TP-LinkAX3000 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX55 Pro) - Multi Gigabit Wireless Internet, 2 x 2.5 Gbps Ports, Dual Band, VPN Router, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, USB 3.0 Port, WPA3, Compatible with Alexa

I am completely impressed by this router.I was dreading the installation process and reconfiguring everything around the house. However, the process could not have been more straightforward.The instructions were spot-on and straightforward. I followed every step on the hard copy version included in the box and then, after downloading the app, continued the installation process. You are walked through each series of actions until your router is fully connected to the modem.Once you have your router set up and password protected, the final step is connecting every WiFi device in your home to your new TP-Link router.The signal strength reached so far that my wife's home office, which is located on the other end of the house in our extended garage, was able to connect seamlessly. We have a WiFi extender that we've been using for her to connect her devices, but she's now able to connect just as well or better using the signal from the main router.Since we have the WiFi extender, I wanted to set it up for use just in case. Using the app, I was able to easily add the extender as an additional device, ensuring we have strong coverage throughout our home.I like the app because it allows you to view the devices connected to your router. You can even rename each device so you know exactly what it is and categorize it by type (e.g., phone, TV, computer). The only thing the app lacks that would be nice is a speed test. I've searched and couldn't find one. Still, given how well I love everything else about the app and router, that's not a significant issue.Most of the devices in our home connect using WiFi, but my office computer is hard-wired using an Ethernet cable. I appreciate having the option to connect to my router using both a physical LAN and a wireless WiFi connection. Additionally, it's convenient to have four separate LAN ports.The USB port on the back allows you to plug in an external drive and set it up to share files from within that drive to all or selected devices connected to your router.This TP-Link router offers a wide range of functions beyond just connecting your devices via WiFi.I have 12 devices running through my router right now, and every one of them has high-quality speed. So, it has the capacity to maintain a large volume of gear, whether that be your phone, TV, or media player.Aside from my one minor note about the lack of a speed test inside the app, I couldn't find any faults with this product. It was offered at a more than reasonable price, and it got me connected to the internet without any frustration. It's safe to say that I highly recommend this router.

I bought a Deco X55 back in July 2022 after my 11-year-old Apple AirPort Extreme / Time Capsule just couldn't keep up with all my connected devices (now numbering 27 including IoT lights, etc).Although I liked the Deco, it was a bit harder to set up than it should have been. I will separately comment on that product instead of including it here.Suffice to say that I could never achieve the full 500 Mbit/s speeds I was paying for and instead would get in the mid 400's if I was lucky and often it fell to the high 300's. I put devices that didn't need the bandwidth, such as IoT light switches, thermostats, etc. on the 2.4 Ghz band. But still, even with my computer 4 feet from the Deco, I could never hit 500. The forcing function for me was the Deco did not have a USB port and I wanted to hook my 6TB external hard drive to the router so it would be accessible by my iPad and two computers "over the air".The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to set up. I used the tether app and it did not skip a beat. Very intuitive and it just worked, first time, out of the box when I followed the guidance of the app on my phone.The second thing I noticed was the speed. Routinely getting 520-540 Mbit/s speeds from the devices where I need it, like Apple TV, iPad, and my laptops.The third thing I noticed was the signal strength. I guess that is to be expected since it has 4 antennas instead of the hidden one in the Deco's little white cylinder that is aesthetically pleasing but just simply not as powerful.The Archer AX3000 also has two processors so whether it is signal strength, processing power, or a combination of the two, every device in my house that needs to have a high-speed connection has it - no matter where I am at within the 1800 sq. ft. structure.I place the router on top of a tall bookshelf and I like that I can see the LEDs without standing on a step stool. The Deco didn't permit that because of where the LED was located; I had to stand on the couch to see if the light was red or green.Both the Deco and the Archer AX3000 were good at keeping devices connected without dropping them and with staying connected to my cable modem. My old Apple AirPort would drop its connection to the modem about 3-4 times per week, and that is what prompted me to start looking for something more reliable. Also, the Time Capsure (2TB hard drive) was starting to faintly squeal on occasion, and I think that was the fan. It tended to get very hot and it was clear to me that it was being taxed too heavily with so many devices. It started it's life in 2012 with only 5 connections (iMac, 2 phones, 1 iPad, 1 printer) and this gradually increased to 5X as many devices. I am today at 27 and counting and the Archer AX3000 has no trouble keeping up.I like the Tether app and the ability to give names to my connected devices, to see what band they are on, and to assign icons.Connecting my external hard drive was also pretty straightforward and most of my issues were in understanding how to enable Win 11 and my ipad to use SMB and FTP to access the HDD - not any failing of the router.The price was reasonable ($135) and I could not be happier with the upgrade. Now, to put my Deco X55 on eBay and find it a new home. It was a good little device for the 6 months I had it, but my home is small enough that it doesn't need a mesh device and satellites, and now that I have compared it to the Archer AX3000 it is clear that the Deco cannot match the performance. I pay for 500 Mbit/s through my ISP (Spectrum) and I am finally getting not only the full 100%, but actually about 110% in most cases.

Works well and a good bang for the buck. UI is pretty good and intuitive, stable and reliable ethernet and wifi. Coverage covers my whole home.