The Best Gaming Router For PS4: Our Top 7 Picks!

Gamers will tell you it’s never their fault when they die in an online match, that it was either the lag or terrible teammates.

Well, there is some truth to the former claim- lag is a serious issue. Especially if you’re gaming on Wi-Fi with multiple members of your household using the same router as you.

And this problem is further exacerbated when your router is using last-gen technology, incapable of seamlessly distributing data within a cluttered network.

Then, there’s the matter of house design and physical obstructions. Such as walls and furniture which can sap away the strength of a short-range, high-frequency wireless signal.

In every industry, you’ve got products catered towards a niche or enthusiast segment. And for gamers, there are gaming routers.

In this article, I’m going to talk about the best gaming router for PS4.

Sure, there is nothing about a router that makes it perform better on a specific console or PC. A good gaming router will work equally well with PS4, Xbox One, Series X, PS5, Switch, and PC. But more modern clients will be able to take full advantage of the latest tech in gaming routers such as Wi-Fi 6.

Hence, there’s no reason to buy the most expensive gaming router if you’re still using a last-gen console. Maybe you’ve got multiple Wi-Fi 6 clients in the home already (cellphones, laptops, etc.).

In that case, get a newer router so you can provide higher bandwidth data streams to these devices (while also powering your PS4).

What You Should Look For While Selecting The Best Gaming Router For PS4?

Firstly, make sure your gaming router is using the newest Wi-Fi standard which at the time of writing this article is Wi-Fi 6/ 6E.

There are plans for Wi-Fi 7, but it will probably be a couple of years before devices are released for that one. Right now, you want a good dual-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz) Wi-Fi 6 with ample ports on the back.

And don’t forget strong signal coverage, so it can provide better speeds even as you start moving further away.

The interface and operating system within a router also matter. You should be able to configure it easily without requesting the help of a professional.

Things like port-forwarding and geofencing should be simple enough for a novice to set up.

Especially if you’re gaming on a console because port-forwarding is essential for some games to work online.

Geofencing makes sure you don’t get into high-ping servers, and can even establish local boundaries to restrict Wi-Fi access for anyone outside the designated radius.

In A Hurry? Here Are My 7 Top Picks

1. ASUS AX5700 WiFi 6 Gaming Router

Wi-Fi Standard	6 (802.11ax)
Number of Antennas	3
MU-MIMO and OFDMA	Yes
Ports	2.5 Gigabit ROG Gaming port, 1 Gigabit port, USB 3.2 Gen 1

Overview

The best gaming router for PS4, this is also an excellent router overall. Not for any specific platform, but any gaming workload you throw at it.

The AX5700 is a Wi-Fi 6 router with some excellent features such as 1024-QAM which lets it support extra bandwidth on each frequency.

It is also loaded to the gills with gamer-oriented features such as a special 2.5 Gigabit “gaming port”.

Which is prioritized automatically for data packets if you connect hook up a LAN cable to it. It also has aggregated 2Gbps WAN and 160MHz channels.

Things I Like

2. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC2900

Wi-Fi Standard	5 (802.11ac)
Number of Antennas	3
MU-MIMO and OFDMA	No
Ports	2.5 Gigabit ROG Gaming port, WAN ports, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 2.0

Overview

While the GeForce Now certification doesn’t necessarily mean this router will inherently perform better in gaming applications, it certainly has tons of features to aid with that.

Such as the excellent signal range, capable of hitting high speeds even at distances of 10m from the router. And ASUS claims it has designed special antennas that are better at sending signals through walls.

I can’t verify if that’s true. But reviews from professionals and customers can confirm that the Rapture does indeed perform well within houses.

Even with concrete walls and lots of furniture in the way, this router doesn’t drop a connection or suffer from reduced download/ upload speeds. 

Things I Like

3. Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000

Wi-Fi Standard	6 (802.11ax)
Number of Antennas	4
MU-MIMO and OFDMA	Yes
Ports	Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0

Overview

Netgear is renowned for its focus on lag-free gaming and unique feature suite designed to serve enthusiasts. Starting with the DumaOS which is endlessly customizable based on your needs.

Whether you’re running a small business or gearing up to become the next Call of Duty esports star, a Netgear gaming router will serve you well.

The Nighthawk Pro is loaded with everything you’d expect from a high-end gaming router. It’s also built around Wi-Fi 6, although you can also get the cheaper XR500 which is a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) model.

For PS4 owners, the XR500 will work just fine since that console is limited to Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). 

Things I Like

4. TP-Link AC4000 Archer A20

Wi-Fi Standard	5 (802.11ac)
Number of Antennas	6
MU-MIMO and OFDMA	3×3 MU-MIMO, no OFDMA
Ports	WAN, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, USB 2.0

Overview

Despite being a Wi-Fi 5 router, the Archer A20 will more than suffice for any gamer.

It supports insane speeds and even has 3×3 MU-MIMMO which is unheard of in most Wi-Fi 5 routers.

Then again, expect the unexpected with premium gaming routers such as these.

It has 3 bands unlike every other router on this list, all of which are dual-band.

So instead of one 2.5Ghz band and one 5Ghz band, it has one 2.5Ghz band and two 5Ghz bands.

This router even uses beamforming to electronically focus signals on specific client devices to increase the effective Wi-Fi range.

Things I Like

5. ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router

Wi-Fi Standard	6 (802.11ax)
Number of Antennas	4
MU-MIMO and OFDMA	Yes
Ports	WAN and LAN (4 RJ 45 ports)

Overview

Another exceptional Wi-Fi 6 router from ASUS and even though it isn’t specifically marketed towards gamers, rest assured the features are all there.

Unlike the much more expensive AX5700, this router doesn’t have a 160MHz channel (limited to 80Mhz instead).

But that is still more than adequate for most gamers. And even heavy-duty users who stream 4K content on their computers.

You can expect amazing transfer speeds thanks to 1024-QAM technology and beamforming which concentrates signal strength around individual devices.

Things I Like

6. Netgear R6700AX

Wi-Fi Standard	6 (802.11ax)
Number of Antennas	3
MU-MIMO and OFDMA	Yes
Ports	WAN, 4x Gigabit Ethernet

Overview

Netgear advertised this router with lofty claims that it can cover an area of 1500 sq. feet and simultaneously serve up to 20 clients.

But is there any truth to these claims? Well, if you look up tests conducted by independent reviewers and customers it seems that these claims aren’t far from the truth.

The R6700AX might be the best value for money option of all routers on my list. Simply because of the features that it brings to the table.

For starters, configuring the router and monitoring its activity is extremely easy thanks to a simple Netgear app on your phone.

Then, you also have some of the best parental controls and security systems. The combined data transfer speed is 1.8Gbps (600Mbps on 2.4Ghz and 1200Mbps on 5Ghz).

And yes, both bands can operate at the same time.

Things I Like

7. HNK AX1800 WiFi 6 Router

Wi-Fi Standard	6 (802.11ax)
Number of Antennas	4
MU-MIMO and OFDMA	Yes
Ports	WAN, 4x Gigabit Ethernet, USB Type A

Overview

This is my top budget choice when it comes to gaming Wi-Fi routers.

Despite costing a fraction of the ASUS routers on my list, it packs many of the same features.

For starters, this is a Wi-Fi 6 router with MU-MIMO and excellent coverage (1501 square feet of area).

It can also use beamforming and OFDMA to focus signal strength on specific devices.

Which ensures that everyone using the network has a consistent, lag-free experience.

And all this is done with 20 devices or more connected at the same time.

Things I Like

Best PS4 Gaming Router | A Detailed Buying Guide

Before we get started on how to select a router, let’s talk about what a router actually does.

You see, there are two components to this equation- the modem and the router. A modem is sometimes integrated into the router itself, resulting in a self-contained package that is ready to go for internet connectivity.

In other cases, your ISP will provide you with a separate router and modem.

The modem is responsible for translating signals from your ISP into a language that your router can understand. Basically, it’s a double-way converter that can turn analog signals into digital and vice-versa.

A modem is what actually connects you with the global internet system. Since your home computer and phone can’t process raw signals from the fiber cable or copper wire. Hence, the need for a modem.

Once the signal has been translated by a modem, it is sent to the router.

Here is where all the traffic allocation and management takes place. Routers decide where to send the signals and how.

Think of a router as an air traffic controller and the modem as its translator.

Routers select the optimal paths for best efficiency and are also responsible for security (making sure unwanted guests don’t tap into the network stream).

With a router, you can use a single ISP connection to link several devices with the web. While also establishing a LAN (local area network) to interconnect these individual devices.

Routers create tables of data, containing all the network pathways in your household. This table helps a router decide where to allocate IP packets. Routers also choose which “ports” to use.

Ports are basically identifiers for a type of network traffic, denoted by numbers (they are data points and don’t exist physically).

An open port means data can be forwarded through that point. Closed ports don’t allow the flow of data.

What Kind Of Games Do You Play?

For someone who only plays action RPGs or single-player story-driven games, investing in a pricey ASUS or Netgear gaming router isn’t worth it.

Unless you’re getting terrible download speeds while updating your game because multiple people are using Wi-Fi at the same time.

First, make sure your internet plan is fast enough to support good data bandwidth across multiple devices.

Getting The Latest And Greatest Wi-Fi Tech

If you’ve got a good internet connection but still suffer from poor download speeds, it could be the router.

But before you decide to buy a new router, check your cables and ask your ISP to do some troubleshooting.

Maybe the router is just configured poorly, or the local internet hub is undergoing maintenance.

Crowded Zones vs Single-User Systems

If your internet connection is fast and the router/ local hub is also working as intended, you probably need a hardware upgrade.

Invest in a good Wi-Fi 6 dual-band router with some beefy hardware. You may not know it, but a router is basically its own computer.

Having a good processor with decent amounts of memory and a robust OS is crucial for any gaming router.

High-speed Ethernet ports (and more ports in general) will cost you extra cash.

Gaming routers also have special technologies to identify game data packets and give them top priority.

Features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA are essential for households with crowded Wi-Fi traffic (lots of clients using the same access point). To get these features, you’ll need to invest in a decent Wi-Fi 6 router.

How Important Is Security?

With modern Windows Defender and all sorts of web security programs at your disposal, you may not feel the need for router-level security.

In fact, all routers have some basic level of security built into them whether you notice it or not.

Interconnected home devices use the internet and store critical info, so it’s more important than ever to be confident in your router security.

Especially in an era where even your fridge and TV access the internet on a regular basis (not to mention Alexa and Google Assistant).

Modern Wi-Fi 6 routers contain features like WPA 3 and Geosense. They even include separate software for security purposes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much of my budget should I spend on a gaming router?

A: If you live in a household with multiple users who all connect to the same Wi-Fi access point, it would be worth investing in a good Wi-Fi 6 router with MU-MIMO and OFDMA.

But if you’re just the sole user and connect to the router with a LAN cable, there’s no need to go beyond what the ISP already provides you.

Don’t splurge a few hundred dollars on some top-end gaming router when that money could instead be spent on your monitor or graphics card.

Q: Do gaming routers actually decrease lag?

A: Not by a significant margin, if any at all. What they can do is provide Quality of Service improvements for high-priority data packets (like game data).

And gaming routers tend to be much more consistent with their performance under high load scenarios where several devices are connected at the same time.

Q: Can I get improved speeds by upgrading to a more expensive router?

A: Unfortunately, the router doesn’t have any impact on your download/ upload speeds. It’s entirely dependent on your internet service provider (ISP), and the plan you’ve selected with them.

Sometimes, the router might be configured poorly resulting in a loss of efficiency or poor routing. But other than that, there is nothing it can do to magically improve internet speeds.

Q: Who is the target audience for these gaming routers?

A: Mostly gamers with deep pockets and enthusiasts looking for top-end wireless solutions within their homes.

Q: Are used gaming routers worth it?

A: Sure, as long as they aren’t too old (last-gen Wi-Fi tech isn’t ideal). Routers are extremely low-power devices and have no moving parts. So they don’t degrade much over time.

Conclusion

To summarize- no, gaming routers won’t magically increase your internet connection speed or reduce lag.

Lag is mostly a function of routing done by your ISP and the physical distance of a game server from your local internet hub. Hence, it can’t be fixed with router upgrades.

What gaming routers can do is provide a much more robust platform for multiple devices in your home to efficiently and consistently stream data from the internet connection.

Provided you have sufficient internet bandwidth, to begin with. Gaming routers also have superior security and use the latest Wi-Fi standard.

They also include specialized utilities for QoS improvements, allowing them to prioritize gaming data packets over regular programs.

And features such as Geosense to automatically “lock” you into nearby servers for the best latency.

Gaming routers also have more antennas for wider network coverage, along with easy solutions for things like port forwarding.