Gaming routers vs mesh routers: What is a better choice for heavy internet usage?

If you’re a gamer or livestreamer, or perhaps just someone who downloads and uploads a lot of content, whether on your smartphones, laptops, or desktops, you may be grappling with the question of whether you need a gaming router or a mesh network? This is a surprisingly common question, but one based on a couple of misconceptions, both of which we’ll attempt to clear up in this article.

What is a gaming router?

In theory, a gaming router is a wireless router that prioritises network traffic for gaming activities. This is claimed to reduce your ping in multiplayer games by giving you a more stable and reliable connection to the game server.

In reality, your network ping and the reliability of your connection is largely dependent on factors outside your control, such as the capabilities of your ISP (internet service provider), the speed of your connection, the location and type of server you’re connecting to, and more.

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Secondly, gaming routers, even expensive ones, are not very different from regular routers. They are simply – in most cases – good mid-range or high-end routers that have been rebranded as gaming routers. Some of these routers might include game-specific software management features and perhaps a gamer aesthetic, but these features are usually not needed and not required for a fast and stable internet connection over Wi-Fi.

What is a mesh router?

A mesh router or, to be more accurate, a mesh network, is a collection of routers that work together – mesh together – to form a unified network. These can be a collection of cheap routers or a collection of expensive ones, it doesn’t matter. Mesh technology is simply the term used for the system by which routers talk to each other and work together to offer better, more seamless coverage in a given environment.

Which router do I need for high internet usage?

If you use a lot of internet bandwidth, you need a router that is operating at high speed and in a higher frequency band. We’d recommend you opt for a dual-band router in this case and connect your devices to the 5GHz network for maximum speed. Cheaper dual-band routers will be sufficient in most cases, but more expensive ones will offer better coverage, support more devices, and more importantly, be able to deliver the bandwidth you need without overheating.

Bear in mind that you will only get the best speeds when you’re near the router. If you need coverage over a larger area, and especially if you need coverage in multiple rooms, consider investing in a powerful tri-band mesh router system. A dual-band mesh network can be cheaper, but if you need the best possible speed, only a tri-band system can deliver it.

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Budget routers are not designed to handle many devices simultaneously or a high wireless load. To make the most out of your high-speed internet connection, investing in a powerful router is a must. A mesh network is only needed when you need broader coverage.