TP-Link AC1350 Review

The TP-Link AC1350 is a budget-friendly router designed to provide solid performance for everyday internet tasks. Offering dual-band Wi-Fi, a variety of connectivity options, and easy setup, the TP-Link AC1350 is an appealing option for those seeking reliable performance without a premium price tag. This review will dive into the router’s features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value to help you determine whether it’s the right router for your needs.

Introduction to the TP-Link AC1350

The TP-Link AC1350 is part of TP-Link’s budget-friendly range, offering dual-band Wi-Fi at a competitive price. With support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it caters to different types of usage, from casual browsing to HD video streaming. The router includes multiple antennas for better coverage, ensuring that your home’s Wi-Fi network remains stable even at greater distances. Though it’s not the most advanced router in terms of features, it delivers sufficient performance for most home environments.

Let’s take a deeper look at the features and performance of the TP-Link AC1350 to evaluate its potential for everyday use.

Key Features of the TP-Link AC1350

1. Dual-Band Wi-Fi
   The TP-Link AC1350 supports dual-band Wi-Fi with speeds of up to 1350Mbps. The 2.4GHz band provides extended coverage, ideal for browsing, emails, and IoT devices, while the 5GHz band offers faster speeds for data-heavy tasks like streaming and gaming. This dual-band system helps reduce network congestion and allows users to prioritize tasks effectively.

2. Multiple Antennas for Enhanced Coverage
   Equipped with multiple external antennas, the AC1350 offers improved range and signal strength. These antennas are designed to ensure that the Wi-Fi signal reaches throughout your home, even in larger spaces or areas that are typically harder to cover.

3. Simple Setup and Management
   TP-Link’s intuitive Tether app and web interface make setting up the AC1350 easy, even for users who aren’t tech-savvy. Whether you’re setting up your network, adjusting settings, or monitoring your connection, the app provides an accessible way to control the router.

4. Beamforming Technology
   The AC1350 utilizes Beamforming technology to focus the Wi-Fi signal directly toward your devices, boosting both speed and stability. This technology helps ensure that even devices at the edges of your home receive a strong and stable connection.

5. Affordable Price
   One of the standout features of the TP-Link AC1350 is its low cost. Despite its budget price, it offers solid performance for most household needs, making it a fantastic value for users who don’t require advanced features or lightning-fast speeds.

Performance and Efficiency

The TP-Link AC1350 delivers adequate performance for households with moderate internet usage. The dual-band system allows for efficient management of multiple devices, while the 5GHz band ensures fast speeds for HD video streaming, gaming, and other high-demand activities. The AC1350’s external antennas enhance the range of the router, providing decent coverage throughout the home.

However, performance can dip when multiple devices are connected at once, particularly on the 2.4GHz band. For smaller homes or users with basic needs, the AC1350 is more than sufficient. However, heavy internet users or those with large homes may experience slower speeds or coverage limitations, especially if the router is placed too far from connected devices.

Pros of the TP-Link AC1350

• Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Provides both extended range and fast speeds, catering to a variety of needs.
• Affordable Price: A budget-friendly router that delivers great value for the price.
• Multiple Antennas: Ensures better coverage and signal strength throughout your home.
• Simple Setup: The Tether app and user-friendly web interface make installation and management hassle-free.
• Beamforming Technology: Directs Wi-Fi signals toward your devices, improving performance and stability.

Cons of the TP-Link AC1350

• Limited Performance for Heavy Usage: While it offers good speeds for most tasks, it may not be ideal for homes with heavy internet usage or multiple devices.
• No MU-MIMO Support: Lacks the MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, meaning it can only communicate with one device at a time on each band.
• No USB Ports: The AC1350 lacks USB ports for file sharing or connecting printers, which some users might miss.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link AC1350

To maximize the performance of your TP-Link AC1350, consider the following tips:

1. Position the Router Centrally: Place the AC1350 in a central location to ensure even Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.
2. Connect High-Bandwidth Devices to the 5GHz Band: Use the 5GHz band for streaming, gaming, and other activities that require higher speeds.
3. Limit the Number of Devices on the 2.4GHz Band: Connect devices that don’t need high-speed internet (e.g., smart thermostats or light bulbs) to the 2.4GHz band to prevent congestion.
4. Keep Firmware Updated: Regularly update the router’s firmware to ensure the best performance and security features.

Conclusion

The TP-Link AC1350 is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable, budget-friendly router for everyday use. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi, multiple antennas for enhanced coverage, and easy setup via TP-Link’s app. While it may not have the features or performance of higher-end routers, it’s a great option for users with basic needs like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. If you’re looking for a reliable router without spending a lot, the TP-Link AC1350 is definitely worth considering.