5 Best Gaming Routers for PS4

100% of users selected TP-Link AC1900 Smart, 0% selected NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro, 0% selected ASUS AC1300 WiFi Router, 0% selected Medialink AC1200 Wire and 0% selected D-Link AC3200 Ultra Tri. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Do you want to take your PS4 gaming experience to the next level? If so, you need to make sure that you have the right gaming router. Routers are an essential part of any home network, and they can make a big difference when it comes to gaming. 

Why should you invest in gaming routers for PS4:

• If you want to have a lag-free gaming experience, you need a good quality router;
• Many routers are not specifically designed for gaming and can cause problems like latency and packet loss;
• A gaming router will help to keep your connection stable and improve overall gameplay;

What to look for when buying a gaming router:

• Make sure the router is modem compatible – i.e., it has an Ethernet port as well as a WAN (wide area network) port;
• The router should also be 802.11ac compatible for optimum speed and performance;
• Some routers come with special features such as QoS (quality of service), which allows you to prioritize traffic on your network based on application or device. This is especially important for gaming, as you’ll want to ensure that your bandwidth is reserved for the game and not used up by other activities on your network;
• Consider how many devices will be using the router simultaneously. Some routers are designed to handle more devices than others;

In this article, PS4 experts will discuss the different features that you should look for when choosing a gaming router, as well as some of the best routers on the market right now. We’ll also answer some common questions about gaming routers so that you can be sure to choose the right one for your needs!

TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A9) – the Editor’s choice!

This router is a powerful and affordable option for those looking for great Wi-Fi speeds and performance. This router is easy to set up and comes with some great features, like beamforming and MU-MIMO tech that help you get the most out of your wireless devices. Additionally, the A9 supports Amazon Alexa voice commands, which can make network management even easier.

This TP-Link router is perfect for busy households who want to get the most out of their internet connection. With speeds up to 1900Mbps, beamforming and MU-MIMO technology and an easy-to-use companion application, this router can handle anything you throw at it. And with support for Amazon Alexa, you can control your network using just your voice.

---

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi Router – the best for optimizing the low ping!

This sleek, futuristic-looking router has been specifically optimized to give you the lowest possible ping time, so you can dominate your opponents online.

In addition, with its handy installation hints within the accompanying app and customizable options, you can rest assured that you’ll be up and running in no time!

The Netgear XR500 is a gaming-centric router with a sci-fi look. The XR500’s speed and coverage are more than enough for a medium-to-large home. The DumaOS user interface is packed with customization possibilities and helpful hints for anybody learning how to use a router.

---

ASUS AC1300 RT-ACRH13 WiFi Router – the best for connectivity!

Following the debut of the RT-AC87U, ASUS went for a more dynamic style and took influence from automobiles to generate a new design while yet keeping features from prior models. However, because the RT-ACRH13 is so similar to the N66U “Dark Knight” and the RT-AC66U, it has that little sinister look.

The RT-ACRH13 is a router that knows what you need and delivers it in a small package at a great price. Even compared to higher-end versions, it can provide relatively quick speeds at long distances thanks to its MIMO and beamforming technologies. It’s also jam-packed with functions, looks fantastic, and comes at an incredible price.

Using the 5 GHz radio band, the RT-ACRH13 can theoretically achieve a maximum speed of 876 Mbps and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz radio band (with TurboQAM technology), for a total of 1300 Mbps.

The ASUSWRT web-based interface makes setup a breeze, while the attractive design will complement any decor. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and easy-to-use for beginners. Plus, it offers good coverage and is compatible with most Windows and Mac OS.

---

Medialink AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router – the best for user-friendly controls!

It is easy to set up – even if you are a beginner. Additionally, with its high-powered antennas and fast bandwidth prioritization, the AC1200 is perfect for streaming movies and music or playing online games.

When you buy this gadget, you’ll be able to customize your settings and restrict internet access at specific times. Unlike other routers with bright lights that may keep you up at night, this product allows you to shut off the lights so they don’t bother you.

---

D-Link AC3200 Ultra Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router – the best coverage!

The user-friendly interface makes set-up a breeze, and the futuristic design will make your home look cutting edge.

Tips for PS4 users: the first step is to connect it to your WiFi network and type in the password. It’s simple since it comes pre-configured with its own Wi-Fi network and password. Then, once you’ve logged into its web user interface, changing all of your settings is a breeze. The homepage shows connected devices, connection status, and more. You may also manually adjust the gaming router’s settings to create your own password and more. With the simple QoS drag-and-drop feature, you may prioritize your gaming needs with ease!

Are you looking for a router that can handle your large home? Look no further than the D-Link AC3200 Ultra Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router. This bad boy has six beamforming antennas for better performance, and can reach speeds of up to 3200 Mbps! Plus, its sleek design and user-friendly interface make it a breeze to set up and use.

---

The Buyer’s Guide

Gaming Routers vs Normal Routers

When most people think of routers, they picture the device in their home or office that routes internet traffic between devices and the internet. However, gaming routers are a specific type of router that is designed specifically for gamers. Gaming routers come with a variety of features that are aimed at improving your gaming experience.

One of the main benefits of using a gaming router is that it can reduce lag. Lag occurs when your game’s response time is delayed, which can cause you to miss shots, lose races, or die in games. By reducing lag, gaming routers can help improve your gameplay and make you a better player.

In addition to reducing lag, gaming routers also offer other benefits such as:

• Prioritizing gaming traffic to ensure that your games get the bandwidth they need;
• Preventing network congestion and packet loss;
• Allowing you to create a custom gaming network with low latency for yourself and your friends;
• Providing tools for monitoring your network’s performance so that you can optimize it for gaming;

There are several fantastic titles coming to PS4, such as Call of Duty: WWII and God of War, which you’ll want to play immediately if you’re eager to get your hands on them and wait with your pals throughout the weekend as you overcome problems, encounters, and baddies.

In addition, your PS4 is likely to use a significant amount of bandwidth when you’re gaming online and downloading high-resolution images to bring the immersive gaming experience to life. You want to be sure that your network isn’t congested and that all of your devices are getting the speeds they require.

After all, if there’s a conflict between you and your opponent, and it’s just a matter of who has the quickest trigger finger, you want every possible edge.

Other household equipment may be using up bandwidth or placing a strain on the network, and getting a gaming router for PS4 will ensure that you have a trouble-free gaming experience[1].

Main Features:

PS4 Ethernet vs Wi-Fi vs Powerline

When it comes to gaming routers, there are three main types:

• Ethernet gaming routers connect directly to your PlayStation using a physical cable. This is the most reliable type of connection and offers the best performance, but it can be inconvenient if you want to game in another room;
• Wi-Fi gaming routers connect to your PlayStation wirelessly and offer good performance, although they can be susceptible to interference from other devices;
• Powerline gaming routers use your home’s electrical wiring to create a network between your PlayStation and router. They are easy to set up and provide good performance, but they can be affected by electrical interference from other devices;

Which type of gaming router is best for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you want the best performance, then an Ethernet gaming router is the way to go. If you have a large house and want to be able to game in any room, then a Wi-Fi gaming router is a good option. And if you want the ease of use and don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of performance, then a Powerline gaming router is the right choice for you.

Don’t wait for the Powerline solution to compare to Ethernet. It’s still half-duplex and susceptible to interference and underperformance depending on the age and quality of your home’s electrical wiring. However, it may be better than Wi-Fi in some cases. There are no promises, only guesses, so don’t expect too much [2].

Good CPU & RAM Speed

For gaming, make sure you have at least a dual-core CPU. It may not be as essential if you are the only user on the network. However, if you share your Internet and you want to utilize all these great features, your router will need some power to manage all of the multitasking.  

You’ll also need a router with enough RAM. Again, this may not be as important if you’re the only one using it, but if you have multiple devices vying for your network’s attention (including streaming video and music), then you’ll want to make sure that your router has enough “horsepower” to keep up. Routers with 512MB of RAM should be sufficient for most homes.

Routers with good CPU and RAM speeds will ensure that all of your devices receive the bandwidth they require without any congestion or dropped packets. This will give you a smooth gaming experience and prevent any conflicts between yourself and other players.

Latency (ping) & Jitter

Don’t keep these too low. The lower you keep them, the better your game will be. This is especially true in FPS (First Person Shooters). In these sorts of games, milliseconds make a big difference. You may even fire your gun before your opponent in real-time, but if they have poor ping and jitter, they can frag you!
Latency (ping) is the time it takes for a packet of data to go from your computer to the game server, and back. 

Jitter is the variation in latency measurements. 

Low latency and low jitter are what you’re looking for when gaming. Routers that have a ping measurement of fewer than 50 milliseconds (ms) are considered good gaming routers.  

There are a few different things you can do to help reduce latency and jitter:

• One is to use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. This will give you the lowest ping possible;
• You can also try using one of the gaming routers on this list. Some routers have been specifically designed for gamers, and they offer features that can help reduce latency and jitter [3];

A Good ISP (Internet Service Provider)

First and foremost, you need a good ISP. This is the backbone of your online gaming experience and will be responsible for giving you the bandwidth to support your PSN gaming sessions. 

Make sure that your chosen ISP can handle all of your network needs – including streaming video, downloading games, and browsing the web.

If you’re unhappy with your current ISP, don’t be afraid to switch. There are plenty of good ISPs available, so do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.

High Range In Bandwidth

Also, you need a router that offers a high range in bandwidth. A good gaming router will have dual-band antennas that can handle both the interference and congestion of wireless networks. This is important for PSN gamers since many games now require an online connection.

This will ensure that you get a strong signal no matter where you are in your house or apartment.

Some routers even come with tri-band antennas, which offer speeds of up to 3000 Mbps! If you’re looking for the best possible performance, then this is the type of router you want [4].

Quality of Service (QoS)

One of the most important features to look for in a gaming router is quality of service (QoS). This setting allows you to prioritize traffic on your network, so that game data gets through faster and more reliably. Look for a router with QoS settings that allow you to specifically designate which devices or applications get priority bandwidth.

Some routers have pre-configured settings for popular applications like Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Netflix, and Hulu. If you’re not sure what services you use the most, consult the documentation for your router or do some online research to see which settings will work best for you.

Port Forwarding

You may use a VPN service to encrypt your internet connection, which defeats the purpose of this page. You can still protect yourself by using an abundance of caution. If you must talk to someone (for example, friends or strangers), you should be able to join and play any game.

The following are the most common types of NAT [5]:

• Open NAT allows you to converse and interact with people from anywhere in the world.
• Moderate – you’ll have a variety of different outcomes when it comes to who you can chat and play with;
• Strict – only those with Open NAT may play with you;

Open NAT is ideal. This allows you to communicate and play with anybody online. Port forwarding enables incoming traffic (Playstation-based) to enter your network and reach your specified console (if supported by your router). This is done by a computer on the inside (because it’s not accessible from the Internet).

The following ports must be opened for the network to operate smoothly:

• TCP: 80, 443, 465, 983, 10071-10080;
• UDP: 3478-3479, 3658;
• TCP and UDP: 5223, 10070;

Don’t worry! You’re not allowing these ports to invade your entire network. It’s only through to your console if the port is designated inbound to your WAN IP.

What to Pick: A Tri Or A Dual Band Router?

A big question that needs answering is whether you should go for a tri-band router or a dual-band one. 

The general rule of thumb is that if your home has more than ten devices connected to the internet at once, you’ll need the extra bandwidth that a tri-band router can offer. 

However, most people don’t have quite so many gadgets and will be fine with a dual-band one.

One other thing to consider is whether you want an AC1900 router or something lower end. An AC1900 offers faster speeds on both the 5 gigahertz and 2.4 gigahertz bands. But it might not be necessary unless you have multiple devices streaming HD content at the same time.

If you’re not sure, it might be a good idea to ask the salesperson at your local electronics store for advice. They should be able to help you find the best gaming router for PS4 that fits both your budget and needs.

What to Choose: A 2.4GHz Or 5GHz Gaming Router?

This is a question that comes up frequently when looking for a great router, and the answer will never change.

In general, both routers are on the same 2.4 GHz band, though the newer one supports a wider one, with a longer range but decreased transfer speeds. 

The 5 GHz band has a shorter range but faster transmission rates than the 2.4 GHz band for PS4.

However, if the router is located at a distance, it’s preferable to operate in the 2.4 GHz band for optimal performance with no delays [6]. 

Wireless Standards

When it comes to gaming routers, there are two main types:

• those that use the older and more common 802.11n protocol;
• those that use the newer and faster 802.11ac protocol;

However, this also depends on a number of factors such as your router’s hardware and your internet service provider’s speeds.

For most people, a gaming router using the 802.11ac protocol will be more than enough for all their needs. 

In fact, many experts believe that the extra speed offered by these routers isn’t really necessary for home users. If you do have a particularly fast internet connection, or if you’re looking to future-proof your network, then an 802.11ac router might be the best option for you.

However, there is one other important consideration when it comes to gaming routers – and that’s their compatibility with different devices. Not all routers are compatible with every device, so it’s important to make sure that the router you choose is compatible with your PSVR, console, smart TV and any other devices you plan on using it with.  

Open Source Support/Firmware

If you want more from your router, ditching the original firmware and using open-source firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, or OpenWRT is always a smart idea.

Because a wireless router has default settings that are designed for an average person in an average home, it’s really just a one-size-fits-all situation.

However, the reality is that every customer is unique, and if you are a PS4 gamer, you want your router to give your gameplay the highest priority rather than attempting to focus on all of your home’s devices.

Flashing your routers with open source firmware allows you to use powerful security features that are important for a system that participates in interactive gaming, as well as extending the range and prioritizing bandwidth allocation on your wireless network. 

The most popular custom firmware is Open Source firmware such as DD-WRT, which gives you control over your network’s stability while also allowing you to administer it remotely.

MU-MIMO & Beamforming

It’s critical to evaluate your network setup and see if you have an MU-MIMO router. One of the most significant factors in selecting your product is MU-MIMO. This technology may be used on a variety of products. When you want to transmit or download information while gaming, all you have to do is click a button.

If you do not have the function, it implies that your router can handle all of your gadgets. That protects your signal from being disrupted in any way. When you utilize a gaming wiring router, the internet speed will be lowered. This is something you’ll want to avoid.

Beamforming technology can help with that, and it’s a feature that comes standard on most gaming routers. This will help to shape the signal in a way that gives you the best performance possible. Routers with Beamforming can also create an interference-free connection for devices located farther away from the router.

If you have a PSVR, then it’s important to get a router with MU-MIMO support and beamforming enabled. These technologies are essential for streaming high-quality VR video content without any lag or latency issues [7].

Coverage Area & Quality

Routers with wider coverage areas are usually better for gaming. You don’t want to have a weak signal in one corner of your room and a strong signal in another. A good router should be able to deliver a consistent signal throughout your entire space.

Some routers come with antennas that you can adjust, which can help you get the best possible coverage for your specific needs. If you’re having trouble getting a good signal in a certain area, try adjusting the antennas until you get the desired results.

How to Setup Your Gaming Router?

Setting up a gaming router is not as difficult as you might think. In most cases, the instructions are very straightforward and easy to follow. 

However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:

• Your network needs to be running in order for your router to work. If you’re having problems with your network, contact your internet service provider for assistance;
• Be sure to have an Ethernet cable handy. You’ll need it to connect your router to your modem;
• During the setup process, you will be asked to create a username and password. Be sure to write this information down so that you can access your router later if needed;
• The default settings should be enough for most users. However, if you want to change any of the settings, you can do so by logging in to your router’s interface;
• If you have a PSVR, be sure to configure your gaming router for best performance with VR content;

---

FAQ

What router do pro gamers use?

There is no definitive answer to this question as pro gamers use a variety of routers depending on their needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular gaming routers include the Asus RT-AC88U, Netgear Nighthawk XR500, and TP-Link Archer C5400X.

What are some features that make a router good for gaming?

Some important factors to consider when looking for a gaming router include its speed, range, and a number of ports. Additionally, many routers come with built-in features specifically designed for gaming, such as QoS (quality of service) which allows you to prioritize bandwidth for games over other activities.

How do I optimize my router for PS4?

There are a few things you can do to optimize your router for PSN gaming. One of the simplest is to create a gaming profile specifically for your PlayStation. This will prioritize game traffic and give you the best performance possible. 

You may also want to consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. While wireless connections are convenient, they’re often not as reliable or fast as wired ones. 

Finally, make sure you have enough bandwidth available – if everyone in your house is streaming video or playing games online at the same time, your network might not be able to handle it.

If you’re having trouble with connectivity or lag when playing PSN games, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. The first is to check your network settings and make sure they’re configured correctly. You can also try restarting your router, or even your PlayStation. 

If all else fails, you might want to consider upgrading your router – some models are specifically designed for gaming and offer better performance than standard routers [8].

Is buying a gaming router worth it?

The short answer – it depends. If you’re only using your PlayStation for basic online activities like browsing the web or streaming videos, then a standard router will probably be just fine. But if you’re looking for the best possible gaming experience, investing in a gaming router can make a big difference. 

Gaming routers offer features like QoS and network prioritization, which help to ensure that your games have maximum bandwidth and minimal latency. They also come with built-in VPNs and other security features that can keep your data safe while you play. 

If you already have a good wireless router but are experiencing problems with lag or poor performance, it might be worth considering an upgrade.

Is 500 Mbps good for gaming?

For gaming, you’ll want a connection of at least 40mbps and 500mbps; however, they’re both excellent.

Both 40mbps and 500mbps are good as long as they’re linked with an Ethernet connection. 

500mbps is significantly more powerful than 40mbps (5Gbps vs 2Gbps) [9].

What is the difference between a gaming router and a regular one?

A gaming router has several features that are designed to optimize your gaming experience. Gaming routers usually have built-in QoS (quality of service) which allows you to prioritize your game traffic over other activities on your network. They also typically include specialized firmware or software that can help reduce latency and packet loss. 

Many gaming routers also offer gamer-friendly features such as custom LED lighting, pass-through ports for headphones and microphones, and additional USB ports. 

Will a gaming router reduce ping?

A gaming router won’t necessarily reduce your ping, but it can help. Routers that prioritize gaming traffic can help keep your connection smooth and stable, which is crucial for avoiding lag in-game.

Is a 4G router good for gaming?

Yes, 4G LTE is capable of delivering sufficient speeds for online gaming right now. In 4G, you can achieve a speed of 100Mbps, which is more than enough for playing online games [10].

Why is PS4 WiFi so slow?

One of the most common complaints about the PSN network is that it’s slow. This can be especially frustrating when you’re trying to game online and your connection keeps lagging. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to speed up PSN, the blame lies with Sony. However, you can improve your WiFi signal at home by using a gaming router specifically designed for PS consoles.

What’s the best DNS for PS4?

There is no one definitive answer to this question as the best DNS for PSN gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, some popular choices include Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, and Comodo Secure DNS.

Each of these services offers a variety of features that can be useful for gamers, such as parental controls, malware protection, and website filtering. You can read more about each service in our guide to the best DNS servers for gaming.

If you’re looking for a more tailored solution specifically optimized for PlayStation Network gaming, then Sony’s own PSN Gaming DNS might be worth considering. This service is free to use and offers lower latency than most other public DNS providers [11].

Should I connect my PS4 to the modem or router?

You should connect your PSN (PlayStation Network) and modem directly to each other, without a router in between. This is because the modem provides the internet connection to your home and the PSN communicates with Sony’s servers. Bypassing the router will give you the best performance for online gaming.

Is AT&T WIFI good for gaming?

AT&T Internet has a number of advantages for gamers. The fastest home internet connection plan, Internet 1000, provides a download speed of 1000Mbps and three ultra-low latency (ping rates under 11 milliseconds), as well as limitless data on your home internet connection and constant performance, even during peak usage hours [12].

How many Mbps do I need for PS4 online gaming?

You’ll want a gaming router that can handle at least 100 Mbps for online gaming. Many routers marketed as “gaming routers” advertise speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, but unless you have an extremely fast internet connection, you likely won’t need anything that powerful.

However, if you live in a house with multiple people using the internet simultaneously or share your internet connection with others (through Wi-Fi or Ethernet), it might be worth investing in a gaming router that can support faster speeds. Just make sure the router supports the type of connection you have — Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

What is the maximum internet speed for PS4?

The PS4 comes with a decent network card. It supports the standard for a full gigabit connection, allowing up to 1000 Mbps and utilizing the entire speed potential of a 2.4 GHz WiFi signal (up to 450 Mbps) [13].

Do routers make a difference for gaming?

A router is a key component for gaming. It helps manage the flow of data between your devices and the internet, ensuring that you get the best possible performance from your games.

Different routers may have different capabilities when it comes to gaming. Some prioritize low latency over all other factors, while others focus on maximizing bandwidth. You’ll need to decide what’s important to you before making a purchase.

Some routers also come with extra features designed specifically for gamers. These can include things like QoS controls, which let you give higher priority to packets related to gaming traffic, or built-in VPNs (virtual private networks), which allow you to play games online through a private server connection.

Useful Video: Best Gaming Routers in 2020 – Top 5 Wireless Routers For PC, PS4 & Xbox