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TP-Link Archer AX53 vs TP-Link Deco X55 (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 Archer AX53 scores 5.8/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack) at 5.7/10.

The TP-Link Archer AX53 leads on software and security.

The TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack) leads on coverage.

They score the same on wi-Fi standard and bands, 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 X55 (3-pack)

TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack)

5.7/10verdict: good, not the best

The Deco X55 3-pack suits people covering a larger home with an app-managed Wi-Fi 6 mesh. It fits buyers whose wired devices and internet connection run at Gigabit speed or below. It is a weaker match for anyone who wants multi-gig ports or detailed manual control of the network.

Typically about £209.99 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 X55 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/106/10
Software and security25%6/105/10
Wired ports20%5/105/10
Coverage15%6/107/10
Value15%6/106/10
Overall5.8/105.7/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Archer AX53TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz, 802.11ax/n/b/g 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, 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps
WAN port1x Gigabit WAN (1 Gbps)No dedicated WAN port; each unit has 3 Gigabit ports that auto-sense WAN or LAN
LAN ports4x Gigabit LAN (1 Gbps)3 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit (9 across the 3-pack), shared with WAN auto-sensing
Mesh nodes in the box0 mesh nodes in box; single router, EasyMesh-compatible and works with OneMesh3 Deco X55 units
Rated coverageRated for 2-3 bedroom houses (TP-Link Malaysia page); four external antennasUp to 6,500 ft² for the 3-pack (marketing rating; wireless coverage not guaranteed)
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 securityWPA/WPA2/WPA3, SPI firewall, parental controls, QoS, guest networks for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, HomeShield (free Basic tier)

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 X55 (3-pack)

  • + Three units with a 6,500 ft² rating and 150-device support
  • + WPA3, guest networks, tagged VLAN and a free HomeShield Basic tier
  • + Owners describe setup and the app as easy
  • − Gigabit-only ports, with no multi-gig option
  • − Owners report dropouts and devices falling off the mesh
  • − Management is app-only, with limited firewall and radio tuning

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports on the router or nodes
  • Anyone who wants detailed firewall and radio settings beyond the app
  • Buyers who want a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 system
Read the full TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack) review ›

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