TP-Link Archer AX21 Review

Upgrading to a new WiFi router can be a tricky business, especially for non-experts. You don’t want to end up downgrading instead of upgrading. If you currently have a router that is anything less than WiFi 6 or 802.11 AX, then you will probably want to have a look at the TP-Link Archer AX21.

This is a WiFi router that is definitely worth checking out if you have around $100 to spend and if you’re looking for a high-speed and stable WiFi connection.

What Is WiFi 6?

The TP-Link Archer AX21 features a WiFi 6 connection, which is the newest IEEE standard that provides much better features and benefits than its predecessor, WiFi 5 or 802.11AC. WiFi 6 is the same as 802.11AX, and it is perfectly compatible with the previous WiFi standards, including WiFi 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. If you want a more technical way to put it, they are the same as 802.11AX, AC, N, G, B, and A.

Design

tp link archer ax21 design

An often important feature of any device is its appeal, design, and portability. The design can be a dealbreaker as many people don’t want it ruining their living room decor. As a result, the Archer AX21 was built to look great no matter where you put it.

It comes 10.28 inches long, 5.3 inches wide, and 1.61 inches high. These are more than adequate size specs for a router, as it will sit comfortably on any surface. It only comes in black color and features 4 high-gain antennas that are flexible for adjusting how they sit.

Features and Performance

tp link archer ax21 features

Even though the design is important, there’s nothing that matters more than the device’s performance and all the benefits it can provide. There are plenty of rewarding features you can enjoy with the TP-Link Archer AX21. Let’s start with connectivity.

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a dual-band router, meaning it supports both the 5GHz and the 2.4GHz frequency band. As far as internet speed is concerned, the highest it can reach is 1.8Gbps. The 5GHz band provides 1200 Mbps and the 2.4GHz one stands at only 574 Mbps.

This router allows more than 40 devices to be connected to it at the same time. On top of that, it also states that you won’t lose any noticeable stability or speed even though that many devices are connected. This is made possible thanks to the revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology implemented in the device. As a result, every single member of your family and friends can connect at the same time and you won’t experience any loss in speed, stability, or WiFi coverage.

Regarding network security, the Archer AX21 utilizes state-of-the-art WPA3 encryption to make sure your networks are safe and secure. This also makes it easier for you to add your IoT devices to your WiFi

Everything this router has to offer is perfect for a luxury lifestyle that includes 4K streaming all day, gaming without any disruptions or complications that would cause stress, and total compatibility with most devices you have.

Compared to the predecessors of this type of technology, the Archer AX21 WiFi 6 supposedly offers 3x more speed, 4x larger connection capacity, and saves connected devices’ power. A router under $100 will serve you well but will hardly match these benefits.

Hardware

Now let’s have a look at the components that allow such promising features to be available to users. The first thing that needs mentioning is that it’s wonderful that such a capable device only comes at a little over $100. The powerful 1.5Ghz Quad-Core Processor is what comes into play for everyone to be able to experience minimal network latency. This ensures that the router and all devices connected to it communicate smoothly and without interruptions.

What about WiFi coverage? The 4 high-gain antennas featured on the router are equipped with Beamforming technology and an advanced FEM (front-end module) chipset, meaning all users will receive much wider reliable coverage that each device can take advantage of comfortably. These are all features that improve and make many of the best long-range WiFi routers out there.

Compatibility

tp link archer ax21 compatibility

The Archer AX21 may be better in a few areas than other WiFi routers of similar price, but it still features the standard ports and buttons. What you can expect to find on the back of the device includes the following:

  • 1 x Gigabit WAN Port
  • 4 x Gigabit LAN Ports
  • 1 x USB 2.0 Port
  • Power Button and Jack
  • WPS/WiFi Button
  • Reset Button
  • LED On/Off Button

Setting up and controlling the TP-Link Archer AX21 is also very easy. Initially, you have to type in the IP address written on the device in your browser and set up the device from there. You have plenty of options to choose from to make it perfect for you. You can easily adjust LAN settings, configure open VPN, change Ipv6 settings, check system logs, MAC clone, and much more. Best of all, if you have any compatibility issues with older devices you can simply disable WiFi 6 and you should be fine after that.

Aside from that, an app called Tether is also available to download. This app can allow you to easily configure the Archer AX21. Another amazing compatibility feature is that it works alongside Alexa. If you have an Alexa device, you can set it up so that you would be able to control the Archer using voice control. Many other unique features can be included by using the Tether app.

8.5
Review Summary

It’s amazing that a router that is slightly over $100 can provide such high-end features and benefits. The TP-Link Archer AX21 is more than capable of providing a fast internet connection to your entire home while making sure it’s always stable and reliable. Above all else, this WiFi router is perfect for home use where you can stream 4K videos and enjoy anything else that requires a wifi connection without worrying about speed, signal strength, or stability.

  • WiFi Signal 9.2
  • Tech Support 8.5
  • Easy to Use 7.0

Pros:

  • Excellent User Interface
  • Great Signal Strength
  • Doesn’t Overheat
  • Great WiFi Coverage

Cons:

  • Might Prove Difficult to Set Up

About The Author

Stole Trishanski

Ever since Stole was a kid, when he wasn’t playing video games he was probably in some corner disassembling any gadget he could get his hands on. His curiosity and will to learn made him into a huge tech nerd and enthusiast. Finally, after years of practice, learning, and breaking hundreds of gadgets Stole is helping others learn everything about tech.

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