TP-Link Archer AX6000 router review

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a powerhouse router for serious speeds and WiFi 6 future-proofing.

TP-Link Archer AX6000 router review
(Image: © TP-Link)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a serious wireless router with WiFi 6 speeds and security, plus a whopping eight LAN ports.

Pros

  • +

    WiFi 6 capable

  • +

    Eight LAN ports

  • +

    Fast throughout

Cons

  • -

    Limited app controls

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The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a powerhouse of a router, as that gruntish design will attest. Don't be mistaken though, this isn't specifically for gamers, as it offers all round features that make this ideal for anyone that demands performance when it comes to speed and security. That's how it earns a spot on our best wireless router list.

This 802.11ax router is WiFi 6 capable and packs in a whopping eight antennas for decent throughput performance. All that adds up to a powerhouse of a wireless router that somehow is also relatively easy on the eyes, and simple to use.

The router is backed by the TP-Link Tether mobile app and a more complex web browser based console for plenty of controls and features, making this great for more advanced users that want to get their bespoke setup just right.

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a pretty good looking router, one that does appear to be as high-end as the price suggests. The black textured enclosure features eight antennas which are all non-removable and stand at varying angles for maximum performance. 

On the top of the unit is a square LED indicator that glows blue constantly to show everything is working optimally. This will pulse blue during firmware upgrades and stay solid orange when connecting to the internet with wireless disabled, and it glows red when there is no internet connection.

On the rear are a massive eight gigabit LAN ports and a 2.5-gigabit WAN as well as a power button and reset button. To the left is a USB 3.0 Type A port and a USB 3.0 Type C port. You also have WPS, LED and Wifi on and off buttons on the front edge.

TP-Link Archer AX6000

(Image credit: TP-Link)

Under the outer is a 1.8GHz quad-core processor backed by 1GB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory.

The dual bands of this 802.11ax router mean eight streams at once with 1024 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation for rates up to 1,148Mbps at 2.4GHz and 4,808Mbps at 5GHz. Automatic band steering, MU-MIMO and direct-to-client signal beamforming are also onboard.

Everything can be managed using the TP-Link Tether app which works on both iOS and Android. More advanced web console controls extend to DHCP Server, NAT Forwarding, VPN Server and IPv6 settings. There is also a Speedtest button plus a screen to show the wired and wireless devices connected.

Using the mobile app or the web console, the router is easy and quick to install. Select a password, select time zone and connection type, check for a firmware update and you're good to go.

On the 2.4GHz band, performance was decent at close range with 124Mbps and on longer range still did well with a 55Mbps connection.

Jump to the 5GHz band and close range performance hit 775Mbps while longer range stayed high at 315Mbps.

TP-Link Archer AX6000

(Image credit: TP-Link)

Transferring a 1.5GB folder of mixed media using the USB 3.0 port of the router and a PC gave speeds of 76Mbps.

While this router comes with WiFi 6, to get the most out of those top speeds you'll need to be connecting to WiFi 6 capable devices. This won't have WiFi 6 certification until updated and it isn't WPA3 encryption supported but, again, will likely be upgraded to that with a firmware update.

This isn't a cheap router, in fact it's at the top end when it comes to price. But that $300, at time of publishing, is well spent as this is one of the fastest routers out there at this price point.

TP-Link Archer AX6000

(Image credit: TP-Link)

TP-Link offers its standard one year limited warranty meaning if anything goes wrong that is down to the manufacturer, then you'll be eligible for a replacement unit.

If you want a very fast 5GHz performance, the latest WiFi 6 compatibility, 802.11ax speeds and a decent app that offers plenty of deep level controls, then this good looking router is for you.

You can get similar speeds from more affordable router option that don't pack in the latest WiFi 6, so if that's not a deal breaker they might be worth considering. That said, you can spend even more and get even faster performers but that's for serious speed demanding users like gamers.

Luke Edwards

Luke is a veteran tech journalist with decades of experience covering everything from TVs, power tools, science and health tech to VPNs, space, gaming and cars. You may recognize him from appearances on plenty of news channels or have read his words which have been published in most tech titles over the years. In his spare time (of which he has little as a father of two) Luke likes yoga, surfing, meditation, DIY and consuming all the books, comics and movies he can find.