TP-Link Archer BE3600 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 Archer BE3600 scores 6.5/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) at 5.9/10.

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

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

They score the same on software and security.

The biggest difference is coverage, where the TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) scores 7/10 to the TP-Link Archer BE3600's 4/10.

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

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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

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	TP-Link Archer BE3600	TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard and bands	25%	7/10	6/10
Software and security	25%	6/10	6/10
Wired ports	20%	7/10	5/10
Coverage	15%	4/10	7/10
Value	15%	8/10	6/10
Overall		6.5/10	5.9/10

Specifications

Spec	TP-Link Archer BE3600	TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); 5 GHz rated 2882 Mbps, 2.4 GHz rated 688 Mbps	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax/ac/n/a on 5 GHz; 802.11ax/n/b/g on 2.4 GHz)
Bands and speed class	Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, no 6 GHz; BE3600 class	Dual-band AX3000: 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160); 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax)
WAN port	1x 2.5 Gbps	not listed
LAN ports	1x 2.5 Gbps and 3x 1 Gbps (4 total), plus one USB 3.0 port	Three Gigabit ports per unit, auto-sensing WAN or LAN
Mesh nodes in the box	0 extra nodes (single router, EasyMesh compatible)	3
Rated coverage	not listed	Up to 604 m²
Security and VPN features	TP-Link HomeShield security, parental controls, VPN client and VPN server, QoS, port forwarding, DMZ, DDNS, Tag VLAN, Guest Mode	SPI 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 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 ›

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 ›

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