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TP-Link Archer AX53 vs MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router

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

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

The MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Archer AX53 at 5.8/10.

The TP-Link Archer AX53 leads on coverage.

The MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router leads on software and security and value.

They score the same on wi-Fi standard and bands and wired ports.

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

MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router

6.2/10verdict: wait for deal

The MERCUSYS MR80X suits people who want a low-cost Wi-Fi 6 router for a small home with a gigabit connection. It covers the basics well, with guest networks, a VPN server and WPA3 listed. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs multi-gig ports, a wide-coverage mesh out of the box or lots of wired devices.

Typically about £34.99 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 AX53MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/106/10
Software and security25%6/107/10
Wired ports20%5/105/10
Coverage15%6/105/10
Value15%6/108/10
Overall5.8/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Archer AX53MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), compatible with 11ac/a/b/g/n
Bands and speed classDual-band AX3000: 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160); 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax)Dual-band: 2402 Mbps (5 GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 160 MHz channels, 1024-QAM; marketed as AX3000
WAN port1x Gigabit WAN (1 Gbps)1x Gigabit WAN (1 Gbps)
LAN ports4x Gigabit LAN (1 Gbps)3x Gigabit LAN (datasheet; V6 page lists 5x, so revision-dependent)
Mesh nodes in the box0 mesh nodes in box; single router, EasyMesh-compatible and works with OneMesh0 extra nodes (single router, no nodes in box)
Rated coverageRated for 2-3 bedroom houses (TP-Link Malaysia page); four external antennasNo manufacturer-rated area; four 5 dBi fixed omni antennas and beamforming
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-SAE (needs client support), WPA/WPA2 Enterprise, SPI firewall, IP/MAC binding, 2.4 and 5 GHz guest networks, OpenVPN/PPTP/L2TP/IPsec server and clients, parental controls, QoS, IPTV tag VLAN, IPv6, Smart Connect

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 ›

MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router

  • + Wi-Fi 6 with 160 MHz channels and 1024-QAM
  • + VPN server and clients plus guest networks on both bands
  • + Owners describe it as very affordable and stable
  • − Gigabit-only ports, with three LAN ports on the datasheet
  • − No manufacturer-rated coverage area and no nodes in the box
  • − Owners report no repeater mode and no wall-mount holes

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want 2.5GbE or 10GbE wired ports
  • People who need many wired connections without adding a switch
  • Owners of larger homes who want a mesh kit with nodes in the box
Read the full MERCUSYS MR80X AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router review ›

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