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 TL-WR902AC review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£35Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi speed:750 MbpsLAN port speeds:100 MbpsMesh Wi-Fi:?

TP-Link TL-WR902AC Review: Compare 77 technical specifications, 4 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 TL-WR902AC
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

40%

6.4

Technical score

25%

6.4

Reviews score

25%

6.4

List score

10%

6.4

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 96% of routers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 96%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

26%

5.7

Wireless

20%

3.9

Ports

18%

8.7

Networking

14%

8.5

Security

12%

5.8

Hardware

10%

6.8

Management

▼Worse than 77%
6.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 86% of models

6.4

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

7.6

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 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.
▼Worse than 86%
6.4

List score

List score
6.4/ 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 TL-WR902AC

Based on 0 · 6

Reviewers like its versatile modes, handy USB modem support and compact size, but dislike how it needs to be powered.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of router TP-Link TL-WR902AC

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

26%

5.7

Wireless

20%

3.9

Ports

18%

8.7

Networking

14%

8.5

Security

12%

5.8

Hardware

10%

6.8

Management

6.4
Reviews score
6.4
List score
6.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
Brand name
TP-Link
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is more advanced than 35.2% of routers and equal to 23.1% 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
750 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 66.5% of routers and equal to 2.7% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 36.5% of routers and the same as 29.9% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA, WEP
This router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 37.9% of routers and equal to 14.8% 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
?
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
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 0 LAN ports, which is fewer than 98.3% of routers and the same as 1.7% of routers.
LAN port speeds
100 Mbps
This router offers 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is slower than 74.5% of routers and on par with 25.1% 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
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
This router supports Web UI firmware update methods, which are less convenient than 75.5% of routers and equal to 23.9% 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
?
RAM capacity
64 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 64 MB of RAM, which is less than 70.5% of routers and the same as 13.3% of routers.
Internal storage
0.007812 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.007812 GB of internal storage, which is less than 68.4% of routers and the same as 18.6% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
0
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 62.7% of routers and the same as 37.3% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say

TP-Link TL-WR902AC vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • 119 mm narrower width
    This router is narrower than the average router (74 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    74 mm vs 193 mm
  • 2 more internal antennas
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (2 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    2 vs 0
  • 87.4% lighter weight
    This router is lighter than the average router (56.7 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    56.7 g vs 450 g
  • 29.4 mm lower height
    This router is shorter than the average router (22 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    22 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • 2.71x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-WR902AC is cheaper than the average router (£35 vs £95).
    £35 vs £95
  • 2.71x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-WR902AC is cheaper than the average router (£35 vs £95).
    £35 vs £95
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • 119 mm narrower width
    This router is narrower than the average router (74 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    74 mm vs 193 mm
  • 2 more internal antennas
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (2 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    2 vs 0
  • 87.4% lighter weight
    This router is lighter than the average router (56.7 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    56.7 g vs 450 g
  • 29.4 mm lower height
    This router is shorter than the average router (22 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    22 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • 4 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (0 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    0 vs 4
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • 21.0% lower list score
    List score
    6.4/ 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%)
    6.4 vs 8.1
  • 46.2% narrower wireless coverage
    This router has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (100 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    100 m² vs 186 m²
  • 16.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.4/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models

    6.4

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    7.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 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.
    6.4 vs 7.7
  • 57.1% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (750 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    750 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • 21.0% lower list score
    List score
    6.4/ 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%)
    6.4 vs 8.1
  • 16.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.4/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models

    6.4

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    7.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 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.
    6.4 vs 7.7
  • 17.9% lower sentiment score
    6.4 vs 7.8
  • 8.2% worse value for money
    TP-Link TL-WR902AC has worse value for money than the average router (7.47 vs 8.1).
    7.47 vs 8.08
  • 46.2% narrower wireless coverage
    This router has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (100 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    100 m² vs 186 m²
  • 57.1% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (750 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    750 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • 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
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • 4 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (0 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    0 vs 4
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • 93.8% 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.
    0.007812 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 75% less RAM
    This router has less RAM than the average router (64 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    64 MB vs 256 MB
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    0 vs 2
  • 3 years older release date
    This router is an older model than the average router (2016 vs 2019). The average router release year is 2019.
    2016 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

7.0
Charlie Lowe
≈ estimated
03/10/2022
In-depth review · setup modes and range extender tests
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WR902AC is handy for travel, but its 5 GHz range as an extender is weak, so keep it close to the device.
7.0
Charlie Lowe
≈ estimated
20/05/2022
In-depth review · setup modes and range extender tests
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WR902AC is handy for travel, but its 5 GHz range as an extender is weak, so keep it close to the device.
8.0
KB Music
≈ estimated
24/08/2025
Short review · personal use as client-mode router
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WR902AC is reliable for home use, though setup takes patience and it ties up an outlet.
9.0
UK Pro Reviewer
≈ estimated
19/06/2024
Short review · product features overview
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WR902AC is a good pick for travellers who need reliable Wi-Fi on the move.
7.0
Charlie Lowe
≈ estimated
30/04/2022
Unboxing · brief Wi-Fi extender test
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WR902AC is decent and handy as a Wi-Fi extender, though not essential at this price.
9.0
Geekanoids
≈ estimated
20/06/2017
First look · unboxing and feature overview
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WR902AC is easy to set up and offers a stable, fast connection, which makes it a handy pocket router for travel.
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TP-Link TL-WR902AC

  • Pocket size at 56.7 g for travel
  • Five modes: router, hotspot, extender, client, access point
  • Dual-band AC750 with 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
  • USB 2.0 port for a 3G or 4G modem or storage
  • Guest Wi-Fi and parental controls included
  • Web page and app setup

What customers don't like about TP-Link TL-WR902AC

  • Wi-Fi 5 only with 750 Mbps combined
  • No SIM slot
  • Single Ethernet port with no spare LAN port
  • Two internal antennas limit range

Verdict

At just 56.7 grams, the TL-WR902AC is a pocket travel router for hotel rooms and trips. A switch selects router, hotspot, range extender, client or access point mode. Dual-band AC750 Wi-Fi covers 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz for HD streaming. The single Ethernet port takes a hotel cable, and the USB 2.0 port connects a 3G or 4G modem or shares storage. It has no SIM slot and no spare LAN port. Guest Wi-Fi, parental controls and WPA2 security are included. Speed tops out at 750 Mbps combined, and there is no Wi-Fi 6. Setup uses a web page or the app. It suits travellers who want a private network in a hotel or a quick access point at a budget price.

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