Best Routers for Gaming: How to Choose the Perfect One
Fed up with lag messing up your game? Here's how to pick the best router to keep you in the action.
Ever been in the middle of an intense game only to get booted because of a bad connection? Yeah, it's the worst. A good gaming router can make all the difference. Let's dive into how the right router can level up your gaming experience.
Table of Contents:
- Why a Good Router Matters for Gaming
- Features to Look for in a Gaming Router
- Top Gaming Routers to Consider
- Setting Up Your Gaming Router
- Conclusion
Why a Good Router Matters for Gaming
Lag and Latency: The Gamers' Nemesis
We've all been there—you're about to land that perfect headshot or score the winning goal, and suddenly your game lags. Lag and high latency can turn a fun gaming session into a frustrating experience. Lag is the delay between your action and the game's response, while latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. A quality router can help reduce both, making your gameplay smoother.
Wired vs. Wireless: What's Better?
When it comes to gaming, the debate between wired and wireless connections is real. Wired connections, using Ethernet cables, generally offer lower latency and more stable connections. If you can, plugging your gaming device directly into the router is the way to go. But let's face it, wires can be a hassle. If you prefer wireless, a good router can minimize latency and provide a reliable connection.
Features to Look for in a Gaming Router
Speed and Bandwidth
Not all routers are created equal. Look for routers that support the latest Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). This standard offers faster speeds and better performance, especially in crowded networks. Higher bandwidth means your router can handle more data at once, which is crucial when you're gaming and maybe streaming or chatting simultaneously.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of Service is a feature that lets you prioritize certain types of traffic on your network. With QoS, you can tell your router to give gaming data priority over, say, someone streaming movies in the other room. This helps reduce lag and keeps your game running smoothly.
Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band
Dual-band routers broadcast on two frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Tri-band routers add an extra 5 GHz band. The additional band can help reduce network congestion, especially if multiple devices are connected. This means less interference and a more stable gaming connection.
MU-MIMO Technology
MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output. It allows the router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time rather than one after the other. This reduces wait time and improves overall network efficiency, which is great if you're gaming while others are using the internet.
Top Gaming Routers to Consider
Best Budget Options
If you're on a budget, don't worry—you can still get a decent gaming router without spending a fortune.
- TP-Link Archer C7: Offers dual-band connectivity and solid performance for its price. It's a good entry-level router that supports QoS settings.
- NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1750: Known for its reliable performance and easy setup. It also supports beamforming, which improves Wi-Fi coverage.
Best High-End Picks
If you're ready to invest in top-tier performance, these routers have all the bells and whistles.
- ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000: Designed specifically for gaming, it supports Wi-Fi 6, tri-band frequencies, and advanced QoS settings. It's a powerhouse that can handle heavy gaming and streaming.
- NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500: Features a gaming dashboard to monitor network performance, geo-filtering to connect to the nearest servers, and advanced QoS.
Setting Up Your Gaming Router
Optimizing Settings
Buying a great router is just the first step. To get the most out of it, you'll need to tweak some settings.
- Enable QoS: Prioritize your gaming device so it gets the bandwidth it needs.
- Update Channel Settings: Choose less crowded channels to reduce interference.
- Use Guest Networks: Set up a guest network for visitors to keep your main network focused on gaming.
Firmware Updates
Manufacturers often release firmware updates to improve performance and security. Regularly check for updates through your router's admin page and install them to keep your router running smoothly.
Conclusion
A good gaming router can be a game-changer—literally. By reducing lag and providing a stable connection, it lets you focus on what really matters: winning. So take the time to choose the right router, set it up properly, and get ready to enjoy smoother, more responsive gaming sessions. With the right internet speeds, you'll be ready for intense gaming sessions or even smooth video calls. Happy gaming!
