Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

TP-Link Archer AX53 vs TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack)

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

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

The TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) scores 5.9/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Archer AX53 at 5.8/10.

The TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) leads on coverage.

They score the same on wi-Fi standard and bands, software and security, wired ports and value.

Archer AX53

TP-Link Archer AX53

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

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 Deco X50 (3-pack)

TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack)

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The Deco X50 3-pack is for people who want whole-home Wi-Fi 6 across a large property without much fiddling. It suits households that value simple setup and wide coverage over advanced router controls. Buyers who need multi-gig wiring or a third band should look at other models.

Typically about £194.99 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 Deco X50 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/106/10
Software and security25%6/106/10
Wired ports20%5/105/10
Coverage15%6/107/10
Value15%6/106/10
Overall5.8/105.9/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Archer AX53TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax/ac/n/a on 5 GHz; 802.11ax/n/b/g on 2.4 GHz)
Bands and speed classDual-band AX3000: 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160); 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax)Dual-band AX3000: 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160); 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax)
WAN port1x Gigabit WAN (1 Gbps)not listed
LAN ports4x Gigabit LAN (1 Gbps)Three Gigabit ports per unit, auto-sensing WAN or LAN
Mesh nodes in the box0 mesh nodes in box; single router, EasyMesh-compatible and works with OneMesh3
Rated coverageRated for 2-3 bedroom houses (TP-Link Malaysia page); four external antennasUp to 604 m²
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 securitySPI firewall, access control, HomeShield security, 1x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz guest networks, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption

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 Deco X50 (3-pack)

  • + Rated coverage of up to 604 m² with three nodes
  • + Owners praise easy setup and range
  • + WPA3, tagged VLAN and guest networks listed
  • − Gigabit-only ports on every unit
  • − Dual-band only, with no 6 GHz
  • − Owners report limited advanced controls

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want 2.5GbE or multi-gig wired ports
  • Anyone who wants a 6 GHz band or Wi-Fi 6E or 7
  • Users who need detailed advanced router controls
Read the full TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) review ›

More comparisons

Compare all Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems · Best Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems