Introduction to TP-Link Archer AX21

The TP-Link Archer AX21 has quickly turned to be one of the high-quality Wi-Fi 6 routers, offering next-generation speeds and performance. With the increasing demands of smart home devices, streaming services, and remote work, a reliable Wi-Fi 6 router like the Archer AX21 can make a huge difference. This router is designed to bring faster speeds, greater efficiency, and seamless connectivity to a wide range of devices, making it ideal for households with high network demands.

In this review, we’ll dive into the key features, performance, and pros and cons of the TP-Link Archer AX21 to determine if it truly delivers the value it promises.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer AX21

The Archer AX21 comes packed with features that make it stand out in its price category:

Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Enhanced speed, improved device handling, and better power efficiency.
Dual-Band Connectivity: Smooth allocation of devices between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Gigabit wired connections: Both the LAN and WAN ports support Gigabit connectivity.
MU-MIMO: Equipped with MU-MIMO technology, the router can serve multiple devices at once, increasing connection efficiency.
Compact and Sleek Design: Aesthetically pleasing and decorative design.

These features lay a solid foundation for a dependable router that can support multiple connected devices while providing a stable and fast connection.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing the TP-Link Archer AX21, users will find the router itself, a 12V 1.5A power adapter, a quick start guide, and an RJ45 Ethernet cable. The router has a slim yet sturdy build, with a sleek black finish and four external antennas that provide both style and functionality. It also has a phone-like rectangular glossy piece on the top, which is different from other routers. The design is simple but effective, appealing to users who prefer a minimalist look in their tech gear.

Setting up the Archer AX21 is straightforward. Following the quick start guide, users can get the router running within a few minutes, especially with the help of the TP-Link Tether app, which simplifies the initial configuration and customization options.

Technical Specifications

Here’s a look at the technical breakdown of the TP-Link Archer AX21:

Processor: 1.5 GHz dual-core processor(V4 version), there is a quad-core version as well..
Wi-Fi Standards: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Maximum Speed: Up to 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
Antennas: Four external antennas for extended coverage.
Ports: One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports. A DC power socket.
Indicators: 6 LEDs for indicating various statuses.
Buttons: WPS, Reset and power on/off buttons.

These specs indicate that the Archer AX21 is built for efficient handling of high network traffic, making it a great choice for households that need reliable speed and range.

Wi-Fi 6 Technology in Archer AX21

6th Generation Wi-Fi is a big selling point for the TP-Link Archer AX21. Unlike Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, better support for multiple devices, and lower latency. This means that even if there are several devices connected simultaneously—like smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart home devices—Wi-Fi 6 can handle them efficiently.

Wi-Fi 6 also includes a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT), which helps conserve battery life on connected devices by scheduling when they communicate with the router. This is particularly useful for mobile devices that may spend long hours connected to the network.

Performance and Speed Testing

In real-world performance tests, the TP-Link Archer AX21 consistently delivers strong speed on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Here’s a closer look at its performance across different scenarios:

5 GHz Band: In closer proximity to the router, users can experience speeds close to 1200 Mbps. This band is ideal for bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming in 4K, gaming, and large file downloads.
2.4 GHz Band: While it doesn’t reach the same speeds as the 5 GHz, it covers a larger area and is less affected by obstacles like walls. This makes it suitable for devices in different rooms and floors.
Wired LAN: The WAN ports support up to one Gbps of network transmission.

Comparing the TP-Link Archer AX21 to other routers in the same price bracket reveals that it holds up well, especially in terms of stability and speed for activities like streaming and gaming.

Range and Coverage

The TP-Link Archer AX21 stands out for its impressive range, offering stable connectivity across multiple rooms and even floors in a typical household. Thanks to its four external antennas, the AX21 ensures an expansive coverage area, making it suitable for larger homes or spaces with several rooms. The 2.4 GHz band, with its better penetration capabilities, is particularly effective in reaching distant areas within the home. This band can maintain a reliable connection even through walls and other obstructions, though at lower speeds than the 5 GHz band.

In multi-story homes, the Archer AX21 performs admirably, providing good connectivity on each level. Users often report that the router’s range is enough to cover backyards or garages as well, though walls or large metal appliances can impact this coverage slightly. Overall, if you’re looking for a router that can connect devices across a sizable area, the AX21’s range will likely meet your needs effectively.

Dual-Band Capabilities

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a dual-band router, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, which enables it to handle different devices and activities with ease. The 5 GHz band provides higher speeds, ideal for streaming, online gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities. Conversely, the 2.4 GHz band, though slower, has a longer range and is great for connecting devices further from the router or those that don’t require high-speed data transfers, like smart home gadgets or older devices.

This dual-band setup allows the Archer AX21 to allocate devices intelligently, ensuring smoother performance and minimizing congestion. For example, bandwidth-intensive activities can be directed to the 5 GHz band, while less demanding devices occupy the 2.4 GHz frequency. This makes the router capable of supporting numerous devices while maintaining overall network efficiency and speed.

MU-MIMO Technology and EasyMesh

The MU-MIMO or multi-user, multi-input, multi-output technology enables the router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time. This helps the router to deliver Internet to the connected devices more efficiently.

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is also capable of creating a mesh network with the EasyMesh technology, it enables the router to pair with other EasyMesh supported range extenders to create a mesh network, providing full Wi-Fi signal throughout the whole area covered. This is to avoid the problem of losing signals or changing SSIDs.

Security Features

Security is essential when choosing a router, and the TP-Link Archer AX21 offers excellent security features. It supports WPA3 encryption, the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, which provides stronger protection against unauthorized access and makes it more difficult for hackers to compromise the network. WPA3 also simplifies the process of securing devices with complex passwords, which is especially helpful for novice users or households with many connected devices.

Additionally, the AX21 includes parental controls, allowing users to manage what children can access online by setting limits or blocking specific content. The router also offers the option to set up a guest network, providing visitors with internet access without exposing them to the primary network’s connected devices. Together, these features help make the Archer AX21 a secure choice for families or any user looking to protect their network.

Ease of Setup and TP-Link Tether App

Setting up the TP-Link Archer AX21 is incredibly simple, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. The TP-Link Tether app, available for both iOS and Android, guides users through the setup process in a few easy steps. After connecting the router to the modem and powering it on, users can open the app to complete the setup, configure Wi-Fi settings, and create a secure password.

The Tether app also offers a variety of management features, such as network optimization, real-time monitoring, and parental controls. This mobile app makes it easy to monitor and adjust network settings on the go, which is a convenient feature for users who need to manage their router from different locations or make quick changes to the network.

User Interface and Settings Customization

For those who prefer to customize their router settings on a computer, the Archer AX21 provides an intuitive web-based interface. Through this dashboard, users can access advanced settings like Quality of Service (QoS), which allows prioritization of specific devices for bandwidth allocation. This is particularly useful in homes where multiple users are online at the same time, ensuring activities like gaming or video calls don’t suffer from lag.

The user interface also allows for customization of network security settings, port forwarding, and firmware updates. This level of control is ideal for advanced users who enjoy fine-tuning their network experience, but it remains simple enough for beginners who want to stick with the basics.

Smart Home Compatibility

In today’s connected world, compatibility with smart home devices is a big plus. The Archer AX21 is Alexa-compatible, which enables users to control certain functions of the router using voice commands. This integration allows users to quickly enable guest Wi-Fi or prioritize devices without having to navigate the settings manually.

Beyond Alexa, the AX21 also supports a variety of smart home devices, such as smart lights, thermostats, and security systems. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want a seamless connected experience. By facilitating the connection of numerous IoT devices, the Archer AX21 helps users create an efficient smart home ecosystem.

Comparison with Similar Routers

When compared to other routers in the same price range, such as the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 and ASUS RT-AX55, the TP-Link Archer AX21 stands out due to its blend of performance, ease of use, and advanced features at an affordable price. While the Netgear and ASUS routers offer similar Wi-Fi 6 technology and speeds, the Archer AX21 edges ahead in terms of setup simplicity, app functionality, and smart home integration.

For instance, the TP-Link Tether app is often considered more user-friendly than the apps provided by Netgear or ASUS, making it easier for users to set up and manage their network. Additionally, the AX21’s Alexa compatibility is a plus for users who already have Amazon devices and want a cohesive smart home setup. Overall, the Archer AX21 is a strong competitor and an excellent choice for users who want reliable performance without a premium price tag.

Video Review:

Here’s a video review of the TP-Link Archer AX21 Wi-Fi router:

Pros and Cons of TP-Link Archer AX21

Pros

Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Improved speeds and support for multiple devices.
Ease of Setup: The TP-Link Tether app simplifies setup and management.
EasyMesh Compatible: Can form mesh network with other EasyMesh compatible range extenders.
Smart Home Compatibility: Integrates well with Alexa and other smart devices.
Affordable Price: Provides advanced features at a budget-friendly cost.
Strong Security Features: WPA3 encryption and parental controls enhance security.

Cons

Limited Advanced Features: May lack some advanced features found in high-end routers.
No USB Port: Lacks USB ports, which some users may find limiting for shared storage.

Pricing and Availability

The TP-Link Archer AX21 offers a lot of premium features like Wi-Fi 6 technology, mesh networking, and MU-MIMO technology at much lower prices than other renowned brands like Netgear or Asus. Though it may not be cheap for starters with Wi-Fi 6, which will be ideal for some people who prefer quality than price. As an entry-level premium Wi-Fi 6 router, the TP-Link Archer AX21 costs right as its features. The router is available for purchase in online stores like Amazon, AliExpress etc. and also in select retail stores.

Buy it here:

Amazon

Ubuy

Conclusion: Is TP-Link Archer AX21 Worth It?

The TP-Link Archer AX21 offers a blend of performance, convenience, and modern Wi-Fi 6 technology that makes it a compelling choice in the latest router market. With impressive speeds, strong security, and a user-friendly setup process, this router is well-suited for households that require reliable internet access across multiple devices. Its dual-band capability, easy app management, and Alexa compatibility make it ideal for users looking to build or expand their smart home ecosystem.

While it may lack some of the more advanced features of higher-end Wi-Fi 6 routers, the AX21 provides exceptional value. If you’re in search of a dependable Wi-Fi 6 router without tension about quality, the TP-Link Archer AX21 is certainly worth considering.

FAQs

Can the TP-Link Archer AX21 handle multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, the Archer AX21 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology, which is designed to handle multiple devices efficiently. It supports faster speeds, reduced latency, and features like MU-MIMO to optimize connectivity even when several devices are online.
How easy is it to set up the Archer AX21?
Setting up the Archer AX21 is straightforward, especially with the TP-Link Tether app. The app provides step-by-step guidance, making it easy to complete the setup within minutes. Users can also use the web interface for additional customization.
Does the Archer AX21 support Alexa voice commands?
Yes, the Archer AX21 is compatible with Alexa, allowing users to control certain functions using voice commands, such as enabling guest Wi-Fi or prioritizing devices on the network.
Is the Archer AX21 a good choice for a large home?
The AX21 offers good coverage for medium to large homes, particularly due to its dual-band capability and external antennas. However, for exceptionally large homes or multi-story buildings, adding a range extender might enhance coverage.
Does the TP-Link Archer AX21 support parental controls?
Yes, the Archer AX21 includes parental control features that allow users to set limits on internet access, block specific content, and monitor online activity for specific devices, making it ideal for families with children.

TP-Link Archer AX21 Review: A Best Reliable Modern Wi-Fi 6 Router