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10 Best Gaming Routers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) – Security Features, BE3600 Wireless Speed (up to 3.6 Gbps) - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., 50 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) is a strong choice for gamers looking for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. It supports the latest WiFi 7 standard, providing speeds up to 3.6 Gbps, which is faster than previous WiFi 6 models. This means smoother online gaming, streaming, and video calls with less lag. The router covers around 2,000 square feet and can handle up to 50 devices, suitable for most homes or small gaming setups. It has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, which is great if you want super-fast wired connections for gaming consoles or PCs, but it does not include a coaxial input, so you’ll need a separate modem for your internet service.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,453
Wi-Fi Standards
Speed
Range

Most important from
544 reviews

Wi-Fi Standards
WiFi 7 technology combined with robust throughput ensures devices max out their capabilities, resulting in noticeably snappier internet and streaming performance.
Speed
The router delivers full gigabit speeds over WiFi, with exceptionally fast connections on both 5GHz and 6GHz bands, ensuring smooth streaming and gaming.
Range
Signal coverage extends well beyond typical home boundaries, effectively covering homes up to 2500 square feet and even outdoor areas.
Gaming-Specific Features
Strong, stable connectivity supports over 25 devices simultaneously without any slowdown, ideal for high-demand home networks.
#2
9.6 score

NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500) – Security Features, BE12000 Wireless Speed (up to 12 Gbps) - Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., 120 Devices – 2.5 Gig Internet Port - Free Expert Help

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS500) is designed to meet the demands of serious gamers looking for top-tier speed and reliability. Its WiFi 7 technology offers blazing-fast wireless speeds up to 12Gbps, which can handle real-time gaming, UHD streaming, and other high-bandwidth activities with ease. Compared to the previous WiFi 6 standard, it promises over twice the speed, helping reduce lag and improve responsiveness during gameplay.

Rating
9.6
Wi-Fi Standards
Speed
Latency

Most important from
544 reviews

Wi-Fi Standards
Wi-Fi 7 technology pushes speeds to the limit, delivering ultra-low latency and flawless connectivity even with multiple heavy-load devices running simultaneously.
Speed
This router handles bandwidth to its fullest potential, consistently delivering speeds that match or exceed internet service plans with rock-solid stability and throughput.
Latency
Wi-Fi 7 technology pushes speeds to the limit, delivering ultra-low latency and flawless connectivity even with multiple heavy-load devices running simultaneously.
Range
Coverage is exceptional, with powerful antennas and beamforming technology eliminating dead zones and providing seamless high-speed Wi-Fi throughout large homes and even outdoor areas.
Ethernet Ports
Multi-gigabit ports combined with advanced Wi-Fi 7 standards make this router a future-proof powerhouse ready for the most demanding gamers, streamers, and smart home setups.
Security Features
Robust built-in security features, including real-time threat protection and WPA3 encryption, offer peace of mind against hackers, malware, and identity theft.
#3
9.3 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
9.3
Speed

Most important from
4334 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.

Top 10 Best Gaming Routers 2025 in the United States

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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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