That's where we come in. Whether you're interested in gaming routers , mesh systems , Wi-Fi 6 routers or if you just want something decent that won't break the bank, we're here to simplify things and point you in the right direction. Expect regular updates to this post as we continue testing networking devices throughout When we find a new router that merits strong consideration, we'll add it to this list with links to our most recent test data.
Read more: Best internet providers for It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup and use thanks to TP-Link's Tether app.
Best of all, when tested against other, similar routers from names like Asus and Netgear, the AX21 held its own with faster download speeds, better range, and low latency, too. Add in a functional bandsteering mode that automatically steers you between the 2. Now's a decent time to grab it, too. For the best performance from your mesh router, you'll want to prioritize getting one with support for Wi-Fi 6, plus a tri-band design that includes three separate bands of traffic: the usual 2.
That's the best deal I've seen for a tri-band mesh router with support for Wi-Fi 6 -- and sure enough, it's an excellent performer, as well. In fact, the only system that managed to outperform it outright in my at-home speed tests is the AX version of Netgear Orbi , which costs more than three times as much keep reading for more on that one.
On top of that, TP-Link's setup process is about as easy as it gets, with satellite extenders that automatically join the mesh as soon as you plug them in. That makes the Deco W an outstanding value, and the first mesh router I'd point most people towards if they're in need of something new.
Editor's note, Jan. I haven't tested it, but it boasts identical specs to the Deco W and the same design, as well. It isn't as fully featured as systems that cost more, and it doesn't support Wi-Fi 6 -- but aside from that, the budget-friendly, AC version of the Netgear Orbi mesh router stands out as a clear value pick in the mesh category. In fact, of those three systems, Netgear Orbi clocked in with the fastest average top speed at close range -- and when we put that range to the test with smart devices at the CNET Smart Home , it edged those two Wi-Fi systems out with a faster router speed once again.
I even like the design, with clever contours on top that vent out heat in style. Read our Netgear Orbi review. With a second 5GHz band serving as a dedicated backhaul for system transmissions between the router and its satellites and full support for Wi-Fi 6, the system is still our top-tested mesh router, with the best scores in both our lab-based top speed tests and our at-home mesh coverage tests.
That's a near perfect result, and one that no other mesh system I've tested has been able to match. I think most will find better value with something less expensive -- and you've got a growing number of solid options that fit the bill. Still, if you're buying right now and you want elite mesh performance, price be damned, then this is the system to get. They both serve up wireless internet for your computers, phones and gadgets, and they're based on the same wireless standards, so what else do gaming routers bring to the table?
The answer: Plenty. Throughput and Lag: The biggest difference is that gaming routers are built for both higher bandwidth and — more crucial for gamers — lower latency.
In addition to letting more data flow in and out of your home, it lets it flow faster in both directions. The result is lower ping times, which measure the time it takes for a signal to travel from your gaming PC or console to the game servers. The result is a more responsive experience in online games. Hardware: This enhanced performance is due to better hardware.
A router is essentially a specialized computer that manages all of the connections and information packets in your home network, sorting and shifting them as necessary to connect your different devices. And like any computer, you'll get faster performance from better components. Gaming routers offer better-than-average processing power and larger built-in memory to allow for that faster performance, letting a router manage more connections while also keeping latency to a minimum.
Bandwidth management: Today's home is filled with connected devices, from PCs and game consoles to smart TVs and smartphones, and even refrigerators and other appliances. It makes for a crowded house full of bandwidth-hungry gadgets. All modern routers include some level of automatic bandwidth prioritization, so that your Netflix watching isn't slowed when your refrigerator needs to download an update, but gaming routers take this a step further with Quality of Service QoS features. QoS features include more direct control of what bandwidth goes where, letting you prioritize specific devices like your gaming rig , prioritize based on what activity or service is being used, and even to automatically re-adjust for time of day, number of devices, and more.
If the average router is like an automatic transmission that handles stop and go traffic without much fuss, then a gaming router is like a manual transmission, putting more control in the driver's hands when they're out on the track. Not everyone needs the increased control, but those who do swear by it.
Connectivity: A good gaming router is also built to handle faster connections and more of them. This also simply means more wired LAN ports which offer faster speeds than Wi-Fi , more support for Gigabit speeds and higher, and extra antennas to push Wi-Fi farther and handle more devices with ease. Combine all of these distinctive features and advanced capabilities, and it's pretty obvious why a dedicated gaming router is a smart choice for anyone that wants a competitive edge in online gaming, or just better support for a house filled with tech.
While the above features give you a pretty good idea of what to look for in a gaming router, there are a few specific pieces of advice you'll want to bear in mind when shopping for a new one. Speeds and standards: The best gaming routers generally embrace the latest and greatest technologies, and the biggest example of this is in Wi-Fi standards.
The newest models use Wi-Fi 6, which is substantially faster than the previous If you want to improve your gaming experience even on a slower broadband connection, you might be able to save a buck by opting for an older model with You'll also want a router that can take full advantage of your broadband connection, and gigabit-speed internet service is the best you can get.
But if you've got a connection that offers gigabit service, you have to have a similarly equipped router to actually take advantage of those speeds. Features: Beyond those basics, it's all about the features. Look into the details of a given router's QoS tools in our product reviews, look at the connectivity it offers — both in Wi-Fi range and physical ports — and find the mix of features that seem to best match your desired level of tinkering and control.
Price: The last big consideration is price. Gaming's not a cheap hobby, so the need to save a buck where you can is an understandable one. But cutting too close to the bone will leave you stuck with subpar performance or missing desired features. However, there are ways to save a buck that won't leave you with a less capable device. Older devices that meet the necessary specifications should still satisfy your need for speed and features at a lower price.
And don't forget about sales events, which can bring big savings. After all, although there are a lot of options out there, only a few stand out. We start with the design. We test its build, physical features, and look — although a whole lot of them are going to have that gamer aesthetic. We make sure that it has enough ports for that all-important wired connection, is effortless to set up, has support for such technologies as QoS, and has features like parental controls in case you have young ones at home.
Naturally, we test its performance as well, seeing how it measures up against our file download test as well as the Ookla speed test — especially in comparison to its rivals. And, because you need to know how exactly it performs in real world scenarios, we take it for a spin by playing a few of the most demanding and popular online titles out there. At the end of the day, what matters is that the gaming router delivers robust performance, an excellent feature set, and a solid build that is worthy of its price — even if that means paying a little more.
If you're encountering a problem or need some advice with your PC or Mac, drop him a line on Twitter. North America. Included in this guide: 1. Without the best gaming router, your online gaming experience is never going to the smoothest and most immersive.
Features: 4. Reasons to avoid - Slightly fiddly set-up. Specifications Speed: Reasons to avoid - Pricey - Feature overkill for most. Reasons to avoid - Very expensive. Reasons to avoid - No broadband modem.
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