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TP-Link Archer C1200 Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£60
  • Avg. price in US: ~$70
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 1200 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps + 100 Mbps
  • Wireless coverage: ?

TP-Link Archer C1200 review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among routers and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.4

Technical Score

10.0%

8.9

User score

Good
6.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.7

Wireless

20.0%

6.1

Ports

18.0%

7.5

Networking

14.0%

8.1

Security

12.0%

5.6

Hardware

10.0%

8.4

Management

Good
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(6634)
amazon
4.3
(1120)
amazon
4.4
(334)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(6832)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(1119)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(326)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 4.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    2.8

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    7.1

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    3.0

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    3.5

    Maximum connected devices

  • 4.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    6.3

    Weight

    30.0%

    2.8

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    1.0

    SIM slot

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The TP-Link Archer C1200 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router offering combined speeds of up to 1200 Mbps, with 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. It features a Broadcom 900 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, and three external antennas equipped with beamforming technology for stable coverage in medium-sized homes. Key hardware includes four Gigabit LAN ports for high-speed wired connections, one Gigabit WAN port, and a USB 2.0 port for media and printer sharing. Its main pros are the affordable entry-level pricing, easy management via the Use code with caution.Copied to clipboardjsonTP-Link Tether appUse code with caution.Copied to clipboardjson, and strong 5 GHz performance for its class. However, notable cons include weak signal penetration through multiple thick walls, an older USB 2.0 standard rather than 3.0, and occasional stability issues in high-traffic environments with many simultaneous 4K streams.

Technical Specifications of router TP-Link Archer C1200

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.7

Wireless

20.0%

6.1

Ports

18.0%

7.5

Networking

14.0%

8.1

Security

12.0%

5.6

Hardware

10.0%

8.4

Management

6.4
TP-Link Archer C1200 has a technical score of 6.44 points, which is lower than that of 55.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(6634)
amazon
4.3
(1120)
amazon
4.4
(334)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(6832)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(1119)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(326)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.9
TP-Link Archer C1200 has a user score of 8.91 points, which is higher than that of 79.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
TP-Link Archer C1200 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 63.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.7
TP-Link Archer C1200 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 53.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

TP-Link
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
TP-Link Archer C1200 uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is more advanced than 39.4% of routers and equal to 25.4% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
TP-Link Archer C1200 supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 25% of routers and equal to 67.9% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >2700 Mbps

1,200 Mbps
TP-Link Archer C1200 delivers 1,200 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 52% of routers and equal to 5.8% of routers.
Channel widths supported
What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
TP-Link Archer C1200 supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 40.4% of routers and the same as 32.1% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

Importance: HIGH

WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X
TP-Link Archer C1200 supports WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X Wi-Fi security protocols, which are less advanced than 97.5% of routers and equal to 0.5% of routers.
DoS protection
What it is: Provides defenses intended to reduce the impact of denial-of-service traffic against the router or network.
When it matters: When exposed services or remote access make resilience against traffic floods more important.

Importance: HIGH

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 includes DoS protection. 11% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
What it is: Uses stateful packet inspection to track sessions and block suspicious unsolicited traffic more accurately.
When it matters: When the router needs a stronger first line of filtering on an internet-facing connection.

Importance: HIGH

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 3.6% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
What it is: Lets the router allow or block devices based on their MAC addresses.
When it matters: When you want an extra device-level access rule beyond passwords and network names.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 supports MAC address filtering. 1% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support URL filtering. 98.4% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

Importance: HIGH

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 supports IPv6. 10.9% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support dynamic routing. 53.4% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
What it is: Allows the router to pass traffic between separate VLANs under controlled rules.
When it matters: When you need segmented networks to communicate selectively instead of staying fully isolated.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support inter-VLAN routing. 22.2% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 supports VLAN tagging. 37.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
What it is: Provides quality-of-service controls that prioritize some traffic over less important traffic.
When it matters: When calls, gaming, and downloads compete and you want latency-sensitive traffic protected.

Importance: HIGH

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 includes QoS controls. 2.7% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 4 ports

4
TP-Link Archer C1200 has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.4% of routers and the same as 69.5% of routers.
LAN port speeds
What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 Gbps

1 Gbps + 100 Mbps
TP-Link Archer C1200 offers 1 Gbps + 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 87.2% of routers and on par with 0.3% of routers.
Mixed LAN port speeds.
N. of WAN ports
What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 WAN port

1
TP-Link Archer C1200 has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 USB port

1
TP-Link Archer C1200 has 1 USB ports, which is more than 39.2% of routers and the same as 39.9% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What it is: Power over Ethernet support, meaning the router can receive power, deliver it, or be part of a PoE-based installation.
When it matters: When you want cleaner installation with fewer separate power cables, especially in ceilings, walls, racks, or remote locations.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, App
TP-Link Archer C1200 uses Web UI, App for management, which is more advanced than 33.4% of routers and equal to 57% of routers.
Tether app
Firmware upgrade method
What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, App, Automatic
TP-Link Archer C1200 supports Web UI, App, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 78.9% of routers and equal to 19.9% of routers.
Tether app
Traffic monitoring
What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 includes traffic monitoring. 17.5% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
What it is: Lets the router create a separate wireless network for visitors or less-trusted devices.
When it matters: When guests need internet access without reaching private devices on the main network.

Importance: HIGH

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 offers captive portal features. 76.4% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

Importance: HIGH

1 x 0.9 GHz
TP-Link Archer C1200 runs at 1x0.9 GHz, which is slower than 55.6% of routers.
RAM capacity
What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=512 MB

128 MB
TP-Link Archer C1200 has 128 MB of RAM, which is more than 33.3% of routers and the same as 16.8% of routers.
Internal storage
What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8 GB

0.015625 GB
TP-Link Archer C1200 has 0.015625 GB of internal storage, which is less than 59.2% of routers and the same as 13.6% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

Importance: HIGH

yes
TP-Link Archer C1200 offers hardware acceleration. 19.3% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 3 antennas

3
TP-Link Archer C1200 has 3 external antennas, which is more than 58.5% of routers and the same as 13.3% of routers.
Show more

TP-Link Archer C1200 vs the average router

  • Faster LAN ports
    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (1 Gbps + 100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    Mixed LAN port speeds.
    What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
    When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 1 Gbps

    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (1 Gbps + 100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.1 Gbps + 100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Supports captive portal
    TP-Link Archer C1200 supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.8% of routers support captive portal.
    What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
    When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TP-Link Archer C1200 supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.8% of routers support captive portal.
  • 11.4% higher user score
    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a higher user score than the average router (8.91 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a higher user score than the average router (8.91 vs 8,000).8.91 vs 8
  • Faster LAN ports
    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (1 Gbps + 100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
  • Supports captive portal
    TP-Link Archer C1200 supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.8% of routers support captive portal.

Total
Overall
Ports
Management
  • No band steering
    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 52.6% of routers support band steering.
  • 17.2% 40% slower Wi-Fi speed
    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (1,200 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.
  • No URL filtering
    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support URL filtering, while the average router does. 98.2% of routers support URL filtering.
  • Weaker Wi-Fi security
    TP-Link Archer C1200 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
  • No dynamic routing
    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • Less capable NAS services
    TP-Link Archer C1200 includes SMB, FTP, media server NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
  • No dynamic routing
    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
    What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
    When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • No URL filtering
    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support URL filtering, while the average router does. 98.2% of routers support URL filtering.
    What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
    When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support URL filtering, while the average router does. 98.2% of routers support URL filtering.
  • Weaker Wi-Fi security
    TP-Link Archer C1200 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
    When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

    Importance: HIGH

    TP-Link Archer C1200 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • No band steering
    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 52.6% of routers support band steering.
    What it is: Can guide dual-band or tri-band clients toward the more suitable frequency band automatically.
    When it matters: When you want devices spread more intelligently across 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz bands.

    Importance: LOW

    TP-Link Archer C1200 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 52.6% of routers support band steering.
  • Less capable NAS services
    TP-Link Archer C1200 includes SMB, FTP, media server NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
    What it is: Lists the onboard file-sharing services the router can provide, such as SMB, FTP, or media sharing.
    When it matters: When the router is expected to handle light file serving without separate NAS hardware.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TP-Link Archer C1200 includes SMB, FTP, media server NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.SMB, FTP, media server vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
  • 17.2% 40% slower Wi-Fi speed
    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (1,200 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.
    What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
    When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2700 Mbps

    TP-Link Archer C1200 has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (1,200 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.1,200 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps
Total
Wireless
Security
Networking
Management

Graphic comparison of TP-Link Archer C1200 and other routers

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
6634 Reviews
amazon
4.3
1120 Reviews
amazon
4.4
334 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
6832 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
1119 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
326 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about TP-Link Archer C1200?

  • Affordable price point for an entry-level gigabit router
  • Extremely easy setup and management via the TP-Link Tether mobile app
  • Good wireless coverage for small to medium-sized apartments
  • Reliable dual-band performance for basic tasks like HD streaming and web browsing
  • Includes useful features like parental controls, guest networks, and a USB port for file sharing
  • Sleek and compact design with options for wall mounting

What customers dislike about TP-Link Archer C1200?

  • Long boot-up times, often taking up to three minutes to initialize
  • Reports of occasional stability issues, including random reboots during heavy use or gaming
  • Signal strength significantly degrades when passing through multiple thick walls
  • The glossy finish of the casing acts as a magnet for fingerprints and dust
  • Stock firmware is considered basic, with some advanced users preferring third-party alternatives like OpenWRT
  • May struggle to handle a high number of simultaneous devices under heavy load

Video reviews

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