How we test wifi gaming router

We test every wifi gaming router we review to measure their performance and range, in addition to hands-on use to evaluate their setup process and the quality of their settings and features.

Throughput describes how much data a router can move back and forth over its wireless connection.

Higher throughput will serve you better in data-heavy use cases like streaming video, gaming or connecting multiple devices at once.

We measure throughput using IXChariot, first at a 5-foot distance without obstructions in order to gauge the maximum amount of data a wifi gaming router can move.

We then measure how much data a router can move at 50, 75 and 100 feet, so that you can choose the best model for smaller homes and apartments where short-range performance is more of a priority.

We also test performance through walls and ceilings to determine how well a router can provide a signal when dealing with Wi-Fi dampening conditions which are common to many buildings and homes.

For mesh wifi gaming router, we perform additional testing to determine how well the mesh system does when it comes to sending a signal through both the main router and its satellite units.

Following our throughput tests, we also put the router through real-world tests by connecting a number of devices – laptops, TVs, smartphones and tablets — and stream several games, TV shows and movies simultaneously to see how well a router performs under strain.

For more information, check out our how we test page for Guide.