TP-Link Archer AX23 Review

The TP-Link Archer AX23 is a budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router designed to provide faster speeds, enhanced connectivity, and improved performance for users who want a taste of the latest Wi-Fi technology without the premium price. It supports Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster data rates, improved efficiency, and greater capacity for multiple connected devices. In this review, we will explore its key features, performance, pros, cons, and value to help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your home network.

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer AX23

The TP-Link Archer AX23 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 router that provides users with the benefits of the latest Wi-Fi standard, including faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded environments. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Archer AX23 includes key features like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output), and Beamforming, which ensure efficient and reliable connectivity for multiple devices. This router is ideal for medium-sized homes and users who need reliable Wi-Fi for tasks like streaming, gaming, and browsing.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer AX23

1. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Technology
   The Archer AX23 supports Wi-Fi 6, the latest Wi-Fi standard, which offers improved speeds, range, and capacity compared to previous Wi-Fi generations. With Wi-Fi 6, the Archer AX23 can handle more devices at once and deliver faster speeds for tasks like 4K streaming and online gaming.

2. Speed and Bandwidth
   The router offers a total speed of up to 1,800Mbps, divided into a 2.4GHz band (up to 574Mbps) and a 5GHz band (up to 1,201Mbps). This provides ample bandwidth for high-demand tasks such as HD streaming, gaming, and video conferencing while keeping latency low.

3. OFDMA and MU-MIMO Support
   OFDMA allows the router to transmit data to multiple devices simultaneously, improving efficiency and reducing latency. MU-MIMO improves performance when multiple devices are connected to the network, ensuring that each device gets its fair share of bandwidth, even during high-traffic periods.

4. Beamforming Technology
   The Archer AX23 comes equipped with Beamforming, which focuses the Wi-Fi signal directly toward connected devices. This improves range and signal stability, allowing devices located further away from the router to receive a stronger and more reliable signal.

5. Easy Setup with TP-Link Tether App
   Like other TP-Link routers, the Archer AX23 features a straightforward setup process through the TP-Link Tether app. You can set up the router, manage settings, and monitor your network all from the convenience of your smartphone.

6. Parental Controls and Quality of Service (QoS)
   The Archer AX23 includes basic parental controls that allow you to restrict internet access for specific devices or set time limits. It also supports QoS, allowing you to prioritize certain types of traffic (such as gaming or streaming) to ensure a smoother experience for critical applications.

Performance and Efficiency

The TP-Link Archer AX23 delivers impressive performance for a budget-friendly router, especially considering its support for Wi-Fi 6. In testing, the router provided fast and stable connections, even when multiple devices were connected simultaneously. The 2.4GHz band performed well in medium-range environments, while the 5GHz band offered faster speeds for devices closer to the router.

In areas with heavy interference or multiple walls, the router’s Beamforming technology helped maintain a strong signal. Additionally, the OFDMA and MU-MIMO features worked as expected, improving efficiency and reducing congestion when many devices were connected at once.

While the router performed well in most scenarios, it did show some limitations in large homes or spaces with many obstacles. If you have a large house or need extended coverage, you might want to consider adding a mesh system or a higher-end model for better performance.

Overall, the Archer AX23 is a solid performer for medium-sized homes, providing a reliable and fast connection for most tasks.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer AX23

• Wi-Fi 6 support: Access to the latest Wi-Fi technology for faster speeds and better efficiency.
• Impressive speed: Up to 1,800Mbps total speed across dual bands.
• Multi-device support: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies enhance performance when multiple devices are connected.
• Beamforming technology: Improves signal strength and range for devices farther from the router.
• Easy setup: The TP-Link Tether app simplifies installation and management.
• Parental controls and QoS: Useful features for managing internet access and prioritizing traffic for essential tasks.

Cons of the TP-Link Archer AX23

• Limited coverage in large homes: The router’s coverage may not be enough for large homes or areas with many walls and obstructions.
• Basic security features: While the router offers basic protection, it lacks more advanced security features like WPA3 or automatic firmware updates.
• No USB ports: The Archer AX23 does not include USB ports for connecting external devices like printers or storage drives.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link Archer AX23

To get the most out of your TP-Link Archer AX23, here are a few tips:

1. Place the router in a central location: For optimal coverage, position the router in a central spot in your home to ensure even signal distribution across all areas.
2. Connect high-demand devices to the 5GHz band: Devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and laptops should be connected to the 5GHz band for faster speeds and lower latency.
3. Limit the number of connected devices on the 2.4GHz band: Since the 2.4GHz band has lower speeds, try to limit the number of devices connected to it to ensure better performance.
4. Use parental controls for safe browsing: Set up parental controls to limit access to inappropriate content or manage screen time for children.
5. Enable QoS for gaming or streaming: Prioritize traffic for gaming consoles or streaming devices to ensure a smooth experience, even when multiple devices are using the internet.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AX23 is an excellent budget-friendly option for users looking to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank. It offers impressive speeds, solid performance, and the latest Wi-Fi technology at a competitive price. With features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Beamforming, the Archer AX23 ensures that your network performs well even when multiple devices are connected.

While the router may struggle in larger homes or spaces with many obstacles, it is a great choice for medium-sized homes and users who need reliable Wi-Fi for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. If you’re looking for an affordable way to access Wi-Fi 6, the TP-Link Archer AX23 provides great value for the price.