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eero 7 vs TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router

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 C6 AC1200 Router scores 5.9/10 overall, ahead of the eero 7 at 5.5/10.

The eero 7 leads on wi-Fi standard and bands and coverage.

The TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router leads on software and security and value.

They score the same on wired ports.

The biggest difference is software and security, where the TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router scores 7/10 to the eero 7's 4/10.

eero 7

eero 7

5.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The eero 7 is a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router for households that want easy setup and broad coverage without managing much. It suits people who will use it as a smart home hub, since it supports Zigbee, Thread and Matter. It is a weaker fit for anyone who wants every feature without a subscription or needs a 6 GHz band.

Typically about £169.99 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

TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Router

TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The Archer C6 is for anyone replacing an ageing router with a single dual-band Wi-Fi 5 unit and four Gigabit LAN ports. It suits buyers who want a simple setup and a decent feature list, including guest networks, WPA3 and a VPN server. It is a poor fit if you need Wi-Fi 6, multi-gigabit ports or a rated coverage figure.

Typically about £43.78 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

CriterionWeighteero 7TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/105/10
Software and security25%4/107/10
Wired ports20%6/106/10
Coverage15%6/104/10
Value15%6/107/10
Overall5.5/105.9/10

Specifications

Speceero 7TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 7 (802.11be)Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac/n/a on 5 GHz; 802.11n/b/g on 2.4 GHz)
Bands and speed classDual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (no 6 GHz)Dual-band AC1200: 867 Mbps on 5 GHz, 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz (the same page also gives 400 Mbps for 2.4 GHz, a conflict on the manufacturer page)
WAN portnot listed1x Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps)
LAN portsnot listed4x Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps)
Mesh nodes in the box1 node per unit when sold singly; 2-pack and 3-pack available0 (one router in the box)
Rated coverage2,000 sq. ft. per routernot listed
Security and VPN featuresnot listedSPI firewall, access control, IP and MAC binding, guest networks (one 5 GHz and one 2.4 GHz), VPN server (OpenVPN, PPTP), VPN client (OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard), WPA/WPA2/WPA3, parental controls

Strengths and weaknesses

eero 7

  • + Wi-Fi 7 with two auto-sensing 2.5GbE ports
  • + Easy setup and good coverage, according to owners
  • + Zigbee, Thread and Matter support built in
  • − Advanced features need a paid eero Plus subscription
  • − Dual-band only, with no 6 GHz band
  • − Signal weakens through thick walls, owners report

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want advanced router features without paying a subscription
  • Buyers who need a 6 GHz band for busy, device-heavy networks
  • Homelabbers who need confirmed VLAN or VPN server support
Read the full eero 7 review ›

TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router

  • + WPA3, guest networks and VPN server included
  • + Four Gigabit LAN ports plus Gigabit WAN
  • + Owners report simple setup and good value
  • − No rated coverage figure published
  • − No USB port, according to owners
  • − Several hardware revisions share the same name

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want Wi-Fi 6 or newer
  • Anyone needing 2.5GbE or faster wired ports
  • People who need a USB port for storage or printer sharing
Read the full TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router review ›

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