Routers / Compare

ASUS RT-AX1800S vs TP-Link Archer AX21

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Product A: ASUS

RT-AX1800S

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer AX21

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AASUS RT-AX1800S

BTP-Link Archer AX21

General

1 of 9 differ

Series

Not available

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

RT-AX1800S2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800sRead 15 October 2026The page is titled RT-AX1800S. ASUS also sells an RT-AX1800S V2, which its support lists separately. This entry follows the spec page, whose Dual-core (4 VPE) processor row fits the original MediaTek MT7621 board, see the OpenWrt note.

Archer AX21 V51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page is for hardware version V5 (support page: Archer AX21(US) V5.6). The maker's US pages also carry V3 and V4. V3 has a USB 2.0 port, 12 V 2 A power and 260.2 x 135.0 x 38.6 mm, and is end of life. V4 lists 260.2 x 135.0 x 38.6 mm. This entry covers V5 only, the version Amazon sells.

GTIN / EAN

1955532079428Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B09M9477NSRead 15 October 2026Product details: UPC 195553207942, manufacturer part number RT-AX1800S.

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AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

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Status

Available2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800sRead 15 October 2026The US page is live and its structured data shows an in-stock offer.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The V5 page has a Buy Now button and the support page lists firmware 1.1.2 built 2025-08-14. The maker's US end-of-sale list (V9) gives an end-of-sale notice date of 2026-08-18 and an end-of-sale date of 2027-02-14 for versions 4.6 and 5.6, so it is still sold.6Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260921/US%20EOS_List_Home%20-%20V9.pdfRead 14 October 2026Archer AX21 versions 4.6 and 5.6 (US): end-of-sale notice 2026-08-18, end of sale 2027-02-14. Versions 1.20, 1.26, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.6 had end-of-sale dates from 2024-05-29 to 2024-11-30. Stored as available until the end-of-sale date passes.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

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SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

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Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

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Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

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MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

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ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black8Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B09M9477NSRead 15 October 2026Product details: Color BLACK.

Black1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The product photos show a black unit. The page gives no colour name.

Form factoriMesh system is a product line sold in packs of mesh units, e.g. eero, Deco and Orbi. A standalone router that can join a mesh as an option is a router. A travel router is a pocket-size router sold for travel.

Router2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800sRead 15 October 2026A single 2x2 dual-band router with AiMesh as an option, so it is a router and not a mesh system.

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Standalone router, compatible with TP-Link OneMesh extenders and EasyMesh.

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ROG is Gaming and ASUS ExpertWiFi is Business. It is not assigned from price or features.

Home2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800sRead 15 October 2026The page sits under WiFi Routers, ASUS WiFi Routers, not under ROG gaming or ExpertWiFi.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers for homes.

Wi-Fi

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Wi-FiiThe newest Wi-Fi generation the product supports.

Wi-Fi 61Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026

Wi-Fi 61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Standards and protocols: Wi-Fi 6, IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a on 5 GHz and 802.11ax/n/b/g on 2.4 GHz.

Wi-Fi speed classiThe maker's class name, e.g. BE19000 or AXE11000. It adds up the top link rates of all radios. No single device reaches it. A Wi-Fi 6E class starts with AXE, also when the maker writes AX, so eero's AX5400 is AXE5400. The class is not the model number, so GL.iNet's GL-AXT1800 is AX1800.

AX18001Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Segment: AX1800 ultimate AX performance, 1201 Mbps + 574 Mbps.

AX18001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds: AX1800, 5 GHz 1201 Mbps and 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax).

Wi-Fi radiosiOne row per radio in one unit. A quad-band unit with two 5 GHz radios has two 5 GHz rows.

AASUS RT-AX1800S

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	40	574	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	80	1,201	No

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026WiFi Data Rate: Wi-Fi 6 5GHz up to 1201 Mbps and 2.4GHz up to 574 Mbps. Transmit/Receive: 5GHz 2x2 and 2.4GHz 2x2. The page lists 20/40/80 MHz bandwidth for the router as a whole. The 2.4 GHz channel is stored as 40 MHz, since 40 MHz is the widest 802.11ax channel on that band and 574 Mbps is the 2-stream 40 MHz rate.

BTP-Link Archer AX21

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	40	574
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	80	1,201

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The overview shows Wi-Fi 6 2.4 GHz at 40 MHz, 2x2, 574 Mbps and Wi-Fi 6 5 GHz at 80 MHz, 2x2, 1201 Mbps. WiFi Capacity lists 4 streams in total.

Radio bandsiRadios that work at the same time in one unit. Tri-band is 3 and quad-band is 4, also when two radios use the same frequency band.

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Combined Wi-Fi link rateiSum of the top link rates of all radios in one unit. It is close to the number in the speed class. No single device reaches it.

1,775Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

1,775Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi streamsiSpatial streams of all radios in one unit, e.g. 12 for a tri-band router with 4x4 on each band.

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel of any radio, e.g. 320 on the 6 GHz band.

80MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

80MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi featuresiFeatures the maker names for the product. Band steering puts all bands under one network name and moves devices between them, e.g. Smart Connect. Band steering over only some of the bands, such as 2.4 and 5 GHz on a tri-band router, counts. AFC is Automated Frequency Coordination, which allows standard power on 6 GHz. Support that needs a later firmware counts, and the firmware goes in the source note.

OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Target Wake Time1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Boosts Speed: OFDMA and beamforming, standard-based and universal.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800sRead 15 October 2026The page names OFDMA with MU-MIMO and says Target Wake Time lets the RT-AX1800S schedule device transmit times.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/asus-rt-ax1800s-routerRead 15 October 2026Review published 27 July 2023. Its spec table lists OFDMA and MU-MIMO and standard-based and universal beamforming.

OFDMA, Beamforming, Target Wake Time, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Capacity: OFDMA and Airtime Fairness. The overview lists Beamforming and Target Wake Time. Smart Connect is in the datasheet. MU-MIMO is not listed and is not stored.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect assigns each device to the best available band, stored as band_steering. Target Wake Time and OFDMA are listed in the highlights.

External antennasiAntennas outside the case, as the maker counts them.

41Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Antenna: External antenna x 4.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Range: 4x Fixed High-Performance Antennas.

Internal antennasiAntennas inside the case, as the maker counts them.

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Detachable antennasiThe external antennas screw off and can be replaced. Fixed antennas that only fold or turn do not count.

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No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page calls the four antennas fixed.

Coverage of one unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area that one unit covers. A square feet claim is converted exactly and rounded to a whole m². A claim for a whole pack is stored separately. An area that a trusted review quotes from the maker counts, and the source note names the review.

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Connected devices per unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed maximum number of devices one unit serves. A claim for a whole mesh pack is not stored here.

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Ports and modem

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PortsiData ports on the main unit. The power input is not a port. A combo port takes an RJ45 cable or an SFP+ module and is counted once. WAN or LAN means the maker says the port can be either, including auto-sensing ports.

AASUS RT-AX1800S

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)
RJ45	1	WAN	1
RJ45	4	LAN	1

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026I/O Ports: RJ45 for Gigabits BaseT for WAN x 1 and RJ45 for Gigabits BaseT for LAN x 4. The list has no USB port.

BTP-Link Archer AX21

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)
RJ45	1	WAN	1
RJ45	4	LAN	1

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Ethernet Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN Port and 4x Gigabit LAN Ports. The V5 page lists no USB port.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

Multi-gig portsiWired network ports of 2.5 Gbps or faster, RJ45 or fiber.

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest WAN portiThe fastest port that can take the internet connection.

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest LAN portiThe fastest port for wired devices. A port that can be WAN or LAN counts here too.

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

SFP+ portiA slot for a 10 Gbps fiber or DAC module.

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Built-in modemiModems inside the router. A port for an external modem does not count. A fiber slot counts only when the fiber module is in the box.

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Modem standardsiStandards of the built-in modem as published, e.g. DOCSIS 3.1, VDSL2 35b, GPON or 5G NR.

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Mesh

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Mesh technologiesiMesh systems the unit can join, by the maker's name, e.g. AiMesh, EasyMesh or TP-Link OneMesh.

AiMesh1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiMesh: Primary AiMesh Router and AiMesh Node.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800sRead 15 October 2026ASUS AiMesh builds a whole-home network from multiple ASUS routers, with a single SSID or several.

EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The overview says to add EasyMesh-compatible devices. The specifications list OneMesh as supported. The datasheet says it is compatible with EasyMesh but has no Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026EasyMesh: Supported. The footnote says it is compatible with standardized EasyMesh but has not obtained the Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification.

Units per packiUnits in the box. The base lists every pack size sold. Each pack variant holds its own. A standalone router is 1.

11Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Package Content lists one router.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026One router is sold.

Coverage of the pack (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area for a whole pack. Each pack variant holds its own claim. The claims of single units are never added up.

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Identical unitsiEvery unit in a pack is the same model, so any unit can be the router. Not true for systems with a separate satellite model, such as NETGEAR Orbi.

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Satellite modeliModel number of the satellite when it differs from the router unit.

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Satellite portsiData ports on one satellite. Only when the satellite differs from the router unit.

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Ethernet backhauliMesh units can link to each other over an Ethernet cable.

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Software

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ManagementiWays to set up and manage the router. A web interface is a full settings page in a browser on the local network. A status page alone does not count.

Mobile app, Web interface3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AX1800S/E21251_RT-AX1800S_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Chapter 2: the router is set up in a web GUI at router.asus.com. Chapter 3: the quick start guide uses the ASUS Router app. Tom's Hardware used both.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Management Features: Tether App and Webpage.

Online account requirediSetup and management need an online account with the maker, with no local way around it.

No3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AX1800S/E21251_RT-AX1800S_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Quick Internet Setup starts in the web GUI with the local admin login. It does not ask for an ASUS account.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/47481Read 14 October 2026Archer AX21(US) V5.60 Quick Installation Guide: method two sets the router up in a web browser at tplinkwifi.net and asks only for a login password. The TP-Link ID is optional for more cloud service.

Operating modesiModes the maker lists. Media bridge connects wired devices to another router over Wi-Fi. Extender, range extender and WDS modes count as repeater.

Router, Access point, Mesh node, Repeater, Media bridge1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Operating Mode: Access Point, Media Bridge, Repeater, Router and AiMesh Node.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AX1800S/E21251_RT-AX1800S_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 4.6.1: Wireless router mode (default), Access Point mode and Repeater mode. The tech spec page adds Media Bridge and AiMesh Node.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Working Modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.

Network featuresiFeatures the maker lists that work without a paid subscription. An IoT network is a separate network for smart home devices. Dual WAN uses a second internet connection as a backup or to share the load. Only features the maker clearly says are free. Parental controls counts when a free feature pauses or schedules internet access per person or device, such as eero Profiles, even when content filters need a subscription. When the maker's pages contradict each other, leave the feature out.

Guest network, IPTV, Dual WAN, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Guest Network, Traffic Control (Bandwidth Limiter, Traditional QoS), Parental Control (Customized Internet Schedule), WAN (Dual WAN, DDNS) and LAN (IPTV). VLAN and IoT network are not listed, so they are not stored.

Guest network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Guest Network: 1x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz. IPTV lists IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN, so VLAN is not stored. QoS by Device, DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) and Parental Controls (URL Filtering, Time Controls) are listed. The router has no paid service and the page names no subscription.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Parental Controls: URL Filtering, Time Controls. Quality of Service: QoS by Device. Guest Network: 1x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz.

VPN serveriProtocols the router can serve, to reach the home network from outside. A paid VPN service is not a VPN server.

IPsec, OpenVPN, PPTP1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN Server IPSec, OpenVPN and PPTP. WireGuard is not listed.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, Wireguard VPN Server. The V5 product page lists only OpenVPN and PPTP servers. The datasheet is newer and is used, and the V5 firmware notes mention L2TP/IPSec VPN and a VPN kill switch.

VPN clientiProtocols the router can use to connect to an outside VPN server.

L2TP, OpenVPN, PPTP1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN Client L2TP, OpenVPN and PPTP.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, Wireguard VPN Client. The V5 product page lists no VPN client row.

USB applicationsiWhat the USB port can be used for. Cellular modem is a USB 4G or 5G modem used as an internet connection or backup.

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Security

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Wi-Fi securityiEnhanced Open encrypts an open network without a password.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Security: Open system, WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise and WPA3-Personal. A footnote says WPA/WPA2-Enterprise is not available under AiMesh.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).

Security serviceiThe maker's built-in security service by name, e.g. AiProtection Pro, HomeShield, NETGEAR Armor or eero Plus.

AiProtection Classic1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiProtection: Malicious Site Blocking, Infected Device Prevention and Blocking, AiProtection Classic.

Not available

Security service costiWhat the service costs after any free trial. Basic free means the basic features are free and the full set needs a subscription. When the free and paid tiers share one name, such as HomeShield, it is basic free. NETGEAR Armor has no free tier after its trial, so it is paid. When the paid tier is a separate add-on, such as eero Plus, it is paid.

Free7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/asus-rt-ax1800s-routerRead 15 October 2026Trend Micro protection with Malicious Site Blocking and Infected Device Prevention and Blocking needs no subscription. The review's iPerf results (client with an Intel AX201, 6 ft and 25 ft, 5 GHz about 300 Mbps near and 250 Mbps far) are not stored, since measured throughput is Tom's Guide only.8Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B09M9477NSRead 15 October 2026The listing title says Subscription-Free Network Security.

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Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

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Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade and OTA Firmware Upgrade.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade, TP-Link ID, DDNS.

Security updates untiliPublished end date of security updates for this model. It is not calculated from a number of years. A published minimum date, such as "at least through" or "or later", counts as the stated date. The source note says it is a minimum and names the region.

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Smart home

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Thread border router

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Matter controlleriCan add and control Matter devices. Being a Matter device alone does not count.

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Zigbee hubiA built-in Zigbee radio that controls Zigbee smart home devices.

Not available

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BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio in the router, often used for setup.

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Smart home platformsiSmart home and voice platforms the router works with, e.g. Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Amazon Alexa7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/asus-rt-ax1800s-routerRead 15 October 2026The features section names Alexa integration among the router's standard features.

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Hardware

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System on chipiMain chip or platform as published, e.g. Broadcom BCM4916 or Qualcomm Networking Pro 620. A chip maker name alone, such as Broadcom, is not stored.

MediaTek MT76216Spec databaseopenwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ax54Read 15 October 2026OpenWrt Table of Hardware for the ASUS RT-AX54, which lists AX1800S as an alternate name: MediaTek MT7621, MIPS 1004Kc, 2 cores with 2 VPEs each (4 threads), 256 MB RAM and 128 MiB NAND. The RAM and flash agree with the ASUS spec page. ASUS prints no chip name. The RT-AX1800S V2 uses a different MediaTek platform, so this entry is the original board.

Not available

CPU cores

21Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Processor: Dual-core (4 VPE). OpenWrt's table lists the MT7621 as 2 cores with 2 VPEs each. The clock is not published here.

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CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

0.88GHz6Spec databaseopenwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ax54Read 15 October 2026The table's CPU speed is 880 MHz, taken from the OpenWrt boot log. ASUS prints no clock.

Not available

RAMiRouter RAM in GB. When any trusted source prints a GB figure, use it, e.g. 1 GB rather than 1024 MB converted. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB only when MB is the only figure, e.g. 512 MB is 0.512, and keep the original figure in the source note. Same rule as streaming devices.

256MB1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Memory: 128 MB Flash and 256 MB RAM. 256 MB is stored as 0.256 GB.

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Flash storageiBuilt-in flash memory for the firmware in GB. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB, as for RAM. A memory card or USB drive does not count.

128MB1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Memory: 128 MB Flash. Stored as 0.128 GB.

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Cooling faniA fan inside the unit. Passive cooling does not count.

Not available

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Power

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Power supplyiHow the main unit gets power. USB is a USB-C power adapter. PoE is power over an Ethernet cable.

External DC adapter1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: AC input 100V-240V and DC output 12 V with max 1.5A current. The router takes an external adapter.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page lists a power adapter in the package.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating as published, in volts and amps.

12 V, 1.5 A1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Published as the adapter's DC output, 12 V with max 1.5 A. Stored as the router's DC input. The Asia quick start guide says the same.4Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AX1800S/A18726_RT-AX1800S_Booklet_140x100mm_QSG_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026DC Power adapter: DC Output +12V with 1.5A current.

12 V, 1.5 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 1.5 A.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the power adapter in the box. This is not power use.

18W1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 202612 V times 1.5 A is 18 W. The English manual prints max 1A/1.5A for its adapter note, and the model-specific Asia quick start guide prints 1.5A. A German retailer feed lists the adapter as 12V/1.5A/18W.

18W1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 202612 V times 1.5 A is 18 W. Package Content lists a power adapter.

Power use (typical, claimed)iThe maker's typical or average power use of one unit. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out.

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Power use (max, claimed)iThe maker's maximum power use of one unit. Power given out over PoE is not included. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out. A figure measured with the power adapter counts.

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Measured

None of 6 known

Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iTom's Guide throughput, one row per test position. Tool, client, direction and walls are in the source note. Other reviewers' results go in source notes only.

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Fastest Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iHighest measured row with the client connected to the main unit. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

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Wi-Fi throughput through a wall (measured)iTom's Guide throughput at 25 ft through one wall, with the client on the main unit.

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Range (measured)iDistance at which the reviewer's client lost its connection to the main unit.

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Power use under load (measured)iWall power of the main unit during the reviewer's throughput or saturation test.

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Energy use per day (measured)iEnergy the router used over 24 hours of the reviewer's test use. This is not the power at one moment.

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Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiOne unit in its normal position, with antennas folded flat or removed. Height is bottom to top. For a round unit, width and depth are both the diameter. A size the maker prints with antennas up goes in Dimensions with antennas.

Width230Height56Depth134mm(9.1 × 2.2 × 5.3 in)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Dimensions 230 x 134 x 56 mm, printed without axis names. Tom's Hardware prints 9.06 x 5.28 x 2.20 in (230 x 134 x 56 mm) and says it does not count the antennas, and Amazon prints 9.06 in L x 5.28 in W x 2.2 in H. So 230 mm is the width, 134 mm the depth and 56 mm the height with the antennas not counted.

Width261.1Height41Depth134.5mm(10.3 × 1.6 × 5.3 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.3 x 5.3 x 1.6 in (261.1 x 134.5 x 41 mm). Stored as width, depth and height. The page does not say whether the antennas are folded.

Dimensions with antennasiOne unit with its external antennas up, as the maker prints it.

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WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

390g(13.8 oz)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Weight 390 g. Tom's Hardware prints 0.82 lb and Amazon 13.12 oz, which are about 372 g. The maker's figure is used.

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Wall mountableiThe maker says the unit can be mounted on a wall.

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Yes3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/47481Read 14 October 2026Q5 says to keep the antennas upright when the router is hanging on a wall. No bracket is named.

Certifications

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Wi-Fi Alliance certification IDiCertificate ID in the Wi-Fi Alliance product finder.

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FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

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Other certifications

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FCC, CE, RoHS2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

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In the boxiItems as the maker lists them for the exact pack.

RT-AX1800S, RJ45 cable, Power adapter, Quick Start Guide, Warranty card1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026Package Content: RT-AX1800S, RJ45 x1, Adapter x1, QSG x1, Warranty Card x1.

Wi-Fi Router Archer AX21, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Package Contents: Wi-Fi Router Archer AX21, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

Links

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Product page

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800sRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspec1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax1800s/techspecRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1073552Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer AX21(US) V5.6.

Manual

dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AX1800S/E21251_RT-AX1800S_UM_WEB.pdf3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-AX1800S/E21251_RT-AX1800S_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1091824Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/109182Read 14 October 2026Archer AX21 Installation and User Guide, listed on the V5 support page. The viewer page is linked and the guide text was not read.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years5Maker product pageasus.com/support/api/product.asmx/GetPDWarrantyRead 15 October 2026ASUS US support warranty text for the RT-AX1800S: the general warranty is 3 years, but it may vary depending on the place of purchase. US site.

2years5Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 14 October 2026US warranty page: Wi-Fi routers bought on or after 2023-09-01 have a 2 year warranty.

Both are also in the API. Back to all routers.