Finding the best modem and router for gaming can significantly enhance your online experience, reducing lag and ensuring smooth gameplay. This guide reviews the top 10 options available on Amazon, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and ideal uses. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive eSports player, these picks will help you optimize your setup for seamless gaming sessions.
| # | Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Best Overall |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1...
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| 2 Best Value |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (BE9300) – Router...
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| 3 |
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GL.iNet GL-BE6500 (Flint 3e) WiFi 7 Router, High-Speed...
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| 4 |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router...
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| 5 |
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TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) –...
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| 6 |
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GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) WiFi 6 High Speed...
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| 7 |
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TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75),...
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| 8 |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000-1AZNAS)...
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| 9 |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 5 Router...
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| 10 |
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Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem +...
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Top 10 Best Modem and Router for Gaming Reviews
1. Netgear Nighthawk CAX80
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service. Best for cable provider plans up to 6Gbps
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 30 concurrent devices with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX6000) speed (up to 6Gbps)
- 4 X 1 Gig Ethernet ports and 1 x 2.5 Multi-gig LAN or internet port (supports port aggregation) and 1 USB 3.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and other wired devices. Maximize your internet speeds with 2-port aggregation to achieve up to 2Gbps for ultra-fast download for streaming and gaming
- Sets up in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage WiFi settings at the device and network level, test internet speed and monitor data usage
- DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 channel bonding
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (ax) support
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports up to 6 Gbps internet speed
Pros:
- Fast and reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance
- Excellent for multiple devices
- Easy setup with Nighthawk app
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Large size
Price Range: $350 – $400
Best For: Gamers with high-speed internet needs and multiple devices
2. ASUS RT-AX88U
- Blazing-fast WiFi 7 tech boosts throughput up to 7200Mbps with Multi-Link Operation and 4096-QAM.
- Bolster your wired network capacity up to 34G with one cutting-edge 10G SFP+ port and one standard 10G WAN/LAN port.
- Establish always-on internet through AI WAN detection, versatile WAN configuration options, and a convenient USB port ready for 4G LTE and 5G Mobile tethering.
- Unleash demanding WiFi 7 and 10G network applications with a powerhouse quad-core 2.6GHz 64-bit CPU.
- Easily establish up to five SSIDs with Guest Network Pro for easy IoT device setup and management, instant VPN connections, and convenient parental controls.
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 6 (ax) support
- 8 Gigabit LAN ports
- AiMesh support
- MU-MIMO technology
Pros:
- Outstanding coverage and speed
- Robust security features
- Great for large homes
Cons:
- Complex setup for beginners
- Expensive
Price Range: $300 – $350
Best For: Serious gamers seeking maximum performance
3. Linksys MR9600
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Dual-band up to 6 Gbps
- Mesh compatibility
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Pros:
- Easy to set up and expand
- Fast, stable connection
- Good coverage
Cons:
- Pricey
- No USB port
Price Range: $250 – $300
Best For: Gamers wanting reliable mesh system integration
4. TP-Link Archer AX6000
- Go Further and Faster: Level up your Wi-Fi game with Wi-Fi 6 technology providing up to 4804 Mbps on 5.0 Ghz and 1148 Mbps on 2.4 Ghz band. Reach even further with eight high-gain antennas equipped with Beamforming to ensure vast coverage. ¹
- 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Port: Breakthrough gigabit speeds and enter the multi-gig era of wired connection. With more internet service providers offering multi-gig wired connection, don’t let your router be a bottleneck.⁷
- Connect More Devices with Lower Latency: MU-MIMO and OFMDA technology works hand in hand to boost throughput and efficiency of your Wi-Fi network. MU-MIMO communicates with your router to provide multiple data streams simultaneously, greatly increasing the number of connected devices and OFDMA enables sharing a single data stream between multiple devices to further enhance the efficiency of each data stream.¹
- VPN Client Supported: Allow devices in your home network to access remote VPN servers without needing to install VPN software on every device.
- TP-Link HomeShield - TP-Link's premium security service keeps your home network safe with cutting-edge network and IoT protection. Free features: 1. Basic Network Security including Security Scan and IoT Device Identification 2. Basic Parental Controls 3. Quality of Service 4. Basic Weekly/Monthly Reports. Visit TP-Link website for more information.
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- 8 Gigabit LAN ports
- 1.8 GHz quad-core processor
- Supports 4K streaming and gaming
Pros:
- High-speed performance
- Multiple wired connections
- Advanced security features
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Setup can be complex
Price Range: $300 – $350
Best For: Power users and competitive gaming setups
5. Motorola MG8725
- Ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. Supports fast internet plans with DOCSIS 3.1, backward compatible with 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0. Features one 2.5 Gig ethernet port and three 1 Gig Ethernet ports for wired connections.
- Warp speed AX6000 4x4 router. Power Boost, Range Boost, and AnyBeam WiFi beamforming enable whole-home coverage. Supports multi-gigabit speeds, depending on your service plan.
- Bye bye, latency. This hardware model was the first to Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD) certification by CableLabs, making it LLD ready (requires a firmware update when supported and certified by cable providers). Lower latency reduces lag for the ultimate gaming, streaming, and conferencing experience
- Safety. Privacy. Control. Setup in minutes using the motosync app. Access speed tests, guest network, signal strength, and malware blocking. Create family profiles to filter content, set schedules, monitor usage, and more.
- Superior, but pays for itself. Savings up to $168 per year on modem rental fees.
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (ax)
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports gigabit internet plans
Pros:
- Great value combo
- Easy installation
- Reliable internet speeds
Cons:
- Wi-Fi 5 not Wi-Fi 6
- Limited advanced features
Price Range: $150 – $200
Best For: Budget-conscious gamers with high-speed plans
6. Netgear Nighthawk XR1000
- Powered by DumaOS 3.0. Reduce ping rates up to 93% and enjoy faster, lag-free online gaming and smoother streaming with this Router OS built especially for gamers
- Fast AX5400 dual-band WiFi 6 performance with up to 4x more device capacity than AC routers
- NETGEAR routers have security features enabled out of the box with automatic firmware updates, and industry-leading safety features to help protect you and your family
- Works with any wired Ethernet or wireless gaming device including PCs, Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo Switch consoles
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players and more with 4 x 1 G Ethernet ports
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Dual-band up to 3 Gbps
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Dedicated gaming VPN
Pros:
- Optimized for gaming
- Low latency connections
- Easy to configure
Cons:
- Limited coverage for large homes
- Price slightly higher
Price Range: $250 – $300
Best For: Gamers seeking low latency and dedicated gaming features
7. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
- High-efficiency WiFi 6 – Ultrafast WiFi 6 tri-band boosts speeds up to 11,000 Mbps, with 160 MHz channels for better efficiency and throughput.Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 19 V with max. 3.42 A ；19.5 V with max. 3.33 A
- Expanded coverage – Exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus improves signal range and overall coverage
- Flexible networking ports – One 2.5 G port and one 10 G port can be configured for either WAN or LAN operation
- Extreme quad-core CPU power – High-performance WiFi chipsets and 64-bit 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU take wireless signal processing to the next level
- Triple-level game acceleration – Online gaming gets network prioritization every step of the way, from PC to game server
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Tri-band Wi-Fi
- 8 LAN ports, 2.5G port
- Gaming port for prioritization
Pros:
- Exceptional gaming performance
- Advanced QoS features
- Robust security suite
Cons:
- High price
- Large physical size
Price Range: $450 – $500
Best For: Hardcore gamers and streaming enthusiasts
8. TP-Link Archer AX50
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Dual-band up to 3 Gbps
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
Pros:
- Affordable Wi-Fi 6 router
- Good coverage
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Basic gaming features
- Less advanced than premium models
Price Range: $150 – $180
Best For: Budget gamers wanting modern Wi-Fi technology
9. D-Link DIR-X5460
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Dual-band up to 5.4 Gbps
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
Pros:
- Fast wireless speeds
- Reliable connection stability
- Good for multiple devices
Cons:
- Setup can be complex
- Design is bulky
Price Range: $200 – $250
Best For: Streamers and gamers with multiple devices
10. Linksys WRT3200ACM
- Fast wireless router provides Wi-Fi coverage for your home (works with existing modem)
- Open source firmware offers advanced customization; Certified operating systems: MacOS (10.X or higher), Windows 7, Windows 8.1 (Works with Windows 10)
- Tri stream 160 technology doubles bandwidth from 80 MHz to 160 MHz
- Enjoy 4K HD streaming, gaming and more in high quality without buffering
- Dual band Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.6 Gbps (2.4 GHz / 600 Mbps) plus (5 GHz / 2600 Mbps). Operating temperature: 32 to 104 F (0 to 40 C)
Key Specifications:
- Wi-Fi 5 support
- Tri-stream technology
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- Open-source firmware support
Pros:
- Strong performance for gaming
- Highly customizable
- Good coverage
Cons:
- Older Wi-Fi standard
- Setup may be technical
Price Range: $150 – $180
Best For: Tech-savvy gamers wanting customization options
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Price | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 | $350-$400 | Wi-Fi 6, DOCSIS 3.1 | 4.8/5 |
| ASUS RT-AX88U | $300-$350 | Wi-Fi 6, 8 LAN ports | 4.7/5 |
| Linksys MR9600 | $250-$300 | Mesh, Wi-Fi 6 | 4.6/5 |
| TP-Link Archer AX6000 | $300-$350 | Wi-Fi 6, 8 LAN ports | 4.5/5 |
| Motorola MG8725 | $150-$200 | DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 5 | 4.3/5 |
| Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 | $250-$300 | Wi-Fi 6, Gaming VPN | 4.6/5 |
| ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 | $450-$500 | Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 | 4.8/5 |
| TP-Link Archer AX50 | $150-$180 | Wi-Fi 6, Budget | 4.4/5 |
| D-Link DIR-X5460 | $200-$250 | Wi-Fi 6, Fast speeds | 4.4/5 |
| Linksys WRT3200ACM | $150-$180 | Open-source firmware | 4.2/5 |
Buying Guide
What to Look For
Prioritize Wi-Fi 6 support for faster speeds and better device management. Ensure the router has enough Ethernet ports for wired gaming. Consider coverage area and whether mesh compatibility suits your space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a router with inadequate speed for your internet plan can cause bottlenecks. Ignoring security features or firmware updates can leave your network vulnerable. Overlooking the number of devices can impact performance during gaming sessions.
Additional Tips
Opt for routers with QoS features to prioritize gaming traffic. Check user reviews for real-world performance insights. Consider future-proof models with the latest standards for longevity.
FAQ
1. Is Wi-Fi 6 essential for gaming?
While not essential, Wi-Fi 6 offers lower latency and higher speeds, improving gaming performance, especially with multiple devices connected.
2. Should I choose a modem-router combo or separate devices?
Separate devices often provide better performance and flexibility, but combo units are simpler and more convenient for small setups.
Conclusion
The best modem and router for gaming combine fast speeds, low latency, and reliable connections. Consider your internet plan, space, and gaming needs when selecting. The options listed here cover a range of budgets and features to help you optimize your gaming setup for top performance.