Specifications Table
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Router |
| Model | Archer AX21 (AX1800 WiFi 6 Router V4) |
| Brand | TP-Link |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11ax dual band |
| Maximum Speed | 1.8 Gbps combined |
| VPN Support | OpenVPN and PPTP |
| Antennas | 4 high-gain fixed |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds. |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 ⭐ (+21350 ratings) |
| Price | 60 $ (approx) 🏷️ |
Main Features
🛰️ Coverage Enhancements: Beamforming focuses signal on distant devices
🚀 Next-Gen Speed: AX1800 supports up to 1.8 Gbps for smoother streaming and gaming
🛠️ Quick Setup: Intuitive web interface lets users configure in minutes
🔒 WPA3 Security: Latest protocol safeguards network from intrusions
📱 App Management: TP-Link Tether app provides remote monitoring and parental controls.
Pros and Cons
👍 Strong Coverage: Four antennas and beamforming deliver consistent WiFi throughout a mid-size home
👍 Easy Setup: Web UI and Tether app guide you through configuration in under five minutes
👍 Robust Speed: AX1800 handles multiple HD streams without buffering.
👎 App Limitations: Mobile app can lag when updating settings
👎 No USB Port: Removes any chance for direct network storage or media sharing
👎 Basic QoS: Lacks in-depth traffic prioritization controls.
TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX1800 WiFi 6 Router V4) Opinions
Users appreciate the Archer AX21's blend of fast AX speeds and fuss-free setup, though a few mention occasional signal drops and wish for a USB port. Families report seamless video calls and gaming, while power users may crave more advanced QoS options. Overall, it offers solid home networking at an approachable price point.
Overall rating
Unboxing the Archer AX21 reveals a compact, textured chassis with four detachable antennas that snap on firmly—instantly suggesting a premium build despite its budget price. Sliding it onto a shelf, you appreciate its understated design that blends into livingroom décor without screaming tech gadget.
Powering it up for the first time, the Tether app walks you through a guided setup in under five minutes—ssid creation, password setting, and firmware update all occur seamlessly, leaving you impressed by the user-friendly process.
Once configured, you stream 4K videos on three devices at once and witness zero buffering as the AX21 handles each stream with poise; the combined 1.8Gbps bandwidth sails through downloads, cloud backups, and gaming updates without breaking a sweat.
Testing coverage across two floors, the beamforming technology shines as my phone retains a solid 5 GHz link even 30 feet from the router and through two drywall barriers—far better than my old AC router ever managed.
Diving into advanced settings, you enable the built-in OpenVPN server to securely access home resources remotely and set up parental controls to limit late-night gaming, appreciating that these features usually reside on far pricier devices.
Comparing it to a flagship tri-band router I once owned, the Archer AX21 delivers almost identical Wi-Fi 6 performance for web, video, and small-office tasks, though lacks multi-gigabit ports and USB share; for most households, its streamlined feature set and budget-friendly price win the day.
After weeks of constant use in a busy home filled with smartphones, laptops, smart speakers, and game consoles, the Archer AX21 proves itself a steadfast workhorse—minor 5 GHz blips aside, it remains the most reliable, feature-rich router I’ve owned in its price class.
