Do you want to play Red Dead, Elder’s Scroll, and Call of Duty (Modern warfare) with friends online?
Having ps4 brings many options to play games with friends. Also, you can find an online community of people looking to play these games.
But it is not that simple. For this purpose, you require two crucial elements: the Internet and a gaming router.
We will help you buy a gaming router for PS4 to have that uninterrupted gameplay. We have our top picks of the five best routers for PS4, and we will further discuss some essential features to look for in a gaming router.
Lastly, the buyer’s guide and frequently asked questions will clear many questions popping in your head. Read on so we can sort this dilemma for you today.
What Is the Difference Between a Regular and Gaming Router?
Well, since the use is different, a gaming router surpasses some specifications of a regular router.
First, a gaming router has many ports to accommodate gamers. Usually, gamers use the ps4 connected directly to the router via an Ethernet port.
When connected directly, the router offers excellent speed to ps4. However, online gameplay needs to have an uninterrupted and flawless connection to play with friends via the game server.
The second important feature is to have a processor that enables a continuous gameplay session. If the processor is dynamic, it will control the traffic to facilitate the game.
The next feature to look for is security. Since much of the game is played on online servers, the router is susceptible to viruses. Therefore, a router with suitable security protocols and a firewall is essential.
The last but very crucial feature is to look for bands. When a router is intended for ps4, a dual-band or tri-band router is the best option. These bands ensure the ps4 is directed to the gateway with more prominent bands, mostly 5 GHz. Moreover, it gives the performance that outshines the predecessors.
What Are the Important Elements to Look for in a Router for PS4?
When buying a router for PS4, look for the following aspects. These aspects are not listed in sequence of preference.
- Broadband compatibility
- Wi-Fi standards
- MU-MIMO and Beamforming
- Speed specifications
- Bands
- Security protocols
- Ports depending on use (for the printer, Ethernet, extenders, iMesh router, smart Tv, USB 3.0 and 2.0, etc.)
- Check the speed of the internet vs. the router speed.
These are some essential aspects to look at when buying a router for PS4. But, first, read the buyer’s guide to understanding some of these intimidating acronyms and what each feature entails.
Which is Better? Wired or Wireless Gaming Router for PS4?
In a typical scenario, everyone uses their phones and laptop on a wireless connection.
But when it comes to playing games online like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Red Dead, you will require a dual-band router with an Ethernet port.
Confused? Let me explain.
Usually, you see many devices like cordless phones, monitors, cameras, or even microwaves in a house. The radiofrequency or electro-magnetic radiations emitting from these devices may interfere with the signals.
Also, as the distance between device and router increases, walls obstruct signals; hence the signals aren’t as strong as near the router. Similarly, each device in the house is connected to the device and divides the Wi-Fi bandwidth.
In these instances, the best solution is to use the router with an Ethernet port that connects directly to the PS4. Wired connection is always faster and more secure compared to wireless.
Some organizations where data and communication are sensitive; prefer to connect the devices via Ethernet ports for maximum security.
Hence for the best gaming experience, the router offers continuous and immaculate gameplay. So, always look for a gaming router for PS4 that has a dual-band or, even better, Tri-band.
Our Top Picks of Best Gaming Routers for PS4
We have picked the best routers from diverse brands that can be the best gaming routers. In all honesty, the devices are listed with specifications, pros, and cons to help you decide the best gaming routers to go with your PS4.
TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router with MU-MIMO, Beamforming & Gigabit Ports
The tri-band router is the best gaming router for PS4 due to its specifications. It offers 1625 Mbps on both 5 GHz bands and 750 Mbps on the 2.5 GHz band. So now, if any router has such speed, it is ideal for gaming and streaming.
It doesn’t end there!
The TP-Link has three co-processors, 512 MB RAM and MU-MIMO for multiple device accesses. As a result, the time each device takes to connect reduces significantly. Also, it has 1 WAN and 4LAN gigabit ports for wired speeds. With link aggregation, it doubles to 2 Gbps.
Plus, it has a range boost that enables you to use this router without investing in extenders and iMesh routers.
It is compatible with Windows 10, Mac OS 10.12, and Linux but with recent versions. The device comes with a lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare that secures the device with parent control, Qos, and Antivirus.
Pros
- 1 WAN port
- 4 LAN gigabit ports
- Integrated with TP-Link HomeCare lifetime subscription
- Mu-MIMO and Beamforming
Con
- It may require a modem for certain internet service providers.
Tri-band TP-Link Archer AX11000, Wi-Fi 6 Router
It is an ideal router for gamers since it has tri-bands. In addition, TP-Link Archer offers excellent performance and speed at a price.
The TP-Link Archer has 8 gigabit LAN ports, 2.5 Gbps WAN port, LAG, and Static Link. As a result, one can easily plug and play with uninterrupted internet.
It is a tri-band router; hence it sorts your gameplay with 5 GHz bands. TP-Link is compatible with 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11g.
Besides connecting your PS4 with TP-Link Archer, you can use various devices simultaneously without worrying about glitches.
Also, the device has some impeccable security and a great dashboard to sort parental control across different devices.
Pros
- 8 gigabit Ethernet ports
- Wi-fi 6 compatible
- 2 LAN ports
- Tri-band router
Con
- It doesn’t have a USB-C port
ASUS ROG Rapture Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router
ASUS ROG Rapture has 1.8 gigahertz Quad-core processor and a 2.5 G port for the ultimate gaming experience.
The device hardware and software are immaculate and facilitate nonstop gameplay. Due to ASUS wrt, the device divides the bandwidth with priority for the performance required for the session.
ASUS ROG Rapture has triple-level game acceleration that boosts game traffic. In addition, the technology also reduces the ping rate and latency to give an undivided and continuous game session.
Playing PS4 games online detects any threat coming your way and neutralizes it 100%. ASUS ROG Rapture router can also be integrated with an ASUS mesh system for complete coverage of large areas.
It is NexGen ax Wi-Fi but is also backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac devices.
Pros
- Reduce latency
- Prioritizes game session
- 5 GHz band for gaming
- Compatible with iMesh routers
Con
- May require support from the website for setup
Tri-band NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 Smart Wi-Fi Router
It is one beast of a machine and covers an area of 3500 square feet with AC4000 speed. Netgear Nighthawk x6 is a tri-band router with 750, 1625, and 1625 Mbps.
It has 4-gigabit ports to connect the device with an Ethernet port, streaming players, console, and computer.
The software of Netgear Nighthawk x6 is furnished with a dual-core 1.8 GHz processor, beamforming, smart connect, MU-MIMO, and Amazon Alexa are some impressive specifications.
It also has hardcore firewall protection with SPI and NAT. Netgear has pre-installed BitDefender to protect from all kinds of malware, virus, or Trojans; it comes with a 30-day trial to be upgraded with purchase.
Also, the device has several controls and permissions that can be easily managed using the application. Netgear Nighthawk x6 also has 3.0 and 2.0 USB ports. As a result, it is easy to connect the device with printers, iMesh routers, and Smart Tv devices.
Pros
- It covers an area of 3500 Square feet
- USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports
- A 30-day trial of BitDefender
- It can be controlled via the app
- Four x1G wired connections
Con
- Big device
Linksys WRT Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Gaming Router
The Linksys WRT is a versatile gaming router compatible with macOS 10. x or higher and Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. With a fast and lag-free internet experience, you can play games online on your PS4.
Linksys WRT comes with Tri-stream technology that doubles the bandwidth. It can double 80 MHz to 160 MHz. Hence you can stream videos, download, and enjoy an online gaming experience.
MU-MIMO technology prioritizes the devices used on it according to requirements. As a result, it identifies gaming consoles and assigns a 5 GHz band for undisturbed gameplay.
It has 1 Gigabit WAN port, 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 USB 3.0, and 1 USB 2.0 port. It has a range that covers large areas and eliminates the need for extenders. All features, functions, and permissions can be monitored via the application.
Pros
- Tri-stream technology
- Various ports
- Compatible with MAC and Windows OS
- Dual-band router
Con
- It doesn’t have voice control support
Buying Guide – Features of Gaming Routers
Gamers indeed require a different configuration for their gaming needs. For example, they often play on a server with other players online, requiring better internet speed.
Hence, some features become very important due to their nature, while some are not a priority. Therefore, we suggest reading this section to work through buying the best gaming router for PS4.
Quality of Service (QoS)
It is a continuously repeated term seen scrolling through the router’s specifications. QoS means the Quality of Service, and just like the name suggests, it is the quality the device has to offer.
You can always test a router for its quality of service by playing games or streaming videos.
If you can use the internet without interruptions, and there is no wait time while streaming videos – it is prime quality gaming router for ps4.
It is also noted that it is the best gaming router if you use several devices simultaneously, and the experience is continuous without glitches.
Processor
It is one of the crucial elements of the router. When buying a router for ps4, check for the processor speed because a gaming router requires ample speed.
The processor ideally regulates the bandwidth of speed reaching each device. For example, identifying the router for ps4 requires continuous speed and connectivity; the processor creates a gateway for the device.
Due to this reason, the router creates an uninterrupted experience with a smooth connection.
Speed
Speed is everything!
If you plan to use a router mainly for playing games on ps4, you need a router with a top speed. So before you start looking at other router specifications, always check the speed offered. It will save a lot of time.
Usually, routers start from 8 Mbps, going on to 1900 Mbps. For a home router, 50 Mbps is grand that includes decent downloading and video streaming.
Also, when playing games like Call of duty and red dead online, the processor’s speed is a crucial element to consider. Otherwise, you will have to glitch the gaming experience.
Bands
Routers have bands that help divide the use of the internet. For example, some are dual-band routers, while some have three. These bands divide the radio frequency, creating channels for each band for several devices.
Usually, most devices are dual-band routers with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and these bands identify the device and its use to provide uninterrupted connectivity.
Most old technology automatically syncs with 2.4 GHz, while the newest technologies easily recognize 5 GHz.
For gaming routers, gamers prefer to have a router that has 5 GHz, preferably in the tri-band router. These routers make the gaming experience better for PS4 gamers.
Standards
There are two standards of internet protocols for connectivity. Typically, 1EEE802.11A and 802.11B are two key wireless standards.
However, many upgrades have rolled out, making them better than their predecessor. In addition, each new upgrade has a lot more value to offer.
802.11B offers clear and strong signal strength. However, it interferes with some radio frequency devices, such as cordless phones and microwaves.
But it is easy to contain by keeping some distance between two devices and avoiding interference. Similarly, 802.11A is compatible with both technologies old and new.
Wi-Fi 6 is new and talk of the time. It is the best router for gaming and gives an uninterrupted experience.
Beamforming & MU-MIMO
To understand these terms, let’s begin with MU-MIMO. It is the acronym for Multiple User Multiple Input and Multiple Output.
As the name suggests, the technology enables the router to connect to several devices. It also decreases the time taken to communicate with each device.
If you have multiple devices of different nature, you must opt for MU-MIMO Technology in the router.
Beamforming is a clever invention that forms a direct channel for your device with a router. Instead of a router transmitting signals to find a device – a connection forms between the router and the device.
Such connection is formed with various devices at a time.
OFDMA
OFDMA is Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access. It merely means to ensure bandwidth route to the device, without any glitches.
Similarly, OFDMA makes sure multiple devices get the same reception around the house. It is the same for various devices by creating various channels.
As a result, the bandwidth is utilized with low latency and increased efficiency. Hence it is essential to look for the OFDMA feature in a router.
Usually, all devices nowadays have this feature, especially 802.11a and Wi-Fi 6 Technologies.
But it is important not to confuse OFDMA with OFDM – since OFDM is for single-user while OFDMA is for multiple users.
Antennas
Most gaming routers give a very menacing look with several antennas.
Well, these antennas aren’t for vanity. Instead, antennas have importance in achieving signal strength.
As mentioned above, technologies like MU-MIMO and Beamforming rely on antennas. A device with one or two antennas doesn’t translate into inadequate signal strength.
Some new inventions don’t seem to have any antennas. But they are no less in technology. So they could be better than a device with six antennas.
Also, most new devices have in-built antennas, which aren’t visible like those gaming routers with six antennas.
Ports
Generally, routers are used as wireless devices. But again, some users require an exception. Especially for gamers, hence ports play an essential role.
Gamers require exceptional speed; hence, they connect their devices directly to the router instead of using it as a wireless router.
Moreover, widespread Ethernet ports connect Smart TV, mesh routers, and entertainment center.
Additionally, an extender also needs a spare Ethernet port. Depending on the use that can vary in the future, having 2.0 and 3.0 USB ports to accommodate any unanticipated use is best.
Warranty
The reliable companies offer some years of warranty on software and hardware issues. Some offer you a limited warranty for a few years; it translates into the company’s faith in its device.
It is best to buy a device with some or limited warranty features. Since you may be using other devices simultaneously with the router, and if you find it doesn’t work with particular devices, you are left with a router that is of no use.
Most companies offer an exchange and often a refund for such instances. However, it is best to look for a device that provides you some slack if you require it.
Extender
Extenders, also known as repeaters, extend the range of signals. Generally, walls gradually reduce the signal strength as you go far from the router.
Wi-Fi signals do not reach a particular house corner depending on the device’s location.
In that case, extenders of some brands sync with Wi-Fi devices and then bounce the signals further for undivided connectivity. Extenders are very easy to install, and often several extenders are used depending on the area.
Security
Believe it or not, breaking can be done without entering the house nowadays. The Internet makes it easy for intruders to breach the security of their homes while they are thousands of miles away.
When buying a router, you will encounter jargon like WEP, WAP, and WPA2, and explaining each, will become an elaborate session.
But if you trust the professional’s point of view, don’t consider purchasing a WEP router. You will only see WAP or WAP2 routers recently since these devices and threats have evolved with time.
WPA2 is the best encryption tool. WPA2 also comes with new upgrades, such as WPA2-AES, the recent talk of the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we use Wi-Fi 6 routers for PS4?
A: If the firmware on PS4 is upgraded, you can use the Wi-Fi 6 internet with your PS4.
Q: What else is a requirement for continuous gameplay besides the router?
A: If you do not have decent internet, getting a Netgear Nighthawk cannot do much. These two elements go hand in hand. A router only works wonders when it has the anchor support of powerful internet.
Q: How many devices can be connected to a gaming router?
A: Most gaming routers come with several ports to connect devices. Look for a device with one or two ethernet ports, some gigabit ports, and other LAN ports. It is effortless to connect 10-12 wireless devices in most routers.
Q: Does having antennas on a gaming router an added advantage?
A: Yes and no. It depends on the house area and how far the device is placed from the PS4. Also, new devices do not have antennas on the outside. The idea is to design something minimal and easy to install anywhere; antennas are not necessary. Only check what area the device covers.
Q: There are many wireless standards; which one to choose for my PS4?
A: There are many standards, such as 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The newest are 802.11n and 802.11ac. If the firmware on your PS4 is updated, you can use 802.11 ac; otherwise, resort to previous versions.
Q: Which standard of security is best for gaming routers?
A: Previously, WEP was the standard. But with WPA2, the security offered by the standard is best for the router used for playing games online on the online servers.
Q: Which is the best router to buy for PS4?
A: Linksys sure was the best brand. But nowadays, many gaming routers like Netgear nighthawk pro, ASUS rt, TRENDnet, TP-Link, and Medialink have changed the landscape of router and brand preferences. So the best router for gaming is the one that meets all your unique needs and requirements.
Q: Why does restarting the router fix internet sometimes?
A: Sometimes, minor issues like network glitches or IP conflict cause an interruption in connectivity for specific devices. In most cases, a simple restart assigns new IP to the devices, and some issues can be fixed.
Conclusion
While looking for a router for PS4, you will come across some great devices. You might likely sway from objective seeing such impressive aspects and features.
A good policy is to figure out what aspects are most essential for you when buying a gaming router for PS4. You may save yourself from splurging when you know where priority starts and the extra features you do not need.
However, gaming routers offer fantastic security, an essential element for players who play PS4 online. Lastly, having great internet and top of line gaming router is what every gamer dreams of.
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