OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

TP-Link Archer MR500 Review | 77 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 1200 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps
  • Wireless coverage: ?

TP-Link Archer MR500 review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among routers and if it is worth buying.

7.3

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%

7.1

Technical Score

10.0%

8.8

User score

Very good
7.1

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%

6.0

Wireless

20.0%

5.4

Ports

18.0%

8.6

Networking

14.0%

9.7

Security

12.0%

6.4

Hardware

10.0%

8.0

Management

Very good
8.8

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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

8.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(661)
amazon
2.5
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(650)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    2.8

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    8.3

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    5.4

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    3.5

    Maximum connected devices

  • 7.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    30.0%

    2.8

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    8.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    10

    SIM slot

  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
  • tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500
tp-link-archer-mr500

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 MR500 is an AC1200 dual-band 4G+ LTE Cat6 router that delivers wireless speeds of up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Key technical features include 4G+ Carrier Aggregation for mobile download speeds up to 300 Mbps, MU-MIMO technology for simultaneous data streams to multiple devices, and four full Gigabit Ethernet ports (including one WAN/LAN port) for high-speed wired connectivity. Its main pros are the simple 'plug-and-play' setup via a Nano SIM card, support for TP-Link OneMesh for seamless whole-home coverage, and two detachable external LTE antennas that enhance signal stability. On the downside, it only supports the older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard rather than Wi-Fi 6, lacks WPA3 security on some hardware versions, and does not support IPSec VPN.

Technical Specifications of router TP-Link Archer MR500

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%

6.0

Wireless

20.0%

5.4

Ports

18.0%

8.6

Networking

14.0%

9.7

Security

12.0%

6.4

Hardware

10.0%

8.0

Management

7.1
TP-Link Archer MR500 has a technical score of 7.1 points, which is higher than that of 66.4% 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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

8.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(661)
amazon
2.5
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(650)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.8
TP-Link Archer MR500 has a user score of 8.76 points, which is higher than that of 71.1% 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.
8.7
TP-Link Archer MR500 has a popularity of 8.7 points, which is higher than 59.1% 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%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

8.1
TP-Link Archer MR500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.1 points, which is higher than 72.1% 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
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 MR500 uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). 39.4% of routers use this Wi-Fi standard.
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 MR500 supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. 25% of routers use the same band setup.
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 MR500 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 MR500 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

WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP
TP-Link Archer MR500 supports WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP Wi-Fi security protocols. 72.5% of routers use this security setup.
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 MR500 supports DoS protection. 11.1% 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 MR500 supports SPI intrusion protection. 3.7% 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 MR500 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

yes
TP-Link Archer MR500 supports URL filter. 1.9% 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 MR500 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 MR500 does not support dynamic routing. 53.4% of routers include 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 MR500 does not support inter-vlan routing. 22.2% of routers include 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 MR500 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 MR500 supports QoS. 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

3
TP-Link Archer MR500 has 3 LAN ports, which is fewer than 76.9% of routers and the same as 14.5% 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
TP-Link Archer MR500 offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 27.2% of routers and on par with 59.8% of routers.
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 MR500 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

0
TP-Link Archer MR500 has 0 USB ports, which is fewer than 61.1% of routers and the same as 38.9% 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 MR500 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 MR500 is managed via Web UI, App. 33.4% of routers use this management method.
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 MR500 uses Web UI, App, Automatic firmware updates. 78.9% of routers use this update method.
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 MR500 supports 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 MR500 supports 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 MR500 supports captive portal. 76.4% of routers include 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

2.4 GHz
TP-Link Archer MR500 runs at 2.4 GHz, which is faster than 64.3% 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

256 MB
TP-Link Archer MR500 has 256 MB of RAM, which is more than 49.6% of routers and the same as 15.4% 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 MR500 has 0.015625 GB of internal storage, which is less than 77.5% of routers and the same as 8.7% 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

?
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

2
TP-Link Archer MR500 has 2 external antennas, which is more than 45.1% of routers and the same as 13.1% of routers.
Show more

TP-Link Archer MR500 vs the average router

  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Supports mesh networking so multiple nodes can work together as one Wi-Fi system.
    When it matters: When one router alone cannot cover every floor or room reliably.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP.
    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 MR500 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP.WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports Automatic failover
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.5% of routers offer automatic failover.
    What it is: Can switch to a backup internet connection automatically if the primary line fails.
    When it matters: When uptime matters and the network cannot stop every time the main WAN drops.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.5% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.8% of routers support MU-MIMO.
    What it is: Supports multi-user MIMO so the router can serve more than one client stream at the same time.
    When it matters: When many active devices share the network and you want wireless capacity used more efficiently.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.8% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Supports Captive portal
    TP-Link Archer MR500 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 MR500 supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.8% of routers support captive portal.
  • Has SIM slot
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has a SIM slot, while the average router does not. 2.9% of routers include a SIM slot.
    What it is: A SIM card slot for built-in cellular internet access.
    When it matters: When the router needs to connect directly to a mobile data plan without using a separate external modem.

    Importance: LOW

    TP-Link Archer MR500 has a SIM slot, while the average router does not. 2.9% of routers include a SIM slot.
  • Newer cellular modem
    TP-Link Archer MR500 uses a 4G modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required). 4.00% of routers use a 4G modem.
    4G+
    What it is: Identifies the mobile modem class built into the router, such as 4G LTE or 5G.
    When it matters: When the router depends on mobile broadband and network generation affects speed and coverage options.

    Importance: LOW

    TP-Link Archer MR500 uses a 4G modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required). 4.00% of routers use a 4G modem.4G vs none (external modem required)
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    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

    TP-Link Archer MR500 has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.2.4 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.8% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP.
  • Supports Automatic failover
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.5% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Has SIM slot
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has a SIM slot, while the average router does not. 2.9% of routers include a SIM slot.
  • Newer cellular modem
    TP-Link Archer MR500 uses a 4G modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required). 4.00% of routers use a 4G modem.
  • Better integrated modem
    TP-Link Archer MR500 uses a 4G modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required). 4.00% of routers use a 4G modem.
  • Supports Captive portal
    TP-Link Archer MR500 supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.8% of routers support captive portal.
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.

Total
Overall
Wireless
Security
Networking
Ports
Management
Hardware
  • 17.2% slower Wi-Fi speed
    TP-Link Archer MR500 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 Dynamic routing
    TP-Link Archer MR500 does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
  • Fewer NAS services
    TP-Link Archer MR500 includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access. 0.00% of routers include none NAS services.
  • No DLNA support
    TP-Link Archer MR500 does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54.5% of routers support DLNA.
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 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

    TP-Link Archer MR500 has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.3 vs 4
  • No Dynamic routing
    TP-Link Archer MR500 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 MR500 does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 53.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • Fewer NAS services
    TP-Link Archer MR500 includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access. 0.00% of routers include none NAS services.
    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 MR500 includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access. 0.00% of routers include none NAS services.none vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    TP-Link Archer MR500 has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 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

    TP-Link Archer MR500 has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.0 vs 1
  • 17.2% slower Wi-Fi speed
    TP-Link Archer MR500 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 MR500 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
  • No DLNA support
    TP-Link Archer MR500 does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54.5% of routers support DLNA.
    What it is: Supports DLNA-related media sharing or discovery for compatible devices on the local network.
    When it matters: When TVs, media players, and local content need easier plug-and-play discovery on the network.

    Importance: LOW

    TP-Link Archer MR500 does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54.5% of routers support DLNA.
Total
Wireless
Networking
Ports
Management

Graphic comparison of TP-Link Archer MR500 and other routers

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
661 Reviews
amazon
2.5
2 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
650 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about TP-Link Archer MR500?

  • Easy setup process with 'plug and play' SIM card functionality
  • Strong and stable 4G+ signal strength for home use
  • Noticeable improvement in speeds and range compared to older 4G routers
  • Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high-speed wired connections
  • Supports OneMesh for easy home network expansion
  • Useful web interface with features like an energy tracker and SMS reading

What customers dislike about TP-Link Archer MR500?

  • Occasional stability issues requiring manual reboots (intermittent connection drops)
  • Firmware updates can sometimes cause APN profile conflicts (switching between IPv4 and IPv6)
  • Limited to Wi-Fi 5 standards, which may be less stable with many simultaneous devices compared to Wi-Fi 6
  • Missing built-in VPN client support (only functions as a VPN server)
  • Some users reported difficulty with the RMA/warranty process and shipping costs for replacements

Video reviews

Best alternatives

asus-tuf-gaming-ax4200
ASUS TUF Gaming AX4200

Routers

8.1
asus-rt-ac66u-b1
ASUS RT AC66U B1

Routers

7.7
xiaomi-mi-aiot-router-ax3600
Xiaomi Mi AIoT Router AX3600

Routers

7.7
linksys-e8450
Linksys E8450

Routers

7.6
asus-rt-ax82u
ASUS RT AX82U

Routers

8.4
asus-rt-n66u
ASUS RT N66U

Routers

7.2
asus-rt-ax58u
ASUS RT AX58U

Routers

8.0
reyee-rg-e5
Reyee Rg E5

Routers

7.7
google-nest-wifi-pro
Google Nest WiFi Pro

Routers

7.0
belkin-ac1000
Belkin AC1000

Routers

6.9
linksys-ea8300-max-stream
Linksys EA8300 Max Stream

Routers

6.9
tenda-ex12
Tenda EX12

Routers

6.9

Compare TP-Link Archer MR500 with other routers

VS
VS

Compare