Gaming Wi-Fi routers are ideal for professional gamers and streamers who require high bandwidth to increase upload and download speeds. The best 2022 gaming routers are dual-band or even tri-band, allowing multiple users on the network to enjoy impressive speeds.
However, you may still experience lag even with a top-of-the-line router. It should be noted that routers don’t have much of an impact on latency. If you have low data speeds from your ISP to your game server, a Wi-Fi router for gaming can’t fix that. However, if you already have a decent ISP, a gaming router can improve your connection. Well, let’s take a look at the top 3 routers in 2022, in my opinion.
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Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC2900
The affordable ASUS AC2900 Gaming Router is the best budget gaming router for gamers who need moderate connection speeds. It is a dual-band router with a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band, providing a maximum bandwidth of 2167 Mbps.
Despite the router’s reliance on Wi-Fi 5, it still offers exceptional capabilities with its built-in MU-MIMO technology, which allows the router to handle multiple incoming and outgoing data packets simultaneously.
In addition to the speed and connectivity offered by this router, it allows users to directly connect up to six devices using four LAN ports and two USB ports. It has built-in network protection features that help protect devices and data from malware and viruses. However, if a gamer needs the fastest file transfer speeds, this mid-range router won’t do the job.
Amazon is currently offering a discount on this model. You can buy the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC2900 for $120 instead of $170.
TP-Link Archer AC5400
Streaming requires a reliable network, high bandwidth, and enough personality for viewers to watch your broadcasts. This tri-band Wi-Fi gaming router from TP-Link AC5400 is great for streaming because it provides incredible bandwidth and network reliability.
The TP-Link Archer C5400 Gaming Router uses a tri-band design for maximum flexibility and speed, with one 2.4GHz port and two 5GHz ports.
Despite working with Wi-Fi 5, this gaming router is fast and efficient thanks to MU-MIMO technology, which allows it to handle incoming and outgoing data packets from multiple sources simultaneously.
In addition, the gaming router has eight LAN ports, making it easy to connect multiple devices without worrying about unreliable wireless signals. However, despite its features, this device is still limited to its maximum speed of 2167 Mbps. You can buy it on Amazon for $430.
TP-Link Archer AX11000
Archer AX 11000 has an attractive design and features a tri-band setup with one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. This gaming router is capable of a peak data rate of 4804 Mbps using one of the two 5 GHz bands, although it should be noted that this speed can be reduced depending on the devices to which it is connected and the Internet service provider.
The TP-Link Archer AX 11000 has the standard Wi-Fi 6 Internet protocol, ensuring that users get maximum download and packet data streaming speeds. If users prefer the reliability of a wired connection, they can connect directly to the router through one of eight LAN ports.
The router also has two USB ports for connecting peripherals such as an external hard drive or printer. It even comes with built-in malware and virus protection. However, the bulky enclosure of this device can take up a lot of space, so be sure to make room for this large router in the center of your house or apartment.
How to choose a gaming router
Don’t choose a new gaming router without taking some time to learn about the product’s main features and what they mean to you. Consider Wi-Fi speed, bandwidth, type and number of ports, and whether you prefer a wired or wireless connection.
Wi-Fi speed
The download and data transfer speeds of your router are greatly affected by the Wi-Fi standard it uses. Currently, the newest gaming routers use Wi-Fi 6, which is much faster than the older 802-11ac standard, now called Wi-Fi 5.
However, there are still some gaming routers that use the older Wi-Fi 5 standard. These products may be a good option if you want to save a little money and don’t need the high speeds of the Wi-Fi 6 standard.
Keep in mind that if you’re currently paying for gigabit internet service from your ISP, you need a gaming router that can make full use of your broadband connection.
Bandwidth and latency
The biggest difference that gamers experience when switching from a standard router to a gaming router is the significant increase in bandwidth (or data throughput), which provides better information and data throughput.
Game routers also help reduce latency to some extent, although the latency rate is usually determined by the connection between the game server and your ISP.
Ports and access control
It is recommended that you look for a gaming router with multiple LAN ports so that you can connect your computer, game consoles, and printers without worrying about interference with the wireless signal. At least one or two USB ports supporting USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 are ideal for sharing data stored on peripherals such as portable hard drives, flash drives, or printers.
In addition to the convenience of direct connectivity, gaming routers give users more control over the flow of information and can even include a guest network feature that allows you to give your guests limited wireless access to your network with a separate SSID and password. This helps keep your information safe and your guests happy.
