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TP-Link Archer AX53 vs ASUS RT-BE92U

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems at a similar price

The ASUS RT-BE92U scores 7.4/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Archer AX53 at 5.8/10.

The TP-Link Archer AX53 leads on coverage.

The ASUS RT-BE92U leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, software and security, wired ports and value.

The biggest difference is wired ports, where the ASUS RT-BE92U scores 9/10 to the TP-Link Archer AX53's 5/10.

Archer AX53

TP-Link Archer AX53

5.8/10verdict: wait for deal

The Archer AX53 is a single Wi-Fi 6 router for people in a small or medium home who want a broad feature list. It suits households that want parental controls, guest networks and a built-in VPN server. It is a weaker fit if you need multi-gig wired ports, a USB port or a mesh that isn't tied to TP-Link.

Typically about £59.98 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

ASUS RT-BE92U

ASUS RT-BE92U

7.4/10verdict: buy

The ASUS RT-BE92U is a single tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router for buyers who want multi-gig wired ports and subscription-free security. It suits a home or homelab with fast fibre or a 10 Gbps-capable wired setup. Buyers who need wide coverage from one box or trouble-free firmware should read the owner reports first.

Typically about £198.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightTP-Link Archer AX53ASUS RT-BE92U
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/108/10
Software and security25%6/107/10
Wired ports20%5/109/10
Coverage15%6/105/10
Value15%6/107/10
Overall5.8/107.4/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Archer AX53ASUS RT-BE92U
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); also lists 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, including 6E
Bands and speed classDual-band AX3000: 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160); 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax)Tri-band: 2.4 GHz (3x3), 5 GHz (2x2) and 6 GHz (2x2); rated maximums 1032, 2882 and 5764 Mbps
WAN port1x Gigabit WAN (1 Gbps)One 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port and one 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port; either can serve as WAN
LAN ports4x Gigabit LAN (1 Gbps)Three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, plus the 10 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN ports, which can also be used as LAN
Mesh nodes in the box0 mesh nodes in box; single router, EasyMesh-compatible and works with OneMeshNone; the box contains one router. AiMesh is supported as primary or node
Rated coverageRated for 2-3 bedroom houses (TP-Link Malaysia page); four external antennasnot listed
Security and VPN featuresWPA3; guest networks (one 5 GHz, one 2.4 GHz); VPN server (OpenVPN, PPTP); VPN client (OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard on V2); SPI firewall, IPS, DDoS prevention, HomeShield securityWPA3 Personal and Enterprise, OWE, WPS; AiProtection with Malicious Site Blocking and Two-Way IPS; firewall with DNS-over-TLS; up to three guest networks; VPN server (IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard); VPN client (L2TP, OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard); Instant Guard app

Strengths and weaknesses

TP-Link Archer AX53

  • + Dual-band AX3000 with 160MHz channels on 5GHz
  • + WPA3, guest networks, VPN server and IPS included
  • + Praised for parental controls and the Tether app
  • − Gigabit ports only, with no USB port
  • − Some owners report sluggish interfaces and dropped devices
  • − OneMesh only works with TP-Link products

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need 2.5GbE or faster wired ports
  • Anyone wanting Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 and a 6GHz band
  • People who want a USB port or a mesh mixing different brands
Read the full TP-Link Archer AX53 review ›

ASUS RT-BE92U

  • + 10 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN ports plus three 2.5 Gbps LAN
  • + Security is subscription-free, with WireGuard and OpenVPN server options
  • + Owners describe quiet, fanless operation
  • − Some owners report buggy firmware and disconnections
  • − Owners report poor 6 GHz range
  • − VLAN support isn't listed in the features

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need one box to cover a large home
  • Anyone who needs VLAN support, which ASUS doesn't list
  • Beginners who want simple app-led setup and mesh configuration
Read the full ASUS RT-BE92U review ›

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