TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router 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 C6 AC1200 Router and TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) both score 5.9/10 overall.

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

The TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) leads on wi-Fi standard and bands and coverage.

The biggest difference is coverage, where the TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack) scores 7/10 to the TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router's 4/10.

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

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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 C6 AC1200 Router	TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard and bands	25%	5/10	6/10
Software and security	25%	7/10	6/10
Wired ports	20%	6/10	5/10
Coverage	15%	4/10	7/10
Value	15%	7/10	6/10
Overall		5.9/10	5.9/10

Specifications

Spec	TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router	TP-Link Deco X50 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac/n/a on 5 GHz; 802.11n/b/g on 2.4 GHz)	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 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)	Dual-band AX3000: 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160); 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax)
WAN port	1x Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps)	not listed
LAN ports	4x Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps)	Three Gigabit ports per unit, auto-sensing WAN or LAN
Mesh nodes in the box	0 (one router in the box)	3
Rated coverage	not listed	Up to 604 m²
Security and VPN features	SPI 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	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 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 ›

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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