Tp-link Archer C80 Vs Asus Rt-ax55

In the ever-evolving world of Wi-Fi technology, choosing the right router for your home or office can be a daunting task. Two popular contenders in the market are the TP-Link Archer C80 and the Asus RT-AX55. Both routers offer a range of features and capabilities, but understanding their key differences is crucial to making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifications, performance, and features of the Archer C80 and RT-AX55, helping you determine which one best suits your specific needs.

Key Specifications Comparison

Feature	TP-Link Archer C80	Asus RT-AX55
—	—	—
Wi-Fi Standard	AC1900	AX1800
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Maximum Speed	1900 Mbps	1800 Mbps
MIMO Technology	3×3 MIMO	2×2 MIMO
Ports	4 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN, 1 USB 2.0	4 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN, 1 USB 3.0
Security Features	WPA2, WPA3	WPA2, WPA3

Performance Analysis

Speed and Coverage:

The Archer C80 boasts a maximum speed of 1900 Mbps, with 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The RT-AX55, on the other hand, offers a slightly lower maximum speed of 1800 Mbps, with 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. While both routers provide ample speed for most home and small office applications, the Archer C80 has a slight edge in overall throughput.

In terms of coverage, both routers utilize beamforming technology to focus Wi-Fi signals towards connected devices, ensuring reliable connections even in larger spaces. However, the Archer C80 features a more robust antenna design with 6 external antennas, while the RT-AX55 has 4 external antennas. This difference may result in slightly better coverage for the Archer C80 in certain environments.

Latency and Stability:

Latency, or the delay in data transmission, is a crucial factor for online gaming and real-time applications. Both the Archer C80 and RT-AX55 offer low latency performance, making them suitable for these demanding tasks. However, the RT-AX55 has a slight advantage in stability, as it supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, which provides improved error correction and reduced signal interference.

Features and Functionality

Wi-Fi Standards:

The Archer C80 supports the AC1900 standard, which utilizes the 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. The RT-AX55, on the other hand, supports the newer AX1800 standard, which is based on the 802.11ax Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi 6 offers significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and latency compared to AC routers.

Security Features:

Both routers provide robust security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. They support both WPA2 and WPA3 encryption protocols, ensuring that your data remains secure. Additionally, the RT-AX55 offers advanced security features such as AiProtection Pro, which provides real-time threat detection and blocking.

Parental Controls:

The Archer C80 and RT-AX55 both offer parental control features to help manage internet usage for children. You can set up time limits, filter inappropriate content, and monitor your children’s online activities. The RT-AX55 has a more comprehensive parental control system with features such as device grouping and activity reports.

Firmware Updates:

Regular firmware updates are essential for keeping your router secure and up-to-date with the latest features. Both the Archer C80 and RT-AX55 receive regular firmware updates from their respective manufacturers. However, the RT-AX55 has a more active firmware update schedule, ensuring that you have access to the latest security patches and performance enhancements.

Design and Aesthetics

The Archer C80 features a sleek and compact design with a matte black finish. It has a horizontal orientation and can be placed on a desk or shelf without taking up too much space. The RT-AX55, on the other hand, has a more angular and aggressive design with a black and red color scheme. It has a vertical orientation and is slightly larger than the Archer C80. Ultimately, the design choice depends on your personal preferences and the aesthetics of your home or office.

Price and Value

The TP-Link Archer C80 typically retails for around $80-$100, while the Asus RT-AX55 is priced slightly higher at around $120-$150. Both routers offer excellent value for their respective price points. The Archer C80 is an affordable option for those looking for a reliable and fast AC router, while the RT-AX55 is a better choice for those who want the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology and advanced features.

Summary: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between the TP-Link Archer C80 and Asus RT-AX55 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable AC router, the Archer C80 is an excellent choice. However, if you want the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, advanced security features, and a more comprehensive parental control system, the RT-AX55 is the better option. Both routers offer excellent performance and functionality, so the best decision for you will depend on your individual requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which router has better range and coverage?

The TP-Link Archer C80 has a more robust antenna design with 6 external antennas, which may provide slightly better coverage than the Asus RT-AX55.

2. Does the Asus RT-AX55 support Wi-Fi 6E?

No, the Asus RT-AX55 does not support Wi-Fi 6E.

3. Can I use the TP-Link Archer C80 as a mesh router?

No, the TP-Link Archer C80 does not support mesh networking.

4. Which router has a more user-friendly interface?

Both routers have intuitive and easy-to-use web interfaces that make it easy to configure and manage your network settings.

5. Is the Asus RT-AX55 backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices?

Yes, the Asus RT-AX55 is backward compatible with all previous Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11ac and 802.11n.