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TP-Link Archer AX53 vs TP-Link Archer BE3600

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

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

The TP-Link Archer BE3600 scores 6.5/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Archer AX53 at 5.8/10.

The TP-Link Archer AX53 leads on coverage.

The TP-Link Archer BE3600 leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, wired ports and value.

They score the same on software and security.

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

TP-Link Archer BE3600

TP-Link Archer BE3600

6.5/10verdict: buy

The TP-Link Archer BE3600 is for people who want a Wi-Fi 7 router on a tight budget. It suits a small home or flat where a 2.5GbE WAN link and a few wired devices matter more than 6 GHz. It is a poor fit for large or multi-storey homes that need confirmed range.

Typically about £74.99 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 AX53TP-Link Archer BE3600
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/107/10
Software and security25%6/106/10
Wired ports20%5/107/10
Coverage15%6/104/10
Value15%6/108/10
Overall5.8/106.5/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Archer AX53TP-Link Archer BE3600
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); 5 GHz rated 2882 Mbps, 2.4 GHz rated 688 Mbps
Bands and speed classDual-band AX3000: 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160); 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax)Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, no 6 GHz; BE3600 class
WAN port1x Gigabit WAN (1 Gbps)1x 2.5 Gbps
LAN ports4x Gigabit LAN (1 Gbps)1x 2.5 Gbps and 3x 1 Gbps (4 total), plus one USB 3.0 port
Mesh nodes in the box0 mesh nodes in box; single router, EasyMesh-compatible and works with OneMesh0 extra nodes (single router, EasyMesh compatible)
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 securityTP-Link HomeShield security, parental controls, VPN client and VPN server, QoS, port forwarding, DMZ, DDNS, Tag VLAN, Guest Mode

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 ›

TP-Link Archer BE3600

  • + Wi-Fi 7 support at a low price
  • + 2.5GbE WAN plus one 2.5GbE LAN port
  • + VPN server, Tag VLAN and Guest Mode included
  • − No 6 GHz band
  • − Range reported weak at 25 feet
  • − Firmware lacks several optimisation settings

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a 6 GHz band or a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router
  • Anyone covering a large or multi-storey home with a single unit
  • Users who want detailed radio and optimisation controls in the firmware
Read the full TP-Link Archer BE3600 review ›

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