TP-Link Archer C7 vs ASUS RT-AX86U

TP-Link Archer C7 TP-Link Archer C7
VS
ASUS RT-AX86U ASUS RT-AX86U
WINNER ASUS RT-AX86U

The TP-Link Archer C7 and ASUS RT-AX86U both excel in their respective niches but cater to different user needs. The TP-...

VS
emoji_events WINNER
ASUS RT-AX86U

ASUS RT-AX86U

8.5 Very Good
Gaming Router

psychology AI Verdict

The TP-Link Archer C7 and ASUS RT-AX86U both excel in their respective niches but cater to different user needs. The TP-Link Archer C7 shines with its affordable price point, offering fast Wi-Fi speeds and QoS for prioritizing gaming traffic, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers or those looking to improve their internet experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the ASUS RT-AX86U stands out as a high-performance router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and advanced MU-MIMO technology, providing fast and stable internet for multiple devices, which is crucial for high-speed internet users in larger households or networks with many connected devices.

While both routers offer QoS features, the RT-AX86U's support for Wi-Fi 6 and its superior MU-MIMO capabilities give it a slight edge in performance metrics such as throughput and latency under heavy load conditions.

emoji_events Winner: ASUS RT-AX86U
verified Confidence: High

thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons

TP-Link Archer C7 TP-Link Archer C7

check_circle Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Fast Wi-Fi speeds
  • QoS for gaming traffic

cancel Cons

  • Limited to Wi-Fi 5 technology
  • Less advanced features compared to RT-AX86U
ASUS RT-AX86U ASUS RT-AX86U

check_circle Pros

  • Wi-Fi 6 support
  • 4x4 MU-MIMO for better performance and stability
  • Advanced QoS

cancel Cons

  • Higher price point
  • More complex setup process for advanced features

compare Feature Comparison

Feature TP-Link Archer C7 ASUS RT-AX86U
Wi-Fi Standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
MU-MIMO Capabilities 2x2 MU-MIMO 4x4 MU-MIMO
QoS for Gaming Yes, with prioritization of gaming traffic Yes, with advanced QoS settings and priority management
Number of Antennas 4 antennas (2x2) 8 antennas (4x4)
Maximum Speed Up to 3000 Mbps Up to 5740 Mbps
Form Factor Slim and compact design Compact but slightly larger than Archer C7

payments Pricing

TP-Link Archer C7

$89.99
Good Value

ASUS RT-AX86U

$249.99
Fair Value

difference Key Differences

TP-Link Archer C7 ASUS RT-AX86U
The TP-Link Archer C7 excels at providing fast Wi-Fi speeds and QoS for gaming, making it ideal for budget-conscious gamers or small to medium households.
Core Strength
The ASUS RT-AX86U's core strength lies in its advanced Wi-Fi 6 support and 4x4 MU-MIMO technology, offering superior performance and stability for high-speed internet users with multiple devices.
The TP-Link Archer C7 offers fast Wi-Fi speeds but may not match the throughput of the RT-AX86U under heavy load conditions due to its lower Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6).
Performance
The ASUS RT-AX86U supports Wi-Fi 6, which provides significantly higher throughput and better stability compared to Wi-Fi 5, making it a clear winner in terms of performance.
The TP-Link Archer C7 is more affordable, offering good value for money with its fast speeds and QoS features at a lower price point.
Value for Money
While the ASUS RT-AX86U is more expensive, it offers advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology and MU-MIMO capabilities that justify the higher cost for those prioritizing high-speed performance.
The TP-Link Archer C7 has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to set up and manage basic features like QoS. However, its advanced settings may be less intuitive for tech-savvy users.
Ease of Use
The ASUS RT-AX86U also offers an intuitive setup process but includes more advanced features that might require some technical knowledge to fully utilize, making it slightly more complex for beginners.
Ideal for budget-conscious gamers or small to medium households looking to improve their gaming experience without spending too much.
Best For
Suitable for high-speed internet users, those with multiple devices in a network, and larger households requiring advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology and MU-MIMO capabilities.

help When to Choose

TP-Link Archer C7 TP-Link Archer C7
  • If you prioritize affordability and basic gaming performance.
  • If you choose TP-Link Archer C7 if your network is not heavily loaded with multiple devices or high-speed requirements.
  • If you choose TP-Link Archer C7 if budget constraints are a significant factor.
ASUS RT-AX86U ASUS RT-AX86U
  • If you prioritize advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology and superior performance.
  • If you have a large household with multiple devices that require stable high-speed internet.
  • If you need the latest in Wi-Fi technology for future-proofing your network.

description Overview

TP-Link Archer C7

The TP-Link Archer C7 is an affordable gaming router that offers fast Wi-Fi speeds and QoS for prioritizing gaming traffic. It's a good choice for those looking to improve their internet experience without breaking the bank.
Read more

ASUS RT-AX86U

The ASUS RT-AX86U is a high-performance gaming router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers advanced MU-MIMO technology. It provides fast and stable internet for multiple devices, making it suitable for gamers.
Read more

swap_horiz Compare With Another Item

Compare TP-Link Archer C7 with...
Compare ASUS RT-AX86U with...

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare