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 NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) is a strong choice for gamers looking for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. It supports the latest WiFi 7 standard, providing speeds up to 3.6 Gbps, which is faster than previous WiFi 6 models. This means smoother online gaming, streaming, and video calls with less lag. The router covers around 2,000 square feet and can handle up to 50 devices, suitable for most homes or small gaming setups. It has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, which is great if you want super-fast wired connections for gaming consoles or PCs, but it does not include a coaxial input, so you’ll need a separate modem for your internet service.

Being dual-band, it offers good flexibility across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, but it’s not tri-band, which some high-end gaming routers include for better device management. On the security side, NETGEAR Armor provides strong protection against hackers and malware, adding peace of mind while gaming online. The setup is user-friendly with the Nighthawk app, making it easier for non-tech-savvy users to manage. However, it’s designed for use in the U.S. only, which limits availability elsewhere.

Though it lacks some gaming-specific features like QoS prioritization explicitly mentioned, its high speeds, modern WiFi 7 technology, and robust security make it a reliable router for gamers wanting fast, stable connections without overly complex setup. Its smaller size and sleek design also help it fit well in most gaming spaces.