Do gaming routers actually reduce ping?

They can reduce ping by 5-20ms through QoS prioritization, geographic server filtering, and optimized routing. The biggest impact is in congested households where gaming traffic was previously competing with streaming and downloads.

Is a gaming router worth it if I use Ethernet?

Yes — QoS still helps prioritize your wired gaming traffic over other household usage. And if anyone in your household games on WiFi, the dedicated gaming band and optimization features make a real difference.

Best Routers for Gaming 2026