๐
It's a bit of an irony to call the TP-Link Archer AX6000 well-rounded, but that's true. The router has a lot to offer.
With eight Gigabit LAN ports and a sub-$300 price tag, the Archer AX6000 intends to compete against the Asus RT-AX88U. And in my testing, it proved to be a formidable contender, with excellent performance and a good set of useful features.
Just like its rival, though, the Archer AX6000 is far from perfect. Without a Multi-Gig LAN port, it can't deliver actual Wi-Fi 6 speeds locally. It's also super bulky and not mesh-ready, at least for now.
But for the price, the Archer AX6000 has everything covered. It's an excellent standalone router for those living in a medium home with a high-speed Internet connection.
TP-Link Archer AX6000: A square box of power
The TP-Link Archer AX6000 reminds me of the Archer C5400X in more ways than one, though it's more subdued, coming in brown instead of bright red. But compared to the budget-minded Archer AX3000, it's still hugely impressive, no matter which way you look at it.
Massive squarish design, wall-mountable
And you won't need to look very hard. The Archer AX6000 is a massive 10.3-inch (26.1 cm) wide square box that stands 2.4-inch (6 cm) tall. It's also quite heavy at 3.5-lbs (1.6 kg).
The design is unusual. I'm not sure how to take it. Eight non-removable antennas are coming up from the four corners. You can swivel them 90 degrees up or down.
They blend in with the router's sides, adding about an inch to its circumference when folded down.
So the Archer AX6000 is a large square when in operation. But when you fold down its antennas to, presumably, keep it less bulky, it'll become an even larger square.
And as if you needed to be reminded of how particular the router's shape is, on its top, there's a small rectangle LED status light right in the middle that holds the TP-Link's logo.
On the underside, the Archer AX6000 has four little feet to stay put on a surface, but it also comes with holes for wall-mounting.
Multi-gig WAN port, eight Gigabit LAN, USB-C
Looking from one side, you'll note the router's eight Gigabit LAN ports and a 2.5 Gbps WAN port. The latter means the router is ready for multi-gig Internet, something the RT-AX88U doesn't offer.
Unfortunately, though, like the case of the Asus RT-AX88U, there's no multi-gig LAN port, so the fastest local speed you'll get from it is likely 1Gbps.
Likely because if you have a server that supports Link Aggregation, you'll get faster speed than that. Indeed, the router allows you to combine its LAN 2 and LAN3 ports into a 2 Gbps connection.
On another side, the Archer AX6000 has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) ports. One is a regular USB-A, and the other is the first USB-C I've seen in a Wi-Fi 6 router. You can use either of these USB ports to host a storage device.
TP-Link Archer AX6000 vs. Asus RT-AX88U: Hardware specifications
Despite the completely different designs, the TP-Link Archer has a lot in common with the Asus RT-AX88U in terms of specs.
| Name | TP-Link Archer AX6000 | Asus RT-AX88U |
| Wi-Fi Technology | Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 | Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 |
| Chipset Manufacturer | Broadcom | Broadcom |
| 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Specs | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 1148 Mbps | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 1148 Mbps |
| 5GHz Wi-Fi Specs | 4X4 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 4833 Mbps | 4X4 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 4833 Mbps |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| AP Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Mesh-ready | No | Yes (AiMesh) |
| 160MHz Channel Support | Yes | Yes |
| Gigabit Port | 8x LAN | 8x LAN, 1x WAN |
| Multi-Gig Ports | 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN | None |
| Link Aggregation | Yes (LAN 2 and LAN 3) | Yes (LAN 1 and LAN 2) |
| Dual-WAN | No | Yes (WAN + LAN/USB) |
| USB | 1 x USB-A 3.0 1 x USB-C 3.0 (Storage) | 2 x USB-A USB 3.0 (Storage, modem, printer) |
| Mobile App | TP-Link Tether | Asus Router |
| QoS | Yes (Good) | Yes (Excellent) |
| Parental Control | Yes (Excellent) | Yes (OK) |
| Processing Power | 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 128 MB Flash, 1 GB RAM | 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB RAM |
| Built-in Online Protection | Antivirus (Powered by Trend Micro) | AiProtection (Powered by Trend Micro) |
| Dimensions | 10.3 ร 10.3 ร 2.4 in (261.2 ร 261.2 ร 60.2 mm) | 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 in (300 x 188 x 60.4 mm) |
| Weight | 3.5 lb (1588 g) | 2.1 lbs (945 g) |
One thing is for sure; the Asus is superior thanks to the fact it's mesh-ready. The Archer AX6000 can only work as a single standalone router for now.
(In the future, it might get updated to become part of TP-Link's OneMesh ecosystem. Even then, note that Asus's robust AiMesh is far superior in both flexibility and performance.)
TP-Link Archer 6000’s detail photos
TP-Link Archer AX6000: Familiar feature set
The Archer AX6000 shares the same web interface as previous TP-Link routers, including the Archer 5400X and Archer 3000. As a result, it has a similar setup process and feature set.
Standard setup, responsive interface
Setting up the Archer AX6000 is like that of any advanced router, thanks to the web interface.
Point a browser on a connected computer to 192.168.0.1 (or tplinkwifi.net) and log in with the default admin password, and the rest is self-explanatory. You can find out in detail via this interface emulator.
You'll also learn from the interface how the Archer AX6000 offers all standards network settings and many common features, such as Dynamic DNS, VPN server, Guest networking, IP reservation, port forwarding, and so on.
It's worth noting that the way the Archer's AX6000's interface works is not as intuitive as that of the Asus counterpart.
For example, you can't just select a connected client if you want to add a client to the IP reservation list. Instead, you'll have to enter its MAC address manually, which is a pain. However, future firmware updates will likely improve on this front.
To make up for that, the Archer AX6000 has a decent amount of Wi-Fi customization. You can change in-depth settings for each of its two bands and combine them into a single SSID via Smart Connect. Also, you can make a band work inclusively with a certain Wi-Fi standard.
In all, if you have worked with a router that has a web interface before, you'll have no problem getting the router up and running. If you haven't, well, here's the post for you to get started.
Alternatively, you can also use the TP-Link Tether app. The app requires an account with TP-Link to work and has little access to the router's setting.
Powerful HomeCare feature suite
Most noteworthy about the Archer AX6000's features is the HomeCare suite that includes Parental Controls, AntiVirus, and QoS. I tried them all out and was quite happy with the experience.
Excellent Parental Controls
This feature of the Archer AX6000 gives you almost all that you'd need in web-filtering. You can block one or a group of computers from categories of sites based on age or any individual site.
You can also set up time limits for Internet access or manually pause the connection at any time.
The only thing missing is the fact you can't schedule the filtering. For example, you can't allow John to access Facebook at certain hours and block him for the rest of the day.
Flexible QoS
The Archer AX6000's QoS feature prioritizes the Internet by the types of content or connected device. You can quickly pick a type to prioritize just it, or you can choose to Customize and use the sliders to adjust the bandwidth for multiple types.
However, there are only four types of content to choose from, including Gaming, Streaming, Surfing, and Chatting, and it's not clear which of those includes real-time audio and video communication. So if you work from home and want to make sure you get the best connection, it's a better idea to prioritize your device (or devices) instead.
Another thing is there's no way to turn off QoS. But it seems if you choose "Standard," that would mean QoS is now no longer in effect.
Effective Antivirus
The Antivirus feature is very similar to that of the Asus RT-AX88U but more simplistic. There are three distinct protection categoriesโMalicious Content Filter, Intrusion Prevention System, and Infected Device Quarantineโand all you can do is turn them on or off.
Nonetheless, it proved to be effective in my trial. Filtered (blacklisted) websites were indeed automatically blocked, in my testing, with a warning.
TP-Link Archer AX6000: Excellent performance
The Archer AX6000 did well in my testing. My 2x2 test clients were able to connect to it at 2.4 Gbps. Without a multi-gig LAN port, though, the router can't beat those that do in my testing methodology. But it was still quite impressive.
Fast Wi-Fi speeds
At a close range of shorter than 10 feet (3 m), my Wi-Fi 6 client was able to sustain at 911 Mbps. When I moved to more than 40 feet (12 m) away, it averaged some 850 Mbps. Both were a hair faster than that of the RT-AX88U.
It's worth noting that I tested the RT-AX88U almost a year ago, so it's a bit unfair since the Archer AX6000 had the latest firmware for this review. Nonetheless, both routers' Wi-Fi seemed to max out the Gigabit connection to my test server.
Wi-Fi 5 clients enjoyed a similar performance. At a close distance, my 4x4 client capped at 850 Mbps. And at 40 feet away, my 3x3 device registered 730 Mbps. This time around, though, the TP-Link was a tad slower than the Asus counterpart.
The Archer AX6000 did well on the 2.4 GHz "backup" band, too, registering faster than 190 Mbps and almost 150Mbps for close and long ranges, respectively.
The router also passed my three-days stress test with no disconnection. I also used it as my main router and was generally happy with it.
It's impossible to measure a router's coverage precisely, but if you live in a home of around 1800 ftยฒ (167 mยฒ), the Archer AX6000 can cover it with fast Wi-Fi speed throughput when placed in the middle.
Decent NAS performance
The TP-Link Archer did quite well as a mini NAS server when hosting a portable drive, considering it has no multi-gig LAN port.
I used the Micron X8 to test this function, and via a Gigabit network connection, the router registered sustained copy speeds of more than 80 MB/s for writing and over 112 MB/s for reading.
Other than file sharing, the router also supports Time Machine backup and media streaming. With this type of performance, you can expect a decent network storage experience. Just make sure you get a fast external drive.
By the way, the router USB-C port delivered the same speed as its USB-A one. But the support for USB-C does mean you have more options in terms of which storage device to use with the router.
TP-Link Archer AX6000's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN port with eight Gigabit LAN ports
160 MHz channel bandwidth support
Excellent QoS and Parental Control features
Robust web user interface, helpful mobile app
USB-C ready, wall-mountable
Cons
No multi-gig LAN port
Bulky design
Not mesh-ready
Certain functions of the interface could use some improvement
Mobile app requires a login account
Conclusion
For the cost, the TP-Link Archer AX6000 is an excellent buy. It's a reliable router capable of delivering full Gigabit Internet to a few clients at the same time.
The router's Home Care feature suite will also come in handy for those needing security, web-filtering, and especially internet prioritization. It's an excellent investment for those working from home.
But if your home is large, or if you want even more features, also consider the Asus RT-AX88U.
hi! lots of info here. Sometimes confusing haha. I’m an ex-tech guy but my knowledge is 20 years old.
Anyway, I have a AX6000. On going into the web admin page, it has a onemesh page under advanced, so I’m assuming it supports onemesh devices.
Someone is giving me a pair of Askey mesh nodes (I think AP5100W) for free. I don’t want to change out my AX6000 because this ISP is a pain when trying to support a router they don’t know about.
I might be optimistic here, but is it possible the AX6000 will work with the Askey mesh nodes? Or will I need to do some non standard workaround? I’ll probably put one or both with a wired backhaul.
With wiring you might be able to use the handmedown in the AP mode if that’s available, or a double NAT. Give this post a good read — think of your TP-Link as the existing router — and you’ll figure it out.
Thanks very much! I saw the article you recommended earlier and have realized I could try putting the the mesh mode into AP mode.
I asked this question because (I’m not familiar with specifics of mesh tech) I was thinking some of the “smart” routing features of the mesh would be missing (i.e. network not optimized). So was hoping different mesh hw could inter-operate (the AX6000’s onemesh feature and the Askey mesh nodes).
On the other hand, I’ve just realized smart routing might not be that critical if most of the high volume traffic is to/from the internet.
Hi Dong
My Asus RT-AX88U failed just after two years (faulty NAND) and the retailer has no replacements and stock has been overdue for well over 3 months now. Nowhere else has any in stock either. I wanted another router with 8 LAN ports so my options seem to be the TP-Link Archer AX6000 or TP-Link Archer AX11000. Is there much difference between the two? Or should I just accept 4 LAN ports and get the Asus GT-AX11000? Thanks dude.
I’d go with the GT-AX11000 (which has FIVE LAN ports, by the way) Dan. You can always get a Gigabit switch for a few dollars. If you’re used to the AX88U you likely won’t be happy with those TP-Links.
Hi Dong,
Thanks for you work on this website.
Nice information you share with the community.
I would like to share my feed-back on this Archer AX6000 router.
At home, I use it in access point mode. The Archer is connected to a 2.5Gbps switch thanks to the Archer 2.5Gbps WAN port (Archer is one of the few brands allowing the usage of the 2.5Gbps port when used in access point mode). On this switch, I also have a 2.5Gbps ethernet cabled server connected to it.
Using my HP chromebook (Intelยฎ Wi-Fi 6โข AX201 2×2), Archer ax6000 is able to sustainably deliver around 1400Mbps, much above the figures you observed.
I though this could be useful for those having similar needs to mine: have a 2.5Gbps connected access point delivering fast wifi6 speed.
Such scenario could also be more accurate to measure WIFI throughput in order to not be capped by the traditional 1Gbps LAN port.
Kind Regards,
Toni.
Thanks for the input, Toni. However, ALL routers that can work as an AP will have the WAN function at its top speed — Archer is no exception. And this one was reviewed as a router.
Have you tested what the speeds the QoS options of these firewall/routers can support?
I have a D-Link DIR-3040 and I find when enabling QoS my max download/upload speeds drop per client to ~300 Mbit, which is too big of a hit to consider (and that 880 MHz dual-core processor is not enough).
Do the quad-core 1.8+ GHz routers get close to gig speeds with QoS?
I have 700Mbps broadband and this one could handle that fine, Ron. By the way, more on QoS in this post.
Hello, I currently have a Netgear RAX80, and have fiber 940mbps service. I wasn’t aware that the RAX80 only supported 1×1 streams. I don’t do a lot of gaming, but I do use the router for downloads and video watching (primarily on Apple products – 5ghz AX or Roku – 5ghz AC). Would the TP-Link Archer AX6000 be a good idea, or would a different router be better? I don’t know given a mixture of AX/AC clients, also I have ring devices which are on 2.4ghz AC.
Get the one if these two, Brian. https://dongknows.com/wi-fi-6-routers-compared-asus-rt-ax86u-vs-rt-ax82u/
Purchased this router and unfortunately having a ton of issues with firmware bugs. TLDR, it seems to intermittently prevent devices on 2.4ghz and 5ghz from communicating with each other. In my case, this results in Sonos speaks (which only support 2.4ghz) periodically unable to connect to the Sonos app (run on 5ghz devices). In addition, several devices (MacBook Pros) will periodically disconnect with strange errors such as โincorrect WiFi passwordโ (when the password is correct). Thought I would post for anyone shopping around, as these types of issues are apparently very common with this router based on support forums. Itโs frustrating to have issues like this with very basic functionality on a (supposedly) state-of-the-art device; will be returning to try out the RAX50 from Netgear.
Thanks for sharing, Elliot. I actually haven’t looked into this. Will keep that in mind from now on.
Hola perdon capaz me expresรฉ mal esta recnologia rangeboost que esta disponible en el ax6000 necesitas que el cliente o dispositivo wifi que se conecta al routers ax6000 tambiรฉn la tenga !!!! O es un tecnologia exclusiva de wifi 6 ????
Los routers de Wi-Fi 6 (AXxxxx) funcionan con TODOS los clientes existentes de Wi-Fi, Rafa, pero solo los clientes de Wi-Fi 6 pueden conectar a altas velocidades (disponbiles en Wi-Fi 6).
Hola esta recnologia rangeboost necesitas que el cliente o dispositivo wifi que se conecta al routers ax6000 tambiรฉn la tenga o es independiente ??
No entiendo tu pregunta, Rafa. Si quieres saber de Wi-Fi 6, lea este articulo.
Would you recommend this or Asus rt-ax88u and why please?
The latter, Umair. The Asus has a lot more to offer.
Great review, Dong! Curious if you might be covering the Archer AX11000 as well?
Yes, JD. Stay tuned. ๐
Thanks for your great reviews.
If mounted on a wall in the center of a house, will the area behind the wall (underneath the router) still get decent coverage?
Yes, but not as good as the opposite area, Dan. Try keeping the antennas horizontal in this case, by the way.
269.99 today, 4/10/20, on Amazon
Can I ask if the Home Care (AV & Parental Control) in TPLINK are FREE for the life of the router…Like ASUS? To my understanding, TPLINK HOME CARE is FREE for 3 years.
Thank you
Yes, you can Simon. Per TP-Link, it’s only three years the AV part. I’m not sure how it works though since the current one doesn’t require an account or anything to work. I guess they are still working on it.
Per TP-Link’s website, Homecare including AV, is now free for the lifetime of the product.
Yeap, that’s started with the Deco X60, Sean. What TP-Link has done since is change the name of HomeCare to HomeShield of which the Pro version requires a monthly fee.