Routerlogin.win – The TP-Link Archer AX1800 is a powerful and affordable Wi-Fi 6 router that offers solid performance and features at an attractive price point. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the design, performance, connectivity, setup, and additional features of the Archer AX1800, so you can decide whether it’s the right router for your needs.
Design and Build
Dimensions and Weight
The Archer AX1800 is a compact and lightweight router, measuring 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches (260 x 135 x 38 mm) and weighing just 1.1 pounds (500 grams). This makes it easy to place in various locations around your home, or even take it with you on the go.
Also read: TP-Link Router Login: Setup, and Configuration for Optimal Performance
Aesthetics
The router features a sleek, matte black design with a perforated top for ventilation. Its four external antennas are adjustable, allowing you to direct the signal toward specific areas for optimal coverage. Overall, the Archer AX1800 has a modern and unobtrusive appearance that will blend seamlessly with most home decor.
Performance
Wi-Fi 6 Technology
One of the standout features of the Archer AX1800 is its support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology. This next-generation wireless standard offers faster speeds, increased efficiency, and better performance in congested environments compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.
Speed and Range
The Archer AX1800 boasts impressive speeds, with a maximum theoretical throughput of 1.8 Gbps (574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band). In real-world tests, the router consistently delivers fast and reliable connections, even with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
The range of the Archer AX1800 is also commendable, easily covering small to medium-sized homes. Thanks to its powerful antennas and beamforming technology, the router ensures a strong and stable signal throughout your home.
Also read: TP-Link Archer AX1500 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
Connectivity and Ports
USB Sharing
The Archer AX1800 features a USB 2.0 port on its rear, allowing you to connect external storage devices or printers for easy sharing across your network. This feature can be especially useful for accessing media files or setting up a home office.
Gigabit Ethernet Ports
In addition to its wireless capabilities, the Archer AX1800 is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections. This allows you to connect devices like gaming consoles, desktop computers, or smart TVs directly to the router for a stable and high-speed connection.
Setup and Interface
Tether App
Setting up the Archer AX1800 is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive TP-Link Tether app, available for iOS and Android devices. The app guides you through the entire setup process, from connecting the router to your modem to configuring your Wi-Fi settings. Once set up, you can use the Tether app to manage your network, monitor connected devices, and adjust settings with ease.
Web-based Interface
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the Archer AX1800 also offers a web-based interface that can be accessed through any web browser. This interface provides advanced settings and options for experienced users, including in-depth configuration for Wi-Fi, security, and networking features.
Additional Features
Parental Controls
The Archer AX1800 comes with robust parental controls that allow you to manage and limit internet access for your family members. You can set up profiles for each user, apply content filters, and establish time limits for online access, ensuring a safe and age-appropriate online experience for everyone.
Also read: TP-Link Archer C9 Review: A Comprehensive Guide
QoS and Band Steering
QoS
Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature that prioritizes specific devices or types of traffic on your network, ensuring that critical applications or devices receive the bandwidth they need. The Archer AX1800 allows you to set up QoS rules based on device priority or application type, making it easier to manage your network’s performance.
Band Steering
Band steering is another useful feature that automatically directs dual-band devices to the less congested 5 GHz band when available, improving overall network performance. This helps to optimize your Wi-Fi experience, especially when multiple devices are connected.
Specification and Buy
The TP-Link Archer AX1800 is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) compatible router that offers fast speeds, wide coverage, and a host of advanced features at an affordable price. It is designed for small to medium-sized homes and supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Key features of the Archer AX1800 include Wi-Fi 6 technology, beamforming, parental controls, Quality of Service (QoS), band steering, USB sharing, and Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Also read: TP-Link Archer AX21 Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Features and Performance
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Maximum Theoretical Throughput | 1.8 Gbps (574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz) |
| Antennas | 4 adjustable external antennas |
| Beamforming | Yes |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports |
| USB Port | 1 x USB 2.0 port |
| Parental Controls | Yes |
| Quality of Service (QoS) | Yes |
| Band Steering | Yes |
| Setup and Management | TP-Link Tether app and web-based interface |
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches (260 x 135 x 38 mm) |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds (500 grams) |
| Price Range | $80 – $130 (may vary depending on retailer and availability) |
Please note that the price range provided is an estimate based on current market trends and may fluctuate depending on the retailer, discounts, or availability. It is always recommended to check with multiple retailers for the best price and offers before making a purchase.
Buy Router
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 Technology: The Archer AX1800 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, providing faster speeds, better performance, and increased efficiency compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.
- Affordability: The router is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly, high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router.
- Easy Setup and Management: With the TP-Link Tether app and web-based interface, setting up and managing the Archer AX1800 is simple and user-friendly.
- Compact Design: The sleek, compact design and adjustable antennas make it easy to find a suitable location for the router in your home without taking up too much space.
- Parental Controls: The robust parental controls allow you to manage and limit internet access for family members, ensuring a safe and age-appropriate online experience.
- QoS and Band Steering: Quality of Service (QoS) and band steering features help optimize network performance by prioritizing specific devices or types of traffic and directing dual-band devices to the less congested 5 GHz band.
- Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The four Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high-speed wired connections for devices such as gaming consoles, desktop computers, or smart TVs.
Also read: TP-Link Archer AX50 Review: Is it Worth Buying?
Cons
- USB 2.0 Port: The Archer AX1800 has a USB 2.0 port instead of the faster USB 3.0 standard. While it is compatible with USB 3.0 devices, transfer speeds will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds.
- Limited Advanced Features: The router lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models, such as MU-MIMO or VPN server functionality.
- Range May Be Insufficient for Larger Homes: Although the Archer AX1800 provides good coverage for small to medium-sized homes, its range may not be sufficient for larger homes or properties with multiple floors or thick walls.
- Limited Customization: While the router offers an easy-to-use interface, some advanced users might find its customization options lacking compared to more advanced routers on the market.
Review Video
Conclusion
The TP-Link Archer AX1800 is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly, high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router. Its sleek design, solid performance, and user-friendly setup make it an appealing option for a wide range of users. With additional features like parental controls, QoS, and band steering, the Archer AX1800 offers great value for the price.
FAQs
1. Is the TP-Link Archer AX1800 compatible with older Wi-Fi devices?
Yes, the Archer AX1800 is backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi standards, ensuring that your older devices can still connect to the network.
2. Can I use the Archer AX1800 as a Wi-Fi extender?
While the Archer AX1800 does not have a dedicated extender mode, you can configure it as an access point to expand your existing Wi-Fi coverage.
3. Does the Archer AX1800 support guest networks?
Yes, the Archer AX1800 allows you to create separate guest networks, providing your visitors with internet access without compromising your main network’s security.
4. Is the USB port on the Archer AX1800 compatible with USB 3.0 devices?
While the Archer AX1800 features a USB 2.0 port, it is compatible with USB 3.0 devices, although transfer speeds will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds.
5. How often does TP-Link release firmware updates for the Archer AX1800?
TP-Link regularly releases firmware updates for their routers, including the Archer AX1800. These updates often include security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. It’s recommended to check for updates periodically to keep your router running optimally.
