Network stability and data speed matter a lot when it comes to gaming. As a gamer reading this, you can probably relate to how horrible it is to face network lag and the consequential in-game struggles. It takes all the fun out of the experience and the only thing remaining is the regret over the network. There are routers that can help solve the problem to an extent and then there are routers that are specifically designed for gaming purposes, eliminating the problem altogether. They help the users in online gaming as well as any gaming carried out over the virtual private network with friends and family. With a lot of helpful features to offer, these routers fall in the premium category. To help you find the perfect device, we have curated a list of a few premium gaming routers.
The Netgear Nighthawk X65 is a router equipped with a triple band system, with one 2.4GHz bandwidth and two 5GHz bandwidths. The router serves up to 750Mbps+1625Mbps+1625Mbps (total of 4000Mbps) data transfer speed. The brand claims that this tri-band router also prevents interference and optimises network performance. Moreover, the router is also compatible with Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant, which lets you control your home network using voice commands. This router also comes with MU-MIMO technology (Multi-User Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output), in which a set of users or wireless terminals (with one or more antenna) interact with each other. It has one USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, four Ethernet output ports and one Ethernet input port.
The TP-Link Archer C4000 comes with a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, three co-processors and 512MB RAM, which should ensure a smooth and lag-free connection in all the connected devices. It has a tri-band system with 1625Mbps on both 5GHz bands and 750Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, delivering a total of 4000Mbps. It comes with the HomeCare feature, which protects the network from malicious attacks and lets users manage who accesses the network. It has a VPN acceleration for 5-times faster VPN connection. The network is ready to go within a minute with intuitive phone UI and Tether apps, according to the brand. With tri-band and MU-MIMO technology, buffering should not be a problem. Along with an 802.11ac, the wireless network is compatible with 802.11b/g/n/a, which makes it even more useful if you plan to use a lot of devices. This router is equipped with all Gigabyte Ethernet ports (1 WAN + 4 LAN), which pushes the wired connection speed to the maximum for a smooth gaming experience. This router also has a Link Aggregation technology which empowers the network-attached storage (NAS) devices by combining two separate Ethernet ports into a 2Gbps connection.
The ASUS RT-AC86U is a good choice for gaming as it has a dual-band system and a total of 2917Mbps WiFi speed over the bands. The router comes with MU-MIMO technology and game-boosting features, including the WTFast game accelerator, which lets the devices focus on games, and adaptive QoS (Quality of Service), which ensures that there is the bandwidth for prioritised tasks and applications. This router comes with a NitroQAM and 5GHz Quad-Stream Technology which delivers quad-stream speeds up to 2167Mbps and 750Mbps, giving the user a combined total of 2917Mbps. With an innovative design and the new Range Boost Technology, the WiFi range as well as the signal stability should be good. It also comes with an Asus Router APP which lets you control the network from anywhere.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC2900 is a router that’s ideal for gaming thanks to the triple-level game acceleration feature, ensuring a smooth network for a good gaming experience. This router is a certified Cloud-Gaming Router with a GeForce NOW, which is a cloud gaming service that turns a non-gaming system into a powerful gaming rig and connects the device to over 400 top games. GeForce NOW recommended routers ensure that up to 90% of the WiFi bandwidth is dedicated to gaming. The Asus ROG GT-AC2900 comes with AC technology and AI-mesh technology, which ensures every corner of the house receives a proper network. The router also features AI-Protection Pro powered by Trend Micro to defend the network from external attacks and threats by neutralising them, according to the brand.