Overview
- The TP-Link Tether app provides a simple and intuitive interface for configuring the router’s settings, while the ASUS RT-AX58U’s web interface is more comprehensive, offering a wider range of advanced configuration options.
- The ASUS RT-AX58U provides a wider range of configuration options, faster speeds, and more advanced features such as AiMesh and Adaptive QoS, making it ideal for larger homes or users with demanding networking requirements.
- While the Archer AX73 offers a compelling balance of affordability and performance, the RT-AX58U delivers superior speeds and a wider array of advanced features.
The advent of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology has revolutionized home networking, offering blazing-fast speeds, increased efficiency, and reduced congestion. Two prominent contenders in the Wi-Fi 6 market are the TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U routers. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two routers to help you determine which one is the ideal choice for your home network.
Design and Build Quality
The TP-Link Archer AX73 sports a sleek and minimalist design with a matte black finish and four external antennas. It measures 9.6 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches and weighs 1.3 pounds. The ASUS RT-AX58U, on the other hand, has a more angular and futuristic design with a white and gray color scheme. It features eight internal antennas and measures 9.5 x 6.3 x 2.5 inches, weighing 1.7 pounds.
Hardware Specifications
TP-Link Archer AX73:
- Quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU
- 512MB RAM, 128MB flash storage
- 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN port
- 4x Gigabit LAN ports
- 4x external antennas
ASUS RT-AX58U:
- Tri-core 1.5 GHz CPU
- 512MB RAM, 256MB flash storage
- 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN port
- 4x Gigabit LAN ports
- 8x internal antennas
Wireless Performance
Both the TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing theoretical maximum speeds of up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. In real-world testing, the Archer AX73 delivered consistent speeds of around 400-500 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 800-1000 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The RT-AX58U, with its eight internal antennas, achieved slightly higher speeds, reaching 500-600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1000-1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
Features
TP-Link Archer AX73:
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO for enhanced efficiency
- Beamforming technology for improved signal coverage
- Parental controls and guest network support
- Easy setup and management via the Tether app
ASUS RT-AX58U:
- OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and 160 MHz channel support
- AiMesh support for seamless whole-home Wi-Fi
- Adaptive QoS for prioritizing traffic
- Advanced parental controls and network security features
Software and Management
Both routers offer user-friendly web-based interfaces and mobile apps for easy setup and management. The TP-Link Tether app provides a simple and intuitive interface for configuring the router’s settings, while the ASUS RT-AX58U’s web interface is more comprehensive, offering a wider range of advanced configuration options.
Price and Value
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is priced at around $100, while the ASUS RT-AX58U is slightly more expensive at around $130. Both routers offer excellent value for money, providing high-speed Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a range of features at an affordable price.
Which Router is Right for You?
The choice between the TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
- For basic users who prioritize affordability and ease of use: The TP-Link Archer AX73 offers excellent performance and value for money, making it a solid choice for small to medium-sized homes.
- For power users who require advanced features and maximum performance: The ASUS RT-AX58U provides a wider range of configuration options, faster speeds, and more advanced features such as AiMesh and Adaptive QoS, making it ideal for larger homes or users with demanding networking requirements.
Key Points: The Wi-Fi 6 Contenders
In the realm of Wi-Fi 6 routers, the TP-Link Archer AX73 and the ASUS RT-AX58U stand as formidable contenders. While the Archer AX73 offers a compelling balance of affordability and performance, the RT-AX58U delivers superior speeds and a wider array of advanced features. Ultimately, the choice between these two routers depends on your individual needs and budget, ensuring that you can find the perfect Wi-Fi 6 solution for your home network.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1. Which router has better range and coverage?
A1. The ASUS RT-AX58U, with its eight internal antennas, provides slightly better range and coverage compared to the Archer AX73.
Q2. Can I use either router to create a mesh network?
A2. Only the ASUS RT-AX58U supports AiMesh, allowing you to create a seamless whole-home Wi-Fi network with multiple compatible routers.
Q3. Which router is more suitable for gaming and streaming?
A3. Both routers support advanced features such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, making them suitable for gaming and streaming. However, the RT-AX58U’s Adaptive QoS feature provides more granular control over traffic prioritization, which can be beneficial for online gaming and high-bandwidth applications.