Linksys EA6900
Score: 73/100
TP-Link Archer AX21
Score: 74/100Rankings
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a budget-friendly dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router offering up to 1.8 Gbps combined speed and four high-gain antennas with beamforming. Its dual-core processor and lack of tri-band or faster wired ports limit performance under heavy loads. Ideal for small-to-medium homes seeking affordable Wi-Fi 6.
The Linksys EA6900 (AC1900) offers fast dual-band Wi-Fi 5 performance with a strong processor and three beamforming antennas. Its lack of mesh support, limited LAN ports and older Wi-Fi standard limit future-proofing. Suited for small-to-medium homes needing gigabit wired connectivity and solid Wi-Fi 5 speeds.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,900 Mbpsbest | 1,800 Mbps | |
3 | 4best | |
2best | 2best | |
— | 0.256 GBbest | |
4best | 4best | |
— | 0.016 GBbest | |
1best | 1best | |
2best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | 802.11ax |
Frequency Bands | 2.4GHz/5GHz | dual-band |
Design(1) | ||
Antenna Count | 3 | 4 |
Performance(2) | ||
Maximum Wireless Speed (Mbps) | 1900 Mbps | 1800 Mbps |
Processor | 1.4 GHz dual-core | Dual-core |
Ports(1) | ||
USB Ports | 2 | 1 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Linksys AC1900 for its solid far-range throughput, easy app-based installation, and robust processor with beamforming that keeps connections stable. However, they criticize the lack of DD-WRT support on newer hardware revisions, the absence of mesh capability, and the modest four-port LAN count, suggesting that power users may need additional networking gear.
Everyday users generally find the router reliable for everyday broadband tasks, praising its ability to handle many devices, the convenience of USB storage sharing, and the effectiveness of guest networks. Recurring frustrations revolve around hardware-version confusion, limited LAN ports, and the fact that it uses older Wi-Fi 5 technology, which some feel falls short of newer standards.
Professional reviewers commend the Archer AX21 for delivering solid Wi-Fi 6 performance at a very competitive price, highlighting its four antennas, OFDMA, and security suite. However, they note the dual-core CPU and single-band-per-device limitation as drawbacks, and point out the absence of advanced QoS, USB 3.0, and full-speed Ethernet as gaps compared with pricier models.
Everyday users appreciate the quick Tether app setup, stable 4K streaming, and the speed boost over older routers, especially in apartments and small homes. Common complaints revolve around weaker 2.4 GHz coverage in larger spaces, occasional firmware freezes, and the lack of tri-band or faster wired ports for heavy device loads.
“smooth for home office and smart TVs”
“fine for apartments, but lags with 30+ IoT devices”
