TP-Link Archer AX72 Review

The TP-Link Archer AX72 is a mid-range Wi-Fi 6 router designed to offer robust performance, faster speeds, and advanced features for users who need reliable connectivity in larger homes or for demanding tasks like gaming and 4K streaming. This router supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, promising better efficiency, higher speeds, and improved capacity for multiple devices. In this review, we’ll explore the key features, performance, pros, cons, and value to help you decide if the Archer AX72 is right for your home network.

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer AX72

The TP-Link Archer AX72 is a Wi-Fi 6 router that promises to deliver high-speed internet, lower latency, and efficient handling of multiple devices connected at once. Whether you’re streaming high-definition content, gaming, or working from home, this router aims to keep your devices connected with minimal lag or interruptions. With support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the AX72 ensures reliable coverage and optimal speeds for users in larger spaces.

Thanks to its powerful hardware and advanced features like Beamforming and OFDMA, the Archer AX72 provides a balanced blend of performance and convenience. This makes it a good choice for tech-savvy users and families with several connected devices. Let’s take a deeper dive into its features.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer AX72

1. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Technology
   The Archer AX72 is built on the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing faster speeds, improved efficiency, and better performance in congested environments. It supports up to 5,400Mbps in combined Wi-Fi speeds, which is more than sufficient for ultra-fast browsing, streaming, and gaming.

2. Dual-Band Connectivity
   With a total of 5,400Mbps, the Archer AX72 is split into a 2.4GHz band offering up to 574Mbps and a 5GHz band offering up to 4,804Mbps. This enables users to enjoy high-speed connectivity on devices that require heavy bandwidth, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and work laptops, while ensuring stable connections for lighter devices like phones and tablets.

3. OFDMA and MU-MIMO Support
   The Archer AX72 features Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technologies, which significantly improve network efficiency by handling multiple data streams simultaneously. This ensures faster speeds and lower latency, especially in homes with several devices connected at once.

4. Beamforming Technology
   Beamforming technology helps to direct the router’s signal towards specific devices, increasing range and overall connection stability. This feature makes it a great option for users in larger homes, as it helps ensure that Wi-Fi reaches areas farther from the router.

5. Advanced Security with WPA3
   The Archer AX72 includes WPA3 encryption, which provides stronger protection against potential security threats and ensures that your devices are secure when connected to the router. It’s an important feature for users who are concerned about online safety, especially with sensitive information being transferred over the network.

6. Easy Setup with TP-Link Tether App
   TP-Link’s Tether app makes setting up and managing your router simple. You can use it to install the router, configure settings, and monitor the network, all from your smartphone. This app-based setup ensures that even users with limited technical knowledge can quickly get up and running.

Performance and Efficiency

The TP-Link Archer AX72 performs exceptionally well in terms of both speed and stability. During testing, the router consistently delivered strong and stable connections, even when multiple devices were streaming 4K content and participating in online gaming simultaneously. The 5GHz band offered incredibly fast speeds for devices placed near the router, while the 2.4GHz band provided adequate coverage for devices further away.

OFDMA and MU-MIMO were particularly effective when handling several devices at once. With multiple devices connected, there was a noticeable reduction in congestion, and the overall network speed remained high. The router’s Beamforming technology also helped extend coverage to distant corners of the house, keeping the connection strong and stable.

While the AX72 can cover a large home, users with very large spaces or homes with thick walls may still experience some signal degradation in certain areas. However, for most typical homes, the Archer AX72 delivers excellent performance across both bands.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer AX72

• Wi-Fi 6 support: Offers faster speeds, greater efficiency, and improved capacity for simultaneous connections.
• Exceptional speed: Up to 5,400Mbps across dual bands, ideal for high-demand activities like 4K streaming and online gaming.
• Multi-device efficiency: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies ensure smooth performance even when several devices are connected.
• Beamforming technology: Enhances range and signal stability, even in larger homes.
• Advanced security: WPA3 encryption for better protection and security for your devices.
• Easy setup: The TP-Link Tether app simplifies installation and ongoing management.

Cons of the TP-Link Archer AX72

• Higher price point: The AX72 is a mid-range router, and its price may be higher than basic models.
• Limited USB ports: While this router excels in most areas, it does not have USB ports for external device connections like printers or storage drives.
• Size and design: It’s a relatively large router, which might be difficult to place in smaller spaces or rooms with limited setup options.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link Archer AX72

To get the best performance from your TP-Link Archer AX72, follow these tips:

1. Position the router centrally: For the best coverage, place the router in a central location in your home, ensuring that the signal is evenly distributed across all areas.
2. Use the 5GHz band for high-demand devices: Connect devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and laptops to the 5GHz band for faster speeds and lower latency.
3. Use the 2.4GHz band for devices that need basic connectivity: Devices like smart thermostats, lights, and other IoT devices work well on the 2.4GHz band.
4. Enable QoS to prioritize traffic: Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize critical tasks like gaming or video calls to ensure smoother performance.
5. Update firmware regularly: Keep your router’s firmware updated to benefit from security patches and performance improvements.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AX72 is a powerful and feature-rich Wi-Fi 6 router that offers a solid performance upgrade for users in medium to large-sized homes. With fast speeds, enhanced multi-device support, and improved range, it’s an excellent choice for users who stream content, play games online, or work from home. The WPA3 security, easy setup through the TP-Link Tether app, and Beamforming technology further enhance its value.

Though it comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to entry-level models, the Archer AX72 delivers great performance and value for those seeking a reliable and future-proof router. If you’re looking to improve your home network and embrace Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank, the TP-Link Archer AX72 is a great option to consider.