The best PC gaming routers are an essential purchase for any gamer. Routers allow you to connect your computer with the internet and transmit data through Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables.
Many factors will affect how well a router works, including range, speed, and noise interference. This article will look at the best PC gaming routers that you can consider investing or upgrading into to make it easier.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Asus RT-AC86U AC2900
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers find this router to be a spectacle from other ASUS routers. The Asus RT-AC86U router had "awesome coverage," which also offered great coverage without the need to purchase range extenders for a large household. The customer highly recommended this product to avid gamers who have many electronic devices and stream games simultaneously.
Why It Stands Out to Us
This Asus router is one of the top-performing gaming routers on our list. It has MU-MIMO streaming that offers superior performance for wireless connections, and it can also prioritize devices with its built-in network security.
The AC86U packs 11ac wireless speeds up to 5.3x faster than standard 802.11n routers for uncompromising performance on all your devices, and capabilities such as simultaneous dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) with 802.11ac Waves 2 Wi-Fi and 4-Stream 160MHz IEEE technologies which naturally take care of tasks like 3D or multimedia streaming without breaking a sweat.
The RT-AC86U is like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz. He's all about content and data flow, but not much else. Seriously though, this wireless router has profound speed chops thanks to NitroQAM (1024-Quad Modulation) technology and MU-MIMO data streaming Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output).
Who Will Use This Most
This is a good option for PC gamers who want to keep their connection stable and have the fastest speeds to maximize gaming performance. It functions exceptionally well, especially when it comes to range and throughput on both bands.
Runner-Up:
D-Link DIR-867 AC1750
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What Recent Buyers Report
After extensive testing, buyers found that the D-Link Wireless Router was an excellent choice for those with three levels in their home. They loved how it could extend its coverage even to the basement without any lags and also liked how fast download speeds work on multiple devices throughout the house - whether they are being used for entertainment or work purposes.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The D-Link Wireless Router AC1750 has been tested and proven to provide speeds up to 450%. This is faster than many of the other wireless routers on this list. It also supports all types of high-speed internet connections, such as cable modems, fiber optic lines, or DSL.
The D-Link DIR-867 wireless router is all the rage. Inside, it has all the latest 802.11ac features as well as a usable app, parental controls, VPN support, and quality of service (QoS) for prioritizing your devices. Best of all, it's less than $200 bucks!
The icing on the cake? It offers up to 3x faster Wi-Fi speeds than older routers, so you can game and stream at blazing speeds without fear of lagging or being dropped from service.
This affordable little router was by far the fastest and cheapest wireless gaming router I reviewed. Offering speeds on par with some higher-priced models in my testing, this versatile little guy can be put into almost any corner of your home without worry about compromising your network's performance.
Who Will Use This Most
We have to admit the DIR-867 gaming router doesn't dominate its competitors with many bells and whistles. But it does come in at an affordable price point for performance enthusiasts just starting up their home network or those who like simple networking solutions.
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What Recent Buyers Report
Parents looking for a router that offers excellent networking and parental control will be thrilled with the Archer AX11000. The unit's quality is evident in its ability to provide lag-free streaming across all devices, as well as enable easy monitoring of your child's network activity.
"Love the router, and have had no issues, def recommend to anyone trying to boost their internet to the next level," the happy customer adds.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 wireless router is a top choice for PC gamers because of its ability to handle numerous game-centric settings. It also has plenty of ports, making it ideal for those who want the most functionality from their device at an affordable price point.
You'll find numerous ports found at the back of the router, which is home to a bevy of ports. Here you'll find eight gigabit LAN ports, two USB 3.0 Type A and C for data transfer, an on/off switch as well a reset button that can help fix any problems with your connection in one easy step!
The AX11000 is a powerful and flexible router that can be controlled through the Tether app or TP-Link's web console, but it offers more control when accessed through your computer. The home screen has buttons labeled Network Map, Game Center, Internet Wireless Pings/SpeedTest gauges to show upload and download speeds on both wired connections and wireless ones.
Who Will Use This Most
This is an excellent option if you're looking for a router with high-performance capabilities that won't break the bank. It is a great all-around option for PC gamers looking to improve their gaming experience at home by investing in better network speeds and performance across multiple devices.
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What Recent Buyers Report
Those who spent money on the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 enjoyed the router's ability to provide apt server protection. "GT-AC5300 is an excellent choice with potential privacy issues," said one satisfied customer who was able to surf the web without lag comfortably.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Users report that the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 Wireless Router is great for PC gaming, and it has high-performance capabilities to eliminate lag. Users also like its ability to provide a fast connection across multiple devices in their homes.
With this router, you can play games with fewer interruptions and minor lagging. This router is a powerhouse. With eight Gigabit LAN ports, six 100Mb WAN/LAN ethernet jacks, and built-in protection against malicious website content like phishing and malware, this CPU-powered beast was designed with gamers in mind.
Anywhere from one to eight gigabit LAN ports will allow seamless 4K streaming throughout your home network - connect all your devices at once! With the built-in USB ports, you can easily store your favorite games on a hard drive and never have to worry about lag again. The router's processor is designed for higher frequency responses specifically for gaming needs.
Who Will Use This Most
PC gamers who want a gaming router for their home will find this router quite helpful. The TP-Link Archer C5400 has an impressive number of features and options, including MU-MIMO signal technology that can be used with many devices simultaneously.
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What Recent Buyers Report
Switching from the Netgear R7000 Router to TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 Smart Wi-Fi router was a good decision for this satisfied buyer. The TP-Link is affordable and offers plenty of ports, so they don't miss their old device as much anymore.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The TP-Link is an excellent option for gamers who are looking to upgrade their home network. The beamforming technology on this router ensures that gaming lag is reduced as much as possible between the client and server while also providing one of the best range/throughput experiences we've seen so far in our testing.
The TP-Link Archer AX50 router is the rare balance between high-end and budget models. It offers Wi-Fi 6 technology, delivering solid speeds on our throughput tests. The device also comes with features typically found in more expensive routers, such as link aggregation for faster-wired connections to devices.
It helps keep hackers away so they cannot steal any personal information you have stored locally using applications like browser passwords saved into the local databases by default while browsing their site pages.
This router can reach speeds up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2,402Mbps on the 5 GHz band! This means you can enjoy fast internet wherever your Wi-Fi reaches without worrying about interference from other devices.
Who Will Use This Most
The TP-Link ArcherAX 50 Router has been designed specifically for those people who want fast and reliable internet for their homes. It provides a stable and robust Wi-Fi connection using "Tri-Band" technology, which means that it can give you Wi-Fi connections on three different bands at once.
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What Recent Buyers Report
In terms of installation, a customer thought Linksys AX6000 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi 6 router for PC use was no hassle. The only tricky part was trying to achieve the advanced configuration of the device. They said disabling the DHCP server and configuring Wi-Fi channels, among other features, is best achieved with customer support or a technical expert from Linksys.
Why It Stands Out to Us
With its six antennas and 12 built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports, this router is ready to take on just about any task. If your internet connection happens to go down, the Linksys Smart Mesh network quickly reconnects you and continues transferring data seamlessly in the background without interrupting anything.
You'll also be able to make use of the latest 802.11ax technology for relatively quick 5GHz throughput performance, which will help stream 3D gaming without a hiccup from all corners of your house or apartment complex. As with virtually all routers today, they're easy to install, too–simply download the app for updates or instructions on how to get started if it's your first time setting up a PC gaming router in your home.
Why spend all of your time trying to find the perfect Wi-Fi signal in your house? With a Linksys Max-6000 SmartMesh app, losing that strong coverage is no longer an issue. This router uses up to six 550 MHz streams (which combine for a total speed of 6 Gbps), so you and your family can enjoy crystal clear streaming without any interference or interruptions.
Who Will Use This Most
Anyone looking for an effective PC gaming router will appreciate the Linksys AX6000 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router. Families with more than one device that needs reliable Wi-Fi coverage will also find this helpful unit for large households with high volume network activities.
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What Recent Buyers Report
"The user interface is well done, and the advanced view strikes a balance between usability and depth better than most consumer routers I've used recently," said one satisfied customer. They enjoyed its performance throughout the house and were a reliable investment for someone who requires high-speed internet for work and plays.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The TP-Link Archer A20 is the best router for people who want a long-range. It offers backward compatibility with legacy devices and handles multiple connected clients well, without sacrificing speed or coverage as other routers can.
The TP-Link Archer A20 ($199.99) has everything you need to manage your home network with ease! Get up and running in minutes by downloading the mobile app and enjoy the powerful wireless performance for streaming video or transferring large files at speeds three times faster than traditional 802.11n routers.
You'll have an actual power user experience with features such as QoS (Quality of Service), advanced parental controls for limiting access, NAS functionality, and dedicated storage apps that simplify your connection comparison search.
The TP-Link Archer A20 is one sleek router designed to make keeping up with ever-changing technology less complicated - it talks directly with you via voice command if you're too busy to reach for your phone. It's a top pick and comes in at an affordable price of $200 among our best gaming routers for PC users today.
Who Will Use This Most
The Archer A20 wireless router from TP-Link provides a reliable, fast connection for those gamers who spend plenty of time gaming. It is perfect for players looking to connect with friends or strangers online and play games in the comfort of their own homes without experiencing any lag whatsoever!
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What Recent Buyers Report
Those who purchased the Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi Router recently were very impressed with the performance of the gaming router for PCs. A network engineer who bought this router even said, "It's rock-solid stable and never needs a reboot to change a setting."
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Nighthawk is sleek, super-powerful, and futureproof in the best way possible. With a killer set of radios, plenty of ports to plug all your peripherals into, and an internal build that's designed to take on whatever gaming throws at it - without weighing you back down with cables - the Netgear Nighthawk XR500 Pro is destined for greatness. We can't guarantee anything, but we're damn sure confident in its ability to provide lag-free connections for years to come.
With the Nighthawk Pro Gaming router, you can say goodbye to slow gaming connections and laggy video streams thanks to dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi that will deliver speeds up to 3200Mbps on a 5 GHz wireless band (or 1000Mbps over 2.4GHz). Imagine how many network devices you could simultaneously connect to this one or just how much data would be able to stop dropping!
The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi router is engineered for performance. With its Dual-Core processor and 512MB of RAM, you can ensure a lag-free gaming experience. The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi router provides a top speed of up to 1733Mbps on the single wireless band. With its Dual-Core processor and 512MB of RAM, you can ensure a lag-free gaming experience.
Who Will Use This Most
The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi Router is an excellent choice for any PC gamer looking to have lag-free gaming and the best of speeds. The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi Router is a top choice for those who want to prioritize their gaming performance needs and other networking needs for work.
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What Recent Buyers Report
"Fantastic Wi-Fi signal," said one pleased customer. They purchased this router for their mesh capabilities, which was an excellent investment for their home; highly recommended!
"It's a great router," said another customer. "I live in an apartment building, and this thing can reach any part of my place," they add. The Netgear XR500 router is an ideal starter router for beginners in gaming.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream Wireless Router's price point is a big selling point. It also has good coverage, and the compact design of this device will make it easy to put anywhere in your house without taking up too much space.
Putting the cable back together is for chumps. The EA8300 has a wicked fast network speed and will keep everyone connected so that you can play your games at any time of the day anytime without interruption.
The Linksys app could be improved, but I think this is a minor flaw. This Linksys model is a good starter-router for PC gaming enthusiasts looking to stream without interruption anywhere in their house.
It is also an affordable option compared to other routers since it offers many features comparable to standard routers. There's nothing worse than being interrupted by slower connections while playing high-intensity games or trying to watch a Netflix show on your TV!
Who Will Use This Most
Those with expensive gaming PCs or console setups and who would like connectivity across more considerable distances will think this router is a good find. This will connect more devices on your network, so if you have trouble managing internet connections for everyone at once, this router might be a good option as it can also monitor bandwidth usage.
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What Recent Buyers Report
Reviewers praise that it's easy to set up and has an excellent design with an intuitive interface. Recent buyers have had only good things to say about this router. One reviewer said, "This is the best router I've ever used." It also gets excellent throughput performance for video streaming on multiple devices.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Zyxel Armor AC2600 Wireless Router is sleek and expensive. With its black design, it looks like an alien ship from the future. It has plenty of advantages that make this router stand out, with good throughput performance and enterprise-level security features such as WPA/WPA protection.
This Wi-Fi router by Zyxel features a 1.7GHz dual-core processor and AC2600 speeds of up to 800Mbps (2.4GHz) and 1,733Mbps (5GHz). It's the perfect companion for Twitch users, who will love that MUIMO streaming transmits information to different clients simultaneously rather than sequentially.
The Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600 Wireless Router has a ton of cool ways to spice up your internet life just the way you like. With one tap on the Zyxel ONE Connect mobile app, you can control not just your router but all WiFi-enabled devices connected to it.
Who Will Use This Most
PC gamers looking for the best router and want to find one that has good throughput performance. PC gaming enthusiasts will appreciate this product's reliable and parent-friendly security features, such as WPA/WPA protection. This is an excellent option for Twitch users too!
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What Recent Buyers Report
"The setup was a breeze. Took me literally 2-4 minutes to set it up, and it was blazing away," said one happy customer. They also found the companion app as a fantastic add-on to their daily networking needs.
Why It Stands Out to Us
TP-Link Archer C1200 Wireless Router is easy to manage, and it's pretty sleek. It can be a bit tough in the back for installation because you'll have to unscrew nearly every piece of the connector before pulling it free from the spot where the cords plug into each other. But when all set up, this device gets your home Wi-Fi up and running so smoothly that you'll want to keep your connection as long as you live!
The router is a little on the pricey side, but it's worth every penny. It delivers excellent performance and is relatively easy to set up. Beginners can use this device without having to read any instructions or manuals! The TP-Link Archer C1200 Wireless Router is far from your average router. It has two bands, one with speeds of 1167 Mbps and the other at 300 Mbps!
Well, you can use the fast 5 GHz band to transfer large files like HD videos or game streams while still getting fantastic coverage that works everywhere in your home. We know the internet seems right, but it's best to take care of business in advance and make sure all your devices can get online no matter where they are.
Who Will Use This Most
The TP-Link Archer C1200 Wireless Router is a good investment for those who share a dorm with roommates. It's a good option for gamers and those who stream TV regularly. People who need an affordable router that's reliable, easy to set up, fast enough for a lag-free experience that can take the brunt of extensive bandwidth usage.
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What Recent Buyers Report
A happy customer who purchased this Wi-Fi System by Ubiquiti enjoyed its superb performance over their Google Wi-Fi. "I instantly saw a huge (+70%) increase in throughput and signal strength, as well as the advertised reduced latency," they happily reported.
Why It Stands Out to Us
It is not often that one can find a product with such enticing features. The relatively small design and low price combine to create an attractive choice for the home or office, where this router excels as it spreads Wi-Fi signals across multiple rooms without trouble. With bright lights around its base, you'll want to place your new Netgear Nighthawk X6 on display for it to perform at optimal levels!
The new AmpliFi HD Wireless Router is identical to the router that came with last year's system, only better. The cube-shaped design blends in nicely and has a sleek black finish which measures 3.9 by 3.8 by3 .79 inches (HWD)and features an easy touch screen display for your current internet uploads and downloads speeds as well as displaying the time, day of the week, date at tap or swipe!
It runs less likely to drop Wi-Fi connection outside while providing unique connections inside where other devices are often used, like smartphones and laptops, without rebooting or forgetting passwords when devices are disconnected from the network.
Who Will Use This Most
This gaming router for PC users is best for those with a large home, many devices, or families looking to use the internet in many rooms at once. The Wi-Fi coverage is excellent, and the long-range antennae ensure there will be no dead zones no matter where you go!
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found this Netgear router and mesh Wi-Fi system to be an excellent long-term investment if they wanted to live in a big house or an apartment. They also noted the installation of this router was seamless and easy and enjoyed its comprehensive coverage up to their backyard. "My whole house and yard are covered. Over 3,000 sq feet! Speed is great and easy to set up," a happy customer raved.
Why It Stands Out to Us
For the ultimate gaming experience, the Nighthawk Pro Gaming XRM570 Wi-Fi router has a fast connection at 3.2Gbps, which many amateur and professional gamers will appreciate. Every connected device will be stable and get enough bandwidth for lag-free 4K streaming, easy online gameplay, or even connecting multiple consoles without any hiccups.
Plus, once you set it up in just minutes, moving from room to room is also smooth, thanks to the range extender that seamlessly extends coverage so all of your devices can stay connected no matter where they are (up to 400 sq/ft).
Whether you're a pro gamer or just a casual player that doesn't want to worry about lag time in your games, this upgrade to the Nighthawk line is for you. It's ready for any game out there and can max out at speeds of up 800Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1,733Mbps on 5GHz!
With MU-MIMO technology, this networking beast's 802.11ac also loads web pages up to 3 times faster than those built for slower connections most people still use! Bluetooth 4 allows integrated speaker connectivity while the Beamforming+ improves signal strength (that's what she said).
Who Will Use This Most
This two-in-one product is excellent for anyone who wants a high-end PC router. It's a worthy investment for PC gamers and networks heavy with devices, like those in a home office. It is the absolute best router for those who prioritize their gaming needs because it handles all bandwidth requirements without any issues.
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What Recent Buyers Report
Those who spent money on the D-Link's EXO AC3000 Smart Mesh Tri-Band Router were pleased with the overall performance. "This Wi-Fi Router solved a nagging unstable Wi-Fi problem quickly and completely. It was easy to install using the instructions provided has been flawless in operation since installation," they added.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Experience the power of D-Link's EXO AC3000 Smart Mesh Tri-Band Router. With robust parental controls, McAfee protection from viruses and malware, three Wi-Fi radios for ultimate connectivity, and all the mesh technology you could ask for in one device.
With Gigabit LAN ports and six antennas at your disposal, you've got enough assets in this baby D-Link EXO AC3000 Smart Mesh Tri-Band 5tRouter (DIR-3060) that can stuff its way through any obstacle no matter how challenging so long as there's a Wi-Fi signal.
This router uses Advance AC Wi-Fi Technology and can use both 5GHz and 2.4Ghz bands simultaneously by alternating between them continually so there's always one open band you can connect on. That means heavy traffic users may experience a faster connection, allowing you to stream HD movies without lag or dropouts thanks to speeds of up to 600Mbit/s!
Who Will Use This Most
Gamers, students, and professionals will find a lot of use for this router. If you're looking to get the most out of your home network, then D-Link is your best bet! The AC3000 provides up to three times faster speeds than other routers due to its dual-band connectivity that can handle heavy volumes of network activity.
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What Recent Buyers Report
A well-satisfied customer thought the router was a "perfect router with Wi-Fi 6," which was highly compatible with their gaming needs and their kid's network activities.
This router is a beast. Great range and signal, excellent latency management on gaming devices, and the prioritization setting in their app, which many buyers highly recommended to their gaming friends.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Many have wondered what the ramifications of Wi-Fi 6 will be. The restrictions of 5G speeds are still being researched, but what we do know is that this powerful new router can barely affect your internet connection, even in the busiest office.
With download and upload rates maxing out at 1 Gbps and 600 Mbps, respectively, you'll feel like you live on a fast lane when connected to this great ASUS gaming router. The router is also a master of coverage. With its mega-range, you can connect to the internet in literally any corner of your home without worrying about signal interference from walls or furniture.
The ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router RT-AX86U is like a power strip for your network. It can handle all the streaming and download speeds up to 4,804 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 861 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It also features a burst speed of 2.5 Gbps WAN port.
Who Will Use This Most
This is an excellent router for PC gamers looking to take their gaming experience to the next level. It's perfect for those with HDTVs and Xbox consoles, prioritizing both wired as well as wireless connections. The ASUS RT-AX86U is also best suited for fast-paced games such as Counter-Strike: Global, which avid gamers are looking to play with less lag and a faster response time.
Gaming Routers for PC Buying Guide
Purchasing the best gaming router for PC use is one of the most critical considerations for gamers to make, check out these factors before making a big buy that might not even meet specific network needs in your home.
Compatibility with Cable Modems
When choosing the best gaming router for PC, compatibility with cable modems is one of the most important factors to consider. If you are still using an older modem and plan on upgrading in 2020 or 2021, then it's time to start thinking about your future needs as well.
Ports
One thing that all gamers need from a quality router for their PC is port accessibility. Ports are vital for gamers who plan to use more than one gaming device simultaneously.
Some routers have more than one port for Ethernet cables, while others have a single port that is good enough. These ports allow gamers to get up and running quickly with the fastest available connection speeds depending on which network they use.
Wireless Strength
Gamers need a robust wireless signal from their router to play without any lag or interruption, so this is an essential factor when looking for the best PC network equipment available on the market today.
Advanced Security Features
Gamers need advanced security features as well, such as WPA and WPA-enterprise level encryption or even just MAC filtering from their routers. This will ensure they're protected against any potential intrusions into their network's bandwidth from malicious hackers.
Coverage
A long-range signal to cover your home's square footage from dead spots in the house is necessary for a reliable gaming router for PC users. It gives users low latency and provides them with advanced security features. Its coverage will also help gamers who have larger homes enjoy their games without worrying about dead spots.
Gaming Routers for PC FAQ
1. Do routers make a difference for gaming?
Yes, routers make a big difference for PC gaming. They extend specific features to gamers like low latency and advanced security features to protect against intrusion into our network's bandwidth while meeting standard connectivity needs and boosting the range of your internet connection.
2. Do gaming routers improve speed?
Yes, gaming routers improve speeds with their enhanced features. Gaming routers optimize coverage to provide the best possible rate for all gamers who live in larger homes needing a more robust signal throughout the house.
3. Do You Need A Router For PC Gaming?
If you're looking for a router just for playing games on your computer, then yes, a router for PC gaming is essential to the PC gaming experience. They are crucial to providing a high-quality network with fast speeds and strong signals throughout your home when you're playing games on your computer.
4. What modem do streamers use?
Many streamers use a modem and router combo to broadcast their streams. They use the best possible speeds for high-quality gaming while streaming. A good gaming router will provide that signal with enhanced features like prioritizing speed so that players can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay without lag.
5. Can I use Windows 10 as a router?
Yes, turning Windows 10 into a router is an option you can choose from in the pre-included settings. However, it's not always clear how to do this, and many people wish they had more information on what their macOS wireless connection does when upgrading to Windows 10.
Conclusion
Gaming routers are necessary when you want your gameplay to be free from lag or disconnections. A reliable device shouldn't fall short of the most basic requirement: speedy internet and low latency tendencies.
The best overall is the Asus RT-AC86U AC2900 Wireless Router, which boasts impressive throughput performance and ensures MU-MIMO streaming comes through. The built-in network security is a good plus for parents who wish to monitor their kids' network activities.
For a more budget-friendly gaming router for PC users, the D-Link Wireless DIR-867 Wi-Fi Router AC1750 is an optimal choice for those who want something not so bulky on their console table but can deliver reliable, speedy connections. It features a convenient app interface for those who like managing their network activity from their fingertips.
