Gaming routers are more than just RGB lights and red antennas. In fact, gaming routers tend to be ahead of the curve when it comes to hardware with things like multi-gigabit Ethernet ports and faster CPUs. The fast Ethernet can be perfect for high-end gaming PCs or NAS systems saving gameplay footage for streamers. These routers also often have specific enhancements for gaming such as an easily accessible gaming QoS toggle.
It's also worth noting that speed is not the ultimate goal of a gaming router since speed doesn't win firefights. Ping does. Ping is the measurement of the time it takes your gaming console or PC to contact the multiplayer server. A high ping can make it seem like your shots are missing even though you're on target because what you're seeing is every so slightly delayed versus what the server sees.
The human mind can compensate for consistent pings pretty well but if your router is struggling to keep up, your ping times could start to swing. Gaming routers are overkill by design to avoid getting backed up like this even when loaded up with dozens of devices or family members streaming cartoons. I've also had the privilege of testing and reviewing each of these routers (links below) so I can confidently recommend each one.
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It can be hard to figure out what's really important when shopping for a gaming router but each of these options gets just about everything right. While the Netgear isn't a self-described gaming router, it has the hardware to keep up with just about anything, including gaming. I noted in my Nighthawk RAX120 review just how quick this router is when paired with a fast internet connection. In fact, my main complaint in the review was the price making this deal stand out even more.
I also reviewed the ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 and found it to be one of my favorite gaming routers of the year with excellent 5GHz performance and a wide range of software features for gamers. Of note, VPN Fusion allows you to use a VPN on your entire home internet connection while passing through individual connections that don't work well with VPNs, such as gaming devices.
For something a bit cheaper, the TP-Link Archer GX90 might be the perfect fit. This tri-band router is a capacity monster with its tri-band connection keeping your gaming connections away from the rest of your devices. Even while stressing the connection with multiple live streams, gaming performance stayed high in my Archer GX90 review.
Last but not least, the ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX5400 is the right price given its fast gigabit speeds and the fine-tuning enabled by ASUS' software. In a rare event, I actually like the RGB on this router in my ROG Strix GS-AX5400 review. The subtle light bar on the front can be customized to be any color you choose. Don't forget that ASUS router also allows you to use other ASUS routers to form a mesh network.
