Logo-homeLogo-homeLogo-homeLogo
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Link Exchange
  • Applications
  • Advertise
  • Donate
✕
            No results See all results
            • Home
            • Blog
            • Products Reviews
            • TPLink Archer AX21 (TPLink AX1800) WiFi Router Review

            TPLink Archer AX21 (TPLink AX1800) WiFi Router Review

            TPLink Archer AX21 WiFi Router front
            View on Amazon
            • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz
            • Processor:  1.5GHz Quad Core
            • Memory: 256MB
            • Overall Speed: 1800Mbps
            • Repeater Mode: Yes
            • Ports: 1x 1Gbps WAN, 4x 1Gbps Ethernet, 1x USB 2

            TP-Link Archer AX21 At a Glance

            TPLink Archer AX21 WiFi Router front
            View on Amazon
            • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz
            • Processor:  1.5GHz Quad Core
            • Memory: 256MB
            • Overall Speed: 1800Mbps
            • Repeater Mode: Yes
            • Ports: 1x 1Gbps WAN, 4x 1Gbps Ethernet, 1x USB 2

            Scores (Out of 10)

            Performance7.5
            Coverage8
            Features8
            Security6.5
            Design8
            Overall Score8

            TP-Link Archer AX21: One-Minute Review

            The TP-Link Archer AX21 (also marketed as the AX1800) is a budget-friendly entry into Wi-Fi 6. It’s designed to bring faster speeds and wider coverage to your home without costing a lot. This dual-band router uses a quartet of high-gain antennas, Beamforming, and Smart Coverage to deliver a strong Wi-Fi signal.

            In my testing, the router showed download speeds of 480 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 80 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Beyond speed, it offers OneMesh Technology, allowing you to easily create a mesh network with compatible devices. It also includes Smart Parental Controls to manage your family’s internet use. The Archer AX21 also serves as a VPN Server, letting you establish secure connections to remote networks.

            Pros

            • Affordable Price for Home Use
            • Smart Parental Control Options
            • Excellent Coverage with Beamforming
            • Easy Setup and Management With Tether App

            Cons

            • Lacks Internal Security System
            • Doesn’t Have USB 3.0 Port
            • Low Overall Wireless Speed

            Table of Contents

            • Introduction
              • Unboxing Experience: Unveiling the TP-Link Archer AX21 
              • Features and Performance of TP-Link AX1800
              • Beamforming and Smart Coverage
              • Unveiling the TP-Link AX1800 Enduring Value
              • Choosing Between the TPLink Archer AX21 and Asus RT AX55
              • Conclusion
            • Documents
            • Specifications
              • Product Images
            • Question and Answers

            Introduction

            In the world of home networking, Wi-Fi 6 is the latest and greatest technology, promising faster speeds, better coverage, and improved efficiency. But with high-end Wi-Fi 6 routers often costing hundreds of dollars, many people are hesitant to make the switch. That’s where the TPLink Archer AX21 comes in. This budget-friendly router offers Wi-Fi 6 capabilities for under $100, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

            Unboxing Experience: Unveiling the TP-Link Archer AX21 

            Upon opening the box, you’ll be greeted by the router itself, nestled securely in a protective foam cradle. The router’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to handle and position, whether you’re placing it on a shelf, desk, or even mounting it on the wall. Aside from the router, the box includes all the essential accessories , Power Adapter, Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

            • A series of LEDs adorn the front of the router, providing a clear overview of its status. Including the power , Wi-Fi signal , internet connection and other essential details. These indicators serve as a convenient way to monitor the router’s operational condition at a glance.
            • On the rear panel, a wealth of connectivity options awaits. Four Gigabit LAN ports provide rock-solid connections for your wired devices, while a single Gigabit WAN port establishes a stable link to your internet service provider.
            • A USB 2.0 port unlocks versatile connectivity, allowing you to share files, access external storage, or connect a printer. Four high-gain antennas, easily detachable for enhanced customization, ensure Wi-Fi signals reach every corner of your home with unwavering strength.

            Features and Performance of TP-Link AX1800

            The TP-Link AX1800 (AX21) is a dual-band router with a combined speed of up to 1.8 Gbps. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technologies, including OFDMA and MU-MIMO , which can help to improve network performance and efficiency.  In my testing, the Archer AX1800 delivered strong performance in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. I was able to achieve maximum speeds of around 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and around 80 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This is more than enough speed for most households, and it’s even enough to handle demanding tasks like 4K streaming and online gaming.

            To get a more comprehensive understanding of the TP Link Archer AX21 wireless coverage in a 2,000 sq ft house, let’s conduct a more detailed test, dividing the test into two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This will allow us to evaluate the performance of each band separately and identify any potential performance differences.

            Test Methodology

            The iPhone 12 was placed in three distinct locations within a 2,000 sq ft house:

            • Center of Living Room (15 feet): The epicenter of the living area, where the primary Wi-Fi router is typically located.
            • Corner of Bedroom(40 feet): A position in the bedroom farthest from the router, representing a more challenging connectivity scenario.
            • Backyard(70 feet): An outdoor location outside the house, simulating maximum distance from the router.
            • Note: The maximum actual bandwidth of the iPhone 12 in the 2.4 GHz band is around 130 Mbps and in the 5 GHz band, it is around 750 Mbps.

            2.4GHz Speed and RSSI Test Results

            Location2.4GHz Download Mbps2.4GHz Upload Mbps2.4GHz RSSI
            Center of Living Room (20 Feet)8055-52 dBm
            Corner of Bedroom (40 Feet)4832-62 dBm
            Backyard (70 Feet)2018-71 dBm

            5GHz Speed and RSSI Test Results

            Location5GHz Download Mbps5GHz Upload Mbps5GHz RSSI
            Center of Living Room (20 Feet)480210-54 dBm
            Corner of Bedroom (40 Feet)150125-64 dBm
            Backyard (70 Feet)13575-73 dBm
            tp-link archer ax21 download speed compare

            TP-Link Archer AX21 Download Speed at 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands

            Beamforming and Smart Coverage

            The TP-Link Archer AX1800 boasts a quartet of high-gain antennas that work tirelessly to ensure your Wi-Fi signal reaches every corner of your home with unwavering strength. Strategically positioned on the router, these antennas deliver omnidirectional coverage, ensuring your devices can connect seamlessly from any room.

            To further enhance performance, the TP Link Archer AX21 (AX1800) utilizes cutting-edge OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies. OFDMA efficiently divides the Wi-Fi spectrum into smaller subchannels, enabling multiple devices to share the same channel simultaneously without compromising speed. MU-MIMO, on the other hand, allows multiple devices to receive data simultaneously, minimizing latency and congestion.

            And for those homes with architectural challenges, like thick walls or intricate layouts, the TPLink AX21 comes equipped with built-in Beamforming technology. This intelligent feature acts like a spotlight, directing Wi-Fi signals directly towards connected devices, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments. Read More : How To Extend WiFi Range

            Unveiling the TP-Link AX1800 Enduring Value

            The TP-Link AX1800 goes beyond the realm of ordinary connectivity, offering a plethora of features that enhance its overall capabilities and user experience. These enhancements extend beyond the realm of speed and coverage, encompassing features that amplify the router’s functionality and adaptability.

            • OneMesh™ Technology: The TPLink Archer AX21 embraces the power of OneMesh™ technology, allowing you to effortlessly expand your Wi-Fi coverage without compromising on performance. By connecting compatible OneMesh™ devices, such as range extenders and satellite routers, you can seamlessly create a unified Wi-Fi network that spans across your entire home. This eliminates the hassle of switching between multiple networks and ensures that your devices always maintain the strongest possible connection.
            • Smart Parental Controls: The TPLink AX1800 (AX21) empowers parents with comprehensive parental control features to safeguard their children’s online activities. These features enable you to set time limits for device usage, block specific websites or categories, and even receive real-time alerts for suspicious online activity. This empowers parents to foster responsible digital habits and protect their children from potential online risks.
            • Adaptive QoS: This router goes beyond basic QoS by employing Adaptive QoS technology. This intelligence-driven feature dynamically adjusts network prioritization based on real-time network conditions, ensuring that the most critical applications always receive the necessary bandwidth. This adaptability ensures that your network remains optimized for the applications you’re using, regardless of the number of connected devices or activity levels.
            • VPN Server Feature: The TP Link Archer AX21 transforms into a secure VPN server, enabling you to establish a secure connection to remote networks. This feature is particularly useful for accessing company resources remotely or browsing the internet with enhanced privacy and security.
            • Ease of Setup and Management: The TP-Link Tether app simplifies the setup and management process, providing a user-friendly interface for configuring network settings, monitoring device connections, and accessing advanced features. This app caters to both novice and experienced users, ensuring a seamless setup and ongoing management experience.

            Choosing Between the TPLink Archer AX21 and Asus RT AX55

            Choosing the right WiFi router can feel like navigating a maze of tech specs and jargon. Two popular contenders vying for your attention are the TPLink Archer AX21 and the Asus RT AX55. Both promise to blanket your home with fast, reliable WiFi 6, but which one comes out on top? In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between these two routers, looking at everything from performance and features to ease of use, to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs.

            FeatureTP-Link Archer AX21Asus RT AX55
            Wireless Standard802.11ax (WiFi 6)802.11ax (WiFi 6)
            BandsDual-BandDual-Band
            Overall Speed1800 Mbps1800 Mbps
            RangeLarge HouseLarge House
            Concurrent Clients3030
            Antenna4× Fixed High-Performance4x External
            Security Level6.59
            Parental Controls88.5
            Traffic Control7.58.5
            Guest NetworkYesYes
            WAN Ports1 (1Gbps)1 (1Gbps)
            LAN Ports4 (1Gbps)4 (1Gbps)
            USB Ports1× USB 2.0N/A
            BeamformingYesYes
            MU-MIMOYesYes
            Mesh SupportOneMeshAiMesh
            Repeater ModeNoYes
            Vendor-Specific TechOneMeshAiProtection, AiMesh
            Processor1.5 GHz Quad-Core1.5 GHz Quad-Core
            Memory256 MB Flash, 256 MB RAM128 MB Flash, 256 MB RAM
            Dimensions10.2 × 5.3 × 1.5 in9.1 x 5.3 x 2.2 in
            Weight660 g374 g

            Conclusion

            If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 router, the TP-Link AX1800 is an excellent option. It delivers consistently fast speeds, covers most homes with ease, and comes with a comprehensive feature set, including parental controls, QoS, and VPN support. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up and use.

            In our technical testing, we were impressed with this router’s performance and stability. It’s a great choice for homes with multiple devices and demanding internet needs. Overall, the TP-Link Archer AX21 is a great value for the money. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 router, we highly recommend it.

            Scores (out of 10)
            Performance7.5
            Coverage8
            Features8
            Security6.5
            Design8
            Overall Score8
            TPLink Archer AX21 WiFi Router front

            TPLink Archer AX21 (AX1800) WiFi Router

            TPLink AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, Gigabit Router, USB port, Works with Alexa – A Certified for Humans Device

             
            View on Amazon

            Documents

            • User Manual
            • Quick Installation Guide
            • DataSheet

            Specifications


            Wireless Specifications
            Wireless Standard802.11ax (a/b/g/n/ac)
            BandsDual Band
            Overall Speed1800Mbps
            RangeLarge House
            Concurrent Clients30 Clients
            Antenna4× Fixed High-Performance

            Software Capabilities
            Security Level (1 to 10 )6.5
            Parental Control Capabilities (1 to 10)8
            Traffic Control Capabilities (1 to 10)7.5
            Guest NetworkYes

            Physical Ports
            WAN Ports1 (1Gbps)
            LAN Ports4 (1Gbps)
            USB Ports1× USB 2.0

            Special Capabilities
            Beamforming TechnologyYes
            MU-MIMO TechnologyYes
            Mesh SupportYes
            Repeater ModeNo
            Vendor-Specific TechnologyOneMesh Technology

            Hardware Specifications
            Processor1.5 GHz Quad-Core
            Memory256MB + 1GB Flash
            Dimension10.2 × 5.3 ×1.5 inch / 259 x 135 x 38 mm
            Weight1.45lb / 660g

            Product Images

            TPLink Archer AX21 / TPLink AX1800 WiFi Router Back View
            TPLink Archer AX21 / TPLink AX1800 WiFi Router Front View
            TPLink Archer AX21 / TPLink AX1800 WiFi Router Side View

            Question and Answers

            Is the TP Link Archer AX21 a good router?

            The TP Link Archer AX21 uses the latest WiFi 6 tech. It’s fast and will keep your network running smoothly for years to come.

            Is AX1800 the same as AX21?

            Same TP link router is named both ax1800 and archer ax21.

            Is TPLink AX1800 fast enough?

            The AX1800 offers fast enough speeds for everyday tasks. With theoretical maximum speeds of 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, you’ll be able to stream, work, and game without problems.

            Related posts

            Asus RT-BE88U-Featured Image
            May 16, 2025

            Asus RT-BE88U Review


            Read more
            Asus RT-BE86U Featured Image
            April 30, 2025

            Asus RT-BE86U Router Review


            Read more
            Asus RT-BE58U featured Image
            April 28, 2025

            ASUS RT-BE58U Router Review


            Read more
            google nest wifi router-review
            August 7, 2023

            Nest WiFi Router Review


            Read more
                  Subscribe to our newsletter!

            🏷️ Amazon Best Deals

            PAVILIA Premium Womens Plush Soft Robe Fluffy, Warm, Fleece Sherpa Shaggy Bathrobe
            PAVILIA Premium Womens Plush Soft Robe Fluffy, Warm, Fleece Sherpa Shaggy Bathrobe
            Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
            Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
            EverFoams Women's Wool-Like Slippers
            EverFoams Women's Wool-Like Slippers - Cozy, Warm, Indoor & Outdoor Comfort
            Cliganic USDA Organic Lip Balm
            Cliganic USDA Organic Lip Balm – Natural Moisturizing Lip Care
            Martha Stewart Whimsy 2-Pack Yellow Towels
            Martha Stewart Whimsy 2-Pack Yellow Towels – Soft, Absorbent, and Stylish
            Laneige CICA Sleeping Mask
            Laneige CICA Sleeping Mask – Intensive Overnight Hydration & Skin Repair
            Amazon Essentials Grainge Quilted Jacket
            Amazon Essentials Grainge Quilted Jacket – Stylish & Comfortable Outerwear
            WORKPRO Aluminum Garden Tool Set
            WORKPRO Aluminum Garden Tool Set – Durable, Lightweight & Essential for Gardening
            Ninja NC301 Ice Cream Maker
            Ninja NC301 Ice Cream Maker – Homemade Frozen Treats, Easy & Fast
            CEREMONY Incense Holder - Wooden Ash Catcher for Meditation
            CEREMONY Incense Holder – Wooden Ash Catcher for Relaxation & Meditation
            WHOOP 4.0 Fitness Tracker Subscription
            WHOOP 4.0 Fitness Tracker – Health & Performance Optimization Subscription
            DEARMAY Stackable Paperclip Bracelets
            DEARMAY Stackable Paperclip Bracelets – Elegant & Minimalist Jewelry
            LOVEVOOK Vintage Shoulder Crossbody Handbag
            LOVEVOOK Vintage Shoulder Crossbody Handbag – Stylish & Functional Everyday Bag
            Zeagoo Dressy Casual Blouse
            Zeagoo Dressy Casual Blouse – Elegant & Comfortable Women's Fashion
            PRETTYGARDEN Women's Striped Babydoll Dress
            PRETTYGARDEN Women's Striped Babydoll Dress – Elegant & Trendy Casual Outfit
            LOVEVOOK Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag
            LOVEVOOK Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag – Elegant & Functional Everyday Accessory
            Montana West Oversized Shoulder Bag
            Montana West Oversized Shoulder Bag – Spacious, Stylish & Functional Everyday Tote
            Missnine Leather Handbag
            Missnine Leather Handbag – Elegant & Versatile Top-Handle Bag for Everyday Use

            • About Us
            • Consulting
            • Contact Us
            • Privacy Policy
            • Link Exchange
            • Term and Conditions
            • Advertising on WiFiAdviser
            • Home Router Selection Tool
                    Subscribe to our newsletter!