D-Link DIR-615 vs TP-Link TL-WR840N: Clash of the Budget Routers
What To Know
- The TP-Link TL-WR840N provides a more comprehensive feature set, including four Ethernet ports, a WAN port, a USB port, and a VPN passthrough feature.
- In terms of value for money, the TP-Link TL-WR840N emerges as the better choice, providing a wider range of features and improved performance at a reasonable price point.
- The TP-Link TL-WR840N offers a wider range of features and improved performance at a reasonable price point, making it the better value for money option.
Choosing the right router for your home or small office can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. Two popular budget-friendly routers that often come into contention are the D-Link DIR-615 and the TP-Link TL-WR840N. In this comprehensive guide, we will pit these two routers against each other, comparing their features, performance, and value for money to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed and Range
The D-Link DIR-615 is a single-band router operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency with a maximum theoretical speed of 300 Mbps. On the other hand, the TP-Link TL-WR840N is also a single-band router but operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, offering a maximum theoretical speed of 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
In terms of range, the TP-Link TL-WR840N has a slight edge over the D-Link DIR-615, thanks to its external antennas. However, both routers offer decent coverage for small to medium-sized homes or offices.
Features: Connectivity and Security
The D-Link DIR-615 offers a standard set of features, including four Ethernet ports, a WAN port, and a USB port for media sharing. It also supports basic security protocols such as WPA2 and WEP.
The TP-Link TL-WR840N provides a more comprehensive feature set, including four Ethernet ports, a WAN port, a USB port, and a VPN passthrough feature. It also supports advanced security protocols such as WPA3 and WPS.
Design and Usability
The D-Link DIR-615 has a sleek and compact design with internal antennas. It is easy to set up and configure using the web-based interface or the D-Link app.
The TP-Link TL-WR840N has a slightly larger and more conventional design with external antennas. It also offers a user-friendly web-based interface and a mobile app for easy setup and management.
Price and Value
The D-Link DIR-615 is typically priced lower than the TP-Link TL-WR840N. However, the TP-Link TL-WR840N offers more features and better performance for a slightly higher price.
In terms of value for money, the TP-Link TL-WR840N emerges as the better choice, providing a wider range of features and improved performance at a reasonable price point.
Wrap-Up: The Verdict
Both the D-Link DIR-615 and the TP-Link TL-WR840N are capable budget-friendly routers that offer reliable connectivity for basic home or office use. However, if you prioritize performance, features, and value, the TP-Link TL-WR840N is the clear winner.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which router has a better range?
A: The TP-Link TL-WR840N has a slightly better range due to its external antennas.
Q: Which router supports more security protocols?
A: The TP-Link TL-WR840N supports advanced security protocols such as WPA3 and WPS, while the D-Link DIR-615 supports basic protocols like WPA2 and WEP.
Q: Which router offers better value for money?
A: The TP-Link TL-WR840N offers a wider range of features and improved performance at a reasonable price point, making it the better value for money option.