Are Gaming Routers Good for Streaming? [Top gaming routers and devices for streaming, multiple devices]

If you are a PC gamer, you know the importance of having a fast and reliable internet connection. But what about if you want to stream your gameplay? Can a gaming router handle that?

Gaming routers are designed to offer low latency and high speeds, but can they really handle the demands of streaming? In this article, we will take a look at some of the best gaming routers on the market and see if they are up to the task of streaming.

Are Gaming Routers Good for Streaming?

Yes, gaming routers are good for streaming. Gaming routers are designed for high-bandwidth activities like streaming video content, and they offer faster speeds that are perfect for this purpose. Gaming routers also feature advanced technologies such as Beamforming and MU-MIMO technology, which provide more reliable connections with less lag time when streaming videos or playing online games. Furthermore, gaming routers typically have more powerful antennas than standard routers which helps ensure better coverage throughout your home or apartment.

Router for streaming specs and features

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 is a next-generation wireless networking standard that offers improved performance, range, and speed compared to previous generations.

It supports faster data speeds of up to 6 Gbps and better coverage than previous generations. It also features advanced technologies such as multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), which allows multiple devices to connect at once without sacrificing performance. Wi-Fi 6 also has tri-band support for seamless streaming on multiple devices without interruptions or lag time.

Streams

Streaming Specs and Features for Routers:

1. Number of Data Streams – The number of data streams a router supports is essential for streaming 4K content. A router with six or more streams is ideal in this scenario, as it allows multiple devices to access the internet simultaneously without slowing down speeds per device.

2. Bandwidth – Routers with dual-band technology provide faster speeds on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, allowing you to stream movies and music without any interruptions or lag time between devices connected to the network.

3. MU-MIMO Support – Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology allows routers with this feature to transmit data simultaneously to multiple devices connected via Wi-Fi rather than one at a time (as is done without MU-MIMO). This results in faster download speeds for all connected devices since they can receive data from the router simultaneously rather than one at a time like they would without this feature enabled on a non-MU MIMO-enabled router.

Quality of service (QoS)

Quality of service (QoS) is a feature that allows users to supervise how their router manages traffic. It allows users to prioritize certain activities and devices based on network selection, IP address, or an activity or service choice.

The heart of QoS features is traffic prioritization, which allows users to balance the needs of multiple users by giving priority to activities that require more bandwidth for stability. This helps reduce interruptions and errors during heavy online gaming or movie streaming times, as well as when making important video calls.

Some models come with “smart band” technology that automatically chooses the best band for each device’s use – this can further enhance your experience with QoS features.

There are a number of reasons why gaming routers tend to be better for streaming than standard routers. Let me explain more in the section below.

What are the advantages of using a gaming router for streaming?

1. Better connection speeds and responsiveness

Using a gaming router can improve connection speeds and responsiveness by providing an uninterrupted, high-speed internet connection. It also offers advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and network traffic management that reduce lag and high pings.

By using a gaming router, you can experience faster loading times, fewer disconnections, and smoother gameplay without any lag or latency issues. The router also allows multiple users on multiple devices to connect without sacrificing speed or quality of service.

2. Prioritize internet traffic with “quality of service” features

A gaming router can help prioritize internet traffic with quality of service (QoS) features. These features allow users to supervise how their router manages traffic by prioritizing certain activities and devices, such as connecting devices to different bands based on their needs.

This functionality balances the needs of multiple users, leading to fewer interruptions and errors during heavy online gaming or movie streaming times. It also allows users to better manage their household’s internet traffic by identifying potential choke points and adjusting accordingly.

3. Better graphic and audio fidelity

Using a gaming router improves streaming quality by optimizing the connection and reducing audio and visual distortion. This includes reduced missed lines of dialogue, reduced game stutter, fewer lost content when traffic piles up, lower risk of audio/visual artifacts, and higher connection speeds for optimal performance accuracy.

The result is clearer audio with less lag time between speech and subtitles; clearer visuals with fewer artifacts such as pixelation or stuttering; fewer missed frames when playing games online; faster loading times for websites that require high bandwidth like video streaming services; better overall gameplay experience without laggy connectivity issues.

4. Minimized data loss

Using a gaming router helps minimize data loss when streaming by offering advanced features such as high-speed WiFi, 4K video streaming support, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology.

These features ensure that your connection is fast and reliable, reducing the risk of data loss when streaming movies or TV shows. Additionally, gaming routers typically have stronger signal strength than standard routers which can provide better coverage in larger homes or for mobile devices on the go.

5. Extra support for more simultaneous users

A gaming router can provide faster throughput speeds, support for Wi-Fi 6, and multi-gigabit ports. This allows gamers to stream content without any lag or slowdown in performance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. It also has gamer-friendly settings that allow users to customize their network for optimal performance while playing games online.

6. Improved WiFi range for users

The improved WiFi range offered by Wi-Fi 6 technology allows users to enjoy faster top speeds and better coverage. This enables them to stream content without interruption, even when multiple devices are connected. Additionally, mesh coverage keeps the connection consistent anywhere in the home or office without having to move around routers or access points.

7. Superior components and hardware performance

A gaming router is designed to provide optimum performance for streaming 4K content. It features strong throughput and signal strength, as well as gamer-friendly settings that enhance the user experience.

With a gaming router, users can enjoy smooth streaming without any lag or stuttering issues. The router’s multi-gig connectivity also ensures fast downloads and uploads for all connected devices in the home or office network. Additionally, the lifetime network security and parental control software protects users from cyber threats while providing parental control over web usage in the household.

8. Better ambient security features

One of the most important is that they often come with better ambient security features. This means that your network will be better protected against outside threats, and you’ll be less likely to experience interruptions in your streaming.

When using a gaming router for streaming, the following features can help improve ambient security:

• WPA2 encryption for secure wireless connections
• Firewall settings to block unwanted traffic and intrusions
• VPN support for encrypting data when using public Wi-Fi networks
• Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming traffic over other applications.

9. Options with easy parental controls

When it comes to easy parental controls with gaming routers for streaming, there are a variety of options available. Some routers feature built-in parental control software that can blacklist, whitelist, and pause internet connections. In addition, some routers have presets for different types of content or settings such as blocking specific websites or limiting certain hours of use.

Furthermore, some gaming routers come with anti-malware tools to help protect against viruses and other threats on the internet. Lastly, some models offer voice control via Alexa or other smart home assistants for added convenience.

7 Best wireless gaming routers and devices for streaming, multiple devices

1. TP-Link Archer AX6000 – Overall best wireless router for home streaming

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is the overall best wireless router for home streaming due to its reliable performance, versatile design, and extensive features. The Archer AX6000 offers excellent parental controls and user management settings which allow you to create different profiles for different age ranges and set appropriate filters.

It has a dual-band frequency that allows you to keep any device in your home connected at all times. It has eight individual gigabit LAN ports which provide speedy file transfer speeds even when multiple devices are connected to your network.

Finally, the router is capable of blazing-fast speeds of up to 5.9 Gbps — more than enough for streaming shows in 4K — plus it supports as many wireless connections as you need without skipping a beat.

2. NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 – One of the fastest routers for live streaming

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 is a great choice for live streaming because it offers powerful performance and fast connection speeds. The router has two large vertical fins instead of multiple adjustable antennas, which helps streamline its design and create less of a footprint.

It also includes four LAN ports for connecting multiple streaming devices and two USB 3.0 ports for file sharing or transferring large files quickly. Furthermore, the RAX200 is compatible with new Wi-Fi 6 network connections for even faster wireless speeds as well as tri-band functionality to provide extensive connectivity options for all your streaming devices.

Additionally, this Nighthawk router provides user-friendly installation along with good long-range performance along with beamforming capabilities that help deliver those excellent speeds over the range – perfect if you need gaming performance from your wireless router!

3. ARRIS Surfboard G36 – Best 2-in-1 modem router for streaming

The ARRIS Surfboard G36 is a great 2-in-1 modem router for streaming due to its high-speed modem and router capabilities, compatibility with major internet providers, support for DOCSIS 3.0 and 32×8 channel bonding, modern wireless protocols, and wide coverage area of up to 3,000 feet.

Its powerful 1.2 GHz processor ensures smooth streaming and download speeds up to 1600 Mbps, making it one of the best options available today. Additionally, it comes with a mobile app for easy connection so you can control your network from anywhere.

4. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 – Best wifi router for gaming and heavy live streaming

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a high-end gaming router that offers support for the latest wireless standards, including 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Quality of Service (QoS), and MU-MIMO. It has a 1.8GHz Quad-core processor and 1GB RAM which provides enough power to handle heavy live streaming or online gaming sessions smoothly.

In addition, it comes with features such as Micro security to defend against attacks, Game Radar to ping servers for the quickest connection, and Game Acceleration which boosts gaming traffic over Wi-Fi connections. Furthermore, it has an RGB lighting system as well as eight antennae which add aesthetic value while also improving range and signal strength throughout your home or office space.

Overall, this router is designed specifically with gamers in mind who need maximum speed without any lag or interference issues while playing online games on their consoles or PCs at home or workplace.

5. Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500)

The Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500) is a good choice for streaming due to its fast throughput, excellent signal range, and future-proofed Wi-Fi 6E technology. The router features a quad-core CPU that is optimized for 8K video streaming and designed to handle heavy network loads, as well as five 1GbE ports with link aggregation for fast file transfer performance.

Additionally, the router has a web console and mobile app that allow users to manage their network easily. Finally, it comes with network security software at an extra cost which ensures a safe online browsing experience.

6. Best for mesh—TP-Link Deco X55 – A good whole-home system for streaming anywhere

The TP-Link Deco X55 is a good whole-home system for streaming due to its range and features. It provides Wi-Fi 6 speeds and reduced lag, allowing multiple devices to stream without interruption. The Deco X55 can connect up to 150 devices, making it ideal for smart homes that incorporate home security systems, smart appliances, devices, and more.

It has seamless roaming capabilities which are great for those who live in multi-level or split-level homes; enhanced security through HomeCare network security tools; parental controls; antivirus; a simple setup that’s as easy as downloading an app; compatibility with Alexa; affordable price; plus it offers coverage for those who can’t afford to walk from one room to another without dropping signal.

7. Best mesh network modem for streaming: TP-Link Deco W7200

The TP-Link Deco W7200 is a good mesh network modem for streaming due to its impressive WiFi 6 coverage, fast speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps, and tri-band support. It can easily blanket large houses or properties and ensure that everyone has an uninterrupted internet connection.

It supports seamless roaming for those who live in multi-level or split-level homes and has enhanced security features such as HomeCare network security tools, parental controls, and antivirus.

The setup process is also easy thanks to its compatibility with Alexa technology. Finally, the Deco W7200 offers great value for money considering its features compared to other similar modems on the market today.

What should you look for in a router for streaming?

Speed and Bandwidth

The speed and bandwidth requirements for streaming with a router are the same as any other type of file transfer or throughput. Routers that support a 6GHz radio band, link aggregation, and a 160MHz channel bandwidth will offer faster speeds than those that do not. [Contrast]

Your bandwidth is constrained to the service you purchase from your internet provider. If you’re expecting faster speeds but you’re limited by the internet package you’ve purchased, then no amount of configuration to your router will improve things.

Support for Multiple Bands

Supporting multiple bands in a router is important for streaming because it allows for faster speeds and better coverage. By having multiple bands, the router can transmit data across different frequencies, which increases its speed. Additionally, having Wi-Fi 6 support ensures that your connection remains consistent even when using multiple devices at once.

Connectivity Options (wi-fi connection options)

When choosing a router for streaming, you should look for features such as:

• Dual-band: Provides faster speeds and wider coverage than single-band routers.
• Wi-Fi 6 support: Offers improved bandwidth, range, and efficiency compared to previous versions of Wi-Fi.
• Tri-band: Allows three separate networks to be used simultaneously with no interference or slowdowns in speed.
• Mesh coverage keeps consistent connection: Allows you to extend the range of your network without losing speed or connection quality.

Beamforming Technology

Beamforming technology is a wireless networking technology that focuses the signal of a Wi-Fi router in a more efficient manner, allowing for improved throughput. It transmits the Wi-Fi signal in a focused manner straight at the client, rather than broadcasting in all directions.

Beamforming is important for streaming routers because it allows them to transmit data more efficiently to multiple clients simultaneously. This results in increased bandwidth and an improved range of coverage.

With beamforming tech becoming increasingly common in new devices added to your network over time, it makes sense to opt for it when purchasing a new gaming router now since it will become even more useful as time goes on.

Security Features

When shopping for a router for streaming, it is important to look for security features such as:

• Parental controls: Allows you to block certain websites or restrict access based on age.
• Firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing traffic to detect any threats.
• VPN support: Allows you to connect to a virtual private network for added privacy and security when using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Intrusion prevention system (IPS): Identifies malicious activities such as denial of service attacks, website spoofing, etc., and prevents them from occurring in your network.

Network Management and speed prioritization

When evaluating a router for streaming, it is important to consider the features it offers. Some routers have more advanced QoS settings than others, allowing users to prioritize traffic received from streaming services.

NETGEAR routers, for example, have a Downstream QoS setting that allows users to prioritize streaming traffic and lower the priority of all other internet traffic.

Other routers may not offer this feature or have limited customization options when it comes to prioritizing different types of data. It is important to check the specs and reviews of each model before making your decision so that you can understand its full capabilities in terms of streaming optimization.

User Interface

The user interface for a router for streaming should have the following features:

• Easy setup and use
• Intuitive user interface
• Clear documentation on how to set up the router and use its features
• Ability to easily change settings, such as Wi-Fi password, network name (SSID), etc.
• Multiple connection options, such as wired Ethernet and wireless Wi-Fi connections.

Parental Controls

Parental controls are software or settings that allow parents to manage the internet access of their children. They can blacklist, whitelist, and even pause an internet connection using parental control software. This helps parents ensure that their children are only accessing appropriate content online.

Parental controls are important for streaming because they provide a way for parents to limit screen time for their children and ensure they aren’t exposed to inappropriate content while using devices such as tablets or smartphones. Additionally, setting up profiles for each child in your home with specific age-appropriate restrictions can help them better understand what is acceptable behavior online while also helping them learn good internet etiquette skills over time.

Easy Setup Process

An easy setup process is a process that allows users to quickly and easily set up a streaming router without having to read extensive instructions or consult technical support. An easy setup process is important for streaming routers because it reduces the time and hassle of setting up the device, allowing users to start enjoying their new service as quickly as possible.

Additionally, an intuitive user interface and clear documentation make it easier for users to understand how the router works without having to spend time searching for answers. Furthermore, an easy setup process can help ensure that all of the necessary components are installed correctly so there are no issues when using the device later on.

Platform Support

When shopping for a router for streaming, look for support for the following platforms:

• Internet carriers such as DSL, cable, and fiber optic
• Devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more
• Blazing fast top speeds to ensure smooth playback of content on your devices
• Wi-Fi 6 support for improved range and performance over previous versions of Wi-Fi technology

Wi-Fi Signal Strength

The strength of the Wi-Fi signal can affect the choice of a router for streaming. The faster and stronger the Wi-Fi signal, the better your video streaming experience will be.

To test this, we set up each router in an office and connected it to a local test server. We then transmitted test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds at different distances from the router.

I found that routers with stronger 5 GHz signals were able to provide faster speeds at greater distances than those with weaker signals. This is especially important when streaming videos as they require high bandwidth connections that may not be available if there are obstructions blocking or weakening your Wi-Fi signal strength.

Range

The range of a router for streaming depends on several factors, such as the wireless standard, the number of antennae, and the power of the transmitter. Generally speaking, routers with higher standards will have a longer range than those with lower standards.

Routers with more antennae will be able to transmit signals further than those without them. Finally, powerful transmitters allow routers to broadcast signals over greater distances.

Wireless Security

Wireless security is the protection of data transmitted over a wireless network. It ensures that any information being sent or received is secure from unauthorized access or interception.

It is important for streaming because it ensures that your data transmissions are safe and secure, preventing anyone from accessing your personal information while you are streaming content online or downloading files.

Wireless security also helps protect against malware transmission from any infected hardware your device may encounter, as well as block access to potentially dangerous websites. Additionally, some routers offer multi-year coverage that can be modified or renewed at any time.

Mesh network coverage

Mesh network coverage is important for streaming because it ensures that the Wi-Fi connection is consistent and reliable. A mesh network uses multiple nodes to create a single Wi-Fi network, providing better coverage than traditional routers.

This allows users to stream content without interruptions or lag, even when they are away from their home network. Additionally, tri-band technology enables faster speeds and higher bandwidth for streaming HD movies or other large files.

FAQ

Do gaming routers come with any additional features?

Yes. Gaming routers aren’t just a marketing ploy. They have a host of useful features such as gaming traffic prioritization, additional Gigabit Ethernet ports, the latest wireless standards, and powerful router hardware.

However, it’s important to remember that these features are not exclusive to gaming routers; they’re common in all higher-end routers. QoS (Quality of Service), Gigabit Ethernet, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi are among the most commonly found features in gaming routers.

Be sure to check out our guide to the best routers for gaming if you’re looking for specific advice on choosing one. And don’t forget about some of the other helpful QoS and QoL features found in many gaming routers.

What kind of router do you need for streaming?

Any router can be used for streaming, but we recommend routers with four or more streams on a single band and Wi-Fi 6 for better speeds and data management. For the best results, we suggest opting for a router that has Wi-Fi 6 technology and at least four streams per band. This will ensure better speeds and data management for your wireless devices.

Does a gaming router help with streaming?

Yes, streamers often use gaming routers because they offer features that are specifically designed for gaming, such as Quality of Service (QoS) and MU-MIMO.

Do gaming routers boost internet speed?

Yes, a gaming router can make a significant difference when it comes to improving your home network’s speed, performance, and overall stability. A gaming router offers features specifically designed for gamers, including Quality of Service (QoS) and MU-MIMO. This can help improve the performance of your devices and ensure that all traffic is treated fairly. Furthermore, by prioritizing certain types of traffic over others, you can strengthen your security profile while still enjoying smooth gameplay sessions.

What are Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are types of wireless internet connection technology that allow devices to connect to the internet. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest version of Wi-F, which uses the ultra-wide 6 GHz band for faster data transfer speeds. It was introduced in late 2019 and is beginning to be used in some routers, such as Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500.

Wi-Fi 6E expands on this technology by using even more bandwidth than before (up to 20 MHz). This allows for even faster data transfer speeds than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or previous versions of Wi-Fi standards.