TP-Link Archer AX20 (AX1800) WiFi Router Review

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the TP-Link Archer AX20 (AX1800) WiFi Router! In this article, we will delve into the advanced technology, cutting-edge features, and seamless performance of this router, which guarantees lightning-fast connectivity and reliable Wi-Fi coverage. If you are seeking a device that offers seamless internet connectivity combined with a user-friendly interface, then this is the router for you!

In the ever-evolving world of Wi-Fi, TP-Link has consistently established itself as a leading provider of reliable and affordable networking solutions. With this latest offering, aims to elevate home or office capabilities to the level of a professional network with the lowest possible cost.

Unpacking and Design

This Wi-Fi 6 router boasts a sleek, minimalist design that blends seamlessly into any décor. Its compact form factor and four non-detachable/rotatable antennas make it easy to position and manage, even in smaller spaces. On the back panel, you’ll find a variety of ports, including four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN port, a USB 2.0 port, and a reset button.

Harnessing the Power of Wi-Fi 6

At the heart of this router lies the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, harnessing the potential of both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to deliver exceptional speeds and network efficiency. In our testing, demonstrated impressive performance. We recorded average speeds of 425 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 935 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, surpassing its advertised speeds. Connectivity remained stable even with multiple devices simultaneously connected, making it ideal for households with heavy internet usage.

Beamforming Technology for Consistent Coverage

• • The Archer AX20’s innovative Beamforming technology ensures optimal signal distribution throughout your home, eliminating dead zones and providing consistent coverage even in hard-to-reach areas. Whether you’re streaming in the living room, gaming in the basement, or working from your home office, ensures that your wireless connection remains strong and stable.

MU-MIMO for Enhanced Performance

• • TP-Link’s MU-MIMO technology further enhances network performance, allowing the router to handle multiple data streams simultaneously, ensuring every device connected to the network receives the optimal signal.

Expand Your Network with OneMesh Technology

TP-Link’s proprietary mesh technology, OneMesh,, allows you to seamlessly expand your Wi-Fi network without any worries. Simply purchase another OneMesh-compatible router and place it in your network to create a unified mesh network that blankets your entire home with a consistent and reliable Wi-Fi signal, eliminating dead zones and ensuring uninterrupted coverage even in far-flung corners of your residence. Read More : How To Extend WiFi Range

Benefits of OneMesh™:

• Unified Network: No need to switch between networks as you move through your home.
• Expanded Coverage: Easily add range extenders or satellite routers to boost signal strength in hard-to-reach areas.

Prioritize What Matters with Adaptive QoS

In a household with diverse internet needs, ensuring that every application receives the bandwidth it requires can be challenging. The Archer AX20’s intelligent Quality of Service (QoS) technology steps in to analyze and prioritize your network traffic. This feature automatically adjusts bandwidth allocation to prioritize activities like gaming, streaming, or video calling, ensuring that your critical tasks always have the resources they need, even during peak usage times.

Key Advantages of Adaptive QoS:

• • Enhanced Gaming: Reduces lag and latency for a smoother online gaming experience.
  • Uninterrupted Streaming: Ensures high-quality video streaming without buffering.
  • Optimized Video Calls: Provides stable connectivity for interruption-free video conferences.

Protect Your Network with Robust Security Features

Cybersecurity is paramount in today’s digital world, and the TPLink Archer AX20 prioritizes your online safety. It comes equipped with robust WPA3 encryption, safeguarding your data from unauthorized access. Additionally, the router’s built-in firewall and parental control features provide an extra layer of protection for your family’s online activities.

TP-Link HomeShield for Comprehensive Network Security

For enhanced security, TP-Link offers the HomeShield feature, a comprehensive security suite that monitors your network for potential threats and vulnerabilities. It provides real-time protection against malware, phishing attacks, and malicious websites, while also offering parental control features that restrict access to inappropriate content.

Features of HomeShield:

• • • Real-Time Protection: Monitors and protects against cyber threats in real time.
    • Parental Controls: Manage and monitor online activity to ensure a safe environment for children.
    • Quality Network Analytics: Offers insights into network usage and performance, helping you optimize your Wi-Fi.

User-Friendly Interface and Setup 

Setting up the Archer AX20 was a breeze, thanks to its intuitive web interface and TP-Link’s Tether app. The interface is well-organized and easy to navigate, allowing you to manage network settings, configure parental controls, and monitor performance.

Comprehensive Speed and Reliability Tests

To truly gauge the capabilities of the Archer AX20, we conducted extensive speed and reliability tests under multiple scenarios. Using devices typical of a modern household, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs, we tested the router’s performance to ensure it meets the needs of high-bandwidth activities.

Test Results:

• • • 5 GHz Band: Achieved peak download speeds of up to 610 Mbps in optimal conditions, perfect for high-definition streaming and online gaming.
    • 2.4 GHz Band: Maintained solid speeds around 105 Mbps, ideal for browsing and smart home devices.

These speeds are indicative of the router’s ability to handle simultaneous demands without sacrificing performance, ensuring that every device gets a stable and fast connection.

Extensive Coverage: No More Dead Zones

One of the most critical aspects of any router is its ability to provide consistent coverage throughout the home, particularly in areas that are traditionally challenging for signal penetration. The Archer AX20, equipped with advanced Beamforming technology and four high-performance antennas, excels in extending WiFi coverage.

Coverage Details:

• Living Room (15ft from router): This area saw excellent signal strength, serving as the benchmark for our tests.
• Bedroom (40ft from router, with walls): Even at a distance and through physical obstructions, the router effectively maintained a robust connection.
• Backyard (70ft from router, outdoors): The signal strength in this challenging location proved the router’s capability to extend beyond the conventional indoor areas, providing usable internet access.

Real-World Application: Seamless Connectivity Where It Matters

To simulate real-world usage, we also performed tests in various home environments to see how well the AX20 coped with architectural differences and multiple device connections. The router consistently delivered impressive results, maintaining high speeds and strong connectivity even in corners of homes where previous routers struggled.

Key Insights:

• • Stable Connections for Remote Work: Ensured uninterrupted video calls and large file downloads without lag.
  • Enhanced Gaming Experience: Provided low-latency connectivity crucial for competitive online gaming.
  • Reliable Streaming: Supported multiple streams of 4K content simultaneously without buffering issues.
  • Test Device: iPhone 12, with a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 115 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 650 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.

TP Link Archer AX21 Vs TP Link Archer AX20

TP Link Archer AX20 vs TP Link Archer AX21 -Download Speed Comparison-5GHz Band

Comparison with Previous Models

The TPLink Archer AX20 represents a significant upgrade over the popular Archer A7, especially with the introduction of WiFi 6 technology. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• • • Speed Improvements: The AX20 offers increased speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, compared to the A7’s 1.75 Gbps.
    • Advanced Technologies: Includes Beamforming and MU-MIMO, which were not as refined in the A7.

Conclusion

Overall, the TP-Link Archer AX20 is an excellent choice for mid-sized homes seeking a budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers seamless connectivity, impressive speed, and robust security. Its combination of advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology, efficient hardware, and user-friendly features makes it a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and future-proof wireless network solution. Many technical tests were performed on this router, finally, we give it a score of 8 out of 10.