Tp-Link claims the Archer AX50 is one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market, offering unmatchable high-end features and technologies under budget. I tested it with my Verizon Fios internet. Is it the best router for Verizon Fios? Let’s find out!
TP-Link’s Archer AX50 (AX3000) is a mid-range Wi-Fi router that offers the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. The reason for its popularity is its advanced features that generally are found on expensive models. One of its key features includes link aggregation, anti-malware software, and advanced lifetime parental controls.
However, there is room for improvements; there is no multi-gig port, file-transfer performance is not up to the mark, and it doesn’t support WPA3 encryption.
Pros & Cons: TP-Link Archer AX50
What I like
- Incredible signal strength
- Design
- Lifetime HoeCare support
- Its advanced Link Aggregation feature
- Anti-malware support
- Easy to set up
What I don’t
- No WPA3 encryption support
The TP-Link Archer AX50 (AX3000) Review: Crucial Features & Technologies:
Design
The Tp-Link Archer AX50 and the budget-class model Archer AX10 share the same matte black and glossy finish. On the top, you’ll find textured grilles and the Tp-Link logo in the middle. Its back panel houses four adjustable external antennas, while its front panel has six LED indicators. The TP-Link Archer AX50 measures 1.5×10.2×5.3 inches (HWD) and weighs only 1.24 lbs.
Hardware
Compared to most same-priced routers, The AX50 has a robust processor to utilize the next-gen latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. As the AX50 is equipped with a dual-core CPU, the MU-MIMO data streaming, OFDMA packet transmissions, Smart Connect, and beamforming technologies are also there to add more value to the router.
Ports
As with most projectors these days, the Tp-Link Archer AX50 also has four gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. However, the only difference from the competition is its link aggregation. Additionally, you have one WAN port or internet port along with a USB 3.0 port, a typical power button, a reset button, a Wi-Fi/WPS On/Off button, and a power jack.
Unfortunately, you won’t find any multi-gig port on the router. Though, you have that high-end link aggregation feature on the AX50.
Speeds
THe AX50 offers dual-band frequency functionality, 5GHz and 2.4GHz. So theoretically, you get an amazing Wi-Fi speed of up to 574Mbps on its 2.4GHz band, while the 5GHz band promises up to 2,402Mbps.
Software
Like most TP-Link’s expensive Wi-Fi routers, The Archer AX50 includes many advanced features ot its software, such as Anti-malware prevents unwanted malicious content, a HomeCare suite for parental controls with age-appropriate filters, QoS settings for bandwidth priority, and many others.
Its website filters and controls are really helpful for parents who want their kids to be away from certain websites on the web, such as gambling, adult, and porn websites. They can also set time limits for their kids and clients to access the internet.
The Interface: App & Website
It is possible to manage the AX50 using the Tp-Link Tether app—available for Android and iOS users—and the web console. There is no doubt saying its mobile Tether App is way better to manage the router. However, through its mobile app, you can’t access advanced features like DHCP server, port forwarding, NAT Forwarding, Firewall, and even Link Aggregation. For such settings, you’ll have to dive into its web console.
Price
The Tp-Link Archer AX50 is priced at around 150 dollars. It is very rare for any manufacturer to offer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless standard router in this price range.
The Specification Sheet: The AX50
- 802.11ax Wireless Standard
- Dual-band frequency Support (5GHz & 2.4GHz)
- 4x external antennas
- MU-MIMO (4 streams), OFDMA, Beamforming
- Airtime Fairness & DFS
- Up to 3Gbps Wi-Fi speeds
- Access Point & Router mode
- 4x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
- 1x Gigabit WAN port
- 1x USB 3.0 port
- WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x) Wi-Fi Encryption
- Dimensions 10.2x.5.3×1.5 inches
Conclusion
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a fantastic option for people who want the best Wi-Fi 6 router under 150 bucks. Its features, Link aggregation, anti-malware, HomeCare, QoS, and parental controls, are powerful enough and unbelievable for the price.
However, with so many good features, the Archer AX50 invites some drawbacks, such as WAP3 encryption and file transfer performance. Apart from these cons, the AX50 is worth the money.