Modern-day gaming is almost solely an internet-based affair. Gone are the days where you could sit on a sofa and split your screen into four sections to play an old school game as you could on earlier console systems.
If you ask any online gamer the biggest and most annoying issue you can run into while gaming, it isn't cheating or better opponents. I can almost guarantee that 99% of them would say it was internet connection problems like lag or disconnection.
Many console gamers assume that their connection problems arise from their internet service providers, but usually, it stems from the poor hardware that they are sent to connect to the internet, their routers.
If you are tired of disconnecting during games or lagging out during those critical moments, it might be time to upgrade your router.
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Gaming Routers For PS4 Compared
Image | Product Name | Max Speed | Ports | Data Transfer Rate | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5334 Mbps | 5 | 1000 MBS | ||
| 4800 Mbps | 4 | 1200 MBS | ||
No products found. | 2600 Mbps | 2 | 1000 MBS | ||
No products found. | 3200 Mbps | 5 | 1300 MBS | ||
| 1200 Mbps | 3 | 800 MBS | ||
| 1900 Mbps | 3 | 900 MBS | ||
No products found. | 1900 Mbps | 3 | 900 MBS |
Why Use a Dedicated Router for PS4 Gaming
For a long time, competitive gaming was reserved for PC gamers. Console gaming was for those who wanted a bit more of a relaxed approach to their adventures. Things have changed a lot since then, and lots of gamers dedicate huge amounts of time to playing competitive e-sports or streaming via their console.
To do this, your internet connection needs to be as good as a drop-in connection will lose you a game or lose you, precious followers.
A good router will also allow for faster download speeds. This is incredibly important in today's age, where most gamers download their games via places like the play station store instead of visiting a brick and mortar gaming store.
After all, why would we leave our sofas and brave the outside world when we can stay firmly glued on our gaming chairs and play other games while our newest one's download?
Considerations for Choosing a PS4 Router
PS4 Models & Compatibility
Luckily, both the PS4, the PS4 Slim, and the PS4 Pro run on similar firmware and software. So upgrading your router will improve the quality of your internet connection for all models currently available.
It is worth bearing in mind, however, that the PS5 is on the horizon, so you may want to do some research into what router will be best to accommodate the newest console if you are planning on getting one.
Ethernet vs. Wireless AC
Although wired ethernet connections are always going to be more stable than wireless connections, the gap between them is closing fast.
You can save some serious money if you are willing to use a wire still, but the innovation in wireless technology means that you can get a connection that is as close to perfect as ethernet, you may just have to fork out more money to do so.
Consider where your router is going and where you want to put your PlayStation; if you are going to have to run a long wire between the two, you will probably want to invest in a good wireless router.
Single vs. Dual Band
If possible, we always advise that you choose a dual-band WiFi router. They have a much higher level of efficiency compared to single-band routers. A single band will repeat the WiFi signal of the same band that it originates from.
Dual-band systems utilize a different band for repetition, which leads to a lower chance of interference and a much higher level of performance.
Open Source Support/Firmware
For those looking to set up their own private open-source mesh network for servers or an extremely high level of network stability, you will want to look for an open-source router. This is a highly advanced feature, though, and most users will not need to look to this level of performance.
MU-MIMO & Beamforming
Another advanced technique is called Beamforming. Beamforming is essentially when your router directs all of the signals in the direction of your preferred device instead of creating a bubble around it.
This creates a stronger, more stable connection at the sacrifice of coverage area. If you plan to have a separate router for your house internet and a separate router for your PS4, you might want to look at getting a beamform capable router.
Coverage Area & Quality
An important factor in deciding upon a router that you are going to use wirelessly is the coverage area and quality it offers. If you have a big house or thick walls and your router is going to be in a separate part of the house or another room, you need to make sure that your router can consistently keep the coverage up and the quality high.
Price & Warranty
Always consider the price and warranty of any router that you purchase. If you have a budget, that will obviously dictate how much you can spend. There are great routers for every budget, though, and we try to cover the best pick for each budget level throughout our reviews.
Warranty is also important; routers are usually running 24/7 and, unfortunately, often break or have problems. When you are spending decent amounts of money on upgrading your router, the last thing you want is to be left with a heap of useless plastic if it breaks.
7 Best Gaming Routers for PS4 Reviewed
1. TP-Link AC5400
- JD Power Award- Highest in customer...
- Wi-Fi Router Made for Gamers: Leading edge...
- 8 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port...
- AC5400 Tri-band Wi-Fi over one...
Our top pick!
Max Speed | 5334 Mbps |
Ports | 5 |
Coverage Area | 13 feet before the loss of full performance |
WiFi Bands | Triband |
Data Transfer Rate | 1000 MBS |
Our top pick and winner of the 2017 design award falls to the TP-Link Archer C5400. This powerful gigabit WiFi router has four-stream technology, which boosts speeds on every band type by up to 25%. This gives a total combined possibility of 5334 MBPS.
With its 4-way band system, the AC5400 can send full power and stable internet speeds to multiple devices, compared to usual devices, which can only provide optimum speeds to one; this is a godsend.
With its eight antennas and beamforming technology, you can guarantee a stable and incredibly powerful internet connection throughout the house.
Under the hood, this router comes with its own 1.4GHZ CPU, enabling the router to handle demands in a split second, optimizing connections for different devices depending on their needs. It even has a second co-processor. This makes the AC5400 insanely capable.
With the onboard airtime fairness system, the AC5400 can also provide consistent speeds to every device connected to its network.
Another added benefit to buying the AC5400 is the added security system they have installed. With Homecare antivirus, your router automatically protects you from cyber threats and even protects your friends, family, and employees when they are connected to your device.
TP-Link is a company that has been at the forefront of connectivity and internet-based products for some time now. They have fantastic customer service, excellent build qualities, and come at an affordable price. Therefore it makes it extremely easy to recommend the TP-Link AC5400 as our top pick overall.
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2. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12
- Maximum Range : 3500 Sq Ft.Beamforming...
- UNLEASH FASTER SPEED, EVEN MORE POWER...
- WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT FASTER SPEED...
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace...
best wireless router for pS4 gaming
Max Speed | 4800 Mbps |
Ports | 4 |
Coverage Area | 15 feet before the loss of full performance |
WiFi Bands | Dualband |
Data Transfer Rate | 1200 MBS |
If you are looking for the best wireless router for PS4 gaming and solely for that purpose, you can't get better then the Nighthawk AX12. This 12 stream WiFi router has the latest WiFi 6 technology on board and gives your devices incredible stability and a powerful connection.
The new multi-gigabit wired port is another bonus. If you plug your PS4 into your router via ethernet, you can expect speeds up to 5x faster then a standard gigabit port.
The CPU on board is a whopping 2.2GHZ quad-core processor, which is stronger than some computers that are currently on the market. This gives smooth, crystal-clear streaming, gaming, and 4K UHD experiences.
Let's look away from the tech specs for a second and also talk about styling. This is the coolest looking router we have ever seen; I mean, it looks like the kind of spaceship Darth Vader would ride around in.
Often tech companies like to give their tech products cool sounding names that do not aptly describe their products, but Netgear has hit the nail on the head here, Nighthawk by name, Nighthawk by nature.
They have also added ap control, which allows you to control your home WiFi from your phone or tablet. You can monitor the demand, check internet speeds with an internet speed test, and even set up guest networks for other people. Best of all, this can all be set up in minutes.
Netgear Armor is the security system installed on the Nighthawk, and it protects your home via a multilayered system including added help from Bitdefender's award-winning antivirus and antimalware systems. This protects everyone on the network.
There are eight performance antennas and an ultra-fast capability, and a vast range and dual-band support. This is a router that will allow you to play games in the basement with zero latency and no lag, watch 4k video in the TV room, and stream music by the pool, all at the same time.
If you want the best wireless router for PS4 gaming, the Nighthawk AX12 takes the prize, and it takes it in style.
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3. Linksys WRT AC3200
No products found.
best dual-band WiFi router for pS4
Max Speed | 2600 Mbps |
Ports | 2 |
Coverage Area | 17 feet before the loss of full performance |
WiFi Bands | Dualband |
Data Transfer Rate | 1000 MBS |
Utilizing the fastest 5GHZ band of any router, the Linksys WRT AC3200 is one serious piece of kit, allowing three different connections of up to 867 MBPS giving it an incredible 2.6GBPs overall speed.
It doubles the bandwidth on all 80mhz streams up to 160 with its Tri-stream 160 connection and has its own 1.8 GHz dual-core processor.
You also get the latest Wireless-AC technology, which gives simultaneous stability to multiple devices, allowing for high-speed gaming across multiple consoles or devices. Watch 4k TV while your brother plays competitive esports without worrying about drop-outs or lag.
One of the major selling points of the AC3200, though, is the open-source capabilities. This means you can use a browser-based configuration to customize Linux based systems.
The open-source system allows you to set the router up with a secure and stable VPN, use the router as a web server, or create multiple hot-spots in a single area. You can manage and record network traffic and detect any potential intrusions in your network instantly.
You also get a dedicated app for your smartphone or tablet, which gives you full customization capabilities of your home WiFi from anywhere. You can create guest access for up to 50 guests, and you can also ensure a safe network environment for any kids that might be connected to your network.
This triband router comes from a company that has one of the oldest internet router heritages. Although it doesn't look as cool as the Nighthawk range or have the TP features, this is a device for those who have previous experience and want the maximum open-source control over their router.
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4. NETGEAR Nighthawk X6
No products found.
Most popular
Max Speed | 3200 Mbps |
Ports | 5 |
Coverage Area | 17 feet before the loss of full performance |
WiFi Bands | Dualband |
Data Transfer Rate | 1300 MBS |
The most popular router for PS4 gamers is another Nighthawk iteration from Netgear, the X6. This is a router that comes with breakthrough tri-band technology that allows it to simultaneously sync up to the demands of every device in the house.
Anything that is WiFi-enabled is multiplied by the x6 acceleration tech found onboard. With a powerful speed of up to 3200 Mbps for every device, it's easy to see why it is so popular—that, and the fact that it looks absolutely awesome.
Other incredible technology onboard the X6 includes Smart Connect and dynamic QoS. These combined give one of the most stable connections you could ask for, making it easy to put your mind at rest during long gaming sessions. No more walking into walls or shooting enemies who are not there for you.
You also get Netgear's impressive onboard Armor security system, which is the same as the X12 and provides insane levels of security to everyone who is hooked up.
This router is essentially the X12 but slightly scaled back and at a much more attractive price tag. This makes it immensely popular with gamers and streamers alike who want the best quality connection but are not quite in the position to fork out for the much more expensive X12.
You can also make use of the beamforming technology onboard, although it isn't as reliable as its bigger brother the X12.
It's even compatible with the same Nighthawk app and can be controlled by both Amazon Echo and Alexa systems, letting you give commands regarding your home network using your voice.
With a tremendous amount of bang for the buck, this is one awesome router, and we can easily recommend it.
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5. Medialink AC1200
- 10X’S THE SPEED: Most routers in this price...
- RANGE: Beamforming and 2 high powered...
- SAFE: Robust firewall and wireless security...
- FULL CONTROL: Are the router lights too...
best cheap gaming router for pS4
Max Speed | 1200 Mbps |
Ports | 3 |
Coverage Area | 10 feet before the loss of full performance |
WiFi Bands | Dualband |
Data Transfer Rate | 800 MBS |
Some of us don't have the large budget or deep pockets necessary to afford a big-boy router like the Nighthawk X12, and that's okay. Luckily for you, our next option, the best cheap gaming router for PS4, performs extremely well, and unless you are the hardest core of gamers or streamers, you probably won't notice much of a difference.
This router has a gigabit 1000 Mbps wired speed, and 1200 Mbps combined dual-band and even comes with beamforming tech onboard. This allows you to cover vast areas with high quality stable and fast internet speeds.
You also get added robust and effective security firewalls installed that protect all users who are connected.
To top everything off, you get a universal range extender mode, which makes this the perfect router for extending a more powerful router like the X12 into long-range areas.
For example, if you wanted to set up a gaming bunker at the bottom of your garden, you could piggyback off the Nighthawk X12 with the range extender to give you stable connections at a range that the Nighthawk X12 couldn't cover on its own.
Best of all, this router is a fraction of the cost of the others on this list, and that makes it very easy to recommend. If you want the best at a budget, this is the router we would pick.
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6. TP-Link AC1900
- Ultra-Fast Dual-Band Speeds: Experience...
- More Reliable Coverage: Achieve the...
- Connect More Devices: Simultaneously...
- Advanced WiFi Features: Smart Connect and...
best gaming router for pS4 under $100
Max Speed | 1900 Mbps |
Ports | 3 |
Coverage Area | 12 feet before the loss of full performance |
WiFi Bands | Dualband |
Data Transfer Rate | 900 MBS |
If you have an exact budget of 100 dollars or under and want the best you can get in that price range, we suggest taking a look at the TP-Link AC1900.
With dual-band technology supporting 600mbps across your 2.4 and 1300mbps across your 5.0ghz, you get a good level of speed and connection backed by TP-link's amazing build quality. You also get USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, which give you the potential to share files and media remotely via FTP servers.
You even get a level of beamforming technology onboard, which allows you to direct your power to the areas that count the most. With a 1.0GHz processor onboard, this isn't the most powerful router on this list by a long shot, but when you look at its capabilities and the price-tag attached, you can't really go wrong here.
If you have a budget of $100, we highly recommend picking this as you get a much high level of build quality, speed, and reliability going with a TP-Link router like this.
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7. Asus AC1900
No products found.
Best router for online PS4 gaming
Max Speed | 1900 Mbps |
Ports | 3 |
Coverage Area | 12 feet before the loss of full performance |
WiFi Bands | Dualband |
Data Transfer Rate | 900 MBS |
Although all of the routers on this list are exceptional for any gamer, the PS4, unfortunately, likes to throw temper tantrums every now and again. Sometimes Sony releases updates that mess with settings, and sometimes it is simply a malfunction. If you are looking for a router that is less likely to run into problems like this, you should look a the Asus AC1900.
Besides its amazing specs, across thousands of reviews and user testimonials, this seems to be the router that people pick if they want reliability and a router that doesn't run into problems often.
Don't let that be the only reason you look at this router though with ultra-fast 1900mbps internet capabilities and TurboQAM technology to boost weak signals and a dual-core processor, as this router holds its own quite easily.
You get triple-strength network security with the AiProtection software onboard, and with AiCloud, you can sync and share data across any internet-connected device.
All of this cumulated to a reader's choice award for over six years running and even comes under the umbrella of recommended excellence for router brands.
This is the safe and dependable choice of the list. Ideal for those who want a no-fuss system that is never going to break on them.
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Gaming Routers vs. Normal Routers
The routers that ship out with most Internet service provider plans are pretty much mass-produced garbage. Capable of keeping households running and low demand networking running, but when you start adding gaming, streaming, and 4K viewing into the mix, they cannot handle the stress.
They also lack the technology needed to maintain consistent speeds over multiple devices. This can be a pain in a household full of tech users. They also tend to have an awful range and are affected by interference a lot easier.
On the other hand, gaming routers provide stable, long-range, and powerful internet speeds that give every user on the network an equal share in the internet speed and can adapt to those devices that need a higher demand.
Also Recommended: Best Gaming Routers for Xbox One
Setting Up Different Routers for PS4 Gaming
How to Setup a Wireless Router for PS4 Gaming
Routers are easy to set up. Simply plug them into your internet point, the same one that your ISP provided router was plugged into and follow the individual quick-setup guides that come with every router.
How to Setup a Wired/Ethernet Router for PS4 Gaming
To set up a wired connection, simply plug an ethernet cable into the back of your PS4, straight into one of the internet ports in the back of your router.
Best Router Settings for PS4 Gaming
Follow these tips to set up your routers for optimum PS4 gaming:
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are good connection speeds for PS4?
Anything above 800 Mbps will provide a good experience on your PS4, 1000+ is the optimum sweet spot we have found, however.
Are wired or wireless routers better For PS4 Gaming?
Wired connections are always more stable and often provide the fastest speeds, but they require a wire from your router to your PS4. For many of us, this just isn't possible, so in these cases, a wireless connection is 100% necessary.
How can I get better speed/coverage with a new router?
Positioning is key, and if your router comes with Beamforming, then setting this up in an optimum way is the best way to get high speed and good coverage.
Where can I find good gaming routers for PS4?
We always advise you to shop on Amazon for electronics, they offer fast delivery, an excellent return policy, and price match and offer sales regularly.
Conclusion
Every gamer has run into lag or disconnection problems at some point. Personally, it has led to more than one broken controller from frustration. Luckily for most, it isn't their internet that is a problem, only their weak router. The bliss you will feel after upgrading and never having to deal with lag or drop-outs again makes a router upgrade worth every single penny.
If you are still unsure which router to go for, we advise sticking to our top pick, the TP-Link AC5400. It is the most well rounded and offers an incredible level of performance. It also comes from a brand that we highly recommend and trust.
- JD Power Award- Highest in customer...
- Wi-Fi Router Made for Gamers: Leading edge...
- 8 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port...
- AC5400 Tri-band Wi-Fi over one...
Holly Curell is a US-based freelance writer & editor extraordinaire. With over a decade of writing technical manuals, blog articles, & even company communications, Holly has a passion for providing value to readers on everything she knows about tech-related topics. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, wine, & wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s. Holly is currently based out of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Ken & their three children.