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designed to prioritise network traffic from games, a feature known as Quality of Service (QoS), so your gameplay won't be affected if other
people are streaming Netflix or browsing the web.A lot of gamers feel that a wired connection is best for online gaming and streaming via
local LAN games.Having a wired connection isn't always possible, so gaming routers need to have the latest - and fastest - Wi-Fi technology
as well, which is currently 802.11ac
Having external antennae which can be moved to direct the Wi-Fi signal to certain areas of your house is also handy to have.With the
particular needs of gamers in mind, then, here are the very best gaming routers you can buy
Asus RT-AC86UThe value-packed saving grace for gaming routersSpeed: 802.11ac: 1,734Mbps; 802.11n: 450Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x Ethernet, 1 x
WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO, AiDisk, Adaptive QoS, WTFast Gamers Private NetworkSuper fast transfersLong
Asus RT-AC5300Speed: 802.11ac: 2,167Mbps, 802.11n: 600Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 |
Features: MU-MIMO support, Link Aggregation, traffic analyzer, WPS, 512MB RAM, 8 external antennaGreat Wi-Fi coveragePowerful gaming
featuresLargeSingle USB 3.0 portThe Asus RT-AC5300 is an excellent high-end gaming router that comes with a number of advanced features for
making online and network gaming as lag and frustration free as possible.This includes an easy-to-use yet powerful interface, as well as
comprehensive QoS settings
The spider-like design won't be to everyone's tastes, but the eight antennae serve a purpose, as they can be used to direct your Wi-Fi
Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600 An extraterrestrial gaming router that covers all basesSpeed: 802.11ac: 2,167Mbps, 802.11n: 800Mbps | Connectivity: 4
x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO support, StreamBoost, dual-core 1.7GHz processor, 512GB RAM, Zyxel
One Touch app-based setupGood MU-MIMO wireless speedsExcellent traffic analysis softwareFew current devices use quad-stream 802.11acAverage
as alien in function as it is in looks
Equipped with MU-MIMO support, which improves speeds when multiple devices are connected to the same network, the Armor Z2 AC2600 prides
itself on its performance capabilities
Paired with StreamBoost, Zyxel has devised a router that can not only handle ample traffic, but it can actually prioritize bandwidth based
on the needs of each device connected to it.Read the full review: Zyxel Armor Z2 AC26004
Asus RT-AC88U4x4 and 1024-QAM deliver the best possible wireless performance Speed: 802.11ac: 2167Mbps 802.11n: 1000 Mbps | Connectivity: 9x
Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 2.0 1x USB 3.0 | Features: 1024-QAM, MU-MIMO, WTFast Gamers Private Network, Asus AiProtection, AsusWRT
SoftwareFastest wireless speedsComprehensive software UIExpensiveRequires special hardware for fastest speedsThe Asus RT-AC88U justifies its
above-average pricing with unrivalled record-breaking next-generation 802.11ac wireless performance
With four antennas and NitroQAM technology, which pushes speeds further still, this router enables wireless performance that can break the
There's a minor catch - you'll need to invest in a NitroQAM wireless adapter, such as the Asus PCE-AC88, to see those faster speeds
It's worth it, though, because this router is a champion cheaper than its Asus RT-AC5300 Tri-band gigabit rival.5
Netgear Nighthawk X4S VDSL/ADSL Modem Router D7800Built-in VDSL modem and 4x4 wireless speeds make this a great all-rounder Speed: 802.11ac:
1733Mbps, 802.11n: 800 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0, 1x eSATA | Features: VDSL 2 modemGreat wireless performanceVDSL
Its solid black finish is complemented by a quartet of antennas
The real centerpiece, though, is the VDSL 2 modem built into the Nighthawk X4S D7800, negating the need to buy or lease one separately
D-link DIR-885L/RSpeed: 802.11ac | Connectivity: 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO, Advanced Wireless AC beamforming,
SmartConnectGood selection of featuresGood performancePriceyIf you're looking for a dependable mid-range router that combines speed with a
great Wi-Fi range and features aimed at games, then you'll definitely want to consider the D-link DIR-885L/R
It has a good selection of ports, and the user interface for setting up and configuring the router is nicely designed and easy to use
