TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)- Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Streaming, Long Range Coverage

Perfect router for most users
There are many routers claiming to be fast and support the max speed of the wifi 6 protocol. However, most routers fall short terribly. Some heat up like a toaster like AX3000 and some don’t have the processing power i.e. the required number of CPUs to quickly process the packets by 20+ devices. Further, some are $300+ which kind of brings the affordability into play.This router however finds the right balance in all the features which I was looking to upgrade. I was looking in the range of about $100 and tried to AX3000. However, it heats up too fast and then starts to thermal throttle the speed and doesn’t even stay connected with the clients like a laptop or mobile devices. I have tried a Netgear router from Costco AX4300 but fall short when around 20 devices are connected to it and don’t support the mesh networking.Features which I wanted and like:Range:This device has a superb range by itself and covers my home pretty easily. I see I have a good wifi signal at all ends of my home and I live in a 2-floor apartment with the router placed upstairs.Mesh:I like to receive a good network in my backyard as well and so I have added a RE505X which costs another 80 bucks but saves money on my mobile data plan as I don’t invest in an unlimited data plan. There is only 1 SSID that is broadcasted and it automatically switches based on where I am in the home.Heat:Some routers heat up and create a fire hazard and also have the probability of breaking down sooner than I like them to. This is not the case with this one and it stays relatively cooler and never experienced any slowing down of the network. I have touched it to check several times and it’s good.Setup:The setup was really easy. The basic setup can be done in minutes and there is no RnD required. The tether app is pretty cool for basic setup. I also have requirements for static IP based on mac address and port forwarding. Both of them are easy to configure. They also have support for dynamic DNS so you can easily host your basic website in your home network. For this, I need static IP address reservation and port forwarding.Parental controls:This is a real plus that allows me to block youtube or any site whenever I need to get my kid away from the TV.Reboot schedule:I like to have a reboot schedule which is good this router has it and very easy to set up.LED lights:This router allows to turn off led lights and I like it that way once the setup is complete.Summary:I think its a router for average home with right balance of ease of use and price and features.Note: I have not been paid for this review and have bought the router with my own money.2 Weeks Update:Going strong with over 20 devices connected, no disconnections reported by anyone in device. I have 3 heavy internet users at home. No heating issues, range is good.4 Months Update:Working perfectly for 4 months. No issues.2 year updateStill works as new with no issues

Improved throughput and eliminated drops
This was a HUGE upgrade from our previous NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000. With smart devices in every room, plus cellphones, etc. we have around 20 devices connected to our wifi router. Despite this being well below our NETGEAR’s threshold, it still would drop connections intermittently. Live football would freeze multiple times during a game. I added a wifi extender with hopes that it would help with load balancing different regions of our home, it did not.So I shopped around and decided to get the TP-Link. Of course setup was super easy. I set the SSID and password to the same credentials as NETGEAR, so our home devices would hopefully connect automatically. This worked well for almost everything. Oddly enough I did have to forget and reconnect with my cellphone, but that was no big deal. Everything else (doorbell, door lock, Alexa speakers, TVs, PCs, etc etc) connected automatically.The one downfall to this device is its content filtering is inferior to our NETGEAR nighthawk. The netgear nighthawk comes with a program called “circle” that allows you to view web browsing (DNS queries) and control wifi access for those devices. It’s a very easy interface that gives you extra visibility and control over your network. Unfortunately TP-Link offers no sort of Content access monitoring or filtering. Unfortunately I’ve yet to find a free, realtime DNS server to add to my router settings that’ll allow me to have the same capabilities as NETGEAR’s circle.That being said I’m still EXTREMELY happy with this device. The coverage is fantastic and I’m frequently getting peak bandwidth.

If Wi-Fi routers were people, this one would be that friend who shows up on time, doesn’t complain, and just quietly gets everything done. I’ve been using it for a long time, and honestly? It surprised me.Speed:Fast. Really fast. I streamed, downloaded, scrolled, gamed, and ran multiple devices at once without it doing the dramatic “I can’t handle this pressure!” meltdown some routers do.Stability:This was the part that impressed me most. It held the connection steady. No random drops, no mysterious “limited connection” messages, no “let me reboot myself for fun” moments. It just worked.Range:Shockingly strong. Mine went through thick walls like they were made of paper. Even rooms far away stayed solid. No Wi-Fi dead zones, no “walk around the house like you’re searching for cell service in 1999.”Features:The app is easy, clear, and gives you more options if you want to tweak things.You can…• see every device• turn Wi-Fi on/off• control settings• use parental controls• reduce LED brightness (love this one)And the USB port? Love it. Plugging a USB key lets you share files across your whole network. Super practical when you need it.Reliability:It ran cool, didn’t overheat, and handled many devices at once like a champ.Yes — it’s good for gaming.Yes — it’s good for streaming.Yes — the speeds are solid and consistent.Yes — the range is strong.Yes — the connection is stable.Yes — the USB sharing works.No — it doesn’t constantly crash, freeze, or drop devices.⭐ Final verdictA fast, stable, reliable router that doesn’t act up and doesn’t need babysitting.If you want strong Wi-Fi without paying premium prices, this is genuinely a great choice.

I ordered this router after reading the reviews here and I’m glad I did!It’s an amazing router and it has improved my Wifi speeds by a lot. There is now no lag at all.Big thanks to the seller and Amazon too for the speedy delivery!