TP-Link AX1800 Review: Should You Buy this AX1800 Router?
If you’re looking for a reliable router, TP-Link is definitely the first thing that comes to mind. So in this article, we’ll have a TP-Link AX1800 review.
The AX in routers means that the router supports Wi-Fi 6 standards (802.11ax). Then the number after the AX is the maximum speed a router can support. So it means that AX1800 routers support 1800 Mbps maximum throughput, with the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels combined.
With different AX1800 models, we think the TP-Link Archer AX21 is an excellent TP-Link AX1800 model.
We’ll look at the AX1800’s capabilities from speeds, range, pros and cons, and the number of devices it can support. Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
TP-Link AX1800 Overview
| Specifications List | TP-Link AX1800 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi Speed | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi Coverage | 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Processor | 1.5 GHz quad-core processor |
| Antenna | 4 External Antennas |
| Cost | $79.99 |
The TP-Link AX1800 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. It supports advanced built-in technologies like OFDMA and beamforming.
What we love about this router is the competitive processor. It has a powerful 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU. With this, the TP-Link AX1800 can perform its best and manage multiple connected devices at once.
It’s protected with WPA3 security features. Plus, it’s OneMesh ready. So eliminating dead spots and expanding your home network is easier than ever.
For its price, it’s excellent for small to mid-sized homes with fewer user demands. Plus, it’s easy to setup and configure on TetherApp or the TP-Link website.
TP-Link AX1800 Performance
| Specifications List | TP-Link AX1800 |
| WiFi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi Speeds | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps |
| Wireless Coverage Range | 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Beamforming | ✔ |
| MU-MIMO | ✖ |
| OFDMA | ✔ |
Performance-wise, the TP-Link AX1800 is very impressive. It supports Wi-Fi 6 standards and comes with different sets of built-in technology like OFDMA and beamforming.
In terms of speeds, the TP-Link AX1800 supports 1.8Gbps maximum throughput. The 2.4GHz channel supports 574 Mbps, and the 5GHz channel goes up to 1201 Mbps.
We tested the TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX1800) in our home, and we have to tell you that it did not disappoint.
We used Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) devices, and here’s what we found.
For regular browsing, it managed up to 12 devices within 10 feet. But when we streamed videos, it was able to support 8-10 devices while maintaining a decent Wi-Fi signal.
Within this range, the speeds on the 5GHz band didn’t go lower than 300 Mbps. For us, that’s decent enough to power up a small or mid-sized home.
Although its 1.5GHz quad-core processor is great, it doesn’t have advanced features and built-in tech. For one, it doesn’t support MU-MIMO.
Modern routers must have MU-MIMO, but the TP-Link AX1800 doesn’t support it.
That’s why we can’t recommend this router for gaming. If you want to use this for gaming, you might not get ultra-HD settings. Or you need a few devices connected to the router.
TP-Link AX1800 Features and Design
| Specifications List | TP-Link AX1800 |
| OneMesh | ✔ |
| Security Features | WPA 3 |
| USB Port | 1 x 3.0 USB port |
| Ethernet Port | 1 x WAN Port 4 x LAN Ports |
| LED Lights | ✔ |
| Antennas | 4 External Antennas |
TP-Link keeps us, the customers, in mind when manufacturing wireless routers. But what makes AX1800 models any different?
Let’s get into more details below.
Hardware and Design
You’ll appreciate the AX1800’s simple and compact design if you’re not concerned with looks. It comes with nice features from its design to other advanced settings.
The TP-Link AX1800 is designed to be small and unobtrusive, so it won’t take up much space in your home or office. Plus, the sleek black finish blends in with most decors.
Some customers had problems with ventilation and airflow, but they fixed that in the latest AX1800 model. We noticed that in TP-Link Archer AX21, the ventilation got so much better.
The Archer AX21 has a new case that seems to enhance the router’s airflow. After testing it for a couple of days, the device didn’t overheat. It did get warm, but it’s not too concerning.
Another thing is, you place it on desks or mount it on a wall. They added silicone feet on the Archer AX21 to keep it in place. Plus, it has holes on the back to help you mount it on a wall.
Aside from those, the AX1800 is also suitable for all wired connections. It has 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, and 1 USB port. Of course, LED lights to let you know the router’s current status. These are a must-have for Wi-Fi routers.
Additionally, TP-Link AX1800 routers have 4 external antennas. These are all fixed, and you can’t remove or upgrade them.
Security and Other Features
Regarding security features, the AX1800 doesn’t come with a HomeShield Security subscription. But it has the new WPA3 security feature on the AX1800 system, which provides you with a safe and secure home network.
It uses the latest Wi-Fi security protocol to encrypt your data and protect your family from online threats. With WPA3, you’ll enjoy the following:
- Better performance
- More reliable connections
- Enhanced security
Another cool feature is that the TP-Link AX1800 is OneMesh ready. This means that it is compatible with TP-Link’s OneMesh technology.
It allows you to create a seamless, whole-home Wi-Fi mesh network using a combination of OneMesh routers and Wi-Fi extenders.
OneMesh is a great way to extend your Wi-Fi network’s reach without setting up multiple network names and passwords.
TP-Link AX1800 Advantage and Disadvantage
TP-Link AX1800 is an excellent product if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable option for your home networking needs.
So, here are the pros and cons you need to consider before purchasing this product.
Pros
- Simple and compact built
- Affordable
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 and OFDMA
- OneMesh ready
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Doesn’t support HomeCare or HomeShield
- Fewer advanced technologies and advanced features
- Not recommended for gaming
TP-Link AX1800 Alternatives
If you’re looking for an alternative to TP-LINK’s AX1800 routers, plenty of options might be a better fit for you.
These are our top alternative picks for AX1800 router brands and models:
- Netgear R6700AX
Compared to TP-Link Archer AX21, the Netgear R6700AX is an AX1800 router with more advanced and robust security features.
It comes with Netgear Armor and Netgear Smart Parental Controls.
Netgear Armor is a security software powered by Bitdefender. It includes the following features:
- Anti-malware protection
- Parental controls
- Advanced System Scanning
- Personalized Protection Score
- Personalized Recommendations
- Threat Analysis & Notifications
- Bitdefender VPN
- Real-Time Device Protection
On top of that, it supports 4 data streams, so it can be used for gaming. Although it’s a bit expensive, we recommend the R6700AX if you want a Wi-Fi router with more robust security features.
- Linksys E7350
The Linksys E7350 is one of our favorite AX1800 routers in the market. It’s more expensive than the TP-Link AX1800, but it’s still in an affordable price range.
The Linksys E7350 Wi-Fi 6 router is perfect for busy households. It can cover up to 1,500 square feet. It can handle up to 20+ devices, so everyone can stay connected.
Plus, with Parental Controls and Guest Access, you can be sure your network is always safe and secure. Adding new devices is easy, too – just push the WPS button.
- Asus RT-AX1800S
If you’re looking for a cheaper router than the TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX1800), the Asus RT-AX1800S is an excellent option.
It’s a 2×2 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA. If you’re a concerned parent, the RT-AX1800S has parental controls that you can customize on the app.
What we like about this is, it comes with a lifetime subscription to AiProtection Classic. So, you won’t worry about cyber threats and viruses infecting your devices.
Additionally, it’s also compatible with AiMesh. So expanding your home network is easy and efficient, too!
You can see our list of the best dual-band routers here.
What does AX1800 mean?
The AX in a router means that it supports Wi-Fi 6 standard (802.11ax). Then, the number that follows after that is the maximum bandwidth of the router.
So this means AX1800 routers theoretically support Wi-Fi 6 and have maximum speeds of up to 1800 Mbps. The 1800 Mbps is the combined throughput of the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band.
- 2.4 GHz band: 1200 Mbps
- 5 GHz band: 574 Mbps
In the same way, the AC in a router means that the router supports Wi-Fi 5 standards (802.11ac).
How many devices can AX1800 support?
Ideally, a TP-Link AX1800 can support up to 20 devices. But, it can be changed depending on what you use the router for.
If you use the router for gaming or streaming, it can probably support up to 10 devices. But, if you use the router for simple web browsing and email, it can support up to 20 devices.
The number of connected devices a router can support also depends on your internet connection speed.
What is the range of the AX1800?
The AX1800 can provide fast internet speeds within 80-95 feet of the router. But speeds may vary depending on the following:
- Type of device you are using
- The number of devices connected to the router
- The type of internet connection you have
If you have a high-speed internet connection, you should be able to get the full speed of the AX1800.
The Bottom Line
TP-Link AX1800 is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. It has cool features that can help you improve your internet connection at home.
Overall, we think it’s a great Wi-Fi 6 router. But, other alternatives in the market offer more advanced settings and features around the same price.
We hope our TP-Link AX1800 review helps you make the best decision for your internet needs at home. After all, the best router for your home is the one that meets your needs best.
Thanks for the breakdown. I’m not tech-E in the least bit. But thanks to you I have a much better understanding. Thanks!