What To Know
- The RT-AX55 sports a sleek and modern design with a black and red color scheme, while the Archer AX73 has a more traditional white and black casing.
- The RT-AX55 and Archer AX73 offer a similar selection of ports, including four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a WAN port, and a USB 3.
- The RT-AX55 features the ASUSWRT interface, which provides advanced options for power users, while the Archer AX73 has a simpler and more streamlined interface that is suitable for beginners.
In the ever-evolving world of wireless networking, the battle for supremacy rages on. Two formidable contenders, the ASUS RT-AX55 and the TP-Link Archer AX73, stand tall as champions of the Wi-Fi 6 era. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these routers, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to determine the ultimate victor.
Performance: Speed and Range Unleashed
Wi-Fi 6 Speed Boost
Both the ASUS RT-AX55 and the TP-Link Archer AX73 boast the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, promising blazing-fast speeds. The RT-AX55 delivers theoretical speeds of up to 1800 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, while the Archer AX73 offers slightly higher speeds of 2400 Mbps and 600 Mbps on the respective bands.
Coverage and Range
In terms of coverage, the RT-AX55 and Archer AX73 both feature four external antennas for improved signal strength and range. However, the Archer AX73 has a slight edge with its Beamforming+ technology, which focuses the signal towards connected devices, enhancing signal quality and range.
Features: Unveiling the Hidden Gems
OFDMA and MU-MIMO
Both routers support OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technologies. OFDMA allows multiple devices to share the same channel simultaneously, reducing latency and improving efficiency, while MU-MIMO enables the router to communicate with multiple devices at once, maximizing bandwidth utilization.
Advanced Security
The RT-AX55 and Archer AX73 prioritize security with WPA3 encryption, preventing unauthorized access to your network. Additionally, the RT-AX55 features AiProtection Pro, a comprehensive security suite from ASUS that includes intrusion prevention and parental controls.
Parental Controls
Both routers offer parental control features to monitor and manage internet usage for children. The Archer AX73 has a more user-friendly interface for setting up parental controls, making it easier for parents to keep their kids safe online.
Design and Build: Aesthetics and Functionality
Physical Appearance
The RT-AX55 sports a sleek and modern design with a black and red color scheme, while the Archer AX73 has a more traditional white and black casing. Both routers feature a compact and lightweight design, making them easy to place anywhere in your home.
Port Selection
The RT-AX55 and Archer AX73 offer a similar selection of ports, including four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port. The Archer AX73 has an additional USB 2.0 port, providing more options for connecting external storage devices.
Software and Management: Usability and Control
User Interface
The RT-AX55 and Archer AX73 have intuitive user interfaces that make it easy to configure and manage your network. The RT-AX55 features the ASUSWRT interface, which provides advanced options for power users, while the Archer AX73 has a simpler and more streamlined interface that is suitable for beginners.
Mobile App
Both routers come with mobile apps that allow you to manage your network remotely. The ASUS Router app and the TP-Link Tether app provide a convenient way to monitor your network, change settings, and perform troubleshooting from anywhere.
Verdict: The Ultimate Wi-Fi 6 Champion
After a thorough comparison, the ASUS RT-AX55 and the TP-Link Archer AX73 emerge as formidable contenders in the Wi-Fi 6 realm. While both routers offer impressive speeds, coverage, and features, the RT-AX55 stands out with its more advanced security suite and user-friendly software.
For those seeking the ultimate Wi-Fi 6 experience, the ASUS RT-AX55 is the clear choice. Its superior security features, intuitive user interface, and excellent performance make it the ideal solution for homes with demanding networking needs.
Popular Questions
Which router has better parental controls?
The TP-Link Archer AX73 has a more user-friendly interface for setting up parental controls, making it easier for parents to manage their children’s internet usage.
Which router has more USB ports?
The TP-Link Archer AX73 has an additional USB 2.0 port compared to the ASUS RT-AX55, providing more options for connecting external storage devices.
Which router is more suitable for gaming?
Both the ASUS RT-AX55 and the TP-Link Archer AX73 offer excellent gaming performance thanks to their support for OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies. However, the RT-AX55 has a slight edge with its advanced security features that can help protect your gaming sessions from online threats.
