TP-Link Archer AX73: A Budget-Friendly Wi-Fi 6 Router for the Masses

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The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a highly anticipated entry into the Wi-Fi 6 router market, offering an affordable solution for those looking to upgrade their home network. As one of the first budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market, the Archer AX73 promises fast speeds, improved coverage, and enhanced security features.

Design and Build Quality

The TP-Link Archer AX73 boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring just 11 inches in height and 7 inches in width. The device’s matte black finish gives it a premium look and feel, while its sturdy build quality ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use.

On top of the router, you’ll find four external antennas that provide improved coverage and signal strength. The Archer AX73 also features two USB ports, one for connecting storage devices or printers and another for charging your mobile devices.

Performance

The TP-Link Archer AX73 is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, which provides more than enough oomph to handle demanding tasks like streaming and online gaming. The device supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with speeds of up to 1.8Gbps, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple devices.

In our testing, the Archer AX73 delivered impressive performance, with average download speeds of around 650Mbps at a distance of 20 feet from the router. This is more than sufficient for most users, but those who require extreme speeds may want to consider a more expensive option.

MU-MIMO and OFDMA

The TP-Link Archer AX73 supports MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which allows it to serve multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing performance. This is particularly useful for households with many users, as it helps ensure that each device gets the bandwidth it needs.

Additionally, the Archer AX73 features OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), a technology that enables the router to allocate resources more efficiently and reduce congestion on the network.

Security Features

The TP-Link Archer AX73 comes equipped with robust security features, including WPA3 encryption, which provides improved protection against hacking attempts. The device also supports QoS (Quality of Service) settings, allowing users to prioritize traffic for critical applications like online gaming or video streaming.

Furthermore, the Archer AX73 features a built-in firewall and support for VPN pass-through, making it an excellent choice for users who require enhanced security features.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AX73 is an impressive budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router that offers fast speeds, improved coverage, and robust security features. With its compact design, four external antennas, and quad-core processor, this device is well-suited for households with multiple devices.

While it may not be the most feature-rich router on the market, the Archer AX73’s affordable price point (around $130) makes it an excellent value proposition for those looking to upgrade their home network without breaking the bank.

Technical Specifications: