There are many routers claiming to be fast and support the max speed of the wifi 6 protocol. However, most routers fall short terribly. Some heat up like a toaster like AX3000 and some don't have the processing power i.e. the required number of CPUs to quickly process the packets by 20+ devices. Further, some are $300+ which kind of brings the affordability into play.
This router however finds the right balance in all the features which I was looking to upgrade. I was looking in the range of about $100 and tried to AX3000. However, it heats up too fast and then starts to thermal throttle the speed and doesn't even stay connected with the clients like a laptop or mobile devices. I have tried a Netgear router from Costco AX4300 but fall short when around 20 devices are connected to it and don't support the mesh networking.
Features which I wanted and like:
Range:
This device has a superb range by itself and covers my home pretty easily. I see I have a good wifi signal at all ends of my home and I live in a 2-floor apartment with the router placed upstairs.
Mesh:
I like to receive a good network in my backyard as well and so I have added a RE505X which costs another 80 bucks but saves money on my mobile data plan as I don't invest in an unlimited data plan. There is only 1 SSID that is broadcasted and it automatically switches based on where I am in the home.
Heat:
Some routers heat up and create a fire hazard and also have the probability of breaking down sooner than I like them to. This is not the case with this one and it stays relatively cooler and never experienced any slowing down of the network. I have touched it to check several times and it's good.
Setup:
The setup was really easy. The basic setup can be done in minutes and there is no RnD required. The tether app is pretty cool for basic setup. I also have requirements for static IP based on mac address and port forwarding. Both of them are easy to configure. They also have support for dynamic DNS so you can easily host your basic website in your home network. For this, I need static IP address reservation and port forwarding.
Parental controls:
This is a real plus that allows me to block youtube or any site whenever I need to get my kid away from the TV.
Reboot schedule:
I like to have a reboot schedule which is good this router has it and very easy to set up.
LED lights:
This router allows to turn off led lights and I like it that way once the setup is complete.
Summary:
I think its a router for average home with right balance of ease of use and price and features.
Note: I have not been paid for this review and have bought the router with my own money.
2 Weeks Update:
Going strong with over 20 devices connected, no disconnections reported by anyone in device. I have 3 heavy internet users at home. No heating issues, range is good.
4 Months Update:
Working perfectly for 4 months. No issues.
2 year update
Still works as new with no issues
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX72 Pro) Multi Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, 1 x 2.5 Gbps Port, Dual Band, VPN Rout
4.5
| 9,371 ratingsPrice: 160.4
Last update: 08-31-2024
About this item
Dual-Band AX5400 WiFi 6: Experience the sheer performance of Archer AX72 Pro with WiFi 6 speeds up to 4804 Mbps at 5GHz Band, and 574 Mbps at 2.4GHz Band. Stream stutter-free 8K/4K videos and enjoy lag-free online gaming.¹
2.5 Gbps Ethernet Port: Archer AX72 Pro has 1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port along with 1 x gigabit WAN/LAN port and 3 x gigabit LAN ports for all your expansion needs
Maximized Coverage: 6 x high-performance antennas boost WiFi signals throughout your home and Beamforming technology detects devices to concentrate signals towards them, providing a strong and reliable WiFi to every corner of your house.¹
Fast and Efficient: MU-MIMO and OFMDA technology works to boost throughput and efficiency of your WiFi network. MU-MIMO communicates with your router to provide multiple data streams simultaneously, greatly increasing the number of connected devices and OFDMA enables sharing a single data stream between multiple devices to further enhance the efficiency of each data stream.²
Remote Access with VPN: Allow devices in your home network to access remote VPN servers without needing to install VPN software on every device, support VPN server and VPN client
TP-Link HomeShield - TP-Link's premium security service keeps your home network safe with cutting-edge network and IoT protection. Free features: 1. Basic Network Security including Security Scan and IoT Device Identification 2. Basic Parental Controls 3. Quality of Service 4. Basic Weekly/Monthly Reports. Visit TP-Link website for more information.
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant: Control your router via voice commands such as turning on and off your guest WiFi. Make your life smarter and easier with Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Works with All Internet Service Providers: Works with all internet service providers, such as Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, Starlink, etc. (a modem is required for most internet service providers)
2.5 Gbps Ethernet Port: Archer AX72 Pro has 1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port along with 1 x gigabit WAN/LAN port and 3 x gigabit LAN ports for all your expansion needs
Maximized Coverage: 6 x high-performance antennas boost WiFi signals throughout your home and Beamforming technology detects devices to concentrate signals towards them, providing a strong and reliable WiFi to every corner of your house.¹
Fast and Efficient: MU-MIMO and OFMDA technology works to boost throughput and efficiency of your WiFi network. MU-MIMO communicates with your router to provide multiple data streams simultaneously, greatly increasing the number of connected devices and OFDMA enables sharing a single data stream between multiple devices to further enhance the efficiency of each data stream.²
Remote Access with VPN: Allow devices in your home network to access remote VPN servers without needing to install VPN software on every device, support VPN server and VPN client
TP-Link HomeShield - TP-Link's premium security service keeps your home network safe with cutting-edge network and IoT protection. Free features: 1. Basic Network Security including Security Scan and IoT Device Identification 2. Basic Parental Controls 3. Quality of Service 4. Basic Weekly/Monthly Reports. Visit TP-Link website for more information.
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant: Control your router via voice commands such as turning on and off your guest WiFi. Make your life smarter and easier with Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Works with All Internet Service Providers: Works with all internet service providers, such as Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, Starlink, etc. (a modem is required for most internet service providers)
Product information
Product Dimensions | 10.73 x 5.8 x 1.94 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.52 pounds |
ASIN | B0BTT3F159 |
Item model number | Archer AX72 Pro |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
9,251 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #8,451 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #71 in Computer Routers |
Date First Available | February 9, 2023 |
Manufacturer | TP-Link |
Country of Origin | Vietnam |