The first thing you should do if you want to stream movies in 4K or 8K resolutions and enjoy online gaming with minimal lag is to upgrade your internet connection. If you have a slow internet connection with a speed of 100 Mbps or less, you should upgrade it to 200 Mbps or 500 Mbps if you can. If you want to become a vlogger on YouTube or a Twitch streamer, even faster connections are recommended. That’s because streaming your videos on the internet while playing online does require a lot of bandwidth, and the minimum 25 Mbps recommended by Netflix is not enough. And once your internet connection is upgraded, it’s time to look for a router to match it. To help you out, here are the ASUS routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems we recommend for streaming and gaming in 2022:
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000: When you want the ultimate router!
This router impresses not only through its looks but also its hardware and features. You can use one of its two 2.5 Gbps ports for an ultra-fast internet connection and the other to connect a network device that benefits from a 2.5 Gbps bandwidth. For example, you can use it to connect your own NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution for movies and music streaming or data backups.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000
It’s perfect if you also want to create your personal cloud-storage solution instead of using solutions from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and other companies. With its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and ultra-powerful hardware, this router doesn’t have any issues handling large homes with many connected devices. Gaming is a significant focus area for ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000, with plenty of features like game console prioritization or providing a VPN service for gamers.
ASUS RT-AX86U: For when you’re into cloud-based gaming
Are you using the GeForce Now cloud-based gaming service that delivers real-time GeForce-powered gameplay straight from the cloud to your devices? The ASUS RT-AX86U can assign up to 90% of its Wi-Fi bandwidth for your GeForce NOW gaming sessions. In addition, this router offers ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, a mobile game mode feature, and many additional tools and features.
ASUS RT-AX86U
If you’re planning to upgrade your internet connection to an ultra-fast 2.5 Gbps plan, this router has you covered. It has a 2.5 Gbps port that can be used for WAN connectivity.
ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX5400: The router for gamers
We’ve recently reviewed this model, and we were impressed with its powerful hardware and strong performance when using the Wi-Fi 6 standard. Its throughput is fast and very stable, as long as there aren’t many walls and interferences separating the router from the devices you’re using.
ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX5400
Suppose you’re gaming on a PC or console. In that case, you can connect it to the router’s prioritized gaming port on the back to enjoy the maximum possible bandwidth. For more detailed information about this router, read our review: Review ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX5400: Wi-Fi 6 for gamers!
ASUS TUF-AX5400: A well-rounded Wi-Fi 6 router
This router is very similar to ROG Strix GS-AX5400. They share similar hardware, features, and performance, but the TUF-AX5400 is slightly more affordable.
ASUS TUF-AX5400
This model has no problem in dealing with movie streaming at high resolutions, and it is a great companion for gamers too, including those that stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch. Its Wi-Fi 6 performance is excellent, and the many features and tools it has to offer will please many users. If you want to know more about this model, read our review: ASUS TUF-AX5400 review: a Wi-Fi 6 router for gamers!
ASUS ZenWiFi AX Hybrid (XP4): Mesh Wi-Fi with a hybrid approach!
The market for mesh Wi-Fi systems includes an increasing number of models from all manufacturers. Such systems are helpful when you need Wi-Fi coverage in a large living space, like a home with one or more floors. As its name suggests, ASUS ZenWiFi AX Hybrid (XP4) comes with an innovative approach. It can create a backhaul between the nodes that make up the mesh Wi-Fi system via powerline (over your home's electrical wiring).
ASUS ZenWiFi AX Hybrid (XP4)
This makes it a great choice when your home has thick walls that make it difficult for the wireless signal to go through. ZenWiFi AX Hybrid (XP4) ensures a stable connection and plenty of bandwidth everywhere in your home through its hybrid approach. For more information, visit its product page: ASUS ZenWiFi AX Hybrid (XP4).
ASUS ZenWiFi XD6: Mesh Wi-Fi for movie streaming in 8K resolutions
For large apartments and homes with one floor or more, mesh Wi-Fi systems are the way to go. The ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 lets you choose which type of backhaul you want: wired or wireless. This solution is excellent for streaming videos, even in 8K resolutions. It can also handle a large number of networked devices thanks to its powerful hardware.
ASUS ZenWiFi XD6
The setup is easy, and it can be done using both a computer or a smartphone with the ASUS Router mobile app. ZenWiFi XD6 also comes with a wall-mount kit to place it anywhere you want. Check its official web page for more details: ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 Series(XD6/XD6S).
BONUS: ASUS RT-AC86U - A well-balanced router with Wi-Fi 5!
Not everyone is into Wi-Fi 6, and not everyone has fast internet connections at home. If that’s the case for you, you don’t need the newest routers on the market. Instead, a classic like ASUS RT-AC86U should be an excellent choice that works great for 4K movie streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime and online gaming.
ASUS RT-AC86U - A solid router with Wi-Fi 5
Its hardware is still powerful and relevant, and it can handle a home network with a large number of devices. The firmware is very advanced and well maintained, with options that please both casual users and advanced ones.
Which ASUS router do you prefer?
Now you know our recommendations for ASUS routers that are a great match for people interested in streaming multimedia content and gamers who play online a lot. Before closing this article, tell us your favorite router or mesh Wi-Fi system from this list. Also, if you have other models you'd like to recommend, don’t hesitate to comment below.
