Summary
- The TP-Link Archer AX55 is available at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent value for those seeking a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router without breaking the bank.
- For those seeking a cost-effective Wi-Fi 6 router with solid performance and coverage, the TP-Link Archer AX55 is an excellent choice.
- However, if you demand the absolute best in speed, coverage, and advanced features, the ASUS RT-AX86U is the undisputed champion in the tp-link archer ax55 vs asus rt-ax86u comparison.
In the realm of Wi-Fi 6 routers, the TP-Link Archer AX55 and ASUS RT-AX86U stand as two formidable contenders. Both devices promise blazing-fast speeds, extensive coverage, and advanced features, but which one emerges victorious in the battle of tp-link archer ax55 vs asus rt-ax86u? This comprehensive guide will delve into the specifications, performance, and unique attributes of each router, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | TP-Link Archer AX55 | ASUS RT-AX86U |
| — | — | — |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bands | Dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) | Tri-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 5 GHz) |
| Maximum Speed | 1.8 Gbps (2.4 GHz) + 2.4 Gbps (5 GHz) | 1.148 Gbps (2.4 GHz) + 4.804 Gbps (5 GHz) + 4.804 Gbps (5 GHz) |
| Ports | 4 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN | 4 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM | 1 GB RAM, 512 MB ROM |
Performance Showdown
The TP-Link Archer AX55 delivers impressive speeds, reaching up to 1.8 Gbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2.4 Gbps on the 5 GHz band. However, the ASUS RT-AX86U outperforms it with blistering speeds of 1.148 Gbps on the 2.4 GHz band and a staggering 4.804 Gbps on each of its two 5 GHz bands. This superior performance makes the RT-AX86U an ideal choice for demanding applications such as 4K streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.
Coverage Comparison
The TP-Link Archer AX55 boasts beamforming technology, which focuses Wi-Fi signals towards connected devices, enhancing coverage and reducing dead spots. The ASUS RT-AX86U employs a more advanced antenna design with four external antennas and eight internal antennas, providing even wider coverage and stronger signal penetration.
Advanced Features
Both routers offer a range of advanced features to enhance your Wi-Fi experience. The Archer AX55 supports OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), which improves efficiency by allowing multiple devices to share the same channel simultaneously. The RT-AX86U features AiMesh technology, enabling you to create a mesh network with multiple ASUS routers for seamless whole-home coverage. It also includes a dedicated gaming port that prioritizes traffic from gaming devices.
Security and Privacy
The TP-Link Archer AX55 and ASUS RT-AX86U prioritize security with WPA3 encryption, which provides robust protection against unauthorized access. Additionally, the RT-AX86U offers a lifetime free subscription to AiProtection Pro, a comprehensive security suite that includes advanced parental controls, malware blocking, and intrusion prevention.
Ease of Use
Both routers come with user-friendly web interfaces that make it easy to configure and manage your network. The Archer AX55 has a simplified setup process, while the RT-AX86U provides more advanced options for experienced users.
Price and Value
The TP-Link Archer AX55 is available at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent value for those seeking a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router without breaking the bank. The ASUS RT-AX86U commands a higher price, but it offers a premium feature set, exceptional performance, and comprehensive security.
Verdict: The Ultimate Winner
For those seeking a cost-effective Wi-Fi 6 router with solid performance and coverage, the TP-Link Archer AX55 is an excellent choice. However, if you demand the absolute best in speed, coverage, and advanced features, the ASUS RT-AX86U is the undisputed champion in the tp-link archer ax55 vs asus rt-ax86u comparison.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which router has better parental controls?
The ASUS RT-AX86U offers more robust parental controls through its AiProtection Pro suite.
2. Does either router support MU-MIMO?
Yes, both the Archer AX55 and RT-AX86U support MU-MIMO, which allows multiple devices to receive data simultaneously.
3. Can I use these routers with my existing modem?
Yes, both routers can be used with any standard DSL or cable modem.
4. Which router has a longer warranty?
The TP-Link Archer AX55 comes with a 2-year warranty, while the ASUS RT-AX86U offers a 3-year warranty.
5. Can I connect multiple ASUS routers to create a mesh network?
Yes, the ASUS RT-AX86U supports AiMesh technology, which allows you to create a mesh network with multiple ASUS routers.