TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350 Review

The TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350 is a budget-friendly dual-band Wi-Fi router aimed at everyday home users who want reliable internet performance without breaking the bank. Offering combined speeds up to 1350 Mbps, the Archer C60 comes equipped with five antennas, advanced wireless protocols, and user-friendly management tools. In this review, we’ll explore its features, performance, pros and cons, and assess whether it’s a smart buy for your home network.

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350

The Archer C60 sits comfortably in the entry-to-mid level segment of TP-Link’s router lineup. It offers dual-band wireless with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, giving users the flexibility to separate bandwidth-intensive tasks from light web browsing.

What makes the C60 notable is its cost-efficiency. It provides enough performance for families or small apartments and introduces newer wireless protocols like 802.11ac, improving speed and signal handling over older 802.11n routers.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350

1. AC1350 Dual-Band Wi-Fi
   The router delivers up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, which is sufficient for HD streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing across multiple devices.

2. Five Antennas for Enhanced Coverage
   Three antennas support the 2.4 GHz band and two serve the 5 GHz band, helping maintain signal strength across your home. The optimized antenna layout helps reduce interference and improve consistency.

3. 802.11ac Wireless Standard
   With support for the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, the C60 ensures faster and more reliable connections than legacy routers, particularly on the 5 GHz band.

4. Parental Controls and Guest Network
   The Archer C60 allows parents to manage and restrict their children’s internet access and offers a guest network feature to keep your main devices safe from visitors’ traffic.

5. Tether App for Easy Setup
   TP-Link’s Tether app offers an intuitive interface to manage and monitor the router from your phone, allowing easy access to settings, firmware updates, and parental controls.

Performance and Stability

In real-world scenarios, the Archer C60 performs reliably for light to moderate use. The 2.4 GHz band provides better range but lower speeds, ideal for web browsing and smart home devices. The 5 GHz band, on the other hand, is suitable for tasks like Netflix, Zoom, and gaming—so long as you’re within range.

While the router doesn’t offer MU-MIMO or beamforming (common in higher-end models), it still manages network traffic decently with basic QoS. For homes with 10–15 devices doing routine internet tasks, the Archer C60 holds up well.

Software and Security Features

TP-Link includes a set of essential software tools and security features with the C60:

• WPA/WPA2 encryption: Protects your wireless network
• Parental controls: Allow content filtering and internet time limits
• Guest network: Lets visitors use the internet without accessing your personal devices
• Web-based and app-based setup: Simple configuration from PC or phone

These options ensure both safety and user control without overwhelming you with complexity.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350

• Great value for the price: Solid features at a budget-friendly cost
• Reliable dual-band performance: 5 GHz band adds speed and reduces congestion
• Easy to install and manage: Especially through the Tether app
• Sleek, compact design: Fits neatly into most home setups
• Guest network and parental controls: Help protect and manage your network

Cons of the TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350

• No MU-MIMO or beamforming: Limited simultaneous device efficiency
• No Gigabit Ethernet ports: All LAN/WAN ports are 10/100 Mbps
• No USB port: No support for file or printer sharing
• Limited advanced settings: Lacks deep customization for power users

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link Archer C60

To make sure you’re getting optimal performance from the Archer C60:

1. Place it centrally: Install the router in an open area, away from thick walls and interference.
2. Use band steering manually: Assign heavier devices to 5 GHz, and basic devices to 2.4 GHz.
3. Update firmware regularly: Use the Tether app or web UI to check for security and performance updates.
4. Limit concurrent high-bandwidth use: Avoid multiple HD streams while gaming or video calling.
5. Use parental controls: Keep kids’ browsing safe and time-limited when needed.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350 is a capable, cost-effective router for small households or users who need dependable Wi-Fi for browsing, streaming, and light gaming. While it lacks some of the features found in pricier models—like MU-MIMO, beamforming, or gigabit ports—it compensates with solid performance, user-friendly software, and attractive pricing.

If you’re upgrading from an older single-band router or setting up internet in a small apartment, the Archer C60 is a smart, low-risk choice that provides a noticeable improvement in speed, coverage, and ease of use.