8 Best Routers For Twitch Streaming in 2023

Twitch (owned by Amazon) is primarily a gameplay streaming platform. While being predominant among gamers, it is expanding into a community of like-minded individuals with interests other than gaming. If you’re one of them, I will help you find a suitable router for Twitch streaming.

It is a platform to form groups, chat and stream their game. Amongst other streaming platforms like Youtube Gaming, Facebook Gaming, Caffeine, AfreecaTV, Twitch remains the most popular. So the routers in this list will also be suitable for other gameplay streaming platforms.

Streaming games like Call of Duty, PUBG, DOTA, Fortnite from consoles and PC is data intensive. It can put a strain on your router performance, thereby affecting quality. The possibility of monetizing your gameplay makes choosing the router tantamount to a diligent investment.

• Providing multiple priority options to allocate bandwidth to devices in QoS can boost your streaming performance.
• The size of RAM and storage memory plays an essential role in gaming and streaming.
• MU-MIMO and Beamforming in routers ensure a stable signal to multiple devices concurrently.
• Continuous data streaming warrants a powerful processor. The absence of one can be a limiting factor in the router’s capacity to handle simultaneous connections.
• A router with support to the latest standards (802.11ac, 802.11 ax) saves you from the trouble of it becoming obsolete quickly.

These features assure the router is capable of handling the overload of gaming and streaming, more times than not. In a market with no dearth of routers, it is paramount to make the right choice. The list below tries to ease the decision-making process.

8 Best Routers for Twitch Streaming in 2023

Now that you have a better idea of how to choose the right router, let me walk you through some of the best options you can consider if you’re into full-time streaming and need a top-notch Wi-Fi device for that.

I personally looked into each of the routers, tested over 19 different routers in the market for over 137 hours, and compared multiple usages other than Twitch streaming like upload/download speed, video calling, OTT movie streaming, web browsing, etc. Hence, you can be sure that the models mentioned here are worth the money you would spend.

1. Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX6000

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is one of the few routers in the list that nails each of the many latency tests like a pro. While it isn’t retailed as an out and out gaming router, it has enough firepower to ensure zero system slowdowns and lags during twitch streaming and other relevant activities.

The Archer AX6000 seems like quite an increment over the AX3000. However, the 5GHz speed limit of up to 2402Mbps, exhibited by the AX3000 seems quite middling in front of that offered by the AX6000.

Speeds

It is the dual-band support that makes it one of the best routers for twitch streaming and online gaming. This means the AX6000 wireless standard translates into equivalent routing speeds of up to 1148Mbps for the 2.4GHz band and 4804Mbps for the 5GHz band.

I tested the device with a multi-Gig internet plan from a reliable cable service provider, the maximum speeds assumed by the TP-Link Archer AX6000 comes down to 1.4Gbps for the near band and 600Mbps for the far band.

Hardware Specs

Here is a processor-intensive router, featuring the famed quad-core Broadcom BCM46384 chipset into the mix. At 1.8GHz, the processor clock speed is at par with some of the other premium routers. The featured SoC, coupled with 1GB RAM, is good enough for cutting through network congestion and minimizing gaming latency.

Adding to the router’s credibility is the 128MB flash memory, which eventually houses the settings and firmware details. However, the restricted flash memory doesn’t hinder the ease of setup and configuration as you can get things on-board by simply using the TP-Link tether application.

Antenna & Coverage

The Archer AX6000 comes equipped with 8 non-removable antennas. While this physical enhancement might seem stretchy in terms of aesthetics, it can readily ensure a decent enough wireless coverage in a 3000 sq ft house.

Besides, there is a dedicated 160MHz band in play that works in tandem with the Beamforming support for managing multiple devices and prior network channels with ease. But then, professional streamers might hold back owing to the lack of a dedicated gaming bang, usually seen in certain Netgear and Asus routers.

Ports & Arrangement

Managing Gigabit data flow is hardly an issue for the Archer AX6000 as you get access to 8 Gig Ethernet ports. However, the most interesting port-specific feature has to be the 2.5G WAN port, which makes it compatible with some of the newly launched, DOCSIS 3.1 modems.

Quite appropriately, TP-Link also offers LAN link aggregation support for you to combine the throughput of two separate LAN ports for reaching 2Gbps speeds. This feature is relevant if you plan on connecting Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and HDTVs for experiencing faster streaming with a higher bandwidth to rely on. 

Plus, you also get access to one Type-A and one Type-C USB port. These resources allow you to connect peripherals like printers or even Data drives for sharing content over select networks.

Setup & App Support

Plus, once the device pairs with the smartphone app, configuring the same as a gateway, router, bridge, or AP becomes easier than ever. The cornucopia of selections, experienced upon accessing the app or the web interface also offers advanced configuration and monitoring resources. 

As far as configurable security safeguards are concerned, there is the fabled antivirus protection to work with, which can resolve the issues in real-time. Lastly, the app allows you to customize the router parental control and the advanced Quality of Service mode for prioritizing traffic as per priority. 

Design and Build

The AX6000 might come across as an intimidating modem, courtesy of the blinding dimensions that read 10.3 x 10.3 x 2.4 inches. Also, the 8 antennas space themselves pretty aesthetically, and that too over a meshed structure for keeping overheating out of the equation.

But then, at 3.5 pounds, the AX6000 is one of the heaviest routers on the list. Still, I’m not complaining as the structure makes room for 8 Gig ports, USB slots, and counting. 

Conclusion

Overall, with 8 Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6 networking standard, and data aggregation support, the TP-Link Archer AX6000 comes forth as one of the more dependable routers on the list. However, my only gripe is the tightly stacked ports, which make unplugging cables harder than usual.

2. Best Runner Up: Netgear Nighthawk RAX50

The Netgear Nighthawk RAX50 is not like any other router on the list but way more competent when it comes to establishing prioritized network connections, specifically targeted towards game streaming.

I tested this device alongside the famed Netgear AX5400, which houses a comparable chipset and over a maximum speed limit of up to 5.4Gbps. However, RAX50 fares better owing to the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) for improved traffic management.

Speeds

The router delivers up to 600 Mbps in 2.4GHz and up to 4800 Mbps in the 5GHz band. Plus, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and 1024-QAM help you reach additional speeds. Moreover, you also get support for a 160MHz channel, which is wide enough for transmitting several data packets at once.

Hardware Specs

At the core, the Netgear router houses a 1.5GHz tri-core processor, which works in tandem with 512MB of system RAM. The existing processing setup allows you to manage system congestion and ensure that gaming and streaming traffic can move without experiencing any kind of device-specific interference.

Plus, Netgear comes equipped with 256MB of flash storage. This attribute helps store a majority of network settings and firmware updates, which helps with router configuration.

Antennas & Coverage

There are 4 external antennas to work with. Besides, the router also offers Beamforming support on top of the 2500 Sq Ft coverage, precisely for improving the speed and reliability of the connections.

Port Arrangement

As a wired hub, the device features one WAN port for connecting to the modem followed by four Ethernet LAN ports with Gig support. However, it lacks link aggregation support.

There is also a solitary USB 3.0 port in play that offers USB access and the ability to store insights and share media over a WAN or LAN network. You can also connect peripherals like printers, data hubs, and more to the USB port.

Setup & App Support

In case you are into app-based usage, the Nighthawk app allows you better control over the network whilst offering access to the OpenVPN resource, advanced AES encryption support, Alexa compatibility, guest network, and even parental controls.

Design & Build

The router features an appealing design in a black body. It has vertically aligned LED indicators on its front, while the rear panel exhibits a well-ventilated layout, which keeps overheating at bay. The RAX50 measures 11.6 x 8.11 x 2.25 inches and weighs just 1.25 pounds, making it one of the lightweight yet quite durable for the given form factor.

Conclusion

Overall, the Nighthawk RAX50 is easily one of the more competent Wi-Fi 6 routers in the retail space, provided you are invested in Twitch game streaming and other demanding tasks. While the specs sheet is loaded with possibilities, I was impressed with the 8×8 spatial streams with support for 1024QAM and the availability of the 160MHz wide channel.

3. Best Tri-Band Router: TP-Link Archer A20

The TP-Link Archer A20 is a beast among the routers under the $150 price range, designed for online gaming, live streaming, and much more.

Speeds

With MU-MIMO, Link Aggregation, QoS, and Airtime Fairness at its helm, it brings the capacity to deliver high speeds of 750 Mbps in 2.5GHz and 1625 Mbps in both 5GHz bands.

Hardware Specs

The combination of a 1.8GHz dual-core chipset and three co-processors is a power to reckon. The 256MB Flash storage space accommodates the firmware and the settings. While 512MB RAM is a vital component to ensure the streaming quality from consoles and PCs is not compromised.

Antennas & Coverage

The 6 tri-band fixed antennas can cover an entire 3000 sq ft house. Beamforming, NitroQAM, and MU-MIMO technology deliver a consistent signal in a 4×4 spatial stream to multiple devices simultaneously.

Port Arrangement

With 1 WAN port, 4 LAN ports it should suffice to handle high-speed wired connections. The USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 ports support higher speeds of data transfer for storage devices. The TP-Link in-house web interface and mobile application apart from offering the freedom to customize the parental, priority settings keeps the initial installation as simple as possible.

Design & Build

At 1.8 lbs, the TP-Link Archer A20 is a device that doesn’t demand to stay hidden. Surrounded by 6 tri-band antennas, Ethernet and USB ports, WPS, power input gets distributed across the two sides of it.

Conclusion

The combination of MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Beamforming can handle high-quality Twitch streaming. The interface is user-friendly offering VPN, network security, customizable QoS, active parental controls that make Asus RT-AX92U a worthy purchase.

4. Best for Gaming: Asus RT-AX3000

The Asus RT-AX3000 is a dual-band router that costs less than $150 and sustainably deliver high data transfer speeds.

Speeds

It delivers speeds up to 575 Mbps in 2.4GHz and 2404 Mbps in the 5GHz band, which is sufficient for gaming on Xbox One, PlayStation 4/5, etc and Twitch streaming simultaneously. The MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology boost the signal strength to improve ping and reduce latency for uncompromised performance.

Hardware Specs

A 1.4GHz Tri-Core processor, on a Broadcom Chipset, is the core of the RT-AX3000 router. The firmware and the future updates fit into a 256MB NAND. The 512MB RAM accommodates the processing overload of demands of gaming and media streaming.

Antennas & Coverage

This powerful device comes with four non-removable antennas that operate on dual-band. Asus boasts coverage of 3000 sq ft, but any physical impedance can affect signal quality. The MU-MIMO technology minimizes signal loss and ensures a stable transfer to multiple devices.

Port Arrangement

The 4 Ethernet LAN Ports, 1 WAN port take care of high-speed wired connections. The USB 3.0 port allows the router to add network shared printers and storage devices. Asus mobile application and web interface guides the user through the initial setup within a few minutes. The interface offers comprehensive control over content and access.

Conclusion

Overall, it is a 2.6-pound router with non-removable antennas. The LAN, WAN, USB and Power ports remain distributed at the back. The MU-MIMO technology and robust network security make this Asus router a strong contender for streaming Twitch.

5. Best for Large Homes: Linksys MR9000

The Linksys MR9000 is a tri-band router designed to cater to the requirements of large homes. It also comes with mesh compatibility, meaning that you can extend the range, if and when needed.

Speeds

The MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and QoS can deliver high-speed transfer rates of 400 Mbps in 2.4GHz, 1733 Mbps in primary 5GHz, and 867 Mbps in the secondary 5GHz band. It can handle the demands that streaming games like DOTA, Call of Duty, or PUBG put forths.

Hardware Specs

A powerful Quad-core processor clocked at 716MHz is supplemented by 512MB system memory (RAM). The 256MB Flash storage space can handle the demands of memory/processing intensive game streaming from consoles and PC’S.

Antennas & Coverage

Set of quadruple sleek and broad antennas disperse signals at three bands and can cover surface areas of up to 3000 sq ft. Explicit Beamforming ensures a stable signal to multiple devices, reducing the dead spots. Hence, it is a highly capable router for streaming 4K videos without any lag.

Port Arrangement

You get 1 WAN port which is sufficient but not excessive. Next up, it has 4 LAN ports to fulfill the wired internet requirements of a smart home. The lone 10 Gigabit port can handle ultra-fast speed with a compatible adapter. Plus, USB 3.0 port provides enough room for shared printers and storage devices.

The Linksys app makes it up with a breezy installation and a multitude of options for customization.

Design & Build

Weighing 4.11 lbs, the Linksys MR9000 is a combination of sleek, adjustable antennas and a flat black combo base. The inbuilt applications have an exhaustive, user-friendly interface to help you optimize the speed with geo-filters and customizable QoS settings.

Conclusion

Thus, MR9000 is packed with features to cruise through online gaming and simultaneous streaming in platforms like Twitch, Youtube, or Facebook that come with a hefty price tag.

6. Best for HD Streaming: D-Link DIR-2640-US

With the support of MU-MIMO and Beamforming, the D-Link DIR-2640-US can deliver high speeds up to 800 Mbps, 1733 Mbps at 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively, to keep your gaming, twitch streaming experience pleasant.

Hardware Specs

The power of a dual-core processor offers enough processing power. The 256MB RAM and 128MB storage memory can be inferior to overload with simultaneous connections beyond a point. It brings a necessity of optimizing the load for seamless streaming.

Antennas & Coverage

The four dual-band adjustable antennas enhanced by MU-MIMO and AC SmartBeam deliver high-speed internet to up to 15-20 devices covering a surface area of 1500 sq ft.

Port Arrangement

The 4 LAN and 1 WAN ports are suitable for high-speed wired connections. The USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 port brings storage and printer sharing into the routers portfolio. Both the D-LINK’s QRS mobile and Web interface display a user-friendly design to ease you through the initial setup and further.

Design & Build

At 1.28 lbs, the router looks thin and wide with four disproportionately large antennas. The noticeable LED lights are barely noticeable, making it a good bedroom companion.

Conclusion

At this price, the DIR-2640-US can deliver high-speed internet for high-quality streaming in Twitch/YouTube and offer tough competition to more expensive routers.

7. Best Under $100: TP-Link Archer AX21

Offering a cost-effective solution to your online gaming and streaming requirement, the TP-Link Archer AX21 boasts OFDMA and  Beamforming technologies.

Speeds

It is capable of delivering high speeds of up to 574 Mbps in 2.4GHz & 1200 Mbps in 5GHz and is equipped with an easy interface to control parental/access settings and QoS priority.

Hardware Specs

The 1.5GHz Quad-Core Broadcom BCM6755 chipset with 256MB RAM and 128MB flash memory can handle your gaming and streaming within a small household. The low memory can limit the performance if the router becomes loaded with multiple devices.

Antennas & Coverage

The four antennas on its rear can amplify Wi-Fi signals at 2.4GHz and 5GHz to 30+ devices across a surface area of around 2200 sq ft. Low memory demands a diligent use of simultaneous connections for a better online experience.

Port Arrangement

The Archer A21 comes with 4 Gig Ethernet LAN and 1 Gig WAN for high-speed wired connections. The transfer speed of the USB 2.0 port may test your patience, it does allow you to manage a network printer or a storage device. The TP-LINK Tether application keeps the initial installation simple but has limited functionality.

Conclusion

A lightweight traditional TP-link design weighing 1.10 lbs sticks to the basics. It offers comprehensive parental access controls along with QoS, VPN support in a user-friendly interface at an affordable price. The device has sufficient power to withstand the brunts of gaming and simultaneous streaming.

8. Cheapest Option: Netgear Nighthawk R6700

The Netgear Nighthawk R6700 is tailor-made to deliver fast data transfer speeds at an affordable price. It can easily handle the load of gaming and Twitch streaming. The device promises to offer transfer speeds up to 450 Mbps in its 2.4GHz band and up to 1300 Mbps in the 5GHz band.

Hardware Specs

The router has a 1GHz Dual-Core processor in a Broadcomm chipset. With 256MB of RAM for operations and 128MB flash memory for firmware, the router can handle multiple devices simultaneously.

Antennas & Coverage

The Nighthawk R6700 router features three external antennas that take signals to every corner of a 1500 Sq Ft house. The Beamforming+ technology consistently stabilizes the signal allowing the router to handle multiple connections up to 25 devices.

Port Arrangement

The presence of 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports is more than adequate to accommodate more wired high-speed connections. The device also features a USB 3.0 port for connecting storage devices. The Nighthawk application is intuitive and user-friendly. It keeps the installation process simple enough to finish the initial setup in a few minutes.

Conclusion

At 1.6 lbs, this Netgear router is still lightweight considering it does come with a sturdy build. The gigabit ethernet, USB port, power outlets, and WPS button are on its rear end and the LED indicators are on the front end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Depending on the streaming, personal preferences and budget would be instrumental in deciding the best router for Twitch streaming. Gaming and streaming concurrently can put immense stress on your router’s performance. Having a powerful processor and memory goes a long way in upstreaming chunks of data over the internet.

• The Netgear Nighthawk RAX50 is the best routing device that can handle Twitch streaming with ease. It boasts powerful hardware, robust security and control.
• The Asus RT-AX3000 finds the optimal balance between the requisite features and the cost, thus offering a value for money purchase.
• If budget plays an essential role in your decision making, TP-Link Archer AX21 is a worthy purchase for less than $100. It boasts Wi-Fi 6 even at such an affordable price.