The Best Gaming Routers 2019

If you spend plenty of time playing the best PC games online, you’ve probably encountered a huge lag spike sooner or later, but what if we told you that the best gaming routers could guarantee that your online gaming is never interrupted?

Best Gaming Router –

Well, it’s true: the best gaming routers will prioritize network traffic for your games, courtesy of a neat little feature called Quality of Service (or QoS), which will help ensure your gaming session isn’t disrupted by your roommate downloading games or watching Netflix. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for MU-MIMO so that everyone in your home can get some gaming done without getting in each other’s way.

Now, wired connections are typically considered the best way to connect your online games, and we wholeheartedly agree. But, you want to make sure your gaming router is a good router, too. So, not only will the best gaming routers be packed to the brim with Gigabit Ethernet ports, but they’ll also come with the latest Wi-Fi standards – currently Wi-Fi 5. Having multiple antennae which you can manipulate to boost signal strength doesn’t hurt, either.

Keeping the needs of gamers in mind, we here at TechRadar have gathered up all the best gaming routers 2019 has to offer.

TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

If you’re searching for the latest router technology but you still love that old school look, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is right up your alley. This is one of the best gaming routers that combine enthusiast-grade features and accessible setup into a package that’s appealing to just about anyone. And, when you add in the Alexa support, you have a router that can adjust to any situation, whether you’re focusing on winning the latest match in Apex Legends, or you have guests all connecting to your network.

Asus RT-AC86U

The Asus RT-AC5300 is one of the best gaming routers – it’s packed with a variety of advanced features, making online and network gaming as lag and frustration-free as possible. This includes a straightforward yet powerful interface, as well as comprehensive QoS settings. The spider-like aesthetic is an acquired taste, but the eight antennae are there for a reason, as they can be used to direct your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, giving this router excellent range.

TP-Link Archer C5400X

We already talked about the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 earlier, but the manufacturer slapped an ‘X’ at the end of this one, to signify the extreme boost in performance. It’s a lot more expensive, but this might be one of the highest-end and best gaming routers out there. With eight ethernet ports around the back, it’s perfect for hardwiring a fleet of gaming equipment. And, the MU-MIMO and Tri-band support mean that wireless connections are also top of the line. You’ll be able to top the leaderboards regardless of where you are in the house.

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

If you’re a hardcore gamer, it can be frustrating when your roommates are constantly watching Netflix or downloading games of their own, so you’ll want to consider something like the Netgear Nighthawk XR500. Not only will this elite gaming router supply an embarrassingly fast 2.2Gbps speed, but with MU-MIMO support and unique gaming features, like location-based connection filtering and QoS, you can game all night without hitting a crippling lag spike. Just be aware of the high sticker price and make sure you can deal with such a gamer aesthetic.

Asus RT-AC5300

The Asus RT-AC5300 is a fantastic high-end gaming router that is brimming with a bunch of advanced features. This includes an effortless, yet powerful interface, on top of comprehensive QoS settings. The spider-like design isn’t for everyone, but the eight antennae serve a purpose, as they can be used to direct your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, giving this router excellent range.

Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600

You might expect it to abduct a close friend or family member, but we promise the Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600 isn’t as alien in function as it is in appearance. Rocking the latest MU-MIMO support, which improves speed when multiple devices are connected to the same network, this gaming router prides itself on its performance capabilities. Since it can handle a lot of devices, while prioritizing bandwidth depending on the needs of each device, it’s one of the best gaming routers you can purchase today.

Asus RT-AC88U

The Asus RT-AC88U is a pricey gaming router, but it justifies the price with crazy 802.11 wireless performance. Sporting four antennas and NitroQAM tech, which pushes speeds even further, this gaming router enables wireless performance that can break the 1GB/sec limit. But, there’s a catch – you’ll need to grab a NitroQAM wireless adapter, like the Asus PCE AC88, to approach these mighty speeds. But, with speeds like this, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best gaming routers available.

D-link DIR-885L/R

It might look like it came straight out of Battlestar Galactica – the old Battlestar Galactica – but, the D-Link DIR 885L/R is a reliable mid-range gaming router with great range and speed. If you’re searching for the best gaming router, you may want to give this one a try – it comes with a good variety of ports, and has a nicely designed UI. It also features DD-WRT open-source firmware, which makes this router as flexible as it is powerful.