Internet traffic, see Killer device connection, run a speed test, and perform more actions.
#6 Best Smart Router: TP-Link Archer C9 Gaming Router
Type: Long range dual band WiFi gaming router
WiFi Speed: High speed WiFi with 1GHz dual-core processor
Features: USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, 3 external antennas for long range
View Full Specs: TP-Link Archer C9 Gaming Router
The TP-Link Archer C9 is a smart wireless AC1900 router that is compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, 802.11ac and older. This wireless AC router creates high-speed dual-band Wi-Fi speeds up to 1900 Mbps and increases total throughput up to 430% faster, allowing you to stream in 4K and game online without interruption on your Xbox, PlayStation, PC or Mac.
It features a Gigabit router with 4 gigabit LAN ports, fast access to multiple connected wired devices, and it is recommended to be used as a gaming router. It has long range coverage thanks to its 3 external antennas. The Beamforming technology makes the router smart, detecting where you need fast Wi-Fi. The 1 GHz powerful dual-core processor easily handles multiple devices (laptops, tablets, phones, smart home, Alexa-enabled devices & more) that are connected simultaneously at the same network.
You can easily share media, printers and files across your network with the USB 3.0 and 2.0 featured ports. You can set up and manage your Wi-Fi through the TP-Link Tether app, available for both Android and iOS. Tether’s simple layout lets you quickly access Wi-Fi settings such as guest privileges, scheduling and device management from your smartphone.
#7 Best Wireless Range: NETGEAR Orbi Gaming Router
Type: Ultra-performance home network gaming router
WiFi Speed: Speeds up to 3 Gbps over 5000 sq feet
Features: 4 Ethernet ports on both router and satellites, multiple connectivity options
View Full Specs: NETGEAR Orbi Gaming Router
The NETGEAR Orbi Ultra-Performance whole home mesh WiFi system is a kit that includes a fast WiFi router and a single satellite extender. It is able to eliminate dead zones throughout your home, covering a range of up to 5,000 square feet. It provides up to 24GHz (400 Mbps) + 5GHz (866 Mbps) internet speed for WiFi devices as well as a 5 GHz (1733 Mbps) dedicated WiFi link for faster data connections between Orbi router and Orbi Satellite.
Each Orbi device comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports to hard-wire entertainment centers, game systems, and home offices for fast Internet speeds. The Tri-Band Technology provides Orbi with a dedicated back haul connection between the router and the satellite, so the system can manage multiple network connections without compromising speed. That allows you to simultaneously watch movies and TV, play video games, download music, books, and more.
The router works with your current internet service provider and sets up easily, using the Orbi app or any web browser to create your entire home’s secure WiFi network. It is also compatible with Echo Alexa, allowing you to manage it through voice prompts. The Orbi has also guest capability, allowing guests the opportunity to access the WiFi while protecting your network and password.
#8 Best Design: WAVLINK AC1200 Gaming Router
Type: Dual-band Gigabit Ethernet Gaming Router
WiFi Speed: 867Mbps on 5Ghz band and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz band up to 1200Mbps
Features: Four external antennas, beamforming technology, turbo functionality
View Full Specs: WAVLINK AC1200 Gaming Router
The WAVLINK AC1200 is a dual-band, high-speed smart Wi-Fi router that allows you to stream in 4K and game online without interruption on your Xbox, PlayStation, PC or Mac. With combined speeds of 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, the 1200Mbps combined speed is fast enough for bandwidth-intensive tasks. 4 x 5 dBi high-gain antennas and Beamforming technology help the Router create a far-reaching network, avoiding interference to deliver the fastest wireless speeds, improved coverage and reliable connections.
You can do multiplayer gaming, HD streaming, file transfers, video chat, email, and web surfing at the same time. The Touchlink technology allows you to touch and connect without the need to write the Wi-Fi password. The features Gigabit Ethernet ports operate 10X faster than the standard, helping your wired devices achieve peak performance. The USB port helps you share content from your connected USB storage devices. It features TURBO technology that optimizes your network with the touch of a button.
The Smart APP helps to manage the network settings from any Android or iOS device, get real-time information about your home WiFi and manage your network remotely. You can also create a separate guest network and share the Wi-Fi password with your guests via text message or email.
#9 Most Versatile: TP-Link AC1750 Gaming Router
Type: Dual Band Gigabit 4K Gaming Router
WiFi Speed: 1750 Mbps high speed internet, ideal for 4K streaming
Features: Integrated USB ports, 3 external antennas for long range WiFi
View Full Specs: TP-Link AC1750 Gaming Router
The TP-Link AC1750 is a smart WiFi router that works with Alexa and is compatible with all the Wi-Fi devices (802.11ac and older). It is a Gigabit router with 4 gigabit LAN ports allowing for fast access to multiple connected wired devices, making it suitable to be used as a gaming router. The dual band router upgrades to 1750 Mbps high speed internet (450 Mbps for 2.4 GHz + 1300 Mbps for 5 GHz), reducing buffering and making it suitable for 4K streaming.
The TP-Link AC1750 can handle the demands of multiple devices in your home thanks to its powerful CPU for high-speed processing, solid hardware backed with advanced technology and bandwidth prioritization (QoS). It incorporates 3 external antennas for long range Wi-Fi i that can cover up to 2,500 Sq. Ft. The integrated USB port acts as a media server, allowing you to easily share your USB drive content.
You can use the TP-Link Tether app to set up and remotely manage your home network. It has security controls that allow you to keep your family safe and devices secure with advanced WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, parental controls and guest access. Additionally, you can turn on the guest WiFi with Alexa voice control and use IFTTT to trigger actions when devices connect or disconnect from your network.
#10 Best WiFi Repeater: Wise Tiger AC1200 Gaming Router
Type: Dual Band High Performance Gaming Router
WiFi Speed: Delivers up to 300Mbps at 2.4GHz or 866Mbps at 5GHz
Features: 3 access points with guest WiFi, works with Alexa and Echo
View Full Specs: Wise Tiger AC1200 Gaming Router
The WISE TIGER AC1200 is a smart Wi-Fi router with external antennas that delivers fast AC1200 Wi-Fi. With up to 300+867 Mbps speed and simultaneous dual band Wi-Fi technology, it avoids wireless interference, ensuring high Wi-Fi speeds and reliable connections, making it suitable for applications such as lag-free multiple HD video streaming, multi-player gaming, ultra-fast speed and a secure and reliable connection to the Internet. Thanks to its external antennas, it covers a long range, providing improved Wi-Fi coverage for larger homes.
The AC1200 gaming router has high security performance with multiple wireless security features such as WPA2 Security, WPA Security, Firewall and WEP Security. It is compatible with next generation Wi-Fi devices and backward compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n devices, enabling HD streaming throughout your home. The WISE TIGER AC1200 is very easy to set up in a few minutes by following the instructions.
This router can also be used as the Wi-Fi extender to boost the Wi-Fi signal and it has 3 access points for guest Wi-Fi with no password required. The router itself is easy to setup and you can also conduct traffic analysis, signal conditioning, optimization and test speed. Overall, if you are looking for a high performance router that can support multiple device connections with virtually no in-game lag, we highly recommend the AC1200 gaming router.