Asus Rt-ax82u Vs Tp-link Archer Ax73

In the realm of home networking, the battle for supremacy between ASUS and TP-Link rages on. Two of their latest offerings, the ASUS RT-AX82U and TP-Link Archer AX73, have emerged as popular choices for budget-conscious users seeking the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 technology. This comprehensive comparison will pit the ASUS RT-AX82U against the TP-Link Archer AX73, delving into their key features, performance, and value for money to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

ASUS RT-AX82U: The ASUS RT-AX82U boasts a sleek and compact design with a matte black finish and angular lines. Its vertical orientation and built-in stand allow for flexible placement, while the status LEDs provide quick insights into the router’s operation.

TP-Link Archer AX73: The TP-Link Archer AX73 features a more traditional horizontal design with a glossy black finish. It has a wider footprint but includes wall-mounting options for easy installation. The router’s LEDs are discreetly placed on the front panel, offering a less obtrusive appearance.

Connectivity and Ports

ASUS RT-AX82U: Equipped with a total of six Gigabit Ethernet ports, the ASUS RT-AX82U offers ample wired connectivity options. It also features a USB 3.0 port for external storage or printer sharing.

TP-Link Archer AX73: The TP-Link Archer AX73 matches the RT-AX82U with six Gigabit Ethernet ports but lacks a USB port. This omission may limit its versatility for users who rely on external storage or printer sharing.

Wi-Fi Performance and Features

ASUS RT-AX82U: Powered by the Broadcom BCM6755 chipset, the ASUS RT-AX82U delivers impressive Wi-Fi speeds and coverage. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, offering up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The router also features ASUS’s AiMesh technology for seamless mesh Wi-Fi expansion.

TP-Link Archer AX73: The TP-Link Archer AX73 utilizes the Qualcomm IPQ6000 chipset and provides similar Wi-Fi speeds as the RT-AX82U. It offers 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. However, the Archer AX73 lacks mesh Wi-Fi capabilities, limiting its coverage and scalability potential.

Software and Features

ASUS RT-AX82U: The ASUS RT-AX82U comes with a user-friendly web interface and the ASUS Router app for mobile device management. It offers a comprehensive range of features, including parental controls, traffic monitoring, and QoS (Quality of Service) settings.

TP-Link Archer AX73: The TP-Link Archer AX73 also has a user-friendly web interface and a mobile app. Its feature set is slightly more limited compared to the RT-AX82U, but it still includes parental controls, guest Wi-Fi, and basic QoS settings.

Security

ASUS RT-AX82U: The ASUS RT-AX82U provides robust security features, including WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS). It also supports VPN passthrough for secure remote access.

TP-Link Archer AX73: The TP-Link Archer AX73 offers comparable security features, including WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and parental controls. However, it lacks intrusion detection and VPN passthrough capabilities.

Price and Value

ASUS RT-AX82U: The ASUS RT-AX82U typically retails for around $120, while the TP-Link Archer AX73 can be purchased for approximately $100. Both routers offer excellent value for money, but the RT-AX82U’s slightly higher price tag is justified by its superior feature set and mesh Wi-Fi capabilities.

Which Router is Right for You?

The choice between the ASUS RT-AX82U and TP-Link Archer AX73 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.

Choose the ASUS RT-AX82U if:

• You prioritize mesh Wi-Fi capabilities
• You need a router with a USB port for external storage or printer sharing
• You value advanced security features like IDS/IPS and VPN passthrough
• You are willing to pay a slightly higher price for a more feature-rich router

Choose the TP-Link Archer AX73 if:

• You are on a tighter budget
• You do not require mesh Wi-Fi or a USB port
• You are satisfied with basic security features
• You prefer a router with a more traditional horizontal design

Verdict

Both the ASUS RT-AX82U and TP-Link Archer AX73 are excellent budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 routers. The RT-AX82U offers a more comprehensive feature set, including mesh Wi-Fi, a USB port, and advanced security, while the Archer AX73 is a more affordable option with a solid performance and a user-friendly interface. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and budget.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which router has better Wi-Fi coverage?
A: Both routers offer similar Wi-Fi coverage, but the ASUS RT-AX82U’s mesh Wi-Fi capabilities give it an edge for larger homes or complex layouts.

Q: Can I use either router as a mesh node?
A: Yes, the ASUS RT-AX82U supports mesh Wi-Fi and can be paired with other ASUS AiMesh-compatible devices. The TP-Link Archer AX73 does not have mesh Wi-Fi capabilities.

Q: Which router has more parental control options?
A: The ASUS RT-AX82U offers more comprehensive parental controls, including website filtering, time limits, and device blocking.

Q: Can I connect a wired printer to either router?
A: Yes, both routers have Gigabit Ethernet ports that can be used to connect wired devices, including printers.

Q: Which router has a better warranty?
A: Both routers come with a 2-year manufacturer‘s warranty.