TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX1800) WiFi 6 Router Review

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a budget-friendly WiFi 6 router that delivers solid performance, modern features, and ease of use for everyday home networking needs. Offering dual-band connectivity, improved speeds, and broader coverage compared to older WiFi standards, the AX21 is designed for homes with multiple devices and users. While it doesn’t have all the premium features of high-end routers, it strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. In this review, we’ll explore the key features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of the TP-Link Archer AX21 to help you determine if it’s the right router for your home network.

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer AX21

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is an affordable WiFi 6 router designed to deliver faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved network capacity for modern homes. Supporting speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the AX21 offers strong wireless performance for streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and smart home device management. With support for MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies, it’s capable of handling multiple simultaneous connections without noticeable slowdowns. This makes it a smart choice for households that need dependable, high-speed WiFi on a budget.

Let’s dive into the key features and performance of the TP-Link Archer AX21 to see how it compares to other routers in its class.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer AX21

1. WiFi 6 Technology
   The AX21 supports the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard, which improves overall wireless efficiency and speed. With WiFi 6, you get faster throughput, reduced latency, and increased capacity, making it ideal for homes with many connected devices.

2. Dual-Band Speeds up to 1.8 Gbps
   The AX21 provides combined speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. These speeds are sufficient for most households, supporting 4K streaming, gaming, and large file downloads with ease.

3. Broad Coverage with Four High-Gain Antennas
   Equipped with four external high-gain antennas and Beamforming technology, the AX21 offers strong signal strength and stable connections throughout medium-sized homes. It helps ensure reliable coverage in multiple rooms or across different floors.

4. OFDMA and MU-MIMO Support
   These advanced technologies allow the router to communicate with multiple devices at once, improving network efficiency and reducing lag. It’s especially useful for households with several users streaming or gaming simultaneously.

5. Easy Setup and Management with Tether App
   The TP-Link Tether app makes it easy to set up and manage your network from a smartphone. You can manage connected devices, set up guest networks, apply parental controls, and perform firmware updates directly from the app.

6. Compatible with Alexa
   The AX21 can be integrated with Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice control of some network functions like enabling guest WiFi or prioritizing devices using voice commands.

Performance and Efficiency

The TP-Link Archer AX21 performs reliably in everyday scenarios such as streaming HD/4K content, online gaming, and handling multiple smart devices. The dual-band configuration ensures smooth connectivity even during peak usage. The 5 GHz band delivers strong performance for high-bandwidth tasks, while the 2.4 GHz band offers better range for basic activities like browsing or checking email.

In real-world usage, the AX21 delivers steady speeds and low latency within medium-range coverage. Users with fiber or high-speed cable internet can expect to utilize most of their connection’s potential. Though it may not match premium tri-band routers in terms of performance, it does more than enough for the average household.

Setup and Configuration

Setting up the TP-Link Archer AX21 is straightforward. The Tether app guides you through the entire process, from connecting your modem to securing your WiFi. The web interface also provides advanced configuration options for experienced users, such as port forwarding, VPN setup, and more.

The app also allows for real-time network monitoring and control, making it easy to manage connected devices, adjust bandwidth allocation, and restrict internet access when necessary.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer AX21

• Affordable price: Offers great value for money compared to other WiFi 6 routers.
• WiFi 6 support: Brings faster speeds and better efficiency to budget-conscious users.
• Stable dual-band performance: Suitable for gaming, streaming, and general browsing.
• Easy setup and management: User-friendly Tether app simplifies configuration and control.
• Good coverage: Four external antennas provide strong signal in mid-sized homes.
• Alexa integration: Enables convenient voice control for basic network features.

Cons of the TP-Link Archer AX21

• No USB 3.0 port: Only features a USB 2.0 port, which limits file sharing speed via network storage.
• Limited advanced features: Lacks some premium functions like tri-band support or multi-gig ports.
• Basic parental controls: While functional, parental control features are more limited compared to higher-end routers.
• No mesh capability out-of-the-box: Doesn’t support mesh networking unless paired with compatible TP-Link devices using OneMesh.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link Archer AX21

To maximize your experience with the AX21 router, consider these tips:

1. Place the router centrally: For best coverage, position the router in a central location and away from obstructions like thick walls or metal furniture.
2. Keep firmware updated: Use the Tether app or web interface to regularly update the router’s firmware for security and performance improvements.
3. Use device prioritization: Allocate bandwidth to gaming or streaming devices when needed to ensure optimal performance.
4. Enable guest network: Create a separate WiFi network for guests to protect your main network from unauthorized access.
5. Use QoS settings: Enable Quality of Service settings to manage bandwidth for specific applications and devices.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a capable and cost-effective WiFi 6 router that brings next-generation wireless performance to budget-conscious households. With solid speeds, good coverage, and essential features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, it is well-suited for homes with multiple devices and users.

If you’re looking to upgrade from an older router without breaking the bank, the AX21 is a strong choice. Its combination of reliability, easy setup, and modern WiFi 6 features makes it one of the best budget-friendly routers for everyday use.