Edgerouter 4 or Edgerouter X optimized for gaming performance
Edgerouter 4 or Edgerouter X optimized for gaming performance
I own a 1000/50 port and expect an upgrade to 1000/1000 soon. I'm trying to decide between the XR300 Duma and the EdgeRouter series, especially since my current OS often crashes and causes ping issues. I want something reliable with SQM support if possible.
Based on the internet connection you’re using, I’m guessing you’re on a Docsis cable service. In about ten years you might be thinking differently. Comcast recently rolled out 100 Mbps uploads in one market area, like Denver. There were several steps to complete before you could enjoy those speeds. You’ll probably notice download rates exceeding 1 Gbps before you see gigabit uploads. Considering supply chain problems and inflation, it seems the rollout of Docsis 4 upgrades might take longer than expected. The most important factor is how quickly your router can handle NAT. Just because a router has Gigabit ports doesn’t guarantee it supports gigabit internet—you need Gigabit ports to achieve speeds above 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Focus on the throughput from WAN to LAN and then to WAN. Those figures will reveal how fast your router can handle the connection. Next, think about the features you need. Remember, edge routers don’t support Wi-Fi, so you may need a newer router to act as a wireless access point. Another option is to build or purchase a device that supports pfSense.
Checking the best performance in your area, the numbers suggest a top choice around 1000/50 sqm throughput. Outputs are limited to about 1000 per unit, and you're likely within a year or two of that target.
Edgerouter 4 stands out as the quicker option among the two, handling 3.4 million packets per second compared to 2. Both models perform well, but Edge offers better value and includes passiv POE, making it ideal for setting up an access point. Edgerouter 4 is the sole capable of real gigabit speeds.
On paper, both options should support a gigabit internet connection. However, I think the ER-4 could perform better because it features a stronger CPU. Still, you’ll need to enable hardware offloading on each device to reach those speeds—realistically around 940-960Mbps. Be aware that many traffic-shaping, queue management, DPI, and other features will be turned off. The positive side is you won’t need them at such high speeds anyway. For better performance with gigabit WAN-to-LAN connections while handling more tasks, a pfSense appliance would be a superior choice.
I've worked with Edge Routers in small businesses and found their interface challenging. Their GUI is decent—though not as intuitive as Watchguard Easy, it's still manageable. All my units performed reliably. On the other hand, my Fortigate 100D often needs complex CLI steps just to get DNS working through VPNs. Just ensure the hardware supports true 1Gb speeds. For budget-friendly options, I’d strongly suggest these devices.
I upgraded my router to the 10X model, achieving speeds over 900 Mbps down and around 30 Mbps up. I tested it with various games—MMORPGs, PC FPS, and PS4 Call of Duty—and experienced no latency or speed problems. The 4th generation is slightly better than the 3rd, but the 10X offers the best overall performance.
Edgerouter models differ mainly in processing power and data handling speed. ERX offers up to about 900mbps, while ER4 can reach roughly 1.8gbps when hardware offloading is active and smartqueue QoS is disabled. I own an ERX setup that fits my requirements, but I lack a gigabit connection (only 400 up/30 down) and don’t route LAN traffic to LAN using ERX. I’m not a power user, yet the ER hardware line includes WAN/ISP failover and strong load balancing—often more affordable and flexible than many consumer routers. I purchased it for cable-to-mobile failover since my cable ISP became unstable. For those who matter: Although 10X has superior specs, its routing performance seems comparable to ERX.