Unveiling the Ultimate Gaming Routers of 2023

Gaming routers have evolved from being dismissed as a passing trend to becoming a significant industry in their own right. In the past, many users saw them as mere cosmetic upgrades of standard routers. However, the landscape has changed considerably. Most routers available today offer satisfactory performance across various price ranges. This has elevated the gaming router niche to a more premium level, with vendors incorporating additional features, improved aesthetics, and software bundles designed to optimize game latency and device performance.

Leading brands like ASUS, TP-Link, Netgear, and others are now actively catering to the needs of gamers and content creators by offering unique features in their devices. These gaming routers provide cutting-edge speeds and technology to maximize data transfer and minimize latency. They aim to eliminate lag, routing-related limitations, and network connectivity issues (such as NAT type issues) that can hinder a smooth gaming experience. As a result, gaming routers have become a reliable choice for gamers, offering a promise of seamless performance.

Introducing the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router: a device that goes beyond mere branding and excels in functionality, bandwidth, future-proofing, and dedicated gaming app support.

The Best Overall Gaming Router $260 at Newegg

ASUS RT-AXE7800 Tri-band WiFi 6E Extendable Router

The Best VPN Gaming Router $260 at Newegg

TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router

Best Budget Gaming Router See at Amazon

ASUS AC1750 (RT-ACRH18) Wi-Fi Router

Best Entry Level Router For Gaming $128 at Newegg

Linksys MX8503 Atlas Max 6E Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System (3 Pack)

The Best Mesh Router For Gaming See at Amazon

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ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000

Best High-End Gaming Router See at Amazon

NetGear AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX6120)

Range Extender For Gaming Routers $49 at Amazon

Picking A Router That Works For Gamers

Enhanced Gaming Experience: While experienced users may disregard gaming-specific features, they prove to be highly advantageous for the majority of gamers who prioritize seamless gameplay without delving into technical aspects. With the ability to effortlessly improve latency, boost bandwidth, and prioritize gaming traffic with a simple click, these features are immensely valuable. Many routers designed specifically for gaming, as well as select high-end options, offer these features, making them a notably superior choice compared to their counterparts not optimized for gaming.

Price is a crucial factor when it comes to routers, as the highest-end models may not provide significant benefits and gamers often choose to allocate the saved money to upgrading their PC. Hence, selecting a gaming router is akin to choosing any other component for your PC, and it requires careful consideration before investing in a device that is likely to outlast your current PC.

While all mainstream routers come with Gigabit Ethernet ports, certain models have superior hardware that includes 2.5G or even 10G Ethernet ports. These ports cater to devices that require higher bandwidth and are experiencing a shortage of it.

The Best Gaming Routers in 2023

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 is a top-notch gaming router priced at $260, with a $40 discount, originally priced at $300. This router is specifically designed for gamers, featuring dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports to ensure ample bandwidth and low-latency Wi-Fi 6 connections. Equipped with a powerful quad-core CPU, generous RAM, and specialized gaming features, it is a highly effective choice for gamers.

Key Features:

- Brand: ASUS ROG

- Ethernet Ports: 2.5 Gigabit x 2, Gigabit x 4

- USB Ports: USB 3.2 Gen 1 x 1, USB 2.0 x 1

- MU-MIMO: Yes

- Mesh Network Compatible: Yes, supports AIMesh

- Speeds: Up to 5952 Mbps (maximum), 4804 Mbps (single band)

- Security: WPA3, WPA2, WPA

- Chipset/Memory: 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM

- Wi-Fi Bands: Dual Band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz

- Supported Standards: IEEE 802.11a to IEEE 802.11ax

- Pros: Comparatively well-priced compared to newer ROG-branded 'gaming routers'

Has Dual 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet Ports

Offers plenty of gaming-specific features and functionality

Has dedicated networking security features

Offers built-in VPN support out of the box

Cons Does not support Wi-Fi 6E unlike more modern alternatives

Competing 'non-gaming' routers are often cheaper and faster and support newer standards

Available at $260 on Amazon and Newegg, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router is an ideal choice for avid gamers seeking a high-performance router. With innovative features like the patented game boost technology, ROG First packet acceleration tech, and dedicated gaming profiles, it guarantees optimal gaming experiences by ensuring open ports for specific game titles. Moreover, it includes bundled network security without the need for a subscription and boasts ample power and memory for running multiple applications simultaneously.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router offers the convenience of easy extension through its built-in AI Mesh functionality. It features dual 2.5G ports for fast transfer speeds on both Ethernet connections and to a primary gaming PC or console. However, its speed capabilities are somewhat limited due to the lack of support for Wi-Fi 6E, restricting speeds on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 band. Additionally, it is more expensive compared to other routers in the same price range that are not specifically designed for gaming.

Despite these drawbacks, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router is a powerful option that should meet the needs of most gamers. It is regarded as the top choice for gamers and enthusiasts, making it the best overall gaming router available.

The ASUS RT-AXE7800 Tri-band WiFi 6E Extendable Router - A Top Choice for VPN Gaming

$260 $280 Save $20

The ASUS RT-AXE7800 Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E Extendable Router stands out as a superior high-end router that caters not only to general needs but also to the specific requirements of gamers. With its remarkable support for low-latency Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5G Ethernet port, it ensures an exceptional gaming experience. Furthermore, it offers mesh networking capabilities, adding to its versatility and functionality.

Brand: ASUS

Ethernet Ports: 1 x 2.5G, 4 x Gigabit

USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port

MU-MIMO: Yes

Mesh Network Compatible: Yes

Speeds: Up to 7800 Mbps combined, 4804 Mbps max on a single band

Security: WPA3, WPA2, WPA

Chipset/Memory: 1.7GHz quad-core processor + 512GB DDR4 RAM

Wi-Fi Bands: Tri-band Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / 6 GHz

Supported Standards: 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g

Others: Supports Alexa

Pros:

- Dual 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet Ports

- Offers Wi-Fi 6E support out of the box.

Offers built-in VPN support out of the box

Has dedicated networking security features

Supports Amazon Alexa controls

Has excellent mesh routing support

Cons Somewhat bulkier thanks to its more unique shape and undetachable antennas

Has no dedicated gaming features in play.

The ASUS RT-AXE7800 Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E Extendable Router is a high-performing device that offers support for Wi-Fi 6E and has a combined tri-band speed throughput of 7800 Mbps. It comes with Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports and supports mesh routing through ASUS's AIMesh technology. With its excellent features, it can easily cater to both small and large gaming setups. Additionally, it also supports voice control through Alexa-based devices.

Introducing the TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router.

With its six non-detachable antennas, the TP-Link AX1800 may not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, the limited number of Ethernet ports could pose a problem for power users. However, considering its affordability, the RT-AXE7800 packs a punch with its powerful capabilities. It allows for easy access through user-friendly applications and provides support for two major VPN tunnel protocols: Wireguard and OpenVPN.

While some gamers may not find its features directly enhancing their gaming experience, more advanced users or those who enjoy customizing their routers will appreciate the TP-Link AX1800. This router is a highly capable and cost-effective alternative to the pricier ROG Rapture routers offered by the same company.

Introducing the TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router, the ultimate choice for budget-friendly gaming. With its impressive dual-band Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and lightning-fast gigabit ethernet ports, this router is perfect for both casual home use and intense gaming sessions. Catering to the needs of even the most demanding users in your household, it's a mid-range router that delivers exceptional performance without any unnecessary frills.

Brand: TP-Link

Ethernet Ports: 1× Gigabit WAN Port, 4× Gigabit LAN Ports

USB Ports: 1× USB 2.0 Port

MU-MIMO: Not specified

Mesh Network Compatible: Yes

Speeds: Up to 1201 Mbps single band, up to 1,775Mbps total

Security: WPA3 Personal

Chipset/Memory: 1.5GHz quad-core CPU

Network: Wifi 802.11ax 6 (Wifi 6)

Pros: Affordable and suitable for 99% of gamers and demanding users.

Comes with an excellent phone app for easy setup.

Supports VPN functionality

Includes a nifty night mode in play to prevent distractions in the evening

Cons Could do with a better UI when compared with the competition

WAN port at 1Gbps effectively limits internet speeds to a maximum of 1Gbps sustained

Find on Amazon

The TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router is an affordable and reliable option for users seeking a strong internet connection, even from a distance. With its VPN support, this router can also be customized for gaming networks like WTFast/ExitLag, although it may be slightly challenging for beginners.

The AX1800, also known as AX21 in certain areas, may not garner any performance accolades compared to gaming routers that are significantly more expensive. However, it doesn't need to. For those seeking to elevate their gaming experience on both Wi-Fi and Ethernet without breaking the bank, the AX1800 is an outstanding and practical choice. Delivering on its promise of exceptional and reliable performance, this router is more than capable of meeting the gaming needs of most players in 2023.

ASUS AC1750 (RT-ACRH18) Wi-Fi Router

The ASUS AC1750 Wi-Fi router is a top choice for gamers and casual users alike, delivering an impressive performance at an affordable price. This entry-level router supports dual-band connectivity and offers convenient features such as FTP servers and USB media access through its USB 3.1 port.

ASUS offers a brand with the following specifications:

- Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz

- Ethernet Ports: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN

- USB Ports: USB 3.1 x 1

- MU-MIMO: Yes

- Supported standards: Up to Wi-Fi 5

- Speeds: Up to 1750 mbps total, up to 1300mbps on a single band

- Chipset/memory: 128 MB Flash, 128mb RAM

- Pros: Provides excellent value for money

- Supports dual band Wi-Fi with higher data throughput using the 5GHz band

Has Gigabit Ethernet on all ports

Allows users to optimize traffic to prioritize games

Cons Some user reviews point to unstable connections at times

See at Amazon $128 at Newegg

The ASUS AC1750 (RT-ACRH18) Wi-Fi Router is a top-notch entry-level router that provides gaming features for users who want to maximize their current internet connection without relying on the limited hardware offered by ISPs. It also allows you to seamlessly extend connections to other rooms without compromising speed or connectivity.

Featuring Gigabit Ethernet on all ports and impressive wireless internet speeds, the AC1750 by Asus is a cost-effective choice that caters to gamers by prioritizing game data packets over regular applications, effectively enhancing gaming performance.

Linksys MX8503 Atlas Max 6E Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System (3 Pack)

The Best Mesh Router For GamingMesh Supremacy

The Linksys Atlas Max is a Wi-Fi 6E router that excels in providing coverage for both work and play spaces. With its vast coverage area of up to 9000 square feet, it can effortlessly connect up to 200 devices simultaneously. Additionally, it offers impressive features such as 4x Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports, 1x 5 Gigabit WAN port, and 1x USB 3.0 port. With MU-MIMO support and compatibility with mesh networks, it ensures efficient and reliable connectivity. The router boasts impressive speeds of up to 4804 Mbps on a single band and a total of 8400 Mbps. It also prioritizes security with WPA3 Personal encryption. Powered by a 2.2GHz Quad Core Processor and equipped with 1GB RAM, it delivers excellent performance. Featuring Wi-Fi 802.11AX 6/6E technology, this router offers exceptional Mesh performance and is highly suitable for spaces with a coverage range of 9000 square feet.

A good future-proof choice for those looking for a once-in-a-decade upgrade

Has a simple app for easier installs and setup and comes with excellent phone support

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"Enables seamless connectivity across an extensive range of devices, making it perfect for individuals who frequently utilize multiple devices simultaneously."

"However, there are some areas for improvement in the user interface of the app, as highlighted in certain user reviews due to occasional bugs."

Pricey versus the competition which offers much more value for money

See at Amazon

The Linksys MX8503 Atlas Max 6E Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System is not for the faint-hearted when it comes to router setup. It has some quirks that may pose challenges for first-time users. However, at its core, it is an incredibly powerful Wi-Fi 6E router system consisting of three mesh units. This system offers exceptional performance with minimal latency and lightning-fast internet speeds over shorter distances. It also provides adequate coverage for spaces up to 9000 sqft, making it suitable for most households.

It's worth mentioning that user opinions about its usability are varied. Several reviews highlight a longer installation process or difficulties for less tech-savvy users. Nevertheless, those who manage to successfully set up the system are rewarded with a cutting-edge Wi-Fi experience that will remain relevant even with the arrival of Wi-Fi 7 in 2025.

All in all,

the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 stands out as one of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers available in the market. Its exceptional Linksys customer support and default 3-year warranty provide added value. This future-proof mesh router system can keep up with advances in Wi-Fi 6E, making it a top choice for most users. However, if one prefers a non-mesh configuration for gaming, they can simply scroll down for the best gaming router offering in the business.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is the ultimate gaming router that pushes the limits of technology and price. With its Wi-Fi 6E quad-band support and dual 10GB ports, it solidifies its position as the top choice for gamers. However, be prepared to invest in this high-end router.

Brand: ASUS

Ethernet Ports: 1 x 2.5 Gigabit WAN Port, 2 x 10 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports, 4 x Gigabit LAN Ports

USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0 Port

MU-MIMO: Yes

Mesh Network Compatible: Yes

Speeds: Up to 4804Mbps Single Band, Up to 16000Mbps Total

Security: WPA 3 Personal

Chipset/Memory: 2.0GHz quad-core processor

Network: Wi-Fi 802.11ax 6/6E

Pros: The router has the highest raw throughput speed on our list.

It comes with 10Gb Ethernet ports.

Looks arguably far better and premium than any other router

Has dedicated app support for gaming networks and apps

Cons Pricey for an excellent, but non-mesh router offering

Hard to justify this as a purchase over the GT-AXE11000 Router

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 Gaming Router is a massive device that may seem excessive to some, an extravagant creation by ASUS capable of delivering a staggering 16Gbps of data through its quad-band Wifi 6E channels. It comes with specialized features designed for gamers, including native support from the WTFast network, Game Profile, Game Radar, and Game Boost/acceleration, offering an extensive range of software support for gaming enthusiasts.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 Gaming Router is an exceptional office router for those with a need for high-speed internet within a short distance. It provides immense bandwidth and is particularly suited for Wi-Fi 6E. However, it is worth noting that this gaming router comes at a high price point. For users seeking a capable Wi-Fi 6 router at a more affordable cost, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a suitable alternative. While it doesn't offer Wi-Fi 6E, it remains an excellent router that will serve as a reliable internet gateway for the foreseeable future.

NetGear AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX6120)

Range Extender For Gaming RoutersExcellent Coverage For Less

The NetGear AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX6120) is the perfect solution for improving Wi-Fi coverage and eliminating dead spots. It can support up to 25 devices simultaneously, over an impressive coverage area of 1500 square feet. With a speed of AC1200 and dual-band functionality, it ensures fast and reliable connectivity. Additionally, it includes 1 x 100mbps ethernet port for wired connections. NetGear offers this range extender at a relatively low price compared to its competitors, making it a cost-effective choice.

Much cheaper than buying a secondary router

Has excellent coverage and extends the number of devices on a network

Cons Limited to the max throughput of the primary router

Offers only a singular ethernet port

The NetGear AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX6120) offers an affordable solution for improving gaming performance or extending coverage without the need for a costly router upgrade. Ideal for casual gamers and streamers, this device is perfect for accessing Wi-Fi signals in hard-to-reach areas of your home or resolving issues related to inconsistent coverage, slow speeds, or inadequate ISP-provided routers.

At the same time, the AC1200 has certain limitations in terms of its capabilities and the distance from the router for range extension. It lacks support for Wi-Fi 6 or 6E and is constrained to a maximum Ethernet speed of 100mbps. Consequently, there are superior, albeit more costly options available for individuals who are willing to invest in them. These alternatives provide a better performance, particularly when it comes to streaming and gaming scenarios, thus ensuring enhanced coverage for users.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a Wi-Fi 6E Router For Gaming?

No, Wi-Fi 6E is a cutting-edge Wi-Fi standard that is considered the most advanced among Wi-Fi standards. As a result, the majority of devices currently available in the market do not have built-in support for it. While it is highly recommended to embrace this exceptional standard early on, there is a possibility of incurring an obligatory fee for being an early adopter.

Q: Which is better: Wi-Fi or a wired internet connection better for gaming?

Despite significant advancements in Wi-Fi technology, wired Ethernet will continue to surpass it in terms of raw latency for the foreseeable future. This makes Ethernet the superior medium for gaming needs, until a superior technology emerges.