TP-Link Archer AX73 Review

The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a standout in the crowded Wi-Fi 6 router market, offering impressive speed, strong coverage, and excellent value for users looking to future-proof their home network. Designed to deliver up to 5400 Mbps across dual bands, it’s perfect for 4K/8K streaming, gaming, and managing smart home devices. With its sleek design, robust hardware, and intuitive controls, the AX73 balances performance with practicality. This review dives into its core features, real-world performance, strengths, drawbacks, and expert tips to help you get the most out of it.

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer AX73

The Archer AX73 is positioned as a high-performance yet affordable Wi-Fi 6 router in TP-Link’s lineup. It is ideal for tech-forward households with a growing number of devices and increasing bandwidth demands. Powered by a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, equipped with six external antennas, and offering advanced wireless technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, the AX73 ensures smooth, lag-free experiences.

Whether you’re upgrading from an older AC router or building a smarter home, the AX73 promises faster speeds, broader coverage, and intelligent traffic handling at a price that undercuts many competitors.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer AX73

1. Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6
   Supports up to 4804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, accommodating 8K streaming, cloud gaming, and large file transfers.

2. Six High-Gain Antennas with Beamforming
   Offers strong signal penetration and extended range for larger homes, with targeted signal focus toward connected devices.

3. Advanced OFDMA & MU-MIMO
   Efficiently handles dozens of devices simultaneously with minimal interference, ideal for high-density households.

4. 1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU
   Ensures responsive performance, quick load balancing, and consistent data flow under multi-device pressure.

5. HomeShield Security Suite
   Includes free basic network protection, parental controls, and QoS tools. A premium subscription unlocks in-depth reports and smart threat detection.

6. USB 3.0 Port
   Enables fast file sharing, media streaming, or router-based backups via external drives.

7. Four Gigabit LAN Ports + One WAN Port
   Full wired connectivity for consoles, desktops, and TVs with dependable gigabit throughput.

8. OneMesh Compatibility
   Seamlessly integrates with TP-Link OneMesh extenders for whole-home coverage without switching networks.

9. Alexa Voice Control Support
   Manage Wi-Fi settings like enabling guest network or running a speed test with simple voice commands.

10. Sleek and Well-Ventilated Design
    The chassis is optimized for airflow, ensuring thermal efficiency during prolonged high-performance usage.

Performance and Efficiency

In daily use, the AX73 performs exceptionally well—especially on the 5 GHz band, where real-world speeds can exceed 800 Mbps when connected to compatible devices. It maintains fast, reliable connections even in multi-device environments, such as households with smart TVs, smart assistants, laptops, and gaming consoles running simultaneously.

The router’s beamforming and advanced antenna layout ensure reliable signal across multiple floors, while its CPU keeps up with heavy multitasking. Heat management is notably better than earlier models, thanks to its open-top design.

Setup and Management

TP-Link makes setup painless with the Tether app for Android and iOS. The app walks users through installation, manages firmware updates, and provides easy access to parental controls and device prioritization. For advanced users, the browser-based admin panel offers features like port forwarding, VPN configuration, and dynamic DNS.

HomeShield, TP-Link’s security and network optimization suite, is also accessible via the app. The free tier offers basic insights and protection, while the premium tier adds deeper analytics and enhanced parental tools.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer AX73

• Excellent speed and range for the price
• Handles many devices with ease thanks to Wi-Fi 6, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO
• User-friendly setup and control app
• Strong parental controls and security tools
• USB 3.0 and multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Modern design with improved cooling
• OneMesh support for scalable coverage

Cons of the TP-Link Archer AX73

• No 160 MHz channel support
  Limits peak throughput with devices that support wider bandwidths.

• No multi-gig WAN/LAN ports
  Capped at 1 Gbps speeds for wired connections, which may limit ultra-fast plans.

• Some HomeShield features locked behind a subscription
  Advanced security requires a monthly fee.

• No native mesh system built-in
  Requires OneMesh extenders for full mesh support, unlike TP-Link Deco systems.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link Archer AX73

1. Position centrally and elevate the router to improve signal distribution across floors and rooms.
2. Assign 5 GHz to high-speed tasks, like gaming and streaming, while reserving 2.4 GHz for IoT or long-range devices.
3. Use QoS to prioritize important devices, especially during peak usage.
4. Enable guest network for visitors to protect your main network from unauthorized access.
5. Explore OneMesh extenders if you experience dead zones in large homes.
6. Keep firmware updated through the Tether app to maintain security and performance improvements.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a powerful, affordable, and reliable Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers top-tier speed, broad coverage, and smart features without overwhelming the average user. Its quad-core processor, strong antenna array, and solid Wi-Fi 6 implementation make it an ideal choice for families, gamers, streamers, and anyone with a growing network of smart devices.

While it lacks a few premium features like multi-gig ports or native mesh functionality, the AX73 more than makes up for it with excellent real-world performance and usability. For its price, it’s one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers you can buy today.