Quick notes
- The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a dual-band router, supporting speeds up to 3000 Mbps (2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router with solid performance and a good range of features, the TP-Link Archer AX50 is an excellent choice.
- However, if you need a more powerful router with faster speeds, wider coverage, and a dedicated 5 GHz band, the TP-Link Archer AX53 is worth the extra investment.
In this comprehensive guide, we put the TP-Link Archer AX50 and TP-Link Archer AX53 head-to-head, comparing their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision about which Wi-Fi 6 router best suits your needs.
Design and Build
The TP-Link Archer AX50 and AX53 share a similar sleek and modern design, featuring a matte black finish and angled antennas. Both routers have four Gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port for connecting external storage devices.
Performance
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a dual-band router, supporting speeds up to 3000 Mbps (2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band). The Archer AX53, on the other hand, is a tri-band router, boasting speeds up to 5400 Mbps (4804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, and 2402 Mbps on the dedicated 5 GHz band).
In real-world testing, the Archer AX53 consistently outperformed the Archer AX50 in terms of speed and range. It provided faster download and upload speeds, and its wider coverage area allowed for better signal strength in larger homes.
Features
Both the TP-Link Archer AX50 and AX53 offer a range of advanced features, including:
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO: Efficiently manages multiple devices simultaneously, reducing latency and improving overall performance.
- Target Wake Time (TWT): Optimizes power consumption by scheduling when devices can transmit and receive data.
- Beamforming: Directs Wi-Fi signals towards specific devices for stronger and more stable connections.
- Parental Controls: Allows parents to manage their children’s online activity, including website filtering and time limits.
Price
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is typically priced around $100, while the Archer AX53 is priced around $150. The price difference reflects the additional features and performance offered by the Archer AX53.
Which Router is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router with solid performance and a good range of features, the TP-Link Archer AX50 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a more powerful router with faster speeds, wider coverage, and a dedicated 5 GHz band, the TP-Link Archer AX53 is worth the extra investment.
Wrap-Up
The TP-Link Archer AX50 and Archer AX53 are both capable Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer excellent value for money. While the Archer AX50 is a more affordable option, the Archer AX53 provides superior performance and a wider range of features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which router has a faster processor?
The TP-Link Archer AX53 has a more powerful 1.5 GHz triple-core processor, compared to the 1.5 GHz dual-core processor in the Archer AX50.
2. Does either router support Wi-Fi 6E?
No, neither the TP-Link Archer AX50 nor the Archer AX53 supports Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6 GHz band.
3. Which router is better for gaming?
The TP-Link Archer AX53 is better for gaming due to its faster speeds, lower latency, and dedicated 5 GHz band for gaming devices.