The TP-Link Archer AX6000
The TP-Link Archer AX6000 impressed us when it first launched. It’s still one of the fastest Wi-Fi 6 routers out there, and its Ethernet Ports give it a leg up on the competition. This might sound like a given, but many of the other gaming routers we’ve reviewed only have four ports, making the Archer a good choice if you need to connect more devices at once.
The Archer’s unique design will be a point of contention for some, but we like the space-age vibe it brings to your home. Whether it resembles an alien spaceship or first-gen Xbox, we think it looks awesome. It’s also compact, roughly the size of a hardback book or a pizza box, making it easy to place just about anywhere without dominating the room.
This router can be wall-mounted, and it comes with holes underneath that make the process easy. On the back, you’ll find a WAN port capable of 2.5Gbps, two USB 3 ports for sharing devices on your network, and eight gigabit Ethernet ports. Two of these can be aggregated to provide a 2-gig connection, which can be helpful for demanding uses like streaming or gaming. The top row of ports has a design flaw, however, as removing cables can be quite difficult given their placement.
The TP-Link Archer AX6000 uses the same UFO-shaped design as the previous Archer A7000, but it makes some important changes under the hood. Most notably, it’s the first Wi-Fi 6 Router from TP-Link. Speeds on the Archer AX6000 max out at 4804Mbps (5GHz) and 1148Mbps (2.4GHz), which should be more than enough for gaming and streaming.
It also comes with a WAN port capable of 2.5G, which is more than most routers and will be especially useful if you subscribe to faster internet plans. The Archer AX6000 also has eight gigabit Ethernet ports, which should be more than most gamers will need. If you do, you’ll be happy to learn that you can use them all for LAN parties, and two of them can be aggregated for 2-gig connection.
In terms of design, the Archer AX6000’s top Ethernet ports suffer from the same flaws as its predecessor. It also lacks a physical power button, forcing you to unplug the Archer to turn it off. We appreciate the inclusion of two USB 3 ports, but we would have liked to see more given the router’s price tag.
TP-Link Archer AX6000 specs and features
In addition to its high-end Wi-Fi capabilities, the Archer AX6000 supports dual-band Wi-Fi with both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. The router also comes with a single LED light that indicates its status, which you can turn off if it bothers you.
In terms of specs and features, the Archer AX6000 is a solid pick. It supports various file systems, allowing you to use it as an FTP server or media server. Its 2.5G WAN port can help ensure smooth performance when your network is under heavy load, and you can use its built-in Trend Micro anti-malware system for parental controls and antivirus protection.
Setting up and configuring the Archer AX6000 is quick and easy, as you’d expect from any good wireless router. You can do it all using the web interface or the mobile app, but both are intuitive enough that you shouldn’t need to consult the manual.
Wi-Fi 6 features like OFDMA and a quad-core CPU ensure that the Archer AX6000 performs well, and it also offers options for QoS and device prioritization. All in all, it’s a solid pick, especially if you need to connect a lot of devices using Ethernet.
Archer AX6000 price
The Archer AX6000 used to be rather expensive, but it now offers good value for its features. You can find it for around $300 / £300, which is higher than the Archer A9000, but it has more to offer.
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, we’ve got a handy list of the best wireless routers for gaming.
