5 Best Gaming Routers for Xbox One

0% of users selected TP-Link AC5400 Tri Band WiFi, 50% selected NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming, 0% selected D-Link WiFi Router AC1900 Mesh, 50% selected ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming and 0% selected Linksys WRT3200ACM Dual-Band. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

When you’re looking for the best gaming routers for Xbox One or Series S|X, there are a few things you need to take into account. The most important factor is obviously the type of router – will it be an AC or N router? And what other features does it offer?

The next thing to think about is your budget. Routers can range in price from around $30 to $300 or more, so you need to decide how much you’re willing to spend. 

Finally, you’ll also want to consider the size of your home and how many devices will be connecting to the router.

If you have a large home with multiple rooms that need coverage, or if you have a lot of devices that need to connect wirelessly, then you’ll need a high-end router with powerful antennas and lots of bandwidth. 

If your home is smaller or you only have a few wireless devices, then an inexpensive AC router should be just fine.

If you’re an avid Xbox One gamer, then you know that a good gaming router is a must-have. Not all routers are created equal – some are better suited for gaming than others. In this guide, we will teach you how to choose the best gaming router for your needs, and explain why it’s important to have one. 

Xbox gaming experts will also recommend some of the best routers on the market for Xbox One gamers. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on to learn more!

TP-Link AC5400 Archer C5400X Tri-Band WiFi Gaming Router – the Editor’s choice!

When this router is functioning normally, it shows a solid white status light on the top of the box. When the router loses its internet connection, it flashes red. The firmware is being updated when the router’s status LED is pulsating white.

The router’s front features a WPS button, a Wi-Fi On/Off button, and an LED On/Off switch. The right side has two USB 3.0 ports. In addition to the LAN ports, the rear of the router includes a WAN port, a power jack, and a reset button.

This TP-Link gaming router can be the perfect companion for your Xbox gaming consoles. It’s a tri-band design that ensures seamless gameplay and lag-free streaming. The security software protects your network from unauthorized access while the antivirus protection keeps your devices safe from online threats.

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

The dashboard provides loads of information about your connection and game performance, so you can make any necessary adjustments in order to achieve optimal results. Plus, the XR500’s low-latency design ensures quick response times in even the most intense online games. Take your gaming skills to the next level with this router!

The Netgear router is a computer-gaming router with a low-latency design and geo-filtering to reduce lag. Its quality-of-service software allows you to hog all the bandwidth or share it with others. When you’re searching for an online edge, the Nighthawk XR500 is pricey, but it’s well worth the money.

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D-Link AC1900 Mesh Internet Network WiFi Router – the best for network updates!

The setup process is easy even for beginners, and the advanced parental controls will keep your family safe online. The enhanced MU-MIMO tech provides powerful WiFi coverage throughout your home, and you can easily expand the network by using the free D-Link WiFi app.

In addition, the user interface is simple and straightforward so you’ll have no trouble managing your network. And if security is a concern for you, don’t worry – this router comes packed with many security features.

Do you want to know if a wireless mesh system is necessary to cover your property? If an updated router isn’t enough, what’s the best way to go? The D-Link DIR-1960 combines a regular router with the option of adding wireless mesh access points for increased performance.

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ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 WiFi 6 Gaming Router – the best for performance!

Additionally, it comes with Trend Micro security to keep your devices safe. The WTFast tech also helps to stabilize ping and reduce latency, so you can enjoy smoother gameplay.

And if that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of customization options available to make this router truly your own. With RGB lights and many powerful controls for stabilizing ping, the GT-AX11000 is perfect for any gamer looking to take their experience to the next level.

The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is the first in a series of 802.11ax routers, but it has been built with gamers in mind and comes packed with goodies and extras. More to the point, its speed increases as you move away from it, making it ideal for people who need to fill a large home with stable Wi-Fi performance.

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Linksys WRT3200ACM AC3200 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router – the best design!

The router also boasts an impressive design with a nostalgic style, while its open-source firmware allows you to tinker with its settings to your heart’s content. Additionally, the WRT3200ACM supports MU-MIMO technology, which ensures efficient wireless performance and stability. And if you need more wired connectivity options, fret not – the router has you covered with no less than 6 Gigabit Ethernet ports!

The AC2300 Wireless-AC router from Netgear is the first in its class to support 802.11ac Wi-Fi and features MU-MIMO streaming, beamforming, and 160MHz channel widths for future compatible clients. The WRT3200ACM showed outstanding 5GHz results in our testing, with file transfer rates that are second to none.

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The Buyer’s Guide

Benefits of a Gaming Router for Your Xbox One:

Lesser Ping

A gaming router is specifically designed to give you the best online gaming experience. This means that it will help reduce ping times and packet loss, which in turn will give you a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience. 

The right ping will make your whole gaming experience a lot better. The time it takes for your gaming system, or computer, to receive a signal from the server host is called ping. You can play online without difficulty when this time is cut down [1].

You can also use your gaming router for other purposes such as streaming media or downloading files. But its main purpose is to provide the best online gaming experience for gamers. So if you are an avid Xbox One gamer, then investing in a good gaming router is definitely something that you should consider doing.

Added Security

A gaming router also provides an added layer of security for your devices. It can protect you from cyber-attacks and other online threats that could put your privacy and data at risk.

Most gaming routers come with extra features such as firewalls, parental controls, and VPNs that will help keep you safe when you are online. So if you are looking for a way to boost the security of your home network, then a gaming router is definitely the way to go.

Geo-Filtration

You may use this option to exclude players from your online game. All you have to do is identify your location on the map and establish a distance. Players who are not within the specified distance will be unable to host your game. 

A gaming router is a great investment for any Xbox One gamer. It can help improve your gameplay experience by reducing ping times and packet loss, and it also provides an added layer of security for your devices. So if you are looking for the best possible gaming experience, then a gaming router should be at the top of your list.

Main Features:

Wireless Standards:

1) 802.11ax

The newest wireless standard, 802.11ax, is the latest and greatest when it comes to routers. It offers increased speed and performance, as well as improved efficiency for devices that are connected to your network. If you’re looking for the best gaming router for Xbox One, then an 802.11ax model should be at the top of your list.

2) 802.11ac

If you’re not quite ready to make the jump to 802.11ax, then don’t worry – there are plenty of great routers that use the older 802.11ac standard. This standard is still very fast and will give you more than enough speed and performance for your Xbox One.

3) 802.11n

If you’re on a budget, or if you don’t need the absolute best performance possible, then an 802.11n router might be right for you. This standard is still very fast and will give you plenty of speed and range to play your favorite games online.

4) 802.11g

An 802.11g router is the slowest of the bunch, but it can still get the job done for basic online gaming. If you don’t need top-of-the-line performance, then an 802.11g model might be a good option for you.

The Xbox consoles are known to work with 802.11ac routers. This bridges the gap between wireless technology and new heights. Obviously, it is faster than 802.11n, which supports beamforming and MU-MIMO transmission. It would be ideal if you purchased ac standard routers for your X-Box one and enjoyed the experience with a stable and dependable internet connection [2].

Bandwidth

A good bandwidth will never go unnoticed since your online performance improves. So you don’t have to be beaten at games because you didn’t have adequate bandwidth any longer. 

The ideal bandwidth for gaming is 5GHz, but 2.4GHz can suffice for some individuals. 

If you are using an Xbox One and have a router that supports the AC1900 standard or better, then your network is capable of streaming games at full speed.

The next step is to determine how much bandwidth you will need. Determining this can be tricky because it depends on what other devices are being used on the network, as well as the online activities of everyone in the home. 

Ethernet Ports

When it comes to the finest level of performance for Xbox One routers, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the number of Ethernet ports available. While wireless connections are effective, they aren’t as dependable as hard-wired connections, thus the need for top wired connections.

The wired Ethernet connections are crucial since they eliminate delays and minimize latency concerns. As a result, connecting your Xbox One to one of the Ethernet ports would be critical [3].

In addition, routers with more Ethernet ports tend to be a bit pricier than those with fewer ports. 

For instance, the Netgear Nighthawk XR500 Pro Gaming Router has four Ethernet ports while the Asus RT-AC68U Dual-Band Wireless-AC1900 Gigabit Router only has one. So if you’re someone who frequently plays online with friends and family, you may want to consider investing in a router that offers more Ethernet ports.

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all of the Ethernet ports are created equal. Some routers have “gaming” or “turbo” Ethernet ports that offer speeds up to two times faster than regular Ethernet connections. If you have a gaming console and want to get the most out of your online gaming experience, you’ll definitely want to look for a router that has these types of ports.

Network Coverage

Typically, your router’s coverage is the greatest distance it can cover uninterrupted. If you have a bigger house, get one with strong signals. Additionally, if you want to improve signal strength even further, consider buying a router with more antennas.

The router’s placement is also important. If you have a desktop computer, place the router on the floor and keep it away from walls and other obstructions. If you have a laptop, try to keep the router within three feet of your device for optimal performance.

Finally, Xbox One supports both 802.11a and 802.11ac routers. The latter provides faster speeds and a longer range than the former. So if you’re looking to buy a new router specifically for use with your Xbox One, make sure it supports 802.11ac networking standards.  

Quality Of Service (QoS)

QoS, or Quality of Service, is a key element in ensuring excellent gameplay, and if you have numerous other devices/users on your network, QoS will be useful for network optimization and prioritization. Ensuring that your Xbox One is getting the bandwidth it needs to avoid lag and buffering can be a challenge, but with the right router, you can rest assured that your gaming experience will be as smooth as possible.

QoS technology is important for gamers because games are bandwidth-intensive applications. When you’re playing an online game, not only do you need enough bandwidth for your own connection, but also for the other players in the game. If there isn’t enough bandwidth allocated for all of those connections, then packets of data will start to get lost (resulting in lag), or even worse – dropped altogether (game over!). 

A good QoS feature will automatically detect when a gaming session is taking place, and will give that session the highest priority on the network. This ensures that your game data is always sent and received as quickly as possible, without any interruptions.

Some routers come with a Gaming Mode that essentially does the same thing – it gives gaming traffic higher priority over other types of traffic. So if you’re looking for a router specifically for gaming, be sure to check whether it has QoS or Gaming Mode enabled [4]. 

Firmware

In order for a router to operate at its maximum capacity, the standard firmware on it may not be optimized. Setting up third-party firmware allows you to fine-tune your firmware’s settings so that you can get a well-functioning QoS, security, and other features network!

There are a few popular firmware choices for routers, DD-WRT and Tomato being the most common. 

If you’re using one of these firmware on your router then it’s highly likely that you’ll be able to get better performance when gaming on Xbox One:

1. Tomato Firmware. This firmware is perfect for gamers as it was specifically designed with gaming in mind! Tomato firmware includes features such as QoS which prioritizes traffic from games and applications over other types of traffic, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. It also has bandwidth management options so you can set limits on how much data each device in your home can consume each month;
2. DD-WRT Firmware. DD-WRT firmware also has a number of great gaming features, such as QoS, bandwidth management, and network monitoring tools. It’s available for a wide range of routers so it’s likely that there’s one that will fit your needs perfectly;

NAT Open (Port Forwarding)

One of the main issues that gamers can experience when playing online is NAT type. This refers to the way your router handles inbound and outbound traffic, with three types being available:

• NAT Type Open. This is the best possible NAT type for gaming as it allows all inbound and outbound traffic to pass through your router without any restrictions;
• NAT Type Moderate. With this type of NAT, some ports are blocked which can cause problems with certain games or applications;
• NAT Type Restrictive/Strict. The most restrictive type of NAT, this one blocks a large number of ports and will cause problems with many online games and applications;

This is a process of forwarding traffic from specific ports on the router to an internal IP address on your network. By doing this you are telling the router that any traffic arriving at those ports should be forwarded to the device with that specific internal IP address.

You can keep Xbox traffic with the NAT Open features, which work together with UPnP. This means you’ll have no trouble playing games since there will be no lag [5].

UPnP

One of the features that are important to look for when choosing a gaming router for your Xbox One is UPnP support. UPnP stands for Universal Plug and Play, and it allows devices on your network to automatically configure themselves based on the settings you provide. This means that if you have a device like a smart TV or game console that supports UPnP, it will be able to automatically find and connect to your gaming router without any additional configuration required from you.

UPnP support is not only useful for connecting devices to your network, but it can also help improve performance. When enabled, UPnP can allow your devices to communicate with each other more efficiently which can result in better overall performance. Not all routers  support UPnP, so it is important to check before you buy [6].

Wi-Fi 6 Protocol

Another important feature to look for when choosing a gaming router is support for the Wi-Fi protocols. The latest and most advanced protocol currently available is Wi-Fi and it offers several advantages over older protocols like 802.11n and 802.11ac.

Wi-Fi 6 protocols are the optimum routers for gaming; this is the fastest Wi-Fi speed protocol. It’s superior to Wi-Fi 5 protocols in every way. It has a faster connection rate, supports more people, and is backward compatible. The second reason it’s ideal for X-Box one is that the network features less congestion.

Wi-Fi offers faster speeds, increased range, and better reliability than older protocols. It also uses less power which can result in longer battery life for devices like laptops and smartphones. In order to take advantage of all that Wi-Fi has to offer, you will need a device that supports the protocol. Not all routers support Wi-Fi, so be sure to check before you buy.

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FAQ

Do routers make a difference for gaming?

Yes, routers make a difference for gaming. In fact, the best gaming routers can provide a significant performance boost over standard routers. This is because they are specifically designed to handle the high-bandwidth needs of online gaming.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Xbox One, then you should definitely consider investing in a good gaming router.

What factors should I consider when choosing a gaming router?

When choosing a gaming router, you’ll want to consider the following factors:

• The type of games you play. Certain routers are better suited for specific types of games. For example, if you play fast-paced first-person shooters, you’ll want a router with high-speed performance and low latency;
• Your internet connection speed. The faster your internet connection speed, the more bandwidth your router will need in order to handle it. If you have a slow or limited internet connection, you may need to settle for a slower router model;
• The number of devices that will be connecting to the router simultaneously. If you have multiple devices connected to your router (e.g. a gaming console, laptop, and smartphone), you’ll need a model with enough bandwidth to handle all of them;
• Your home’s layout. If your home is large or has multiple levels, you may need a more powerful router to ensure good coverage throughout the entire house;

Will a gaming router reduce ping?

A gaming router will not help reduce ping specifically, but a good quality gaming router should keep your connection more stable and thus improve your overall gameplay. 

The time it takes for a connection to be established between two systems is known as latency, or ping in milliseconds (ms). Keep these pings in mind when playing games [7]:

• 100 ms or above. Probably you won’t be able to do much real-time interactive stuff;
• 40-60 ms. Not bad. For shooting games, especially in competitions, it isn’t quite ideal yet;
• 30 ms or lower. That’s fantastic. All games are in play at this time;
• 10 ms or lower. Perfection. At this point only your skill matters;

Choosing the right gaming router for Xbox One can be difficult. There are many different factors to consider, such as price, speed, range, and extra features. 

What WiFi is best for Xbox?

First and foremost, you’ll want to find a router with strong signal strength. This is especially important if you plan on using your Xbox One while in another room or even outside of your home. Look for routers that offer dual-band support (the ability to transmit data over two frequencies) as well, as this will help ensure a more stable connection even if there are other devices competing for bandwidth in your home.

How do I get better WiFi on my Xbox?

One of the best ways to get better WiFi on your Xbox is by using a gaming router. Gaming routers are specifically designed to give you the best possible gaming experience, with features like prioritized bandwidth and QoS (quality of service) that can help keep your games running smooth. 

There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for one:

• Speed. The speed of your router is important, especially if you plan on playing online multiplayer games. You’ll want one that can handle the bandwidth requirements of your games;
• Range. The range of your router is also important, especially if you have a large house or gaming room. Make sure to check the specs to see how far the signal can reach;
• Features. Make sure to find a router with features that matter to you. For example, do you need parental controls? A VPN server? Dual-band capabilities;
• Price. Routers vary in price, so find one that fits within your budget;

How do I optimize my router for Xbox One?

There are a few things you can do to optimize your router for Xbox One:

1. Make sure that your router is using the latest firmware. You can check for updates on the manufacturer’s website;
2. You should create a custom game or media profile for your Xbox One. This will ensure that your console is getting the best performance possible from your network connection. To create a custom game profile, open up the Network settings menu on your Xbox One and select Advanced Settings. Under the Profile heading, select Create a New Profile and give it a name. Select the appropriate connection type (wired or wireless) and then enter your router’s IP address into the corresponding box. Click on Test Xbox Live Connection to make sure that everything is working correctly;
3. You can try disabling some of your router’s advanced features. This may help improve performance when gaming online. To do this, open up your router’s web-based control panel and look for the Advanced settings menu. Under the Gaming heading, disable any features that you don’t need (such as QoS or UPnP);

Finally, if all else fails, you can try port forwarding. This allows incoming traffic from specific ports on the internet to be directed to a specific device on your network. To set up port forwarding, you’ll need to know your router’s IP address and the port numbers that you want to forward. You can find these settings in your router’s manual or by searching online.

Are routers for Xbox One expensive?

No, they are not. In fact, many routers designed for Xbox One gaming can be found at a very reasonable price point. Of course, there are more expensive options available if you want something with more features or better performance. But, in general, routers for Xbox One gaming do not have to break the bank.

Is 500 Mbps good for gaming?

No, 500 Mbps is not good for gaming. In fact, most experts recommend a minimum of 1000 Mbps for lag-free gaming. However, 500 Mbps will still work if you are only playing single-player games or fewer graphics-intensive games. But, if you want the best possible experience, then you should invest in a router with higher bandwidth.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a router for Xbox One gaming:

• The first and most important factor is your budget. Routers designed specifically for Xbox One gaming can be found at a variety of price points, so there is something available for everyone;
• Another important consideration is your home’s internet speed. If your speed is below 1000 Mbps, then you will likely need a router with higher bandwidth to avoid any lag or buffering issues;
• The next thing to consider is the range of your router. How big is your home? And how many devices are connected to the internet at once? If your home is large or if you have multiple devices connected to the internet, you will need a router with a higher range;

Finally, there are some other factors to consider such as features and performance. But, overall, these three considerations should be your top priority when choosing a router for Xbox One gaming.

Is Ethernet better than WiFi for gaming?

The reality is that although WiFi connections have improved, an Ethernet connection is still preferable. This is especially true for gaming and desktop usage because a wired connection will provide greater dependability and fewer lags as a result [8].

Why is my ping so high even though I have good Internet?

This is a common question, and there can be many reasons why your ping might be high. One possibility is that you are playing from too far away from the router. If possible, try to get closer to the router in order to reduce latency.

Another possibility is that you are using an old or outdated wireless adapter. Upgrading to a newer model could help with reducing ping times.

Finally, there may be congestion on your network connection due to too many devices using it simultaneously. In this case, you might need to purchase a more powerful router in order to handle the increased traffic.

Does Xbox use a lot of WiFi?

Xbox doesn’t use a lot of WiFi. In fact, most Xbox games don’t require an internet connection to play at all. However, some games (like Halo) are better when played online with friends. So if you want the best gaming experience possible, it’s definitely worth getting a good router for your Xbox One.

Why is my Xbox getting low Mbps?

If you’re experiencing low Mbps when playing games on your Xbox One, there are a few potential causes:

• Firstly, check to see if other devices in your home are using the same internet connection. If multiple people are streaming videos or downloading files at the same time, it can slow down your Xbox’s bandwidth and cause lag. Try disconnecting any other devices that might be hogging the bandwidth, and then test your game again;
• Another possibility is that you need to upgrade your router. The newer routers have much higher Mbps than older ones, so if you’re still using an old model it may not be able to support all of the data being transferred for gaming purposes. Upgrading to a new gaming router can make a big difference in your gameplay;
• Finally, it’s also possible that there’s something wrong with your network setup. If you’ve tried all of the above and are still having problems, it might be worth consulting with an expert to see if there’s anything more you can do to improve your connection;

Do WiFi boosters work for Xbox One?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people swear by them and others find that they don’t make much of a difference. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your signal without too much effort, then a booster might be the right choice for you. 

Do you require mesh routers when you are gaming?

Because mesh WiFi routers are prone to congestion, they aren’t built for latency-critical activities like competitive gaming. A mesh WiFi router is ideal for gaming if you’re a more casual player [9].

If you are looking for a router to solely use with your Xbox One, then experts suggest looking at routers that have the “gaming” or “Xbox” logo. These routers usually have some gaming-specific features like QoS and network prioritization which will help give your console an edge in online play.

Another thing to consider is how many Ethernet ports you’ll need. Most routers come with four ports, but if you plan on using devices like a desktop computer, smart TV, and other streaming devices along with your Xbox One, then you may want to look for a model that has more than four ports.

Why do you need Port Forwarding?

Gaming routers come with a variety of features, but one of the most important for Xbox gamers is port forwarding. This allows your router to know which devices are requesting data from the internet and then send that information directly to those devices. Without port forwarding enabled, you may experience lag or gameplay problems in online games.

Some gaming routers offer specific presets for popular consoles like the Xbox One, Playstation, and Nintendo Switch. If your console isn’t specifically listed, don’t worry! You can still use most gaming routers with manual configuration. The process is usually pretty straightforward.

Useful Video: TOP 5: Best Gaming Routers for Xbox Series X (2021)