TP-Link Archer AX90 Review

The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a high-end Wi-Fi 6 router designed to provide exceptional speed, extensive coverage, and robust security for demanding users. Featuring a tri-band AX6600 setup, a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, and advanced features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, the AX90 is ideal for large smart homes, gamers, and users with multi-gigabit internet plans. This review breaks down its key features, performance, pros, cons, and tips to optimize its usage.

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer AX90

The TP-Link Archer AX90 sits at the top of TP-Link’s Archer series, bridging the gap between consumer routers and prosumer-grade hardware. It’s a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router that provides total speeds up to 6600 Mbps and a feature set that supports everything from gaming and streaming to managing dozens of smart devices simultaneously.

Designed for users who demand strong, reliable performance across a large space with diverse networking needs, the AX90 delivers stability, speed, and flexibility in a visually striking design.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer AX90

1. AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6
   Delivers combined speeds of 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 1201 Mbps (5 GHz-2), and 4804 Mbps (5 GHz-1) for optimal distribution of devices and activities.

2. Eight External High-Gain Antennas
   Ensures strong signal strength and extended range, ideal for multi-floor homes or dense device environments.

3. Powerful Quad-Core 1.5 GHz CPU
   Handles intensive multi-device traffic and provides smooth performance during high-bandwidth tasks.

4. 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN Port
   Enables ultra-fast internet connections and high-speed local networking for NAS or gaming rigs.

5. Four Gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports
   Allow reliable wired connections for PCs, consoles, and smart TVs.

6. OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and 160 MHz Channel Width
   Ensure high-speed communication with many devices at once, minimizing lag and congestion.

7. USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Ports
   Support media sharing, FTP access, and local network storage with connected drives.

8. TP-Link HomeShield Security
   Provides real-time network protection, parental controls, QoS, and threat analysis.

9. Smart Connect and Band Steering
   Automatically assigns devices to the best available band for optimal performance.

10. TP-Link Tether App and Web UI
    Offers both user-friendly setup for beginners and advanced customization for experts.

Performance and Efficiency

In practice, the Archer AX90 excels in delivering strong, stable connections across all bands. The inclusion of two separate 5 GHz bands allows for effective segmentation—such as assigning one band to streaming and another to gaming or video conferencing.

Speeds are especially impressive on Wi-Fi 6 devices that support 160 MHz, where it can exceed 1 Gbps under ideal conditions. Coverage is robust, covering over 3,000 square feet without the need for extenders in many homes.

The router’s processing power ensures consistent throughput even when multiple users are simultaneously streaming, gaming, or downloading large files. The 2.5G port provides future-proof flexibility for those with gigabit-plus connections.

Setup and Management

Initial setup with the TP-Link Tether app is smooth and intuitive, guiding users through steps such as creating SSIDs, setting admin credentials, and configuring WAN options. The web interface provides detailed controls including VPN setup, port forwarding, static IP reservations, VLANs, and device prioritization.

HomeShield offers security and parental control tools, with basic functions free and more advanced features—like malicious content blocking and comprehensive reports—available in the HomeShield Pro subscription.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer AX90

• Excellent tri-band AX6600 speed and coverage
• 160 MHz support on Wi-Fi 6 clients
• 2.5G WAN/LAN port for ultra-fast networking
• Strong multi-device performance with OFDMA/MU-MIMO
• Dual USB ports for storage or sharing
• User-friendly setup via Tether app
• HomeShield provides security and parental controls
• Attractive, ventilated design with clear LED indicators

Cons of the TP-Link Archer AX90

• Relatively high price
  May be more than what casual users or smaller households need.

• Large size
  May be difficult to place in compact or minimalist setups.

• HomeShield Pro is a paid subscription
  Limits access to some of the more advanced network security and control features.

• OneMesh only with compatible TP-Link extenders
  Lacks seamless integration with TP-Link’s Deco mesh systems.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link Archer AX90

1. Use the 2.5G port for your modem to maximize internet throughput or connect to a 2.5G-capable switch or NAS.
2. Enable 160 MHz channels in the router’s settings to unlock full Wi-Fi 6 speeds.
3. Use Smart Connect to automatically balance device loads across available bands.
4. Update firmware regularly for bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
5. Prioritize traffic with QoS for activities like gaming, Zoom calls, or 4K streaming.
6. Pair with OneMesh extenders for consistent performance in extra-large homes.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a top-tier Wi-Fi 6 router built for power users who need speed, coverage, and advanced networking capabilities. Its tri-band AX6600 performance, multi-gig port, and broad feature set make it an excellent choice for future-proofing your home network.

If you have a high-speed internet plan, many connected devices, and a need for high performance across the board—from gaming and streaming to working from home—the Archer AX90 is a reliable, powerful, and flexible solution that won’t disappoint.