Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer AX55 | Best budget pick | Wi-Fi 6 |
| ASUS RT-AX86U Pro | Best overall for gamers | Wi-Fi 6 |
| TP-Link Deco X55 (mesh) | Larger homes and dead zones | Wi-Fi 6 mesh |
| ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro | High-end Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
What makes a router good for gaming
- QoS (Quality of Service): lets the router put your console or PC first when others are streaming or downloading.
- Wired ports: an Ethernet cable is still the best way to cut lag. Look for gigabit or 2.5G ports.
- Wi-Fi 6 or newer: handles many devices at once far better than older Wi-Fi 5 routers.
- Coverage: if your gaming setup is far from the router, mesh beats a single powerful router.
A router can't fix a slow internet plan or a far-away game server. It fixes congestion and weak Wi-Fi inside your home.
The best gaming routers
Best for: Best budget pick
TP-Link Archer AX55
An affordable Wi-Fi 6 router that's a big step up from most provider routers. Simple app setup and basic QoS to prioritise your gaming device.
- Great value
- Easy app setup
- Wi-Fi 6 speeds
- Gigabit ports only, no multi-gig
- Basic gaming features
Best for: Best overall for gamers
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
A favourite with gamers: game acceleration, adaptive QoS, a 2.5G multi-gig port and strong Wi-Fi 6 coverage for most homes.
- Game acceleration and QoS
- 2.5G multi-gig port
- Strong range
- Large
- Pricier than basic routers
Best for: Larger homes and dead zones
TP-Link Deco X55 Mesh
Two or three units spread around the home give strong Wi-Fi everywhere, so the console in the bedroom gets the same signal as the living room.
- Removes dead zones
- Easy to expand
- Ethernet port on each unit
- Slightly more latency than one wired router
Best for: High-end Wi-Fi 7
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro
A flagship quad-band Wi-Fi 7 router with dual 10G and quad 2.5G ports and deep gaming features. Only worth it with a fast plan and Wi-Fi 7 devices.
- Quad-band Wi-Fi 7
- Dual 10G and quad 2.5G ports
- Game acceleration tools
- Very expensive
- Overkill for most homes
Free fixes for lower ping
- Use a wired connection. A long Cat 6 Ethernet cable is the cheapest lag fix there is.
- Can't run a cable? Try a powerline adapter kit that sends internet through your power sockets.
- Turn on QoS and set your console or PC as top priority.
- Pause big downloads and cloud backups while you play.
Finishing your setup? Hear footsteps clearly with one of our best wireless gaming headsets, or upgrade your screen with a budget 1440p gaming monitor. Streaming as well? See our best webcams for streaming guide.
FAQ
Does a gaming router lower ping?
It can lower lag spikes caused by busy home Wi-Fi. It cannot lower ping caused by distance to the game server or a slow internet plan.
Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it for gaming?
Only if you have Wi-Fi 7 devices and a very fast plan. For most gamers, a good Wi-Fi 6 router or a wired connection is enough.
Is mesh Wi-Fi bad for gaming?
No. Mesh adds a tiny amount of delay, but it's far better than a weak signal. Plug your console into the nearest mesh unit with Ethernet for best results.
Is Ethernet better than Wi-Fi for gaming?
Yes. A wired connection is more stable and almost always has lower, steadier ping.