Netgear Nighthawk R6700
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 Netgear Nighthawk R6700 is a dual-band AC1750 router delivering up to 1750 Mbps with Beamforming+ antennas and a 1 GHz dual-core CPU. Its performance is limited by modest 5 GHz range and lack of Wi-Fi 6, making it best for medium-size homes seeking solid value.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,750 Mbps | 1,800 Mbpsbest | |
1,500 sqftbest | — | |
3 | 4best | |
2best | 2best | |
0.256 GBbest | 0.256 GBbest | |
4best | 4best | |
0.128 GBbest | 0.016 GB | |
1best | 1best |
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 | Dual-band | dual-band |
Security(1) | ||
Security Protocols | WPA/WPA2-PSK, NAT firewall, DoS prevention, Guest network, VPN, NETGEAR Armor | WPA3 |
Design(1) | ||
Antenna Count | 3 | 4 |
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Wireless Speed (Mbps) | 1750 Mbps | 1800 Mbps |
Processor | 1 GHz dual-core | Dual-core |
Flash Storage (GB) | 0.128 GB | 0.016 GB |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the R6700 a solid mid-range AC router with strong near-field speeds, a powerful 1 GHz CPU and useful QoS features, but they criticize its weak long-range 5 GHz performance and note that its scores for throughput and range are modest, making it less appealing against newer Wi-Fi 6 options.
Everyday users generally praise the router's reliable coverage for up to 25 devices, smooth 4K streaming, and convenient USB-3.0 sharing, while recurring complaints focus on long-distance signal loss, occasional firmware issues, and reduced speeds when many devices are connected.
“smooth for home office and smart TVs”
“fine for apartments, but lags with 30+ IoT devices”
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.
