TP-Link Archer AX6000 Unbiased Full Review 2022

Yes, I’ve reviewed the next generation WiFI 6 router – TP-Link Archer AX6000. Is this the best WiFi 6 router? Let’s see whether we need to upgrade our existing router to this future-ready wireless router. It is one of my favorite long-range routers.

Key Highlights:

1. 64-bit 1.8 GHz Quad-Core processor 
2. 1x USB-A 3.0 port + 1x USB-C 3.0 port
3. Single WAN port Up to 2.5 Gbps
4. 8 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
5. 802.11ax Wireless Standard

Overview:

The Tp-Link Archer Ax6000 is a WiFi 6 router equipped with the latest 802.11ax technology. It looks small but offers a lot of advanced features and delivers fast throughput speeds. However, it is yet to be WiFi 6 approved. 

Hardware:

On the hardware side, the TP-Link Archer promises 1GB of RAM and equipped with a powerful 1.8GHz 64-bit quad-core processor. It is a dual-band router and designed to top out maximum data rates of up to 5952 Gbps on the 2.4GHz (on this band, it achieve maximum 1148Mbps) band and the 5GHz band (goes up to 4,804Mbps).  

Despite being a dual-band, the router offers four streams on each band. Meaning, it packs a total of eight-stream. Moreover, it supports direct-to-client signal beamforming and MU-MIMO data streaming technology. 

Related: Best WiFi routers for Multiple Devices

Design:

The Archer AX6000 measures at 2.4×10.3×10.3 (HWD) and comes in a black textured. It has eight non-removable external antennas and a logo on the top containing a LED indicator. The LED indicator is designed to give you the status of the router. For example, A solid blue for working normal, it glows pulses blue when there is firmware upgrades and startup, a solid orange when the internet connection is stable, but wireless is disabled. On the other hand, it glows red when there is no internet. 

It houses a broad range of connectivity options, on the back panel, such as eight gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a WAN port (also refers to Internet port) up to 2.5 Gbps, a reset button, a power button, and a power port. On the side (left), you’ll find one Type-A USB 3.0 port and one Type-C USB 3.0 port. Its front edge also houses some buttons, including LED On/Off, WiFi On/Off, and WPS. 

Setup & Installation:

The setup of the router is effortless. Tp-Link offers both a web-based and mobile-based (TP-Link Tether app) interface for its installation. You can access it by entering a default IP address 192.168.0.1 on your browser’s address bar, or you can go to the TP-Link’s official website – tplinkwifi.net, and log in there with its default admin username and password. 

Like other standard routers, you’ll see some common network features, such as Dynamic DNS, VPN server, IP reservation, port forwarding, guest networking, parental controls, and many others. 

Features Of TP-Link Archer AX6000

1. HomeCare feature suite:

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 packs a Powerful HomeCare feature suite that includes AntiVirus, QoS, and parental controls. In the testing period, I found them very interesting and useful. Learn More.

2. Dynamic QoS:

The AX6000 features advanced Dynamic QoS. It lets you set priority to the internet usages as per your needs. In QoS settings, you’ll find two options, such as Application Priority and Device Priority. In Application Priority, you have several options to priortize online activity. For example, Gaming, Streaming, Surfing, Chatting, and Downloading. In addition, there is a custom option that allows you to set priority by the types of connected devices and content. 

3. Antivirus:

The Antivirus feature is quite simple but powerful. It includes only a few options and protection types — such as Malicious content Filter, Intrusion Prevention System, and infected device quarantine — you can turn On and Off. In my testing, it did a great job and blocked some websites automatically with a warning. The antivirus is powered by TREND MICRO.

Pros & Cons: TP-Link Archer AX6000

What I like:

1. It is easy to install and allows network management through a phone. 
2. Great features and impressive throughput performance. 
3. Excellent WiFi signal range throughout the house. 
4. Powerful 1.8GHz processor handling multiple devices with ease. 

What I don’t like:

1. It doesn’t support WPA3. 
2. It is not a tri-band router. 

Related: Best Tri-band WiFi Routers 

Conclusion: TP-Link Archer AX6000

Tp-Link Archer AX6000 comes with the latest wireless standard 802.11ax technology. It is faster than other standards and expensive too. You can buy this router if you have WiFi 6 compatible clients. The router impressed me and performed very well in tests. Its installation is easy and offers plenty of ports. Moreover, it comes with malware protection and robust parental controls. 

However, it doesn’t support WPA3 and yet needed WiFi 6 approval. On the other hand, its competitor – Netgear RAX120, supports WPA3, and provides faster performance.