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10 Best Gaming Routers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router V4 (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet, Gigabit, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a solid choice for gamers looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 router. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, which helps with smoother online gaming and streaming. Its dual-band setup (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) is good for reducing interference and managing multiple devices, though it lacks a tri-band option that some higher-end gaming routers have for even better traffic handling. The router uses Beamforming technology and four high-gain antennas to improve signal strength and range, which means better coverage throughout a typical home.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,156
Wi-Fi Standards
Speed
Range

Most important from
21540 reviews

Wi-Fi Standards
Wi-Fi 6 technology delivers a noticeable boost in speed, handling multiple devices simultaneously without lag or buffering.
Speed
Wi-Fi 6 technology delivers a noticeable boost in speed, handling multiple devices simultaneously without lag or buffering.
Range
The router has reliably supported a large number of devices over several years, maintaining great range and speed.
Ethernet Ports
Gigabit Ethernet ports provide blazing-fast and stable wired connections essential for gaming.
Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band
Dual-band functionality ensures devices receive optimal connections, enhancing overall network performance.
Security Features
Parental controls and guest network features add valuable flexibility for family use.
#2
9.6 score

NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) – Security Features, AX5400 Wireless Speed, Up to 5.4 Gbps, Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft., 25 Devices - 1-Year Armor Subscription Included

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX54S is a solid choice for gamers, offering impressive features tailored to enhance your online gaming experience. With speeds reaching up to AX5400 (5.4 Gbps), it ensures smooth gameplay and allows for uninterrupted streaming or video conferencing. The dual-band capability means you can connect multiple devices without significant slowdowns, which is great for households with many users or smart devices. Its coverage of up to 2,500 sq. ft. is sufficient for larger homes, supporting up to 25 devices simultaneously, making it versatile for both gamers and casual users alike.

Rating
9.6
Speed

Most important from
2990 reviews

Speed
Replacing an old router with the Nighthawk RAX54S is a breeze, taking just 15 minutes to set up through the app and delivering exceptional speeds.
#3
9.3 score

ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router, 2.5G Port, Gaming Port, Mobile Game Mode, Port Forwarding, Subscription-free Network Security, VPN, AiMesh Compatible

The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) is a robust choice for gamers looking for a high-performance router. With the latest WiFi 6 technology, it offers impressive speeds up to 5700 Mbps, which is ideal for demanding gaming sessions and other high-bandwidth activities. The dual-band capability ensures that multiple devices can connect smoothly without interference, though some might prefer a tri-band router for even more congestion-free performance. Latency is kept to a minimum with the Mobile Game Mode, making it a great option for mobile gamers who need reliable and fast connections on the go.

Rating
9.3
Speed
Security Features

Most important from
1076 reviews

Speed
The WiFi 6 speeds are impressive, easily handling gaming and everyday tasks with ease.
Security Features
The added security features like AiProtection Pro and Instant Guard are a great bonus.

Top 10 Best Gaming Routers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router V4 (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet, Gigabit, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device

Wi-Fi Standards: 802.11n, ax, b, g, ac
Speed: up to 1.8 Gbps
Range: better range with Beamforming, 4 antennas
Ethernet Ports: gigabit Ethernet ports
Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band: Dual-Band
Security Features: VPN servers
Gaming-Specific Features: general QoS, no gaming-specific QoS

Chosen by 1156 this week

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Buying Guide for the Best Gaming Routers

Choosing the right gaming router can significantly enhance your gaming experience by providing a stable and fast internet connection. When selecting a gaming router, it's important to consider several key specifications that can impact performance. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision based on your gaming needs and preferences.
Wi-Fi StandardsWi-Fi standards determine the speed and range of your wireless connection. The most common standards are Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, better performance in crowded areas, and improved efficiency. If you have multiple devices or live in a densely populated area, Wi-Fi 6 might be the better choice. However, Wi-Fi 5 is still a solid option for most gaming needs.
SpeedRouter speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Higher speeds can handle more data, which is crucial for online gaming. Look for routers with speeds of at least 1 Gbps for a smooth gaming experience. If you have a high-speed internet plan, ensure your router can support those speeds to avoid bottlenecks.
LatencyLatency, or ping, is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. Lower latency means less lag and a more responsive gaming experience. Gaming routers often have features like Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize gaming traffic and reduce latency. If you play competitive online games, look for routers with advanced QoS settings.
RangeThe range of a router determines how far the Wi-Fi signal can reach. A larger range ensures that your gaming devices stay connected even if they are far from the router. Consider the size of your home and the placement of your gaming setup. Routers with multiple antennas or mesh systems can provide better coverage for larger homes.
Ethernet PortsEthernet ports allow you to connect devices directly to the router for a more stable and faster connection. This is especially important for gaming, as wired connections typically offer lower latency than wireless ones. Look for routers with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports if you plan to connect several devices directly.
Dual-Band vs. Tri-BandDual-band routers operate on two frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), while tri-band routers add an additional 5 GHz band. Tri-band routers can handle more devices and reduce congestion, which is beneficial if you have many devices connected to your network. If you have a busy household with multiple gamers, a tri-band router might be worth considering.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Look for routers with WPA3 encryption, built-in firewalls, and automatic firmware updates. These features are important to keep your gaming sessions secure and your personal information safe.
Gaming-Specific FeaturesSome routers come with gaming-specific features like game acceleration, dedicated gaming ports, and customizable settings for different types of games. These features can optimize your gaming experience by reducing lag and ensuring a stable connection. If you are a serious gamer, look for routers with these specialized features.

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