If you’re shopping for the best gaming router for the PS4, you want a stable internet connection that won’t interfere with your gaming experience. Like many gaming consoles, the PS4 supports shared cloud-based gaming that allows you to play in real-time with other users on their network.
Whether you’re playing a group effort game or just want to use your PS4 as an entertainment hub, you need a router that can provide consistent speed and won’t throttle your online gaming traffic because too many devices use the same band. It also shouldn’t negatively impact anyone else’s internet experience on your home wireless network. If you have young children, wi-fi routers with parental controls are also worth considering.
This means that you need a router with gigabit ethernet support, superior MU-MIMO technology, and possibly a tri-band model to keep heavy-usage devices on a dedicated 5GHz band while other internet users are on the 2.4 GHz band. Meanwhile, you still need a router that’s compatible with your ISP.
Keep reading our buying guide to the best gaming router for Xbox One to learn more. And if you don’t know where to start with your router shopping experience, check out our best router buying guide.
Top Gaming Routers for PS4
#1 TP-Link Archer C5400X Tri Band WiFi Gaming Router
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its high WiFi speeds are ideal for gaming, and its wide port selection makes it great for users who would like to connect their wired devices.
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- Rapid data transfer rate
- Great port selection
- Free TP-HomeLink subscription for enhanced security
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- Unreliable customer support
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The Archer C5400X from TP-Link is a top-tier tri-band router powered by a 1.8Ghz 64-bit quad-core processor. It has eight different Gigabit LAN ports for wired connectivity and two USB ports for connecting non-WiFi devices. It has a combined data transfer rate of 5334Mbps, where its single 2.4Ghz band averages 1000Mbps, and each of its two 5Ghz bands averages 2167Mbps. Gamers can opt to dedicate one band to gaming traffic for seamless gaming performance, and since it also has Beamforming technology built-in, it’ll lock in on a connected device such that even if a user moves around, the connection will still be pretty strong. Unfortunately, previous users have complained that its customer support is not reliable.
The router comes with eight external antennas for extended coverage throughout the home and supports Link Aggregation for even faster transfer rates between the router and any Network Attached Storage devices. Since it also comes with a TP-Link HomeCare subscription, all the devices connected to it will also be protected from cyber threats and accessing malicious websites. This security is further enhanced by the router’s built-in VPN server, which encrypts the connection between the router and the Internet.
#2 Asus AC2900 RT-AC86U WiFi Gaming Router
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has excellent port selection and advanced features that allow gamers to prioritize its functioning for games. It can also be controlled through voice and has a built-in stand.
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- Rapid data transfer rates
- Supports voice control through Alexa
- Can be managed remotely through the Asus Router app
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- Drops WiFi signal frequently
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Thanks to its rapid WiFi speeds, the Asus RT-AC86U is a dual-band Gigabit router ideal for lag-free multiplayer gaming and 4K UHD streaming. It has a combined data transfer rate of 2900Mbps and comes with five Ethernet ports and two USB ports. It has a built-in stand for easy placement on a table, shelf or floor and comes with three external antennae for expansive coverage. Gamers will appreciate its WTFast game accelerator, which works by looking for the most secure route between the systems in use and minimizes lag. However, some previous users have complained that it drops its WiFi signal too frequently.
Like most modern routers, it also comes with beamforming technology for focussing its WiFi signals on a particular device connection and has support for voice control through Alexa. The router can also be managed remotely through its Asus Router app, and since it also features AiProtection, all the devices connected to it will be safe from malicious attacks or hacking. Its use of MU-MIMO technology ensures that multiple devices can connect to it without slowing down the overall WiFi speed, and since it also features Adaptive QoS, users will be able to prioritize its performance and allocate most of its bandwidth to gaming, browsing, or streaming.
#3 NetGear Nighthawk Pro XR500 WiFi Router with 4 Ethernet Ports
Award: BEST FOR EASE OF USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a user-friendly dashboard that can be customized according to specific tastes. It also has a built-in VPN service for security and can be managed remotely through the Nighthawk app.
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- Aggressive gamer-oriented design
- Customizable and user friendly dashboard
- Advanced gaming features for enhanced performance
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- Geo filter has limitations that might not impress some
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The Netgear XR500 is likely to impress players not only because of its gamer-oriented design but also because of its ease of use and its dual-band frequency class that facilitates a high data transfer rate of up to 2600Mbps. The router also has a couple of advanced gaming features that will allow users to allocate bandwidth by devices and minimize lag, and a Geo-filter that will limit the distance to servers or other players. It comes with four Ethernet LAN ports and is powered by a dual-core 1.7Ghz processor for efficient functioning. Unfortunately, previous users reported some limitations of its Geo filter that they were not impressed with.
The router also has built-in VPN clients to encrypt the Internet connection between clients. It has a customizable dashboard that is user-friendly and provides real-time information per connected device. Remote management is also possible through its Nighthawk app, as users can easily set up the router and manage Internet access and connectivity.
#4 Speedefy K7 AC2100 Smart WiFi Router
Award: BEST FOR MULTIPLE DEVICES
WHY WE LIKE IT: It can support up to 25 different connections and has a decent 2500 Sq ft coverage. It can also be remotely managed through the Speedify app and has a rapid data transfer rate.
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- Very easy to install
- Can be managed remotely through Speedify app
- Rapid data transfer rate
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- Might stop working after a few months
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The Speedify K7 WiFi router is a popular choice for regular users who need a strong WiFi connection for their home, as well as for gamers who require a high-speed connectivity. The router operates on a dual-band frequency class and has a speed of 2100Mbps. It also has the capacity to support up to 25 different connected devices and has four Ethernet ports for wired connections. Besides being very easy to install, it has decent coverage of up to 2500 Sq ft and has a dual-core CPU for efficient management. However, some previous users have complained that it tends to stop working after a few months.
The router makes use of MU-MIMO technology to facilitate multiple WiFi connections. Since it also allows for parental control, users who have kids in their home will limit and control their Internet access. The router also comes with Beamforming technology to lock a connection to a particular device and can also be managed remotely through the Speedify app.
#5 D-Link DIR-X5460-US AX5400 WiFi 6 Router
Award: BEST FOR HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a very high data transfer rate and can be managed remotely through the D-Link app. It also has a wide range of ports and works with voice capabilities.
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- Very high data transfer rate
- Has great port selection
- Works with voice control through Alexa and Google Home
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- Very limiting firmware
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This WiFi 6 router from D-Link is a tri-band router with a rapid data transfer rate of up to 5400 Mbps and is ideal for users who want high WiFi speeds for their gaming or streaming needs. The router has a decent port selection since it includes five Ethernet and two USB ports. One of its highlights is its use of OFDMA, which translates to more efficient data transmission, especially for heavy data activities requiring more bandwidth. However, some previous users have reported that its firmware happens to be very limiting.
The D-Link router works easily with both Google Home and Alexa, and since it also features MU-MIMO technology, all the devices that are connected to it will be able to have the same high-speed connectivity without any lag. Managing this router remotely is pretty easy thanks to the D-Link app, and through this, owners will be able to set up parental controls that govern how and for how long young users will be able to stay connected.
#6 RockSpace AX1800 WiFi Router for Wireless Internet
Award: BEST FOR STRONG CONNECTIVITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has support for WiFi6 technologies and can handle up to 35 simultaneous connections. It comes with a powerful quad-core processor for efficient functioning and has a decent array of ports for wired connections.
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- Supports up to 35 simultaneous connections
- Has a powerful quad-core processor for efficient functioning
- Supports WiFi 6 technology
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- No for remote management
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The Rockspace AX1800 WiFi router boasts WiFi speeds of up to 1800Mbps and has a decent range of up to 2500 Sq ft. It is compatible with a wide range of WiFi standards, and since it comes with support for WiFi 6 technology, it avails enough bandwidth for lag-free connections for all its connected devices. A quad-core processor powers the router, and since it also comes with 8 x 8 MU-MIMO technology, all the many devices connected to it will be able to maintain the same high-speed connection without any lag. However, some might take issue that it does not have an app for remote management.
The router also comes with helpful security features that include parental control for limiting access for young users and supporting more than 35 simultaneous connections. It has a USB 3.0 port, and through its BSS color technology, it has the capability to eliminate interference from neighboring networks. Its use of WiFI 6 technology also allows for seamless heavy-duty streaming or online gaming, making it ideal for power users that prioritize a lag-free connection.
Beginner’s Guide to Gaming Routers for PS4
What are Gaming Routers for PS4?
When you start your search for a gaming router for the PS4, you’ll quickly find that you won’t discover a router that’s dedicated solely to the PS4 or online gaming. This is because routers usually aren’t gaming console specific. Instead, there are specific criteria that you want a router to meet so that it can reliably support the myriad of ways that you can use a gaming console.
While gaming is an obvious way to use a console, many people also use them as entertainment hubs. In some scenarios, this means that all entertainment content — even if someone is still paying for wired cable television — is accessed through the console. Additionally, many game consoles come with HDMI ports, allowing them to be used for streaming devices like Roku and Amazon’s FireTV. As a result, your gaming console will usually represent one of the strongest data usage devices in your home.
A good router for gaming will often feature faster speed support than basic routers. This is ideal as a ridiculously fast router means you won’t experience throttling. Plus, when your internet service provider (ISP) upgrades your plan’s speed, you might not have to upgrade your router.
Along with faster wireless speeds, many gaming routers come with tri-band support. This means you’ll have three wireless bands for connected devices to access. Low bandwidth usage activities like smart speakers or even casual browsing on a laptop will rely on the lower 2.4 GHz band. Meanwhile, data-hungry devices like your PS4 or a connected television will experience less congestion on either one of two 5GHz bands or either a 5GHz or 6GHz band.
Additionally, gaming routers usually feature enhanced functions like MU-MIMO (multiple users, multi-input, multi-output), quality of service (QoS), or beamforming. MU-MIMO technology and QoS allow for multiple devices to be simultaneously engaged in heavy data consumption on the same wireless network without experiencing throttling, lag, or buffering.
Meanwhile, beamforming is an essential feature if you can’t connect heavy-data devices directly to your router through an ethernet port (which is usually recommended). Beamforming creates a dedicated signal which is broadcast specifically to devices like consoles or televisions. These signals are more stable than what other devices like smart home devices or laptops are receiving and are broadcast directly from your router’s antenna.
Gaming Routers for PS4 vs Other Routers
Both gaming routers and “basic” routers are equally effective at supporting a connection with your ISP’s service as well as establishing and broadcasting your home’s wireless network. And to be fair, if you live alone and don’t have a wide array of devices attempting to access the internet simultaneously, you can use a basic router for a gaming console, even for cloud-based gaming.
But if you have multiple internet users in your home and you still want to play cloud-based video games, you’re going to want to upgrade to a real gaming router. These routers effectively support stable high-speed connections and delegate data movement for a lossless internet experience.
As we mentioned earlier, true gaming consoles excel with intuitive features like MU-MIMO, tri-band, and QoS — although at a premium. In contrast, MU-MIMO and QoS aren’t usually found on most routers marketed towards casual internet users. Additionally, dual-band (only one 2.4 GHz and one 5 GHz band) is the standard for cheaper.
Plus, most gaming routers support faster speeds, which is important for serious gamers or even anyone engaged in heavy internet usage. Whereas casual internet users might not need a plan over 10 megabits per second (Mbps), gamers, entertainment streamers, and even graphic designers or editors would require faster speeds.
How Gaming Routers for PS4 Work
Gaming routers connect to the internet the same as simpler routers would do. They serve as a middleman connection between your ISP’s external router and the local access network (LAN) for your home. The router then broadcasts that signal, creating a home wireless network.
Similar to any other wireless router, your gaming router will have a few ethernet ports for wired connections. There should also be a few USB ports. Whenever possible, you’ll want your PS4 to be wired directly to your router rather than relying on a wireless signal. Wired connections tend to be more stable and are usually faster, which means quicker gaming response times. And depending on the router you choose, might have one or more external antennas. Some models feature detachable antennas.
If you can’t have a wired connection between your PS4 and the router, you’ll want a gaming router that supports beamforming. This sends a dedicated signal to your console for enhanced stability.
Depending on the number of connected and heavy-usage devices in your home, you’ll most likely want a tri-band router, either Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. This guarantees that lower-bandwidth devices will remain on the more crowded 2.4 GHz band, and high-bandwidth devices like your PS4 will have less interference with access to either two 5 GHz bands or one 5 GHz and one 6 GHz band.
Note that many gaming routers are promoting WiFi 6 compatibility. As of the date of publishing, WiFi 5 is still considered the standard option for wireless access. Wi-Fi 6 routers are slowly rolling out, but it’s not always necessary to upgrade to this functionality. Instead, you’ll want to focus on speed, MU-MIMO, QoS, and tri-band access.
Why You Should Buy a Gaming Router for the PS4
You don’t have to be a gamer to want a router with enhanced functionality. If you’re a power internet user that’s frequently engaged in heavy-data usage activities, a premium router isn’t going to be a luxury splurge.
Are Gaming Routers for PS4 Worth Buying?
- You Play Cloud-based Video Games: Keep in mind that gaming routers aren’t designed with one specific console brand in mind. Most gaming consoles nowadays rely on cloud-based gaming, meaning that accessing games, updating your profile, and even interacting with other users all require a stable internet connection. Even if you’re shopping for the best gaming router for the Xbox One, you’ll still have the same concerns as a PS4 user.
- Your Console Doubles as an Entertainment Center: In this era, game consoles do more than just host storage space for video games. Many people rely on their consoles as the sole means of access for entertainment content such as streaming live television, channel apps, and more. So you’ll want a solid router that won’t encourage lag and buffering.
- You’re a Multi-user Home: Even if the rest of your family or roommates aren’t gamers, that doesn’t mean that they don’t use the internet. A good gaming router can have QoS and MU-MIMO — two key features that ensure other people aren’t suffering from snail-paced speeds just because you’re playing Call of Duty.
- You’re a Serious Internet User: Some people are serious internet users — even if they’re not gamers. Whether you have a job that requires sending and receiving large files, or you can’t live without your 4K streaming, you’ll need the reliability that a gaming router can provide.
Why Gaming Routers for PS4 May Not Be for You
- You’re a Casual Internet User: If you have a simple internet plan and only access the internet to chat with friends on social media or check email, a gaming router could be considered overkill.
- You’re Not a Gamer: If you don’t own a PS4 (or any gaming console) and also aren’t a heavy internet user, this is not a necessary purchase.
- You Prefer Mobile Gaming: There’s a whole niche for gaming that’s dedicated specifically to mobile devices. If you’re a mobile gamer, then those games don’t draw as much data as console-based games.
How Long Will Gaming Routers for PS4 Last?
It doesn’t matter whether you have a basic router or a gaming model. You’re most likely going to face similar limitations. Routers have a life expectancy of three to five years. Even the best router can’t futureproof itself against wireless technology innovations — which is why all routers are given the same range.
But to get the most out of your gaming router, look for advanced features which will not only ensure that you experience optimal performance, but that you can achieve three or more years of consistent use.
Look for routers that support speeds faster than your current internet plan. This way, if your ISP boosts your plan speed, your router won’t throttle you. Also, focus on MU-MIMO and beamforming — two features that ensure that multiple users can experience excellent internet access simultaneously. This way, those data-heavy devices like your console won’t struggle to maintain connectivity if they’re not on a wired connection.
How to Choose a Gaming Router for PS4
Some basic features are universal to all routers such as router speed, the number of available ports, and security protocols. Naturally, you’ll want the best secure router. But when you’re shopping for a gaming router, you’ll also want to pay attention to those premium features.
Best Gaming Routers for PS4 Key Factors to Consider
1. Is it compatible with your ISP?
If you’re eying a gaming router to replace the rental router your ISP provides, your first filter is to ensure that the router is compatible with their technical network requirements. All ISPs have different specifications. And in most cases, you can easily go to your ISP’s website to verify technical criteria.
2. How fast is the router?
If you’re a serious gamer, you’re most likely not subscribed to your ISP’s cheapest internet plan. But that still means you should aim for a router that can support speeds much higher than your current plan. Along with removing the risk of throttling, this ensures that your router is future proofed when your ISP bumps up your internet speed.
3. How many ethernet ports are available?
Most experts agree that you should connect data-heavy devices to the internet through a wired connection. Most routers don’t have a lot of ethernet ports, but you’ll want to ensure that there are enough to support your gaming console and possibly one or two other wired devices.
4. Can the router support beamforming?
Beamforming is especially important if you’re not able to connect a device via an ethernet port. Beamforming ensures that heavy-data devices like your PS4 or a connected TV can receive a dedicated signal through one of your router’s antennas. This signal is going to be far more stable than the general blanket wireless network access the router is broadcasting.
5. Does the router offer MU-MIMO?
Considering that gaming routers can be quite expensive, don’t even consider a model that doesn’t offer MU-MIMO. MU-MIMO ensures that households with multiple internet users (especially power users) aren’t punished because one person is actively playing a cloud-based video game.
6. Is it a tri-band router?
You don’t necessarily need a tri-band router, but it’s often a promoted feature for gaming consoles. If you have multiple heavy-data devices in your home, tri-band gives you more flexibility because you now have two high-bandwidth bands available versus a dual-band router that only offers one.
