Archer c80 vs ax3: which budget router reigns supreme in 2023?
What To Know
- In the realm of home networking, the TP-Link Archer C80 and Huawei AX3 stand as formidable contenders, each promising unparalleled Wi-Fi experiences.
- The TP-Link Archer C80 boasts a sleek and compact design with a matte black finish.
- For those seeking a reliable and affordable router with decent performance, the Archer C80 is a solid choice.
In the realm of home networking, the TP-Link Archer C80 and Huawei AX3 stand as formidable contenders, each promising unparalleled Wi-Fi experiences. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of these two Wi-Fi powerhouses.
Design and Build Quality
The TP-Link Archer C80 boasts a sleek and compact design with a matte black finish. Its four external antennas protrude from the top, providing ample coverage. The Huawei AX3, on the other hand, adopts a more futuristic aesthetic with its angular lines and glossy white exterior. It features four internal antennas, offering a cleaner and less intrusive appearance.
Connectivity and Features
Both routers offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections and USB ports for file sharing. However, the Archer C80 has a slight advantage with its additional USB 3.0 port, providing faster data transfer speeds.
Wi-Fi Performance
The Archer C80 utilizes the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, offering speeds of up to 1.75 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The AX3, on the other hand, supports the newer 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard, delivering speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
Coverage and Signal Strength
The Archer C80 covers a decent area with its four external antennas. However, the AX3’s internal antennas provide a wider range of coverage, extending to larger homes and outdoor spaces. Both routers feature beamforming technology, which focuses the signal towards connected devices for improved performance.
Security and Parental Controls
Both routers offer robust security features, including WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK encryption. The Archer C80 provides basic parental controls, while the AX3 offers more advanced features, such as website filtering and device usage monitoring.
Setup and Management
The setup process for both routers is relatively straightforward, with intuitive web interfaces and mobile apps. The Archer C80’s web interface is slightly more user-friendly, while the AX3’s mobile app offers a wider range of customization options.
Price and Value
The TP-Link Archer C80 is generally priced lower than the Huawei AX3. However, the AX3 offers a more feature-rich experience with Wi-Fi 6 support, wider coverage, and advanced parental controls.
The Bottom Line: The Verdict
Choosing between the TP-Link Archer C80 and Huawei AX3 depends on your specific needs and budget. For those seeking a reliable and affordable router with decent performance, the Archer C80 is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 speeds, wider coverage, and advanced features, the Huawei AX3 is the superior option.
What People Want to Know
1. Which router has better Wi-Fi performance?
The Huawei AX3 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds due to its support for the 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard.
2. Which router covers a larger area?
The Huawei AX3 has a wider coverage range thanks to its internal antennas and beamforming technology.
3. Which router offers more advanced parental controls?
The Huawei AX3 provides more comprehensive parental controls, including website filtering and device usage monitoring.
4. Which router is more affordable?
The TP-Link Archer C80 is generally priced lower than the Huawei AX3.
5. Which router is easier to set up?
Both routers offer straightforward setup processes, with the Archer C80 having a slightly more user-friendly web interface.