Top 8 Best TP-Link WiFi 6 Routers in 2023 – Dual Band/Tri Band, Upto 10 Gbps speed

The 802.11ax or Wi-Fi 6 replaced its predecessor, the Wi-Fi 5, or more commonly known as 802.11ac, as the new standard in Wi-Fi technology.

Wifi 6 enables a maximum theoretical speed of 9.6 Gbps across multiple channels, compared to Wi-Fi 5's 3.5 Gbps maximum.

While it is unlikely that regular networks will reach this speed, it still means that the potential is higher, so regular networks will see improvements in their speed.

But the next-generation standard is not just about speed, it’s also about efficiency. It handles network congestion better. This is made possible by implementing two key technologies such as the MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple inputs, multiple outputs) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access).

MU-MIMO implemented by Wi-Fi 5 allows routers to simultaneously communicate with up to 4 bandwidth streams, but with Wi-Fi 6, it allows up to 8 streams of communication.

OFDMA, on the other hand, allows them to deliver data to multiple devices in one transmission by making subcarriers in channels. This means that Wi-Fi 6 gives more data to more devices in a single transmission.

Another new feature used is Beamforming technology, which is basically just concentrating the signals in the direction of the device the router is talking to, instead of broadcasting the signal everywhere.

Moreover, it can improve the battery life of devices within the network. It uses a feature called TWT (Target Wake Time), used to communicate with the device and tell it when it should power its antenna to receive information from the next transmission.

Wifi 6 also implements better security, with a new security protocol called WPA3 which uses stronger encryption.ee

There are many brands making high quality wifi 6 routers and one of them TP-Link. Their routers implement all the newer features of the Wifi 6 standard and are ideal for home/office as well as gaming use.

In this post we take a quick look at some of the best wifi 6 routers offered by TP-Link.

Our Top Picks for the Best TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Routers

Here is a list of some of our top picks for TP-Link Wifi 6 routers. Key features to consider are stream count and maximum supported speed.

1. TP-Link Archer AX10 AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Router

The first on this list, the Archer AX10, is one of the more popular router models from TP-Link due to its affordability. The Wi-Fi 6 router has a cool and sleek design, but it does not trade power and efficiency for it.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 Router (MU-MIMO, DL/UL OFDMA and 1024QAM)
• 1.5 Gbps Data Transfer Rate
• 4-Stream Dual Band router – 300 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz (802. 11n) + 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz (802.11ax)
• Wi-Fi Encryption: WPS2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
• 1.5GHz tri-core processor
• Beamforming technology; more coverage, less interference
• 4x 1G LAN Ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port

Review

The Archer AX10 is a good gateway for those who want to dip their toes in the realm of Wi-Fi 6 without spending a fortune. The dual-band router delivers a strong 5GHz performance. However, its signal range and performance on the 2.4GHz are better.

It does not have multi-gig and USB ports. Moreover, it is not compatible with 160MHz channel width or WPA3 encryption. It also has limited URL filtering, Quality of Service (QoS), and Parental Control on the router’s Tether app, compared to its more expensive look-alike, the AX50.

The router’s design is sleek with four non-removable antennas. The front panel has LED indicators for power, both radio bands, Ethernet activity, WPS activity, and internet connectivity. On the rear panel, you will find a reset button, a WAN port, a power button, a power jack, a WPS button, and four gigabit LAN ports.

2. TP-Link Archer AX20 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router

The Archer AX20 is the most recent addition of TP-Link to mid-tier routers. Along with the AX10, these routers can be used on 3-bedroom houses, condominium units, and even small offices.

However, it makes better use of Wi-Fi 6 technology than its slightly cheaper brother, the AX10, resulting in a more powerful and stronger connection.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 Router (MU-MIMO, DL/UL OFDMA and 1024QAM)
• 1.8 Gbps Data Transfer Rate
• 4-Stream Dual Band router – 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz (802. 11n) + 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz (802.11ax)
• Wi-Fi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
• 1.5GHz quad-core processor
• Beamforming technology; more coverage, less interference
• Advanced Front-End Module (FEM) chipset
• 4x 1 G LAN Ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port
• Easy setup and control with TP-Link tether app
• 1x USB 2.0 port

Review

This router meets all the standards of a decent Wi-Fi router. It provides excellent speed, upgraded coverage, and LAN performance with the added advanced FEM chipset that strengthens the transmission stream within the network.

Despite the added USB port not being USB 3.0, the USB 2.0 port can still provide easy file sharing within the network and can let you implement basic private Cloud Storage.

It performs well with both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5. This Wi-Fi router is also supported by the TP-Link Tether app so that you can conveniently set it up yourself and provide you remote control over the router, even with your smartphones.

However, the limitations on the AX10 with the Tether App also apply here. Still, there is no doubt that this is one of the best mid-tier Wi-Fi routers you can get in the market right now.

3. TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router

The Archer AX21 is pretty much the same as the AX20. It still offers the same powerful connection that lets you experience an unbuffered 4K video streaming, smooth video conferencing, and lag-less online gaming.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 Router (MU-MIMO, DL/UL OFDMA and 1024QAM)
• 1.8 Gbps Data Transfer Rate
• 4-Stream Dual Band router – 574 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz (802. 11n) + 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz (802.11ax)
• Wi-Fi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
• 1.5GHz quad-core processor
• Beamforming technology; more coverage, less interference
• Advanced Front-End Module (FEM) chipset
• 4x 1G LAN Ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port
• 1x USB 2.0 port

Review

The main difference between the AX20 and the AX21 is that the AX21 provides better ventilation for the unit that improves its operating conditions. The outer casings of the routers are different but features and specifications-wise, the two devices are more or less the same.

If you are impressed by the AX20, your location requires proper ventilation. and you do not mind spending a few bucks, then the AX21 is the Wi-Fi router for you.

4. TP-Link Archer AX50 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router

The Archer AX50’s outer aesthetic is almost identical to the AX10’s sleek exterior, if not for the Intel logo at the middle of the AX50’s top casing.

This logo means that it boasts Intel’s dual-core CPU that gives a smooth network experience to its users. The AX50 gives superior performance and offers more features as it almost doubles the price of an AX10 Wi-Fi router.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 Router (MU-MIMO, DL/UL OFDMA and 1024QAM)
• Supports 160 MHz-wide channels.
• 3 Gbps Data Transfer Rate
• 4-Stream Dual Band router – 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz (802. 11n) + 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz (802.11ax)
• Wi-Fi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
• Intel Dual-core CPU
• Beamforming technology; more coverage, less interference
• Advanced Front-End Module (FEM) chipset
• Backward Compatible with all previous 802.11 standards
• 4 Gigabit LAN Ports (2nd and 3rd can be aggregated) and 1 Gigabit WAN port
• Easy setup and control with TP-Link tether app. (Robust Parental Control and Quality-of-Service)
• TP-Link HomeCare™
• Fixed but Adjustable 4-Antennas
• 1 USB-A 3.0 port

Review

For starters, the AX50 makes use of the DFS Wi-Fi function. This function enables the router to utilize other frequencies whenever a channel is congested.

Static Link Aggregation (LAG) can also be implemented with this router. By running both the 2nd and 3rd LAN ports in parallel with a single device, you can get a 2 Gbps connection, increased throughput, and bandwidth. Also, the USB port on the AX50 now supports USB 3.0.

With the Wi-Fi 6 technology featuring Intel that the AX50 runs, there is no doubt that this unit’s performance will not disappoint. The AX50 doubles the theoretical maximum speed of the AX10, and it can also use a 160 MHz channel. It also has a better performance on the 2.4Ghz band.

The HomeCare™ feature also provides valuable features such as a built-in antivirus, a more robust parental control, and additional QOS settings. The parental control gives the user additional settings such as Custom Profiles, Content Filtering, App Block, URL Filtering, Time Schedule, and Log Insight. With how volatile the content on the Internet is, it will not hurt to have this feature present especially if you have a child that uses your network.

The additional QOS setting also enables the user to monitor and control not only the bandwidth per device but also per application.

For the downsides, one is it does not have an OneMesh feature. OneMesh boosts signal strength with extenders while staying on the same Wi-Fi network so that it can cover every part of your home or office. However, it is not that much of a problem if you are not planning to use the AX50 in a larger area.

It also has some heating problems as its ventilation is one of its weak points though this can be solved with some cooling devices such as pads or you can just give room for airflow at the bottom of the device.

5. TP-Link Archer AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 Router

The Archer AX6000 is a great option for people that need to host many devices in the network. It is one of the early Wi-Fi 6 routers to enter the market. While its performance approaches those high-end routers, its price range undercuts its competitors.

It has 8 non-removable antennas, 2 on each corner. This router can also be wall-mounted. You can also turn its Wi-Fi function with a button to purely use its LAN functionality.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 Router (MU-MIMO, DL/UL OFDMA and 1024QAM)
• Supports 160 MHz-wide channels.
• 5.952 Gbps Data Transfer Rate
• 8-Stream Dual Band router – 1148 Mbps on 2.4 GHz (802. 11n) + 4804 Mbps on 5 GHz (802.11ax)
• Wi-Fi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
• 1.8 GHz 64 Bit Quad-Core CPU
• Beamforming technology; more coverage, less interference
• Advanced Front-End Module (FEM) chipset
• 8 x 1 Gbps LAN Ports (2nd and 3rd can be aggregated) and 1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN Port
• Easy setup and control with TP-Link tether app. (Robust Parental Control and Quality-of-Service)
• 1 x USB- A 3.0 Port, 1 x USB-C 3.0 Port

Review

As we go to the higher tiers of Wi-Fi routers, it is observable that the further we go, the better the router utilizes its Wi-Fi 6 capability. The AX6000 can provide a theoretical maximum of 6 Gbps. The differences in speed as you go further from the device are little compared to the earlier routers.

It also has a greater range than the previous 4 and provides more room to host numerous devices, giving way for more commercial uses. As seen from the features, it has a lot of ports with 8 LAN ports and 2 USB ports.

It also offers the same software features that the AX50 uses. While its LAN ports still do not cross the gigabit mark, link aggregation is possible here with the same ports as the AX50.

It might be a huge jump in terms of price compared to the last 4 entries, and a bit overboard with the features for home use. But as years go by, more devices will need to connect to your network, so it won’t hurt to get this device if you are not on a budget.

6. TP-Link Archer AX11000 Wi-Fi 6 Router

Our final item on the list, the Archer AX11000, is one of the fastest Wi-Fi 6 routers in the market. It boasts a whopping rate of transfer of 11 Gbps, as its name suggests. You can see from the blazing red antennas of the AX11000 that this router is marketed towards gamers.

Most often than not, gaming setups do not pay attention to the routers and that is a huge mistake. With TP-Link’s entry into the gaming fervor, it highlights important features that you will need for a premium and quality gaming experience.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 Router (MU-MIMO, DL/UL OFDMA and 1024QAM)
• Supports 160 MHz-wide channels.
• 10.756 Gbps Data Transfer Rate
• 12-Stream Tri-Band router – 1148 Mbps on 2.4 GHz (802. 11n) + 4804 Mbps on 5 GHz + 4804 Mbps on 5 GHz Gaming (802.11ax)
• Wi-Fi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
• 1.8 GHz 64 Bit Quad-Core CPU and 3 coprocessors
• Beamforming technology; more coverage, less interference
• Advanced Front-End Module (FEM) chipset
• 8 x 1 Gbps LAN Ports (2nd and 3rd can be aggregated) and 1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN Port
• Easy setup and control with TP-Link tether app. (Robust Parental Control, Quality-of-Service, and Game Accelerator QoS)
• TP-Link HomeCare™
• 8x Detachable Antennas
• 1x USB- A 3.0 Port, 1x USB-C 3.0 Port
• Game Center (Game Accelerator, Game Statistics, and Game Protector)

Review

First off, the AX11000 is definitely costlier. But with the efforts and features in place, to emphasize its gaming aspect, you will not be disappointed.

It has a dedicated dashboard on gaming-specific settings on its web console. It helps you lower latency and boost game speed for a specific user in the network and makes it easier to finetune your network’s configuration based on your needs.

It also has a lifetime subscription to HomeCare’s security system. For a huge jump in price, you would expect that the implementation of the Wi-Fi 6 feature will also improve, and you will be right.

The router gives faster speed and about 1.5x more range than the AX6000. With its dedicated 5 GHz gaming band, this will surely remove all kinds of delays and other annoying network problems on your gameplay caused by other users’ interferences.

This flagship product of TP-Link definitely belongs to the top Wi-Fi 6 routers out there. It is not a budget router but even in its price range, you will get good value-for-money features.

While some argue that there are no actual gaming-specific features for this router, it makes up for how powerful and reliable it does its job. Gaming or not, this is still definitely a great buy if you have money to spare.

Conclusion

During the past decades, no one can deny that the Internet has played a big role in our lives, especially this last year. When the lockdowns brought upon by the pandemic were implemented, the majority of the day-to-day activities of the world went digital.

Because of this, schools and college classes shifted online, businesses adopted online business models, and working from home has become the new normal. Not only that, more and more devices are incorporated into our network. These concerns are addressed by the new Wi-Fi 6 standard.

So, start investing in a router that can tap into this potential by picking one on this list depending on your needs. If you are financially limited, you can invest in the AX10. If you can afford to be looser with your money, get the AX50. But if money is not a problem, you can get the AX11000. It will not hurt to be future-proofed as more Wi-Fi 6 equipped devices enter the market.