![]() ![]() Together, the two let your router handle a busy home network much more seamlessly, as they allow your router to communicate with many devices at once, with MU-MIMO aiding in large-bandwidth applications like video calls and streaming, and OFDMA doing so for low-bandwidth devices such as smart home sensors. Of course, while you can expect an edge from the router’s low-ping performance, you will be missing out on features offered by the still-maturing 802.11ax, or Wi-Fi 6, wireless protocol, which brings more robust MU-MIMO functionality than what’s available with WiFi 5, and introduces OFDMA, a complementary technology. For even advanced players, this router would be more than enough to satisfy their gaming needs, and can still be had for under $200 at major retailers. For example, the Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 provides stellar gaming performance, with very low ping and a user-friendly, web-based GUI that provides comprehensive information and broad configurability without being overwhelming to the user, thanks to a custom implementation of Netduma’s DumaOS. You can get some truly great routers for under $200, so long as you prioritize features properly. Setting a reasonable budget will help you narrow down your choices, though it may also limit the wireless protocol your router supports, as well as the feature set available to you - though not by as much as you might expect. Gaming router prices can range from $100 for a used WiFi 5 gaming router, all the way up to many hundreds of dollars for all the bells and whistles (like Wi-Fi 6E and fast ports). PriceĪ good place to start is your budget. Keeping that in mind, security should probably be at the forefront of your decision-making process, just after feature set. However, adding IoT devices like Wi-Fi-powered appliances, connected ceiling fans, sensors, and more represent expanding potential security holes in your network. Security: You are probably generally fine if your computer is extremely locked down. And though you can certainly upgrade your Windows PC to work with Wi-Fi 6E, you would likely have to buy all-new versions of each device in your home if you really want to take full advantage of the new standard.Ĭonsider your network and environment: A gaming router might improve your gaming experience, but if you’re also going to use it as your primary wireless Internet hub, a crowded network or a big, convoluted and dense house could challenge the router to the point of making everything else in your life a frustrating mess. ![]() Mainly, consider that a Wi-Fi 6E router (or even a Wi-Fi 6 model) has few compatible clients to take advantage of it today. Where is your lag coming from? If you’re having problems, is it actually your router killing your signal? Faulty gaming machine hardware, bad cables, a problematic modem (if you’re using your own - they’re not all created equal), or even the hub from which your home’s cable drop comes can be the source of your gaming issues, and you might want to troubleshoot those first.Ĭonsider network protocols: Can you get by with an older WiFi 5 router, or do you need a WiFi 6 unit? WiFi 6E? This depends on a lot of factors ( which we address in detail here), from the size of your home to the devices that will be online to your desire to futureproof. We’ll break all of this down below so that, by the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge you need to make a good buying decision for your next gaming router. What are the gaming-specific features? Are they useful features, or a placebo? Moreover, what kind of equipment are you gaming with? If you’re using a PC and you want to play wirelessly, what generation wireless card does your rig have? Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, or are you an early adopter with Wi-Fi 6E? Finally, and importantly, what does your environment look like? Big or small, multiple levels, and even the material construction of your walls or the stuff adorning them can have big impacts on your wireless signal. Of course, you’ll want to consider the standard characteristics: how much does it cost? How much area does it cover, and how fast is it? Does it work well with a broad range of devices? But with a gaming router, you’re specifically going to go a few steps further. But if you can get by just fine with a solid mainstream router, why in the world would you buy what is essentially the flashy hot rod of the router world? If you don’t have the luxury of a hardwired connection, will a gaming router help you at all? Finally, if you decide you want or need a gaming router, how do you go about picking one out? If you’re asking any of those questions, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re wired, you won’t have to necessarily worry much about ping or game-ruining jitter with most routers worth their salt. ![]()
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