10 Best Gaming Routers

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is built for high-performance gaming with its impressive WiFi 7 capability, offering speeds up to 25 Gbps. The use of 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM ensures excellent speed and data transfer efficiency. Gamers would benefit from its low latency, essential for real-time game responsiveness. However, the user's environment must support WiFi 7 to fully utilize these speeds, which could be a limitation for some.

With Quad-band support, the router provides multiple bands to reduce congestion and maintain stable connections during intense gaming sessions. The dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports cater to wired connectivity needs, beneficial for bandwidth-heavy games or setups requiring multiple wired connections. The external dual-feeding antennas are designed to enhance range and signal strength, making it suitable for larger homes or spaces.

Ensuring a smooth gaming experience, the router includes advanced QoS features to prioritize gaming traffic. MU-MIMO technology allows multiple devices to connect without compromising performance, ideal for households with several gamers. Security is robust with its subscription-free network security powered by Trend Micro, offering comprehensive protection without additional costs. VPN support and mobile tethering add to its versatility.

While the router is feature-rich, its higher cost and the necessity of compatible devices to leverage all features might be considered drawbacks. This product is a well-rounded option for dedicated gamers who seek top-tier performance and extensive connectivity options. For those not heavily invested in gaming or high-speed internet needs, it might be more than necessary.

The TP-Link Deco X10 3-pack is a whole-home mesh WiFi 6 system that excels in speed and coverage, making it a compelling choice for gaming enthusiasts. With Wi-Fi 6 technology, it offers speeds up to 1,500 Mbps—1,201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band—ensuring fast and reliable connections for gaming and streaming. The dual-band setup is efficient, though it doesn’t offer the additional bandwidth of a tri-band system, which might be a consideration for users with extremely high data demands.

One of the standout features is its ultra-low latency, ideal for responsive gaming and video chatting. The device uses OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies to support multiple devices simultaneously, enhancing the gaming experience even when the network is busy. Its coverage is impressive, providing seamless Wi-Fi across up to 5600ft², which is beneficial for large homes.

The Deco X10 lacks a dedicated Quality of Service (QoS) feature, but it compensates with robust parental controls, allowing customization of internet access per device. The Deco app simplifies setup and management, making it user-friendly, even for those not tech-savvy. This system is best suited for gamers who value speed, low latency, and extensive coverage, and who don't necessarily require the highest-end features like tri-band support or extensive QoS settings. Its capability to handle multiple devices without compromising performance makes it a strong contender for modern households with a mix of gaming and general internet usage.

The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is a strong choice for gamers looking for a reliable and fast router. It uses the latest WiFi 6 technology, delivering speeds up to 5700 Mbps, which helps reduce lag and provides smooth gameplay. Its dual-band setup is effective for typical gaming and streaming needs, though it doesn’t offer tri-band, which might limit performance if many devices connect simultaneously. The router shines with its 2.5 Gbps wired port and a dedicated gaming port, ensuring stable and ultra-fast connections for wired devices, which is great for minimizing latency in competitive gaming. ASUS also includes Mobile Game Mode, which is a handy feature to lower lag on mobile games at the tap of a button.

Range is good for most homes, and you can easily extend coverage using ASUS’s AiMesh system if needed. Quality of Service (QoS) is well-implemented, letting you prioritise gaming traffic over other activities, so your games get the bandwidth they need. MU-MIMO support means multiple devices can communicate efficiently without slowing each other down. On security, it comes with commercial-grade AiProtection powered by Trend Micro, offering robust network protection without extra subscriptions, plus a simple VPN feature for secure access when you’re away.

One downside is that it’s a dual-band router instead of tri-band, which might not be ideal if you have a large number of connected devices. Also, while the router is feature-rich, its setup and management might feel a bit technical for absolute beginners. For UK gamers wanting a fast, secure, and extendable WiFi 6 router with excellent wired options, the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro represents a solid pick.