TP-Link Archer AXE75 Router
The TP-Link Archer AXE75 – AXE5400 Router is their first standalone Wi-Fi 6E router. On the plus side, the AXE5400 provides greater Wi-Fi speed. On the minus side, as an entry-level 6E router, the scales of price vs functionality are tipped towards price. Still, you can enter the realm of 6E WiFi at a reasonable price of around $230 Canadian. This makes it the cheapest Wi-Fi 6E router on the market.
My experience with the TP-Link line of routers has been excellent. You can check out previous impressions here for the AC5400 and the AX6000; the former a 5 GHz router and the latter a 6 GHz router. Those reviews not only cover the strengths of both routers but also include background on TP-Link too. Additionally, check out our impressions for the AX11000 which also explains what Wi-Fi 6 is all about.
The AXE5400 stylistically bears the same aesthetics as the AX6000 in a smaller form factor. It is all black Deco style with a wedge of piano black plastic lain diagonally across the top. I remember marveling in comparison how light the AX6000 is to the AC5400. My amazement deepened with the featherlight heft of the AXE5400, even accounting for the smaller size of the device and that it is an entry line model.
While the AXE5400 is more diminutive in stature compared to the previously mentioned brethren, it is a capable router, bolstered by the latest technological advances. The big feature is Wi-Fi 6E is making a whole frequency spectrum available for use. 2.4 and 5.0 GHz bands are becoming increasingly more congested. The 6E band has only been available in the last couple of years, so you won’t being competing with your neighbors for a while.
Whee Wi-Fi 6E!!!!!!
Wi-Fi 6E also boosts the ability to handle many more devices without a significant loss in performance. Other benefits include lower latency because of greater spectrum, and more throughput. In real-world terms, I can attest to this. With the AX6000, I couldn’t fully test its 6G functionality because I didn’t own any 6G capable devices at the time. This time I do. Two, in fact: a PS5 and a Quest 2 VR Headset.
Using the Quest 2 as my main Wi-Fi 6 test device, I could test the 6 GHz bands for both the AX6000 and the AXE5400. I saw a nice 30% increase in speed for Wi-Fi 6, going from 866 bps to 1200 bps. The only drawback is that the range for 6 GHz Wi-Fi is much shorter, so the speed boost is only line of sight. Moving out of the room where the router is located results in a big speed fall off. Still, for those looking to max out their wireless VR headsets, Wi-Fi 6 & 6E routers are the way to go.
Setting up a TP-Link router is getting easier and easier. It has almost become a plug’n play experience. I had the router up and running in under 15 minutes. TP-Link also provides a mobile app for Android and iOS devices that lets you control the router from your smartphone. The Tether app lets you connect remotely to the router through the Cloud. You can see how many devices/clients are connected to the router and further control is allowed. You can grant priority to each client–so, for example, my wife’s iPad used heavily on the top floor gets first consideration on Internet bandwidth over other devices.
The Tether app also comes with a HomeCare suite of apps that allows tailoring of Internet content to fit the profile of a user. Parents can invoke parental controls so that their kids cannot access material deemed inappropriate. Also available is Antivirus protection, which can be enabled or disabled.
Lots of Customization Features
Then there is the QOS–Quality of Service. From this nifty utility, you tailor how the TP-Link AXE5400 handles Internet usage. You can place priority on usage categories of gaming, streaming, surfing, downloading or chatting. Each Wi-Fi category can be assigned a priority: Low, Normal, or High. Very easy to use and very handy.
There is even built-in Amazon Alexa compatibility. No longer do you need to access a web browser of a device connected to your network to configure the router. There is also an extensive suite of tools where you can even limit the hours that a user on the network will have Wi-Fi access. Parents rejoice!
The first cost-cutting move comes with the allocation of Wi-Fi throughput with the Tri-Band allocation. In total, you can get 5400 bps across the three bands. The 5 and 6 GHz bands are mid-tier and capped at 2042 bps. We can see here price savings with the number and speed of the ports. They restrict the Ethernet ports to 1 Gigabit, so if you are hoping for higher Wi-Fi speeds, you will need to look elsewhere.
Another cost-cutting move is the virtual move of Homeshield services from the router to a web-based subscription service. This means they will host all your security settings on TP-Link servers. Something to remember, in case you are averse to sharing such information. This includes such things as QoS(Quality of Service), Parental Control, and online protection. Important to note as the company headquarters are in China, which has different standards for security and online privacy.
Good Wi-Fi Coverage for the Price
It will provide proper coverage for a 2000 sq ft home. Signal drop-off starts at about 40 feet. So your experience will vary depending on the layout of your home. Once I had the unit setup and let it run for a few days, it was rock solid. Like the other TP-Link routers, I experienced no dropouts or service interruptions.
The TP-Link Archer AXE75 is an entry-level Wi-Fi 6E router that is a good choice for most consumers and those on sub-1 Gigabit broadband feeds. Power users, such as gamers and creatives, should look at more powerful and expensive choices.
***TP-Link Archer AXE75 Router was provided by the publisher***