Highlights
- The AX50 sports a black matte finish with angular lines, while the AX53 has a more rounded appearance with a glossy white exterior.
- The Archer AX50 offers a maximum speed of 2400Mbps on the 5GHz band and 574Mbps on the 2.
- The Archer AX53, on the other hand, provides a slightly lower maximum speed of 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band but retains the same 574Mbps speed on the 2.
In the ever-evolving world of Wi-Fi technology, TP-Link has emerged as a formidable player, offering a wide range of routers to cater to diverse needs. Two of their most popular offerings in the budget segment are the Archer AX50 and the Archer AX53. Both routers boast impressive features, but which one is the better choice for your home network? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Key Specifications
| Feature | TP-Link Archer AX50 | TP-Link Archer AX53 |
| — | — | — |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bands | Dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) | Dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| Maximum Speed | 2400Mbps (5GHz) + 574Mbps (2.4GHz) | 1201Mbps (5GHz) + 574Mbps (2.4GHz) |
| Ports | 4 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN | 4 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN |
| CPU | 1.5GHz Quad-Core | 1.5GHz Triple-Core |
| RAM | 512MB | 256MB |
| Flash Memory | 128MB | 128MB |
Design and Build
Both the Archer AX50 and AX53 feature a sleek and modern design. The AX50 sports a black matte finish with angular lines, while the AX53 has a more rounded appearance with a glossy white exterior. Both routers come with external antennas, with the AX50 having four fixed antennas and the AX53 having four adjustable antennas.
Performance and Features
The Archer AX50 offers a maximum speed of 2400Mbps on the 5GHz band and 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The Archer AX53, on the other hand, provides a slightly lower maximum speed of 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band but retains the same 574Mbps speed on the 2.4GHz band. However, the AX53 compensates for the lower speed with additional features such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which improve network efficiency and reduce congestion in crowded environments.
Security and Software
Both the Archer AX50 and AX53 come with TP-Link’s HomeCare software suite, which includes features such as antivirus protection, parental controls, and quality of service (QoS) settings. They also support WPA3 encryption, the latest Wi-Fi security standard.
Coverage and Range
The Archer AX50 and AX53 have similar coverage and range, with each router capable of covering up to 1,500 square feet. The AX53, however, has a slight edge in range due to its adjustable antennas, which allow you to fine-tune the signal for optimal coverage.
Price and Value
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is typically priced around $60, while the Archer AX53 retails for around $75. Both routers offer excellent value for money, but the AX53 provides additional features and slightly better performance for a slightly higher price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice between the TP-Link Archer AX50 and Archer AX53 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly router with solid performance and coverage, the Archer AX50 is a great option. However, if you prioritize features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO and are willing to spend a bit more, the Archer AX53 is the better choice.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Which router has faster speeds?
The TP-Link Archer AX50 offers faster speeds on the 5GHz band (2400Mbps vs 1201Mbps).
2. Does the Archer AX53 support Wi-Fi 6E?
No, neither the Archer AX50 nor the AX53 supports Wi-Fi 6E.
3. Can I use these routers with a mesh network?
Yes, both routers can be used as part of a TP-Link OneMesh network.
4. Which router has better range?
The Archer AX53 has a slightly better range due to its adjustable antennas.
5. Is the Archer AX50 compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, both the Archer AX50 and AX53 are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.