10 Best Gaming Routers 2025 in the United States

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a solid choice for gamers looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 router. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, which helps with smoother online gaming and streaming. Its dual-band setup (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) is good for reducing interference and managing multiple devices, though it lacks a tri-band option that some higher-end gaming routers have for even better traffic handling. The router uses Beamforming technology and four high-gain antennas to improve signal strength and range, which means better coverage throughout a typical home.

One standout feature is its support for VPN servers, which adds a security benefit, although it doesn’t come with gaming-specific features like built-in QoS prioritization expressly tailored for games. Still, it does include general QoS to help manage bandwidth. The router offers gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections, which is important for stable and low-latency gaming.

While it doesn’t have advanced gaming extras found in pricier models, it covers the basics very well: fast speeds, decent coverage, and enough ports to connect multiple devices. This makes it a great option for casual to moderate gamers or households wanting a future-proof router with Wi-Fi 6, without spending too much. For users who need ultra-low latency or specialized gaming features, higher-end models might be preferable, but the Archer AX21 provides a good balance of performance and value for most.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX54S is a solid choice for gamers, offering impressive features tailored to enhance your online gaming experience. With speeds reaching up to AX5400 (5.4 Gbps), it ensures smooth gameplay and allows for uninterrupted streaming or video conferencing. The dual-band capability means you can connect multiple devices without significant slowdowns, which is great for households with many users or smart devices. Its coverage of up to 2,500 sq. ft. is sufficient for larger homes, supporting up to 25 devices simultaneously, making it versatile for both gamers and casual users alike.

One of the standout features is the robust security provided by NETGEAR Armor, which protects your connected devices from potential threats. This is particularly important for gamers who often connect multiple gadgets. The automatic firmware updates also help keep your network secure without needing constant manual intervention.

However, there are some factors to consider. While the router offers good speed and coverage, it may not be as powerful as some tri-band routers in handling several high-demand tasks at once. If you have a particularly large household with many gamers, you might find that a tri-band option could better suit your needs. The range and speed might also be less effective if the router is placed in a corner of your house away from the gaming setup. Additionally, while the setup via the Nighthawk app is user-friendly, non-tech-savvy individuals may still require a little time to get everything configured just right. Lastly, note that this model is designed for U.S. use, so compatibility in other countries may be an issue.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX54S presents a strong option for those seeking a gaming router with solid speed, coverage, and security features, though larger gaming setups might benefit from exploring tri-band options.

The TP-Link Archer BE6500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router is designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, making it future-ready for emerging devices like the latest smartphones and laptops. One of its standout features is the impressive speed capability, offering up to 6.5 Gbps total bandwidth across its dual bands. This means it can handle high-demand activities like 4K/8K streaming and AR/VR gaming with ease, which is ideal for avid gamers and households with multiple high-bandwidth users.

The router also provides wide coverage, up to 2,400 sq. ft, and supports up to 90 devices simultaneously, which is beneficial for larger homes or spaces with many connected devices. The inclusion of six high-performance antennas and Beamforming technology ensures strong and reliable connections throughout its coverage area, reducing the chances of dead zones or dropped connections during gaming sessions. Additionally, the router features 2.5 Gbps ports for ultra-fast wired performance, catering to gamers who prefer the stability of wired connections for their gaming consoles or PCs.

Security is another strength, with TP-Link's HomeShield and Private IoT features ensuring a secure network environment. Despite these advantages, the router is dual-band rather than tri-band, which may be a downside for users looking for even more throughput and less congestion on multiple devices. Additionally, while the router supports a wide range of devices and offers advanced features like QoS and parental control, it might be overkill for users with simpler network needs or smaller homes. Given its advanced specifications and security features, the TP-Link Archer BE6500 is well-suited for gamers and tech enthusiasts looking for high performance and future-proofing their network.