What To Know
- In the realm of home networking, TP-Link has emerged as a formidable contender, offering a wide range of routers to cater to diverse user needs.
- The Archer C6 and C64 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a sleek, matte black finish and a compact form factor.
- The Archer C6 and C64 are both budget-friendly routers, with the C6 being slightly more affordable than the C64.
In the realm of home networking, TP-Link has emerged as a formidable contender, offering a wide range of routers to cater to diverse user needs. Two of their most popular models, the Archer C6 and Archer C64, have sparked a heated debate among budget-conscious consumers. In this comprehensive showdown, we delve into the key differences between these two routers to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
The Archer C6 and C64 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a sleek, matte black finish and a compact form factor. However, the C64 stands out with its more angular and aggressive lines, giving it a slightly more modern aesthetic. Both routers feature external antennas, but the C64 has four antennas instead of the C6’s three, potentially offering improved signal strength and coverage.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the Archer C6 and C64 employ different chipsets. The C6 utilizes a MediaTek MT7620A chip, while the C64 boasts a Qualcomm IPQ4018 chip. The C64 also has a higher clock speed (880MHz vs. 800MHz) and more RAM (128MB vs. 64MB). These hardware upgrades translate into improved performance, with the C64 offering faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network stability.
Wireless Standards and Speeds
Both the Archer C6 and C64 support the latest Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard, providing theoretical maximum speeds of up to 1.2Gbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. However, the C64’s superior hardware allows it to achieve faster real-world speeds than the C6.
Range and Coverage
The number and positioning of antennas play a significant role in determining a router’s range and coverage. The C64’s four external antennas provide better signal penetration and wider coverage compared to the C6’s three antennas. Additionally, the C64 features beamforming technology, which helps focus the Wi-Fi signal towards connected devices, further improving range and stability.
Features and Functionality
The Archer C6 and C64 offer a range of features to enhance your home networking experience. Both routers support MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output), allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously without experiencing significant slowdowns. The C64 additionally supports IPv6, the latest internet protocol, providing future-proofing for your network.
Parental Controls and Security
For families with children, parental controls are a crucial consideration. Both the Archer C6 and C64 offer robust parental control features, enabling you to set time limits, filter content, and monitor your kids’ online activities. Additionally, both routers support WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK encryption standards, ensuring a secure and protected network.
Price and Value
The Archer C6 and C64 are both budget-friendly routers, with the C6 being slightly more affordable than the C64. However, the C64 offers superior hardware, performance, and features, making it the better value for money if you prioritize speed, range, and stability.
Takeaways: The Verdict
In the battle of the budget routers, the TP-Link Archer C64 emerges as the clear victor. Its superior hardware, faster performance, wider range, and additional features make it the more compelling choice for most users. If you value speed, reliability, and a robust feature set, the Archer C64 is the ideal router for your home network.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which router has a better range and coverage?
A: The TP-Link Archer C64 has a better range and coverage thanks to its four external antennas and beamforming technology.
Q: Which router is faster?
A: The TP-Link Archer C64 is faster than the C6 due to its superior hardware and Qualcomm IPQ4018 chip.
Q: Which router is better for gaming and streaming?
A: The TP-Link Archer C64 is better for gaming and streaming due to its faster speeds, lower latency, and MU-MIMO support.
Q: Which router is more affordable?
A: The TP-Link Archer C6 is slightly more affordable than the C64.
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: Both the TP-Link Archer C6 and C64 offer robust parental controls with time limits, content filtering, and activity monitoring.
