OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v3.0
Routers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Routers Methodology v3.0

TP-Link Archer AX73 review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£110Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi speed:5400 MbpsLAN port speeds:1 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:yes

TP-Link Archer AX73 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications, 12 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

TP-Link Archer AX73
8.1/10

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

40%

7.8

Technical score

25%

8.6

Reviews score

25%

7.8

List score

10%

8.9

Sentiment score

▲Better than 85% of routers
8.7

Value for money

Value for money
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

★Better than 92%
7.8

Technical score

Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

26%

8.3

Wireless

20%

5.8

Ports

18%

8.5

Networking

14%

9.5

Security

12%

6.8

Hardware

10%

7.6

Management

▲Better than 73%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (12)
12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 86%
7.8

List score

List score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 84 lists (1%)
▲Better than 70%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the TP-Link Archer AX73

Based on 0 · 12

Reviewers love the fast speeds and solid parental controls, but complain about limited advanced settings and poor mesh compatibility.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the TP-Link Archer AX73

Based on 118 owners sharing their experience in online comments

36%positive17%mixed47%negative

Owners value speed, coverage, and capacity, but weak range, connection failures, and software limits leave many disappointed.

What owners dislike

  • Several owners find WiFi range short, with signal dropping after one wall or about 10 metres, and say range is worse than older TP-Link or other routers.17
  • Owners report WiFi speeds falling well below their plan, such as 50 to 65 Mbps on a 100 Mbps line, with speed dropping further through walls or in bridge mode.17
  • Owners report the router dropping connections, restarting itself, or failing within months, with some saying the 5 GHz band disconnects on certain devices.15
  • Owners complain of bugs in the web interface and app, resets to factory settings after firmware updates, and setup prompts that act like a guest hotspot.12
  • Some owners say certain devices, including some Wi-Fi 6 devices and older phones, cannot connect to the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz network, and some networks do not appear.8
  • Owners say USB storage is slow over WiFi, with transfers around 5 to 6 MB/s, and the USB port has stopped working for some users.8
  • Some owners say an older TP-Link or a cheaper router gave better range or stability than this one.8
  • Owners say parental controls and Home Shield need a paid subscription, and there is no per-device bandwidth limit or QoS in the web interface.6
  • Owners say bridge and AP modes slow the connection or do not work well, and the router lacks WDS, so it is hard to build a mesh with extenders.6
  • Owners report hard warranty support, slow repairs with shipping needed, and no official warranty service in some countries such as Brazil.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of router TP-Link Archer AX73

Technical score
Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components:

26%

8.3

Wireless

20%

5.8

Ports

18%

8.5

Networking

14%

9.5

Security

12%

6.8

Hardware

10%

7.6

Management

7.8
Reviews score
8.6
List score
7.8
Value for money
Value for money
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components:

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

8.7
Brand name
TP-Link
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This router uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is more advanced than 58.5% of routers and equal to 25.9% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 24.2% of routers and equal to 65.6% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
5,400 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 5,400 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 80.2% of routers and equal to 3.7% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz channel width options, which is more than 66.5% of routers and the same as 27.4% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA3, WPA/WPA2, 802.1X
This router supports WPA3, WPA/WPA2, 802.1X Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 60.6% of routers and equal to 4.5% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 9.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 4.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 1.7% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 2.6% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
What reviewers say
IPv6 support
yes
This router supports IPv6. 8.8% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
no
This router does not support dynamic routing. 46.2% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 24.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
yes
This router supports VLAN tagging. 33.6% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 2.4% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 34.2% of routers and the same as 59.3% of routers.
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
This router offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 25.7% of routers and on par with 56.1% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 0.8% of routers and the same as 89.4% of routers.
N. of USB ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 40.1% of routers and the same as 41.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 1.7% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
Web UI, App
This router uses Web UI, App for management, which is more advanced than 29.7% of routers and equal to 60.9% of routers.
Tether app
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, Automatic
This router supports Web UI, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 30.2% of routers and equal to 31.9% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
yes
This router includes traffic monitoring. 13.9% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Historical reports may require subscription.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 7.3% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
This router does not offer captive portal features. 22.4% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU clock speed
3x 1.5 GHz
This router runs at 3x1.5 GHz, which is faster than 67.2% of routers and on par with 3.5% of routers.
RAM capacity
512 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 512 MB of RAM, which is more than 61.4% of routers and the same as 21.4% of routers.
Internal storage
0.015625 GB
Market range: <0.0039 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.015625 GB of internal storage, which is less than 55.2% of routers and the same as 13% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
6
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 6 external antennas, which is more than 90.5% of routers and the same as 3.5% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say

TP-Link Archer AX73 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • 3.09x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (5,400 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    5,400 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 45.2% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA/WPA2, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA3, WPA/WPA2, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Supports OFDMA
    This router supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 41.5% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 3 more spatial streams
    This router has more spatial streams than the average router (6 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    6 vs 3
  • Wider channel widths
    This router has a higher supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • 4 more external antennas
    This router has more external antennas than the average router (6 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    6 vs 2
  • 11.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 86% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (12)
    12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.6 vs 7.7
  • 7.1% better value for money
    TP-Link Archer AX73 has better value for money than the average router (8.65 vs 8.1).
    8.65 vs 8.08
  • 14.1% higher sentiment score
    8.9 vs 7.8
  • 3.09x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (5,400 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    5,400 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 45.2% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports OFDMA
    This router supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 41.5% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 3 more spatial streams
    This router has more spatial streams than the average router (6 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    6 vs 3
  • Wider channel widths
    This router has a higher supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • Supports TWT
    This router supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 42.6% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA/WPA2, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA3, WPA/WPA2, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • More capable NAS services
    This router includes SMB, FTP, media server, time machine NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, media server.
    SMB, FTP, media server, time machine vs SMB, media server
  • 4 more external antennas
    This router has more external antennas than the average router (6 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    6 vs 2
  • 2x more RAM
    This router has more RAM than the average router (512 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    512 MB vs 256 MB
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    This router has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (3x1.5 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    3x1.5 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI, Automatic vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • 87.5% less internal storage
    This router has less internal storage than the average router (0 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    0.015625 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • Narrower DFS range
    This router has fewer supported DFS channels than the average router (52-64 vs 52-64 + 100-144). The average router supports 52-64 + 100-144 DFS channels.
    52-64 vs 52-64 + 100-144
  • 3.31x heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (1,490 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    1,490 g vs 450 g
  • 79.5 mm wider width
    This router is wider than the average router (272.5 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    272.5 mm vs 193 mm
  • 3.7% lower list score
    List score
    7.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 84 lists (1%)
    7.8 vs 8.1
  • 3.7% lower list score
    List score
    7.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 84 lists (1%)
    7.8 vs 8.1
  • Narrower DFS range
    This router has fewer supported DFS channels than the average router (52-64 vs 52-64 + 100-144). The average router supports 52-64 + 100-144 DFS channels.
    52-64 vs 52-64 + 100-144
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI, Automatic vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • 87.5% less internal storage
    This router has less internal storage than the average router (0 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    0.015625 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 3.31x heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (1,490 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    1,490 g vs 450 g
  • 79.5 mm wider width
    This router is wider than the average router (272.5 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    272.5 mm vs 193 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Sam's Tech Reviews
≈ estimated
03/04/2024
Hands-on review · multi-client and speed tests
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX73 is an acceptable Wi-Fi router and a good budget alternative, but key security features need a subscription.
9.0
JosechTV / José Ramos
≈ estimated
18/06/2022
Hands-on review · app features and coverage check
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX73 is a strong pick for homes with many devices and heavier internet use.
9.0
landpet
≈ estimated
30/10/2021
Hands-on review · speed, range and app tests
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX73 is a solid, affordable Wi-Fi 6 router with good speeds, range and an easy app.
9.0
JoelsterG4K
≈ estimated
30/06/2021
Hands-on review · speed tests, setup and parental controls
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX73 offers fast, stable Wi-Fi with good range through walls, and good value for gaming and streaming.
9.0
Nev's Tech Bits
≈ estimated
15/04/2021
Hands-on review · speed, range and interface tests
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX73 posts very high top speeds, but its 5 GHz range through walls is limited.
9.0
Bergs Review
≈ estimated
30/11/2025
Short hands-on review · speed, coverage, stability
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX73 delivers fast, stable Wi-Fi with good coverage, and the reviewer strongly recommends it for gaming and streaming.
9.0
UNBOXING FOR YOU JAMES
≈ estimated
24/08/2021
Unboxing and setup · speed tests before and after a firmware update
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX73 runs faster after setup and has a strong signal outdoors.
9.0
KLGadgetTV
≈ estimated
06/03/2021
Short review · coverage, setup and family features
Verdict
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 router with good coverage, especially for families.
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
15/10/2021
Not graded yet
dongknows.com
09/06/2021
Not graded yet
androidcentral.com
11/05/2021
Not graded yet
digitalcitizen.life
04/10/2025
Not graded yet
gagadget.com
11/05/2023
Not graded yet
blacktubi.com
27/10/2021
Not graded yet
9to5toys.com
02/06/2021
Not graded yet
mbreviews.com
30/01/2025
Not graded yet
mbreviews.com
01/04/2024
Not graded yet
androidauthority.com
30/05/2021
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
15/10/2021
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TP-Link Archer AX73

  • Solid 5GHz wireless performance with fast throughput
  • Quick and easy setup process via the TP-Link Tether app
  • Robust parental controls and basic network security features
  • Includes a USB 3.0 port for easy media sharing and backups
  • Efficient design with ample ventilation to manage heat
  • Support for OneMesh allows for easy network expansion with compatible extenders

What customers don't like about TP-Link Archer AX73

  • Mediocre throughput and coverage on the 2.4GHz band
  • Lacks a Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port, limiting top speeds to 1Gbps
  • Fluctuating performance on the 5GHz band when using 160MHz channels
  • Advanced security and parental control features require a paid HomeShield subscription
  • USB upload speeds can be significantly slower than download speeds
  • Antennas are non-detachable, which may limit placement or upgrade options

Verdict

The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a high-performance AX5400 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router featuring a 1.5 GHz triple-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, and six high-gain external antennas with Beamforming technology. It delivers combined wireless speeds of up to 5,400 Mbps (4,804 Mbps on 5 GHz with 160 MHz channel support and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) and supports advanced features like 4×4 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and OneMesh for seamless whole-home coverage. Main pros include exceptional 5 GHz throughput suitable for 8K streaming, a functional USB 3.0 port for media sharing, and robust HomeShield security with comprehensive parental controls. However, it lacks a multi-gigabit WAN/LAN port, has relatively middling performance on the 2.4 GHz band, and requires a paid subscription to access premium security and reporting features.

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