TP-Link Archer AC1200 Review

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer AC1200

The TP-Link Archer AC1200 is a budget-friendly dual-band Wi-Fi router designed to deliver solid performance for home users. With speeds of up to 1200 Mbps, it provides an ideal solution for everyday internet use, including HD streaming, gaming, and browsing. This router aims to offer a reliable and cost-effective option for users who need decent coverage without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look at the key features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of the TP-Link Archer AC1200 to help you decide if it’s the right router for your home.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer AC1200

1. Dual-Band Wi-Fi
   The Archer AC1200 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4GHz (300 Mbps) and 5GHz (867 Mbps) bands. This helps minimize interference and allows users to enjoy faster speeds on compatible devices, especially when using the 5GHz band for high-demand tasks like streaming or gaming.

2. MU-MIMO Technology
   The router features Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) technology, which allows it to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. This improves the overall performance and ensures that multiple devices can be connected without significantly reducing speeds.

3. Gigabit Ethernet Ports
   For users who prefer a wired connection, the Archer AC1200 provides four Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed, stable connections to computers, gaming consoles, or other wired devices.

4. Easy Setup with Tether App
   Setting up the Archer AC1200 is made simple with the TP-Link Tether app, which provides step-by-step instructions for installation and allows users to manage network settings directly from their smartphones.

5. Smart Connect Technology
   The Smart Connect feature automatically assigns devices to the best available band based on network conditions, ensuring optimized performance without requiring manual selection.

Performance and Efficiency

The TP-Link Archer AC1200 performs admirably for its price range, offering stable and reliable Wi-Fi coverage for most medium-sized homes. The 5GHz band provides fast speeds for streaming and gaming, while the 2.4GHz band ensures coverage across longer distances, albeit at lower speeds.

The performance is consistent in typical day-to-day activities such as browsing, social media, and video conferencing. For heavier usage like HD streaming or gaming, the router performs adequately on the 5GHz band but may experience some buffering or lag during peak usage times or if there are many devices connected to the network.

In terms of range, the Archer AC1200 covers typical home environments with ease. However, for larger homes or homes with many walls, you might find the range somewhat limited compared to more premium routers.

Battery Life and Charging

While the Archer AC1200 does not have a battery (it requires a continuous power source), it does feature an energy-efficient design that uses less power than many competing routers in its class. This is a nice touch for users who want to keep their energy costs down while maintaining a reliable connection.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer AC1200

• Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Provides both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for better coverage and faster speeds.
• MU-MIMO Technology: Supports multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring stable performance.
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Four high-speed Ethernet ports for wired connections.
• Easy Setup: The Tether app makes the setup process fast and simple.
• Affordable: Provides excellent performance at a competitive price point.

Cons of the TP-Link Archer AC1200

• Limited Range: Suitable for small to medium-sized homes, but may struggle in larger homes with many obstacles.
• No USB Ports: Lacks USB ports for file sharing or connecting printers and storage devices.
• Basic Features: While solid, the router lacks some advanced features like QoS (Quality of Service) or more extensive security options compared to premium models.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link Archer AC1200

1. Use the Right Band for the Right Task: Use the 5GHz band for high-demand tasks like gaming or streaming, and the 2.4GHz band for everyday tasks and long-range connectivity.
2. Keep Firmware Updated: Regularly update the router’s firmware through the Tether app or the web interface to ensure you have the latest security patches and performance improvements.
3. Optimize Placement: Place the router in a central location to maximize coverage and minimize interference. Avoid placing it near walls or electronic devices that might cause signal disruptions.
4. Limit Device Connections: Since the Archer AC1200 is budget-friendly, it’s important to manage the number of connected devices to avoid performance degradation.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AC1200 is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable, budget-friendly Wi-Fi router. It offers decent speeds, good coverage, and useful features like MU-MIMO technology and easy setup via the Tether app. While it may not be ideal for large homes or users with very high-demand network needs, it provides great value for everyday internet use, including streaming, gaming, and browsing.

If you are looking for an affordable solution for smaller homes or apartments, the Archer AC1200 is a solid pick, offering a strong performance-to-price ratio.