V
%Begin TP-Link Archer A6 AC1200 Router Review: Good Performance On a Budget Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Best Products > Networking
visibility
163 views
thumb_up
30 likes
J
lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on May 28, 2020 Tweet Share Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best
products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 3.3
TP-Link Archer A6 AC1200 Gigabit Smart Wi-Fi Router
Lifewire / Jeremy Laukkonen What We Like Easy Setup Gigabit Dual-band Four antennas Good price What We Don't Like Speed falls off at range 2.4GHz performance not that great Antennas can't be removed or replaced No USB ports The TP-Link Archer A6 AC1200 is an entry-level gigabit router that gets the job done at an attractive budget price.
thumb_up
29 likes
E
View On Amazon
View On Walmart
View On Best Buy 3.3
TP-Link Archer A6 AC1200 Gigabit Smart Wi-Fi Router
Lifewire / Jeremy Laukkonen View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy in this article Expand Design Setup Process Connectivity Network Performance Software Price Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased the TP-Link Archer A6 AC1200 Router so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review. The TP-Link Archer A6 is a dual-band gigabit router that’s designed to provide some nice upgrades and features at a budget-friendly price.
thumb_up
31 likes
D
It includes features like dual 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and MU-MIMO beamforming, marking it out as a great upgrade for anyone using a budget router that’s more than a few years old. It does lack some features you can get out of a slightly higher priced budget unit, but the overall balance of feature set to price is attractive. Specifications don’t always tell the whole story, so I recently spent about five days with a TP-Link Archer A6 plugged into my own network.
thumb_up
29 likes
A
I tested how well it holds up under daily use with a lot of data-hungry devices connected at once, tested top speeds and range on both bands, and more.
Design Improved over older designs
The Archer A6 doesn’t exactly stand out of the crowd, but it’s a definite improvement over the older C7 that I keep around for testing purposes. Instead of the flat or glossy black finish seen on most routers, the A6 has a two-tone crosshatched pattern that creates an interesting visual effect.
thumb_up
36 likes
A
The edges are rounded instead of angular, and the top actually curves gently downward when viewed head-on. The A6 features four antennas, two on the back, and the other two on the sides. They rotate easily for better positioning, but they aren’t removable.
thumb_up
20 likes
E
That’s a bit of a knock on this unit, as the ability to remove and replace antennas is pretty standard even in budget devices. Lifewire / Jeremy Laukkonen The ports and power button are all found on the back of the unit in a fairly standard array, and you’ll find the indicator LEDs on top near the front edge. The positioning is good for desktop use, and it also leaves the indicators clearly visible when wall mounted.
thumb_up
40 likes
V
The Archer A6 doesn’t exactly stand out of the crowd, but it’s a definite improvement over the older C7 that I keep around for testing purposes.
Setup Process Completely painless once you unwrap the antennas
This router comes fully assembled, which makes it a bit easier and faster to set up than most. I’m not a fan of the fact that you can’t remove the antennas, but it definitely saves a bit of time.
thumb_up
14 likes
N
Unfortunately, that saved time is mostly wiped out by the ridiculous wrap job TP-Link does on the side antennas. The rear antennas are loosely wrapped in a sticky film that you’re probably familiar with if you’ve ever unboxed a router, but the side antennas are shrink-wrapped in a resilient material that I was unable to remove by hand. I eventually resorted to a razor blade to carefully slice the antennas free without damaging them.
thumb_up
16 likes
I
This router comes fully assembled, which makes it a bit easier and faster to set up than most. Once you finish unwrapping the antennas, setting up the Archer A6 is a breeze. I didn’t even have to reboot my modem when I swapped the A6 for the Eero router I normally use.
thumb_up
9 likes
V
Getting the router up and running was literally a matter of plugging in the Ethernet cables, powering it up, and logging into the web interface. Lifewire / Jeremy Laukkonen
Connectivity Dual-band with MU-MIMO but lacking in physical ports
The TP-Link Archer A6 is an AC1200 dual-band router that supports MU-MIMO beamforming. The total throughput is a little on the light side if you have a lot of devices, but MU-MIMO is a nice feature to see in such an affordable unit.
thumb_up
44 likes
A
On the physical side, the A6 comes with a bare minimum single WAN port and four LAN ports. There isn’t even a single USB port, so you can’t use this router to host a networked USB drive.
thumb_up
26 likes
E
That isn’t completely unexpected from a budget router, but it would have been nice if it included at least one USB port. On the physical side, the A6 comes with a bare minimum single WAN port and four LAN ports.
thumb_up
10 likes
K
There isn’t even a single USB port, so you can’t use this router to host a networked USB drive.
Network Performance Decent performance for a budget router
I tested this router on a Mediacom Gigabit Ethernet connection, performing extensive tests on the wired Ethernet connection and both wireless bands, in addition to regular use over the course of about five days. When connected to the TP-Link Archer A6 via a wired Ethernet connection, I saw a maximum download speed of 464Mbps and an upload speed of 63Mbps.
thumb_up
34 likes
N
That’s more or less in line with other routers I tested at the same time, although my Eero did notch a maximum download speed of 627Mbps during that same round of testing. Next up, I connected to the 5GHz wireless network a few feet from the router. Using the Ookla speed test app, I measured the top download speed of 249Mbps and an upload speed of 64Mbps.
thumb_up
5 likes
N
That’s plenty fast for gaming, streaming 4K video, and just about everything else, but it’s much slower than I’ve seen out of higher-end routers on the same connection. The next test was performed about 15 feet from the router with a closed-door blocking the signal. At that range, the Archer A6 actually stepped up its performance a little, possibly due to my test device seeing less interference in the hallway than in my office.
thumb_up
50 likes
E
I saw a maximum download speed of 365Mpbs and an upload of 64Mbps at that distance. I performed the next test about 50 feet away, with several walls, furniture, and appliances blocking the signal.
thumb_up
15 likes
S
At that range, the download speed dropped to 195 Mbps. That’s still a pretty good performance, although the much more expensive ASUS ROG Rapture I tested at the same time held tight with download speeds of 395Mbps at the same distance.
thumb_up
20 likes
R
For my final test, I headed down to my garage, putting about a hundred feet and a significant amount of obstructions in the way. My mobile device was only able to connect to the 2.4Ghz network at that range, and it notched a download speed of 13.4Mbps.
thumb_up
3 likes
A
That’s workable, but it’s also a sign that you may end up needing a Wi-Fi range extender with the Archer A6 even if your house isn’t that large. You may end up needing a Wi-Fi range extender with the Archer A6 even if your house isn’t that large.
thumb_up
33 likes
V
Software Basic and easy to use
The Archer A6 uses the same familiar web interface TP-Link has used for years. If you’ve ever used a TP-Link router before, you’ll already be familiar with the system.
thumb_up
31 likes
A
If you haven’t, it’s very easy to pick up. The interface is laid out in two tabs, basic and advanced, with an optional quick setup.
thumb_up
36 likes
J
Click the quick setup, and it will run you through all the basics to get the router up and running, set up both wireless networks and basic settings that work well enough for most people. The basic tab provides you with the most important information, like the status of your internet connection and Wi-Fi networks, and how many devices are currently connected. You can easily access internet settings, wireless settings, parental controls, and fire up the guest network if you need it.
thumb_up
31 likes
J
The advanced tab digs down into settings like parental controls, where you can set profiles to block access to certain content and create time limits, the firewall, and NAT forwarding. In addition to the web interface, TP-Link also offers a phone app that lets you change basic settings.
thumb_up
12 likes
D
Advanced settings have to be accessed through the web portal. Lifewire / Jeremy Laukkonen
Price Good price for the features
With an MSRP of $50, the Archer A6 represents pretty decent value for the level of performance and the feature set it offers.
thumb_up
47 likes
W
You may want to step up to a more expensive unit if you have a big house or a lot of devices, and it is missing features like a USB port, but the Archer A6 is priced very well for what you get.
TP-Link Archer A6 vs TP-Link Archer A7
Don’t let the numbering scheme confuse you.
thumb_up
22 likes
H
The Archer A7 (see on Amazon) is actually an older device than the A6. It’s also a little more expensive, with an MSRP of $80 and a little faster, with an AC1750 rating compared to the AC1200 of the Archer A6.
thumb_up
0 likes
E
The most important difference between these two routers is that the Archer A6 uses a newer chipset that allows it to offer MU-MIMO beamforming. The A6 also features four antennas compared to just three from the A7. So while the Archer A7 is rated at slightly higher speeds, the A6 actually performs better in the real world while still coming in at a lower price.
thumb_up
32 likes
C
The Archer A7 is an example of a slightly more expensive router that provides the option to connect a USB drive, but the A6 still comes out on top due to the lower price point and more advanced chipset. Final Verdict A great budget router that provides premium features.
thumb_up
36 likes
E
The TP-Link Archer A6 is a great little budget-priced router that performs better than I expected it to. It’s important to stress that it’s an AC1200 router, and it’s only dual-band, so don’t expect it to do the job if you have dozens of data-hungry devices or an especially large house with a complicated internal setup.
thumb_up
14 likes
H
But if you just want an affordable router that performs well across about 1,400-1,600 square feet of space, this is a great option.
Specs
Product Name Archer A6 AC1200 Gigabit Smart Wi-Fi Router Product Brand TP-Link SKU AC1200 Price $49.99 Weight 1.76 lbs.
thumb_up
48 likes
A
Product Dimensions 9.1 x 5.7 x 1.4 in. Speed 5GHz: Up to 867Mbps & 2.4GHz: Up to 300Mbps Warranty Two years Compatbility Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000/NT/98SE, MacOS, Netware, Unix or Linux Firewall Yes IPv6 Compatible Yes MU-MIMO Yes Number of Antennas 4 Number of Bands Dual-band Number of Wired Ports 4x ethernet ports, 1x WAN port Chipset Qualcomm QCA9886 Range Medium homes Parental Controls Yes Was this page helpful?
thumb_up
23 likes
J
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire TP-Link Archer C9 Review: A Favorite Budget Router TP-Link RE505X Wi-Fi Extender Review TP-Link Archer C80 Review: A Fast Sub $100 Router The 9 Best Routers for Under $50 of 2022 The 9 Best Long-Range Routers of 2022 The 9 Best Wireless Routers of 2022 The 10 Best Budget Routers in 2022 TP-Link Archer C50 Review: Budget Price, Budget Performance Linksys WRT1900ACS Open Source Wi-Fi Router Review Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 Review: One Of The Fastest Routers Available Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders in 2022 The 6 Best Wireless Travel Routers of 2022 Linksys EA9500 Router Review: Powerful Router with Intelligent Technology The 9 Best Parental Control Routers Tested by Lifewire The 9 Best 802.11ac Wi-Fi Wireless Routers of 2022 The Ultimate Router Buying Guide Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
thumb_up
48 likes
E
Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
9 likes
Similar Discussions
-
The Devil is a Part Timer season 2 episode 12 Emilia s father is alive Chiho gains powers
-
7 mysterious disappearances in US like Gabby Petito
-
Lando Norris abrupt breakup story leaves fans in confusion
-
A New Power Wheelchair Has Me Questioning My Judgment Everyday Health
-
Asperger s Syndrome Signs and Symptoms Everyday Health
-
Chargers Joshua Kelley Placed on IR
-
Sistema de Información Agromet APK Download for Android
-
SHI Connect APK Download for Android
-
Consolidated Supply Co APK Download for Android
-
Coupe du monde 2022 Simons et Bakker pr sents dans la pr liste des Pays Bas
-
Les ann es folles chapitre 2 L quipe explore
-
Budget un d bat aux airs de partie de poker Budget Lrem
-
Designer Taofeek Abijako on His New Exhibit Exploring Black Vulnerability
-
La mujer que secuestr un beb en San Sebasti n No quiero que se me recuerde como la chica que va por un hospital robando ni os
-
Horror Villains Coming To Rocket League For Haunted Hallows
-
The Glass House 2001 Dual Audio Hindi English 480p 720p 1080p
-
50 Archeological Wonders You Might Not Have Known Existed As Shared On This Instagram Page
-
Hey Pandas How Do You Deal With Procrastination? Closed
-
We listened to Tony Blair s speech so you don t have to
-
Can t wait for the Resident Evil 4 remake? Watch Chainsaw Man Digital Trends
-
Can Alexa Record Conversations in a Room?
-
LG Smart TVs Are Becoming a Decent Tool for Work Meetings
-
Acer Reveals Four New Laptops at CES 2022
-
Google Adds New Air Quality Information to Nest Hub Hub Max
-
Putting a Database in First Normal Form
-
Why Apple s Consumer Privacy Options are Stronger
-
iCloud Mail Message Size Limitations
-
How to Create a Task from an Email in Gmail
-
How to Change Your Home Page in Internet Explorer
-
How to Sync iTunes Songs to Your iPad