10 The Best Gaming Router For Pc: Top Reviews | SHR

Choosing the best router for gaming involves considering factors like speed, performance, and specific gaming-related features. Here are some routers that were well-regarded for gaming:

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000:
A high-performance router with Wi-Fi 6 support, tri-band functionality, and gaming-specific features. It offers a dedicated 5GHz band for gaming devices.
NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500:
Designed with gamers in mind, this router offers a customizable dashboard, Quality of Service (QoS) settings for prioritizing gaming traffic, and a dual-core processor for fast performance.
TP-Link Archer C5400X:
A gaming router with tri-band Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO support, and a powerful processor. It has features like Dynamic Optimization and Game Accelerator to enhance gaming performance.
Linksys WRT32X:
Developed in collaboration with Killer Networking, this router prioritizes gaming traffic and reduces lag. It is compatible with the Killer Prioritization Engine.
ASUS RT-AX86U:
A Wi-Fi 6 router with gaming features, including Adaptive QoS, WTFast Game Accelerator, and a dedicated gaming LAN port.

When selecting a gaming router, consider the following:

Speed: Look for routers with high-speed capabilities, especially if you have a fast internet connection. Wi-Fi 6 routers offer improved performance.

Quality of Service (QoS): Gaming routers often have advanced QoS settings, allowing you to prioritize gaming traffic over other types of data.

Low Latency: Features that reduce latency, such as MU-MIMO and gaming-specific optimizations, can be beneficial for a smoother gaming experience.

Dedicated Gaming Ports: Some routers have dedicated LAN ports optimized for gaming devices, providing a direct connection for low-latency gaming.

Compatibility: Ensure that the router is compatible with your gaming devices, consoles, and platforms.

Which router is best for PC?

The best router for a PC depends on various factors, including your internet speed, the size of your home, and your specific needs. Here are some routers that were well-regarded for general use, including PC connectivity:
ASUS RT-AX88U:
A Wi-Fi 6 router with fast speeds, a large coverage area, and multiple features suitable for various devices, including PCs.
NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 (RAX200):
Another Wi-Fi 6 router with high-speed capabilities, multiple antennas for extended range, and support for multiple devices, making it suitable for PCs.
TP-Link Archer C4000:
This tri-band router offers fast speeds and is suitable for handling multiple devices simultaneously, making it a good choice for a home with multiple PCs.
Linksys EA9500:
A high-performance router with tri-band technology, providing fast and reliable connectivity for PCs and other devices.
Google Nest WiFi:
If you prefer a mesh system, Google Nest WiFi is easy to set up and provides consistent coverage throughout your home, including areas where your PC may be located.

When choosing a router for your PC, consider the following factors:

Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers provide improved performance, especially in homes with multiple connected devices.

Speed: Choose a router that can handle the maximum speed of your internet plan to ensure optimal performance for your PC.

Coverage: Consider the size of your home and choose a router or mesh system that provides sufficient coverage.

Features: Look for features like Quality of Service (QoS) settings, beamforming, and MU-MIMO to enhance the performance of your PC on the network.

Security: Verify that the router has robust security features, including the latest encryption standards, to protect your PC and other devices.

What router mode is best for gaming?

When setting up your router for gaming, the choice of router mode can impact your gaming experience. Here are two common router modes, and their considerations for gaming:
Gaming Mode or Gaming QoS (Quality of Service):
Some routers come with a dedicated "Gaming Mode" or advanced QoS settings designed to prioritize gaming traffic over other types of data on the network. This can help reduce latency and ensure a smoother gaming experience.
Considerations:
Prioritization: Gaming modes often prioritize traffic from gaming devices, reducing lag and ensuring a more responsive connection.
Customization: Look for routers that allow customization of QoS settings, so you can fine-tune the prioritization based on your specific gaming needs.
Compatibility: Ensure that the gaming mode is compatible with your gaming devices and the online platforms you use.
Bridge Mode:
Bridge mode turns off the router functionality of your device and allows it to function purely as a modem. This is useful if you want to use a separate, dedicated gaming router for all routing and network management functions.
Considerations:
Dedicated Gaming Router: If you have a separate high-performance gaming router, using bridge mode on your modem-router combo allows the gaming router to handle all routing tasks.
Flexibility: Bridge mode provides more flexibility in choosing routers, allowing you to select a router specifically designed for gaming needs.
Network Complexity: Using bridge mode may be more suitable for users with a good understanding of network configurations, as it might involve more manual setup.

Additional Tips:
Firmware Updates: Ensure that your router's firmware is up-to-date to benefit from the latest performance improvements and security features.

Wired Connection: For the best gaming performance, consider using a wired Ethernet connection for your gaming device rather than relying on Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi Settings: If using Wi-Fi, choose a less congested Wi-Fi channel and ensure your router supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for newer devices).

Low Latency Features: Look for routers with features like MU-MIMO (Multiple User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) and beamforming, which can contribute to lower latency in gaming.

Ultimately, the best router mode for gaming depends on your specific setup and preferences. Experimenting with different settings and configurations may help you find the optimal setup for your gaming needs.

Read More:

The Best Wireless Router For Small Business of 12 / 2023: Rankings

Best Gaming Router Reviews & Buyers Guide in 2023