The best mesh WiFi router for gamers

If you’re looking to purchase a mesh WiFi router for gaming, it’s probably smart to go with something that supports WiFi 6, the next gen of WiFi. So, meet the Asus RT-AC86U, a longtime favourite with gamers. It outpaces more expensive models, and goes up another notch with this WiFi 6 edition. 

It runs on Asus's AiMesh, which connects different Asus routers to create a mesh system. The downside is that this is just one router, so it needs extra Asus routers to be added — which means buying or adding them separately.

As for the bonuses, it has a lower latency than most competitors. Plus a mobile gaming mode — powered by a dedicated LAN port for gaming — drops the lag and latency even further, with just a tap on the Asus app. It also provides excellent support for Nvidia GeForce NOW cloud gaming.

Some gamers want the power of WiFi 6E, which offers a 6GHz radio frequency band — making it even faster than the already-very-fast WiFi 6. If you want those high speeds and less interference, check out the eero Pro 6E.

There are plenty of features to recommend, including support for more than 100 devices, along with advanced online security, and Bluetooth connectivity. And because it’s made by Amazon, it connects with the always-handy Alexa, which in turn helps connect to mesh networks Zigbee and Thread.

The real issue is that 6E is not backward compatible with legacy devices — i.e. older devices not equipped for WiFi 6E — so this is only an option if you’re already equipped with up-to-date devices and gaming gear. But fear not, WiFi 6 users: A regular WiFi 6 version of the eero Pro is also available.

The Tenda Nova MX12 mesh WiFi system does an awful lot for a relatively low price. In mesh WiFi router standards, at least.

It delivers fast WiFi 6 and covers the whole house. Size and quantity are not an issue. Not only does it cover up to 7,000 square feet, it can also connect to more than 160 devices. That's a big performance. And though it’s not made specifically for gaming, it will suit any home that's well stocked with devices. Its ultra low latency will also appeal to gamers.

The system is geared towards seamless roaming throughout the home, with various settings to optimise speeds for any given device — and you control everything in the Tenda WiFi app. Other useful features include parental controls, guest network access, and Alexa voice control.

While the Netgear Orbi isn’t a straightforward gaming router, it’s one of the best mesh WiFi systems out there, and will support serious gaming demands. Just check out the sheer number of excellent reviews.

The Netgear Orbi has some of the fastest WiFi 6 speeds clocked on a mesh system, topping out at 5.4Gbps at a distance of 75 feet. It also offers a wider coverage area, thanks to a full compliment of three units.

The system isn't cheap, of course. This tree-pack, consisting of a router and two satellites, will cost close to £600, though it's still good value considering the performance. It will likely be overkill for casual, everyday internet use at this price, but for gamers and heavy internet users with lots of devices, it promises an amazing connection throughout the entire household. 

There’s little doubt that the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is built for gamers. Not only is ASUS one of the top gaming brands, but the gaming style of this system — which won’t be to everyone’s tastes — is unmistakable.

But more than style, the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is a tri-band mesh system that delivers excellent speeds of WiFi 6. Which is often all gamers need for excellent gameplay. But there’s plenty more to this system, such as free AiProtection Pro security, VPN support, and triple-level game acceleration, which continually optimises the speed for your game. Great for getting that extra boost.

It also has a powerful backhaul (a term for how the main router and satellites talk to each other) with a Smart Antenna that figures out the best signal direction and location to boost and maintain the best connection speeds.

There’s no escaping that mesh WiFi systems — good quality ones, at least — don’t come cheap. The Google Mesh WiFi System is an affordable alternative.

As you might expect, it’s not the most advanced system — it doesn’t support WiFi6, for instance — and would best suit more casual gaming, rather than heavy-duty gaming with heavy duty WiFi demands. Though in truth, few households have fully upgraded to WiFi6 even at this point — WiFi6 speeds are beyond most real-world internet usage.

And the Google Mesh WiFi has plenty of features to recommend, such as a swift and easy installation, parental controls, and synchronicity with Google devices and systems, such as the Google Home app. Indeed, it's easy to control via the app and a good choice for anyone who's already living in a Google-run smart home. The kicker is that you only get one node per purchase — but even if you buy two it's still cheaper than any other system on this list.