The reality is, the overwhelming majority of us can be utterly proud of an web connection beneath 100Mbps for the subsequent couple of years so long as it’s constant and dependable. So why ought to anybody maintain chasing sooner speeds with evermore advanced and costly routers just like the TP-Link Archer AXE300? I can rattle off the spec sheet and all of it sounds very spectacular, however what does upgrading to this new high-end WI-Fi 6E router allow you to try this couldn’t be finished by the dreary gateway offered by your ISP?For one factor, when you haven’t already, you’ll be able to dive into the world of high-speed house networking. Whether you get it finished with probably the greatest NAS programs or wish to put collectively an inexpensive storage server with a 10Gbps NIC, with the ability to transfer huge quantities of information round your own home opens up a world of choices. If you’re a film buff, you would save backups of your 4K HDR Blu-rays on a NAS for Plex and watch them on practically any gadget with no need to place up with the restrictions of streaming like banding on gradients or the bizarre blurry impact brought on by compression and movie grain.Since the Archer AXE300 helps SFP+, you should use a fiber patch cable to place your (doubtlessly) noisy server as distant from your own home theater as doable. And because it’s fiber, you received’t want to fret about EMI and will even use the conduit you have already got put in. After all of that, you continue to have an ultrafast router with sufficient capability for a number of wi-fi units operating at full pace.Another factor is congestion. In a dense residential space like an residence constructing, the massive variety of neighboring Wi-Fi indicators can destroy your 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi speeds however a quad-band router will have the ability to reap the benefits of a number of chunks of the spectrum directly permitting you to get the most effective speeds doable. To add to that, there are lots of extra accessible channels accessible at 6GHz than 5GHz and at current, a lot much less site visitors. If you’re combating congestion and in search of the most effective Wi-Fi speeds doable, 6GHz could also be your reply.TP-Link Archer AXE300 evaluation: Price and availability(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)The TP-Link Archer AXE300 was first accessible in October of 2022 with a urged worth of $599.99. This router has additionally been persistently on sale because it was launched and is on the market with a $100 coupon on Amazon on the time of writing. While AXE16000 routers are nonetheless unusual, the Archer AXE300 is the most affordable amongst them. You can choose it up on Amazon within the U.S. in addition to TP-Link’s internet retailer. You even have the choice to separate the associated fee into 4 funds on TP-Link’s retailer.As far as packaging, the router is held firmly in place with two massive chunks of froth. The router arrived in nice situation and felt well-protected. While foam is technically recyclable, the reality is that many individuals will merely chuck it within the bin. I’d have preferred to see extra renewable or biodegradable packaging used as a substitute of being left with a piece of waste that’s sufficiently big to make use of as a floatation gadget.Today’s finest TP-Link Archer AXE300 offers (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)TP-Link Archer AXE300 evaluation: What I like(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)The TP-Link Archer AXE300 isn’t excellent however it’s additionally not that far off. It has an AXE16000 quad-band Wi-Fi 6E reference to twin 10Gbps Ethernet ports. The wi-fi pace breaks right down to 1148Mbps at 2.4GHz, two 4804Mbps 5GHz bands, and 4804Mbps at 6GHz. Both 5GHz bands and the 6GHz band help 160MHz connections so irrespective of which connection your gadget makes use of, it’s best to get loads of pace.Around the again, you get 4 gigabit Ethernet ports in your wired units, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and two 10Gbps Ethernet ports. One of the 10Gbps ports can be utilized as SFP+ which makes use of a fiber patch cable quite than copper. This can permit for longer runs with out dropping pace or worrying about electromagnetic interference from electrical strains. SFP+ is way more widespread in massive buildings or companies so it’s in all probability not going to get a ton of use, however when you’re in search of wired flexibility, it offers you a couple of extra choices for getting related. You may even use it in your web connection supply when you’ve bought a quick wired community already in place.Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)While I’d like to put this router by means of its paces with a multi-gig web connection, I solely have a symmetrical gigabit fiber choice in my space. One factor to notice is that I examined this router at its default settings as most individuals would use it. By default, OFDMA and MU-MIMO are disabled and the upper 5GHz band was set to 80MHz. These selections have been possible made by TP-Link to maximise compatibility for older units so when you’ve got a number of quick 160MHz units, it might be price a visit to the superior wi-fi settings to allow these settings.Nevertheless, this router delivers pretty constant speeds in all testing places and even the 6GHz sign was stronger than I anticipated.Swipe to scroll horizontallyTP-Link Archer AXE300 5GHz pace exams (obtain/add)Row 0 – Cell 0 Living room (router)BedroomGarageZenfone 8 (160MHz Wi-Fi 6)911/919Mbps, 923/911Mbps886/730Mbps, 888/590Mbps877/596Mbps, 913/729MbpsGalaxy S20+ (80MHz Wi-Fi 6)704/755Mbps, 735/635Mbps320/351Mbps, 326/238Mbps652/260Mbps, 673/336MbpsLG G8 (80MHz Wi-Fi 5)655/603Mbps, 685/588Mbps644/425Mbps, 552/286Mbps507/238Mbps, 355/276MbpsThe Zenfone 8 has help for 160MHz connections with a high pace of 2402Mbps on each the 5GHz and 6GHz bands. This connection is double what many older Wi-Fi 6 units, just like the Galaxy S20+ will get with their 80MHz connections. The slower speeds on the Galaxy S20+ might be attributed to the router placing it on 5G-1 (about 5.2GHz) with the LG G8 being placed on 5G-2 (about 5.8GHz) which is a little more open in my space.The LG G8 additionally has an 80MHz connection however with Wi-Fi 5. It’s obvious from these outcomes that the principle uplift with trendy units comes from higher use of spectrum, and never essentially being on the newest tech like Wi-Fi 6. I’m truly quite impressed by the efficiency of the G8’s Qualcomm QuickConnect 6200 Wi-Fi chip and it jogs my memory that there’s way more to a cellphone’s chipset than the CPU and GPU.That being mentioned, the Zenfone 8 cleaned up by way of total efficiency and continued to take action at 6GHz.Swipe to scroll horizontallyTP-Link Archer AXE300 6GHz pace exams (obtain/add)Row 0 – Cell 0 Living room (router)BedroomGarageZenfone 8 (160MHz Wi-Fi 6E)598/751Mbps, 617/574Mbps756/220Mbps, 738/330Mbps680/112Mbps, 683/155MbpsWi-Fi at 6GHz doesn’t supply the protection of 5GHz or 2.4GHz and that’s obvious within the add speeds within the two testing places with no less than one wall between the router. The very first thing to crumble was the add speeds however in actuality, you’ve nonetheless bought loads of pace for absolutely anything. Overall, I used to be happy with the 6GHz efficiency and in day-to-day utilization on the Zenfone 8, I didn’t discover the pace points. If you’re planning on utilizing 6GHz Wi-Fi for bigger backups although, you might must get artistic with discovering a very good line of sight to the router.As with all TP-Link routers, the Tether app made setup a breeze and the Archer AXE300 is even simpler than regular due to Bluetooth setup. Essentially, my cellphone related to the router utilizing Bluetooth so as to full the preliminary configuration. This was good as a result of I didn’t must scan any QR codes or sort in short-term passwords. It additionally labored flawlessly and I used to be up and operating in minutes.The Tether app has loads of settings for most individuals with the fundamental Wi-Fi settings that most individuals want inside a couple of faucets from any display. You may also arrange HomeShield from right here. HomeShield is TP-Link’s safety and parental controls software program bundle with a couple of options without spending a dime and a few extra superior options locked behind a subscription. While it’s a bit disappointing to see TP-Link nonetheless asking for more cash after you’ve paid for a $599.99 router, the options are good and work effectively.If you’ve bought adolescent youngsters which might be beginning to get artistic with their web searches, it could be definitely worth the $5.99 per 30 days so that you can improve to the total HomeShield bundle. Still, it’s arduous to disregard the truth that ASUS offers you related controls without spending a dime, although the value delta to ASUS’ competing router is greater than the price of a 12 months of HomeShield. Two years if there’s a very good low cost accessible.TP-Link additionally contains entry to superior Wi-Fi settings in an online browser so when you wish to get extra into the small print than the app permits, you’ve bought choices. The app will even present a hyperlink to this web page when you’re having hassle figuring out the router’s IP.TP-Link features a primary QoS function that permits you to set units as high-priority. This is nice for those who share a reference to a number of relations and might maintain your most essential units, like a piece laptop computer, operating easily when there’s lots of utilization at one time. TP-Link has additionally included VPN Client mode on this router so you’ll be able to add VPN connections and assign them to the suitable units.TP-Link has one other trick up its sleeve with OneMesh. OneMesh permits you to add some TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders in mesh mode. Unlike a standard extender, you received’t want so as to add a number of entry factors to your gadget. Your gadget will routinely connect with the strongest OneMesh node.TP-Link Archer AXE300 evaluation: What needs to be higher(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)One odd factor about TP-Link’s default settings is that each MU-MIMO and OFDMA are set to off by default. These two acronyms symbolize know-how that helps your router handle a number of units directly and sidestep congestion to maintain connection speeds excessive in difficult circumstances. TP-Link has possible left these off by default to enhance compatibility with older or cheaper Wi-Fi units, comparable to sensible house tech. I’d have most popular a separate IoT community by default like we see on some newer routers from Netgear just like the Orbi RBKE963.I additionally don’t love that HomeShield provides one more subscription to my card if I wish to use all of its options. While it’s priced decrease than a number of the competitors, the genuinely helpful options it brings, like superior parental controls and improved safety, simply aren’t price it to me. If HomeShield gives what you’ve been in search of, it’s a stable worth, however for me, a router is one thing I solely wish to pay for as soon as.TP-Link Archer AXE300 evaluation: Isn’t Wi-Fi 7 proper across the nook?(Image credit score: TP-Link)If you comply with Wi-Fi tech, you’ve possible been seeing lots of bulletins about Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 is a reasonably large leap from Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E however for most individuals, it received’t make sense for fairly some time. Wi-Fi 7’s finest trick is with the ability to use way more 6GHz spectrum directly making for unbelievable pace guarantees, however for the units most of us personal now or will purchase within the subsequent 12 months or so, it received’t imply a lot.If you wish to be on the bleeding edge, Wi-Fi 7 is correct across the nook, however understand that you’ll should pay a premium to get in on the tech early and if the launch of Wi-Fi 6E is something to go by, it would take a couple of months conservatively for the software program to catch up. And actually, the TP-Link Archer AXE300 and its competitors are loads quick for the overwhelming majority of us, even these with 5Gbps web connections or increased.TP-Link Archer AXE300 evaluation: Competition(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)If you’re out there for an AXE16000 router and the Archer AXE300 isn’t fairly doing it for you, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 may be a greater match with extra of its options concentrating on avid gamers and related total efficiency. As I noticed in my ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 evaluation, the speeds are nice and the construct high quality is second to none, however it’s fairly a bit dearer with a urged worth of $699.99. Some folks will desire ASUS’ software program which permits for simpler mesh enlargement with any AiMesh-compatible router and a extra strong QoS that enables for extra in-depth prioritization. ASUS additionally contains free parental controls and safety enhancements with AiProtection.If you need high speeds with out moving into the difficult superior settings, the Orbi RBRE960 from Netgear is one other quad-band AXE16000 router that’s constructed with simplicity and mesh enlargement in thoughts. In truth, my Orbi RBKE963 evaluation checked out this router as a part of a mesh equipment and located it to be quick, however not probably the most performant mesh in congested areas because of the 5GHz backhaul. That being mentioned, the Orbi RBRE960 router that makes up the core of the mesh has all the things most potential prospects are after together with 10Gbps Ethernet help for WAN and a 2.5Gbps port for LAN.TP-Link Archer AXE300 evaluation: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)You can buy it if…You have web speeds over 1Gbps.You have a quick NAS system with 10Gbps networking.You have dozens of wi-fi units in your house.You should not purchase it if…You have web speeds beneath 1Gbps.You need strong parental controls without spending a dime.You need versatile mesh enlargement choices.The TP-Link Archer AXE300 is likely one of the finest routers you should buy relating to pace and worth alone. When you add within the wonderful design and enlargement choices with the 10Gbps networking, this router can stand toe-to-toe with the most costly routers accessible just like the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 and the Orbi RBRE960. It seems to be nice in its darkish matte grey plastics with the delicate blue accent lights reminding you that this can be a high-end router. If you need one of many quickest routers you should buy right this moment with help for the sort of units you should buy right this moment, the Archer AXE300 is a superb selection. While its software program options really feel a bit missing if you carry within the ASUS choices, at $100 much less, it nonetheless appears like a wonderful worth. I need to reiterate that most individuals who do not have an web connection that may absolutely make the most of this router can be completely proud of one of many different (cheaper) finest Wi-Fi 6E routers.In my time utilizing this router, my connection has been stable and dependable. I’ve additionally by no means felt myself wanting for pace and all of my units related to wise bands straight away which means I by no means even had the urge to disable Smart Connect.In order to make sense, a router must be completely dependable no matter its pace. In my time testing the Archer AXE300, my connection high quality was wonderful from streaming 4K to some gentle on-line gaming. I’ve no reservations in recommending this router and if safety software program and parental controls aren’t your high precedence, this is a superb router for these in search of wonderful speeds and reliability. I look ahead to utilizing this router as my day by day driver for fairly some time.
All of the pace you want
This Wi-Fi 6E router has all the pace any house wants and extra due to its twin 5GHz bands, 6GHz band, and 10Gbps wired networking. It’s additionally probably the most reasonably priced AXE16000 router you may get with few significant corners reduce to get the value down.