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 AX90 review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£270Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi speed:6600 MbpsLAN port speeds:2.5 Gbps + 1 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:yes

TP-Link Archer AX90 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

TP-Link Archer AX90
7.8/10

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

40%

8.2

Technical score

25%

8.4

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

5.7

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 72% of routers
8.2

Value for money

Value for money
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 57% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

â–²Better than 57%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Score components

26%

8.9

Wireless

20%

6.6

Ports

18%

8.8

Networking

14%

9.5

Security

12%

6.8

Hardware

10%

8.0

Management

â–²Better than 85%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
5 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.
â–²Better than 68%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • tp-link-archer-ax90
  • tp-link-archer-ax90
  • tp-link-archer-ax90
  • tp-link-archer-ax90
  • tp-link-archer-ax90
  • tp-link-archer-ax90
tp-link-archer-ax90
tp-link-archer-ax90
tp-link-archer-ax90
tp-link-archer-ax90
tp-link-archer-ax90
tp-link-archer-ax90
Where to buy
    N/A~ £270
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 AX90

Based on 0 · 5

Reviewers praise the wide Wi-Fi coverage and fast multi-gig wired port, with only minor dissent on either.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of router TP-Link Archer AX90

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Score components:

26%

8.9

Wireless

20%

6.6

Ports

18%

8.8

Networking

14%

9.5

Security

12%

6.8

Hardware

10%

8.0

Management

8.2
Reviews score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 57% of models
Score components:

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

8.2
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.
tri-band with two 5 GHz radios
Wi-Fi speed
6,600 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 6,600 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 88.6% of routers and equal to 1.2% 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
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
yes
This router supports inter-VLAN routing. 75.8% 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
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 3 LAN ports, which is fewer than 66% of routers and the same as 18.2% of routers.
LAN port speeds
2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps
This router offers 2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 92.2% of routers and on par with 3.5% of routers.
Mixed LAN port speeds. Includes LAN-capable combo ports.
N. of WAN ports
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 2 WAN ports, which is more than 90.4% of routers and the same as 7.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 2 USB ports, which is more than 81.9% of routers and the same as 17.9% 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
What reviewers say
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.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, App, Automatic
This router supports Web UI, App, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 71.9% of routers and equal to 27.2% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
yes
This router includes traffic monitoring. 13.9% of routers include traffic monitoring.
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
CPU clock speed
4x 1.5 GHz
This router runs at 4x1.5 GHz, which is faster than 73.4% of routers and on par with 7% of routers.
RAM capacity
256 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 256 MB of RAM, which is more than 46.3% of routers and the same as 14.9% of routers.
Internal storage
0.125 GB
Market range: <0.0039 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.125 GB of internal storage, which is more than 47.9% of routers and the same as 23.8% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
8
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 8 external antennas, which is more than 95.3% of routers and the same as 4.5% of routers.
Show more

TP-Link Archer AX90 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • 3.77x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (6,600 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    6,600 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Faster LAN ports
    This router has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    Mixed LAN port speeds. Includes LAN-capable combo ports.
    2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
  • 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 dedicated mesh backhaul
    This router offers dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 7.4% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
  • 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)
  • 1 more USB ports
    This router has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 9.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 68% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    5 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.
    8.4 vs 7.7
  • 3.77x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (6,600 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    6,600 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 dedicated mesh backhaul
    This router offers dedicated mesh backhaul, while the average router does not. 7.4% of routers offer dedicated mesh backhaul.
  • 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)
  • 5 more spatial streams
    This router has more spatial streams than the average router (8 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    8 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
  • Supports inter-VLAN routing
    This router supports inter-VLAN routing, while the average router does not. 24.4% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
  • Faster LAN ports
    This router has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    Mixed LAN port speeds. Includes LAN-capable combo ports.
    2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
  • 1 more USB ports
    This router has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    This router has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.5 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    4x1.5 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • 6 more external antennas
    This router has more external antennas than the average router (8 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    8 vs 2
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • 26.9% lower sentiment score
    5.7 vs 7.8
  • 2.84x more expensive
    TP-Link Archer AX90 is more expensive than the average router (£270 vs £95).
    £270 vs £95
  • 2.15 W higher power consumption
    This router uses more power than the average router (10.3 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    10.25 W vs 8.1 W
  • 1 fewer WAN ports
    This router has fewer WAN ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 WAN ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 118 mm wider width
    This router is wider than the average router (311 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    311 mm vs 193 mm
  • 122.6 mm higher height
    This router is taller than the average router (174 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    174 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • 2.04x heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (920 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    920 g vs 450 g
  • 26.9% lower sentiment score
    5.7 vs 7.8
  • 2.84x more expensive
    TP-Link Archer AX90 is more expensive than the average router (£270 vs £95).
    £270 vs £95
  • Narrower DFS range
    This router has fewer supported DFS channels than the average router (52-64 + 100-140 vs 52-64 + 100-144). The average router supports 52-64 + 100-144 DFS channels.
    52-64 + 100-140 vs 52-64 + 100-144
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • 1 fewer WAN ports
    This router has fewer WAN ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 WAN ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.15 W higher power consumption
    This router uses more power than the average router (10.3 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    10.25 W vs 8.1 W
  • 118 mm wider width
    This router is wider than the average router (311 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    311 mm vs 193 mm
  • 122.6 mm higher height
    This router is taller than the average router (174 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    174 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • 2.04x heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (920 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    920 g vs 450 g

Video reviews

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

9.0
goldfries
≈ estimated
01/09/2021
Hands-on review · range, gaming latency and app tests
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX90 is a great router for the price, with wide coverage and features that suit most homes.
9.0
Joshua Wong
≈ estimated
04/06/2021
Hands-on review · 4K streaming test and setup
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX90 is an excellent buy for demanding users who want fast internet and low-latency gaming.
8.0
KLGadgetTV
≈ estimated
26/05/2021
Quick look · design, features and 4K streaming test
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX90 is worth it for offices with many devices, but likely more router than a small home needs.
9.0
TechnoGenuine
≈ estimated
11/08/2021
Short hands-on review · speed tests around the home
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX90 is strong enough to cover the whole home and suits demanding gaming and work users.
9.0
GreatLobbyist
≈ estimated
06/02/2021
Unboxing · walkthrough of features and hardware
Verdict
TP-Link Archer AX90 is a strong performer for busy homes, gamers and offices, with a wide feature set.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TP-Link Archer AX90

  • Excellent signal strength and coverage across medium to large homes
  • Fast 5GHz band performance with support for 160MHz channel width
  • Simple and quick setup process using the TP-Link Tether app
  • Multi-gig connectivity with a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port
  • Robust parental controls and user-friendly management interface
  • Good value for a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router

What customers don't like about TP-Link Archer AX90

  • Subscription required for advanced HomeShield security features
  • Middling file transfer speeds via the USB port compared to competitors
  • Performance on the 2.4GHz band is less impressive than the 5GHz bands
  • Limited status indicators with only a single multi-color LED
  • Physical buttons (Wi-Fi, LED, WPS) are awkwardly placed on the underside
  • Large and bulky design with eight non-adjustable external antennas

Verdict

The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a high-performance AX6600 tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router powered by a 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU, delivering combined wireless speeds of up to 6.6 Gbps across three bands: 4804 Mbps and 1201 Mbps on two 5 GHz bands, plus 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Key characteristics include eight high-gain antennas with beamforming for expansive coverage, OFDMA and MU-MIMO for connecting over 200 devices, and versatile connectivity with a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port, three Gigabit LAN ports, and two USB ports (3.0 and 2.0). Main pros include its exceptional 5 GHz throughput, easy setup via the Tether app, and robust OneMesh support for seamless expansion. However, notable cons include its bulky physical footprint, a relatively slow secondary 5 GHz radio, and the requirement of a paid HomeShield Pro subscription for advanced security and parental control features.

Compare TP-Link Archer AX90 with other routers

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of TP-Link Archer AX90 and other routers

No results found