TP-Link AX3000 vs. TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Routers

Network Gear Review,

In today’s connected world, having a reliable and fast Wi-Fi network is more important than ever. With the introduction of Wi-Fi 6, routers have become faster, more efficient, and better equipped to handle multiple devices simultaneously. TP-Link offers two impressive options for home networking enthusiasts: the Archer AX55 (AX3000) and the Archer AX73 (AX5400). Both routers offer Wi-Fi 6 technology, but they cater to slightly different needs in terms of speed, coverage, and device connectivity. Whether you’re a casual internet user or someone who streams 8K videos and plays online games, understanding the differences between these two routers will help you make the right choice for your home network.

1. TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router

1. TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router

The TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX55) is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their home network to Wi-Fi 6. With speeds of 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, this router delivers fast and smooth performance for activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. The support for VPN server and client capabilities adds a layer of security for users who need private browsing or secure remote access. The inclusion of TP-Link HomeShield security service provides valuable network protection, which is a standout feature for families or anyone concerned about IoT device security. Additionally, the router is compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing easy voice control for convenience.

The Archer AX55 also boasts impressive hardware features, including four high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology, which enhance Wi-Fi coverage across larger homes. Its improved cooling design ensures stable performance without overheating, and Target Wake Time optimizes power usage, which can be especially useful for battery-dependent devices. However, some users have reported varying signal strength depending on their home setup, which might affect performance in larger or multi-floor homes. Additionally, while it offers strong overall performance, the router’s price point might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

  1. Wi-Fi 6 support for next-gen speeds.
  2. VPN server and VPN client capabilities.
  3. Beamforming and 4 high-gain external antennas for extended coverage.
  4. TP-Link HomeShield security service for network protection.
  5. Alexa compatibility for voice control.

Pros:

  1. Fast and reliable Wi-Fi speeds, ideal for streaming and gaming.
  2. Easy to set up and compatible with a wide range of ISPs.
  3. Improved power efficiency with Target Wake Time.
  4. Excellent cooling design ensures stable performance.
  5. Comprehensive security features included with TP-Link HomeShield.

Cons:

  1. VPN capabilities might be limited for advanced users.
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2. TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router

2. TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router

The TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73) delivers impressive performance for users seeking a high-speed and reliable network. With a maximum speed of 5400 Mbps, it supports seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing simultaneously, making it a great choice for households with multiple connected devices. Equipped with advanced technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, the Archer AX73 efficiently handles network congestion and optimizes throughput, ensuring smooth performance even when multiple devices are in use. The router’s extensive coverage is another highlight, with features such as six antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R technology that help extend stable connections across larger spaces, including typically harder-to-reach areas like kitchens and bedrooms. The added benefit of a USB 3.0 port for media sharing and cloud storage provides extra convenience.

In terms of cooling, the Archer AX73 features improved venting, which helps prevent overheating and maintains high performance even during extended usage. Its compatibility with TP-Link HomeShield security adds a layer of protection for users concerned about the safety of their home network and IoT devices. Although most customers are impressed with its performance and ease of setup, there are mixed opinions regarding the signal strength and the router’s overall value for money. While some find it to be a reliable and fast solution, others feel the cost might not justify the performance in certain setups.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

  1. Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for fast and simultaneous connections.
  2. Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA for better network efficiency.
  3. 6 antennas and Beamforming technology for extended coverage.
  4. USB 3.0 port for media sharing and private cloud storage.
  5. TP-Link HomeShield security for enhanced protection.

Pros:

  1. High-speed WiFi ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
  2. Easy setup process and user-friendly interface.
  3. Excellent coverage for larger homes and multiple devices.
  4. Advanced security features with TP-Link HomeShield.
  5. Improved cooling system for consistent performance.

Cons:

  1. USB sharing feature may be underutilized for some users.
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Comparison of TP-Link AX3000 vs. TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Routers

When selecting the right Wi-Fi router for your home or office, two excellent options from TP-Link’s range of Wi-Fi 6 routers stand out: the AX3000 (Archer AX55) and the AX5400 (Archer AX73). Both routers offer the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, delivering faster speeds, improved efficiency, and greater coverage than previous generations. However, there are notable differences in terms of speed, coverage, design, and additional features that can make one a better fit depending on your needs.

Speed and Performance

AX3000 (Archer AX55)
The Archer AX55 provides a solid Wi-Fi 6 experience, delivering speeds of up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This is adequate for many typical household uses such as HD streaming, online gaming, and browsing. The AX3000 is well-suited for smaller homes or apartments where fewer devices are connected, and heavy internet usage is less frequent.

AX5400 (Archer AX73)
In comparison, the Archer AX73 offers significantly higher speeds with 4800 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, coupled with additional technologies such as 4T4R and HE160, which help support ultra-fast connections up to 5400 Mbps. This router is designed for larger homes or those with a high demand for internet performance, such as 8K streaming, fast downloads, or gaming with low latency. The increased throughput of the AX73 ensures that it can handle multiple high-bandwidth activities simultaneously, making it a stronger option for larger households or advanced users.

Speed Comparison

Router5 GHz Speed2.4 GHz SpeedTotal Speed (Mbps)
Archer AX552402 Mbps574 Mbps2976 Mbps
Archer AX734800 MbpsN/A5400 Mbps

Coverage and Range

AX3000 (Archer AX55)
The Archer AX55 is equipped with four high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology, which allow it to provide good coverage in small to medium-sized homes. This router works well in apartments or smaller homes where devices are generally located within close proximity to the router. However, it may not provide as robust performance in larger or multi-story homes where signal strength can be affected by walls and floors.

AX5400 (Archer AX73)
On the other hand, the Archer AX73 excels in coverage, thanks to its six antennas, High-Power FEM, and 4T4R technology. These features help deliver better signal strength and stability over larger distances, ensuring that the router performs well in multi-floor homes or houses with multiple rooms. Beamforming technology further helps to direct the signal towards connected devices, enhancing overall performance in challenging environments.

Device Connectivity and Handling

AX3000 (Archer AX55)
The AX55 supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which allows it to handle multiple devices simultaneously with reduced congestion. This means it is capable of supporting several devices at once, but its performance may be limited when handling a large number of devices simultaneously or when all devices are performing high-demand tasks like streaming or gaming.

AX5400 (Archer AX73)
The AX73 also supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA, but its superior throughput allows it to manage multiple devices more efficiently. With the ability to handle 4X the average throughput of a typical router, the AX73 is better suited for larger households with many devices, or for users who rely on multiple devices for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming 4K/8K video, gaming, and video conferencing.

Security and Additional Features

Both routers feature TP-Link’s HomeShield security system, which provides network protection, IoT security, parental controls, and quality of service features. While these routers offer similar security capabilities, the AX73 includes a USB 3.0 port for media sharing and cloud storage, which is a great addition for users who want to easily manage and access their media files or set up their own private cloud.

The AX55, although not offering a USB port, is still a great option for users who prioritize basic internet security and performance over additional media-sharing functionality.

Cooling and Design

AX3000 (Archer AX55)
The Archer AX55 features a simple design with a larger heat sink and redesigned case that helps to dissipate heat efficiently. This ensures stable performance during extended use, even if the router is under heavy load for long periods.

AX5400 (Archer AX73)
The AX73 takes cooling to the next level with more vented areas that allow it to manage heat more effectively, ensuring that the router maintains high speeds even during prolonged use. Its improved design and additional cooling features make it a better option for users who need constant high performance, especially when using the router for gaming or streaming.

Conclusion

Both the TP-Link Archer AX55 and TP-Link Archer AX73 are great Wi-Fi 6 routers, but they serve slightly different purposes. The AX55 is ideal for users looking for solid performance in a smaller home or apartment at a more budget-friendly price. On the other hand, the AX73 is better suited for larger homes or heavy internet users who need faster speeds, wider coverage, and more powerful handling of multiple devices.

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