TP-Link Archer AX73 vs TP-Link Archer AX55: Which Budget-Friendly AX Router Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- In the fiercely competitive world of networking, TP-Link has emerged as a formidable player, offering a diverse range of routers that cater to various needs and budgets.
- 4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band, while the Archer AX55 has a combined speed of 300Mbps on the 2.
- If you’re looking for a top-notch budget-friendly AX router that can handle demanding tasks and provide a reliable connection throughout your home or office, the Archer AX73 is the ideal choice.
In the fiercely competitive world of networking, TP-Link has emerged as a formidable player, offering a diverse range of routers that cater to various needs and budgets. Among their latest releases, the Archer AX73 and Archer AX55 have garnered significant attention in the budget-friendly AX router segment. Both devices promise exceptional performance and features, but which one stands out as the superior choice? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each router.
Hardware Specifications
The TP-Link Archer AX73 boasts a more powerful hardware configuration compared to its counterpart. It features a quad-core CPU with a clock speed of 1.5GHz, coupled with 512MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory. In contrast, the Archer AX55 utilizes a dual-core CPU running at 1.2GHz, complemented by 256MB of RAM and 16MB of flash memory.
Wireless Performance
Both routers support the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, providing faster speeds and improved efficiency. The Archer AX73 offers a combined wireless speed of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band, while the Archer AX55 has a combined speed of 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band.
Range and Coverage
The Archer AX73’s four external antennas and beamforming technology provide excellent range and coverage. It can effectively cover large homes and offices, ensuring stable connections throughout the premises. The Archer AX55, on the other hand, has two external antennas and a more limited coverage area.
Features
The Archer AX73 comes equipped with a host of advanced features, including OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Target Wake Time (TWT). OFDMA and MU-MIMO enhance network efficiency by allowing multiple devices to share the bandwidth simultaneously, reducing latency and improving overall performance. TWT optimizes power consumption by scheduling device wake-up times, extending the battery life of connected devices.
The Archer AX55 also supports OFDMA and MU-MIMO, but lacks TWT. It includes a dedicated gaming mode that prioritizes online gaming traffic, providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
Security
Both routers incorporate WPA3 security, the latest encryption protocol that provides robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. They also feature parental controls and guest network capabilities for added security and privacy.
Price and Value
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is priced slightly higher than the Archer AX55. However, it offers a more powerful hardware configuration, superior range and coverage, and a wider range of features. The Archer AX55 is a more budget-friendly option that still provides solid performance and essential features.
The Verdict: Which Router Should You Choose?
The TP-Link Archer AX73 emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. It offers superior hardware specifications, exceptional wireless performance, extensive coverage, and a comprehensive suite of features. If you’re looking for a top-notch budget-friendly AX router that can handle demanding tasks and provide a reliable connection throughout your home or office, the Archer AX73 is the ideal choice.
The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a more affordable option that offers decent performance and essential features. It’s a suitable choice for smaller homes or apartments where coverage and speed requirements are not as demanding.
Popular Questions
Q: Which router has a faster processor?
A: The Archer AX73 has a quad-core 1.5GHz CPU, while the Archer AX55 has a dual-core 1.2GHz CPU.
Q: Does the Archer AX73 support more RAM?
A: Yes, the Archer AX73 has 512MB of RAM, while the Archer AX55 has 256MB of RAM.
Q: Which router has a wider coverage area?
A: The Archer AX73 has four external antennas and beamforming technology, providing a wider coverage area than the Archer AX55.
Q: Does the Archer AX55 support TWT?
A: No, the Archer AX55 does not support Target Wake Time (TWT).
Q: Which router is better for gaming?
A: The Archer AX73 has a dedicated gaming mode that prioritizes online gaming traffic, providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
