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TP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 Router 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 C6 AC1200 Router scores 5.9/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack) at 5.7/10.

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

The TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack) leads on wi-Fi standard and bands and coverage.

The biggest difference is coverage, where the TP-Link Deco X55 (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 (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 C6 AC1200 RouterTP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%5/106/10
Software and security25%7/105/10
Wired ports20%6/105/10
Coverage15%4/107/10
Value15%7/106/10
Overall5.9/105.7/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Archer C6 AC1200 RouterTP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac/n/a on 5 GHz; 802.11n/b/g on 2.4 GHz)Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz, 802.11ax/n/b/g 2.4 GHz)
Bands and speed classDual-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, 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps
WAN port1x Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps)No dedicated WAN port; each unit has 3 Gigabit ports that auto-sense WAN or LAN
LAN ports4x Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps)3 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit (9 across the 3-pack), shared with WAN auto-sensing
Mesh nodes in the box0 (one router in the box)3 Deco X55 units
Rated coveragenot listedUp to 6,500 ft² for the 3-pack (marketing rating; wireless coverage not guaranteed)
Security and VPN featuresSPI 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 controlsWPA/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 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 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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