TP-Link Archer AX55 – Review & Test 2025

TP-Link Archer AX55 Review

Setting up this router felt like giving my home a digital heartbeat that never skips a beat. I remember the moment I plugged it in and saw the LED glow steady blue, it was like the network finally came alive. Streaming my favorite series in another room without a hiccup brought a genuine smile to my face.

Perfect for remote workers juggling video calls, 4K streaming and smart home gadgets without frustration. Ideal for families seeking seamless coverage in multi-room houses and occasional gamers craving low lag.

Specifications Table

SpecificationDetail
ProductRouter
ModelArcher AX55
BrandTP-Link
Wi-Fi Standard802.11ax/n/ac/g/b
Maximum Speed 5 GHz2402 Mbps
Maximum Speed 2.4 GHz574 Mbps
PortsGigabit WAN ×1, LAN ×4, USB 3.0 ×1
Antennas4 external high-gain
Processor1.5 GHz dual-core.
Rating4.4 / 5 ⭐ (+9590 ratings)
Price80 $ (approx) 🏷️

Main Features

💨 OFDMA Technology: reduces lag when multiple devices are active

📶 Beamforming: focuses signal towards connected devices for stronger coverage

🔌 USB 3.0 Sharing: lets you attach external drives for network storage

🌐 VPN Client and Server: supports secure remote connections

🔒 HomeShield Security: offers basic parental controls and network scanning.

Pros and Cons

👍 High-Speed Performance: handles 4K streaming and gaming smoothly

👍 Wide Coverage: reliable signal spans multiple rooms

👍 Secure Network: WPA3 and HomeShield help protect devices

👍 Easy Setup: intuitive Tether app simplifies installation.

👎 No 2.5GbE Port: limits future wired backbone upgrades

👎 Lacks Wi-Fi 6E: missing the latest frequency band

👎 App-Dependent Settings: advanced options require mobile app.

TP-Link Archer AX55 Opinions

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Users praise the Archer AX55 for its swift setup and stable performance, yet some note occasional dips at the farthest corners of larger homes. Many appreciate the simple app interface, while a few power users wish for more wired port speed and the new Wi-Fi 6E standard. Overall sentiment leans positive, with most buyers finding it a solid upgrade over entry-level routers.

Alice (5⭐): Lightning-fast streaming across three bedrooms without a single drop
Brian (4⭐): Smooth performance but the USB share menu could be clearer
Carlos (5⭐): Great coverage even in my concrete-walled basement
Diana (4⭐): Excellent security features though I miss a 2.5GbE port
Ethan (5⭐): Easy setup with the app and rock-solid gaming experience.

Overall rating

Review of TP-Link Archer AX55

After unboxing the Archer AX55 I placed it atop my TV console and was immediately struck by its compact form and softly pulsing LED. The packaging included just the essentials yet felt premium, and I appreciated how the quick-start guide anticipated every question.

As someone working from home five days a week, I care about both design and functionality. The matte black chassis blends unobtrusively into my modern living room, and the sturdy plastic feels durable without drawing attention. Its low profile meant I could tuck it behind a plant without sacrificing airflow around the heat sink.

Checking signal strength via the Tether app felt surprisingly satisfying; the interface combines clean charts and clear icons that help even non-techies understand their network. There’s no screen on the router itself, but the bright but non-glary LEDs instantly communicate connectivity status at a glance.

Performance shone during a week of mixed tasks – video conferencing on Zoom, simultaneous 4K Netflix streams in the den and kitchen, and an online gaming marathon. I noticed minimal jitter even when multiple family members browsed social media and downloaded large files in the background.

Connectivity features impressed me beyond raw speed: I set up a VPN client in minutes, plugged in a USB drive for local file sharing and used QoS to prioritize my work laptop. Mesh compatibility proved handy when adding a OneMesh extender to cover the garage workshop.

As a college student living in a shared apartment, I upgraded from an entry-level AC1900 router and felt the difference instantly. Compared to my roommate’s Netgear Nighthawk RAX36, the Archer offered comparable speeds yet consumed less power and felt cooler to the touch. The trade-off was slightly fewer advanced firmware options, but the everyday gains outweighed that minor sacrifice.

In conclusion, the Archer AX55 delivers a compelling mix of speed, security and simplicity without ostentation or unnecessary extras. It’s not suited for users demanding custom open-source firmware or multi-gig backhaul, but for most homes it strikes the right balance. Highly recommended for those who want reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance at an accessible price.

Jake Miller Photography

Jake Miller

As a passionate tech enthusiast, I review the latest PCs, laptops, and hardware components. With detailed tests and honest insights, I aim to help users build or buy the perfect setup for their needs.