TP-Link AC1900 vs. AX1800 Wi-Fi Extender: A Comparison

If you’re struggling with Wi-Fi dead zones or weak signals in certain areas of your home, a Wi-Fi extender can be the perfect solution. Two popular models from TP-Link, the AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender (RE550) and the AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender (RE615X), offer different features designed to boost your internet connectivity. While both devices promise improved coverage and faster speeds, they cater to slightly different needs. In this comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between the TP-Link AC1900 and AX1800 to help you decide which extender is best suited for your home network.

TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Extender

The TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Extender (RE550) is a solid solution for anyone looking to improve their home Wi-Fi coverage. It offers fast dual-band speeds, with up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. The extender is equipped with three adjustable antennas, allowing for optimal signal coverage across a wide area, making it ideal for large homes of up to 2800 sq.ft. Additionally, the intelligent signal light helps users find the best location for installation to ensure maximum coverage. The inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet port allows wired devices to connect to the network at high speeds, making it versatile for both wireless and wired setups.

However, some users have reported inconsistent performance with frequent disconnections, which may be a concern for those seeking a stable and uninterrupted connection. Despite these issues, the TP-Link Tether app provides an easy way to manage the device and control network settings from a smartphone, which adds convenience. While the AC1900 is compatible with most routers, it may not offer the same level of performance in certain crowded network environments.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Dual-band Wi-Fi with speeds up to 1900Mbps (600Mbps on 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps on 5GHz).
2. Three adjustable external antennas for optimal coverage.
3. Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections.
4. Intelligent signal light to help find the best installation location.
5. OneMesh technology for seamless whole-home coverage with compatible TP-Link routers.

Pros:

1. Easy setup with clear instructions.
2. Offers strong coverage up to 2800 sq.ft.
3. Provides fast and reliable speeds for multiple devices.
4. TP-Link Tether app for simple management.
5. Versatile with both wireless and wired capabilities.

Cons:

1. Performance may be affected in crowded network environments.

TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Extender

The TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Range Extender (RE615X) offers a substantial upgrade to your home network, especially for those seeking to extend Wi-Fi coverage without sacrificing speed. With Wi-Fi 6 support, the RE615X delivers impressive speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps, providing fast and stable connections for gaming, streaming, and downloading. Its dual-band design, with 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, ensures that multiple devices can be connected simultaneously without performance drops. The addition of a Gigabit Ethernet port is a nice touch for users who prefer a wired connection for devices that require higher speeds or a more stable connection.

The AX1800 is compatible with most Wi-Fi routers, including older models, and supports OneMesh technology, which allows you to create a seamless Wi-Fi network across your home. Setting up the device is straightforward with the TP-Link Tether app, and the intelligent signal indicator helps you find the best spot for installation. However, while many customers report improved coverage and faster speeds, others experience mixed results, with some noting that the range does not meet their expectations, especially in larger or more complex home layouts.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Dual-band Wi-Fi speeds up to 1800 Mbps.
2. Compatible with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster, more efficient performance.
3. Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections.
4. OneMesh compatibility for a seamless Wi-Fi network.
5. Easy setup and management via TP-Link Tether app.

Pros:

1. Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and greater capacity.
2. Simple setup with the TP-Link Tether app.
3. Gigabit Ethernet port for reliable wired connections.
4. OneMesh support for seamless roaming across your home.
5. Great for streaming and gaming with minimal buffering.

Cons:

1. Coverage may not be sufficient for larger or more complex homes.

Comparison of TP-Link AC1900 vs. AX1800 WiFi Extender

When it comes to extending your home’s Wi-Fi coverage, both the TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Extender (RE550) and the TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Range Extender (RE615X) offer significant improvements in signal strength and network stability. However, these two devices differ in terms of technology, performance, and features.

Performance and Speed

The TP-Link AC1900 operates on a dual-band setup, delivering speeds up to 1900 Mbps, with 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This allows for faster speeds across the network, especially for tasks like HD streaming or gaming on the 5 GHz band. However, it’s important to note that the AC1900 does not feature the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, which limits its future-proofing capabilities compared to newer models.

In contrast, the TP-Link AX1800 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering a total speed of 1800 Mbps, split between 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Despite the slightly lower total speed, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 provides enhanced efficiency, better support for multiple devices, and improved performance in crowded networks. The AX1800 is more capable in handling modern high-demand applications and dense device environments, making it a better option for homes with many connected devices.

Feature	TP-Link RE550 (AC1900)	TP-Link RE615X (AX1800)
Maximum Speed	1900 Mbps (600Mbps 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps 5GHz)	1800 Mbps (574Mbps 2.4GHz, 1201Mbps 5GHz)
Wi-Fi Standard	802.11a/b/g/n/ac	802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Frequency Bands	Dual-Band	Dual-Band
Wi-Fi Technology	AC Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6 (AX)

Coverage and Antenna Design

The AC1900 features three adjustable external antennas, which provide solid coverage for up to 2800 square feet. This makes it suitable for larger homes or spaces with multiple rooms. It’s designed to help eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones and can maintain reliable connections over a larger area, ensuring your signal reaches farther parts of the house.

The AX1800, while also offering dual-band coverage, comes with two external antennas. Its maximum coverage area is typically smaller than the AC1900’s, though the Wi-Fi 6 technology and overall efficiency of the device allow it to deliver a more reliable connection across the network. The AX1800 is generally better for homes with a high number of connected devices due to its enhanced capacity and better management of multiple simultaneous connections.

Ease of Setup and Management

Both models offer a straightforward setup process. The AC1900 uses the TP-Link Tether app, allowing users to easily manage the network from their smartphones (available for both iOS and Android). The app also provides the intelligent signal light feature, helping users find the optimal location for installation. The AX1800 also utilizes the TP-Link Tether app for easy setup and management, with the added benefit of being OneMesh compatible. OneMesh allows for seamless Wi-Fi network integration, which is particularly useful if you have other compatible TP-Link routers or extenders in your home.

Additional Features

A standout feature of the AC1900 is its Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing users to connect wired devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or PCs directly to the extender for faster, more stable internet speeds. The AX1800 also features a Gigabit Ethernet port, which is equally useful for devices requiring wired connections. However, the AX1800 key advantage is its support for OneMesh, which helps create a unified Wi-Fi network across your home, reducing the need to switch networks when moving around the house.

Compatibility and Future-Proofing

The AC1900 is a solid choice for users who don’t yet need Wi-Fi 6 and are looking for a more budget-friendly option. It works well with older routers and supports various Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), making it a great option for people who have older devices or routers that do not support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards.

The AX1800, on the other hand, is a more future-proof choice. Its support for Wi-Fi 6 ensures better performance in crowded network environments, especially with more devices connected. Additionally, its backward compatibility with older Wi-Fi standards ensures that it will still work with your existing routers while providing a smoother and faster experience as more Wi-Fi 6 devices are introduced.

Pros and Cons

Feature	TP-Link RE550 (AC1900)	TP-Link RE615X (AX1800)
Pros	– Strong coverage up to 2800 sq.ft.	– Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more efficient performance
	– Easy setup with TP-Link Tether app	– OneMesh for seamless network integration
	– Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections	– Dual-band with improved device management
	– Works well with older routers	– Great for homes with many connected devices
	– Affordable for users on a budget	– Easy to manage via TP-Link Tether app
Cons	– No Wi-Fi 6 support	– Slightly lower total speed than RE550
	– May struggle with devices in high-demand networks	– Limited coverage area compared to RE550
	– Lacks OneMesh technology	– May not perform well in very large homes

FAQ

What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5?

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering improved speed, efficiency, and capacity compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). The main difference lies in Wi-Fi 6’s ability to handle more devices simultaneously without degrading the network performance. It achieves this through advanced technologies like MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple input, multiple output) and OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), which allow the router or extender to transmit data to multiple devices at the same time. Wi-Fi 6 also provides faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in congested environments, making it ideal for homes with many connected devices.

Can the TP-Link AC1900 be used with non-TP-Link routers?

Yes, the TP-Link AC1900 is compatible with most routers and access points, not just TP-Link devices. It supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11b/g/n/ac, which means it can work with any router that supports these standards. While the AC1900 is optimized for TP-Link routers, it will work just as well with other brands, ensuring that you can extend your Wi-Fi coverage even if you don’t have a TP-Link router.

Does the TP-Link AX1800 support OneMesh with all TP-Link routers?

No, the OneMesh feature is only available when the TP-Link AX1800 is paired with a compatible TP-Link router that also supports OneMesh. OneMesh creates a seamless Wi-Fi network by combining the coverage of your router and extenders under a single network name. This feature allows you to move around your home without having to manually switch networks. Be sure to check whether your TP-Link router supports OneMesh before investing in the AX1800 if this feature is important to you.

How do I set up the TP-Link AC1900 and AX1800?

Both the TP-Link AC1900 and AX1800 are very easy to set up using the TP-Link Tether app. After plugging in the device, simply follow the on-screen instructions in the app to connect it to your router. The AC1900 and AX1800 also have intuitive LED indicators to help you find the optimal location for installation. With the AX1800, you can also use the app to manage your network settings, and with the RE550, the app offers a signal strength indicator for better placement.

Will using the TP-Link AC1900 or AX1800 improve my internet speed?

It’s important to note that neither the TP-Link AC1900 nor the AX1800 directly increases your internet speed. Instead, these devices improve Wi-Fi coverage and reliability. By extending the signal from your existing router, they help eliminate dead zones and offer a more consistent connection. In some cases, this can lead to a better overall internet experience, especially if your router’s signal was previously too weak to reach certain areas of your home. However, the performance increase is more about improving signal strength rather than directly boosting your internet plan’s speed.

Conclusion

In summary, both the TP-Link AC1900 and AX1800 are solid choices for extending Wi-Fi coverage in the home, but they cater to different needs. The AC1900 is a great option for those who want a reliable extender with good coverage, strong speeds, and don’t need the latest Wi-Fi 6 features. However, for users who are looking to future-proof their network, manage multiple devices more effectively, and enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, the AX1800 is the better choice. Additionally, the AX1800’s OneMesh compatibility adds a level of convenience that the AC1900 lacks, making it a more versatile option for modern home networks.

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