Routers / Compare

GL.iNet Opal vs TP-Link Archer AX55

A

Product A: GL.iNet

Opal

52 of 90 known

Change GL.iNet Opal

Compare the TP-Link Archer AX55 with

Search routers

B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer AX55

60 of 90 known

Change TP-Link Archer AX55

Compare the GL.iNet Opal with

Search routers

All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AGL.iNet Opal

BTP-Link Archer AX55

General

6 of 9 differ

Series

Opal1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026The page sits under Travel Routers, Opal Series in the maker's menu.

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026

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

GL-SFT12001Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Page title Opal (GL-SFT1200) Wireless Travel Router.

Archer AX551Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026The US page is titled Archer AX55 and its support page lists hardware versions V1 and V4, with the datasheet and user guide for V4.6. TP-Link UK and Japan also list V1. The page's specs do not differ by version. TP-Link sells a separate Archer AX55 Pro with a 2.5 Gbps port, which is not covered here. Other regions list V2 with a Broadcom chip.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

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

9 November 20215Press releaseforum.gl-inet.com/t/opal-gl-sft1200-gigabit-wireless-travel-router-is-coming-soon/18234Read 15 October 2026GL.iNet staff forum post of 2021-11-09: Opal (GL-SFT1200) gigabit wireless travel router is coming soon.

Not available

Status

Available1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026The store listing is in stock with an Add to cart button at 39.99 USD. The launch price in the launch blog was 39.9 USD.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026The page and the US downloads are live.

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

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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

$39.94Press releasegl-inet.com/blog/opal-gigabit-wireless-router-for-security-savvy-travelersRead 15 October 2026Launch blog dated 2021-11-28: At only $39.9 USD each. The maker's store sells in USD. The price excludes tax.

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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

US4Press releasegl-inet.com/blog/opal-gigabit-wireless-router-for-security-savvy-travelersRead 15 October 2026The price is the maker's USD price. The Amazon US listing went live on 2021-11-30 according to the forum post.

US1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026The US page and the US datasheet and user guide (V4.6). The maker prints no launch price.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

White1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026The text says the bright white colour suits small apartments. The page prints no other colour and the product photo is white.4Press releasegl-inet.com/blog/opal-gigabit-wireless-router-for-security-savvy-travelersRead 15 October 2026The blog says the bright white colour gives a sense of space.

Black6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review describes the router as clothed in basic black.

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.

Travel router1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026The maker sells it as a pocket-sized travel router.

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Standalone AX3000 Dual Band Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router.

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.

Not available

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Listed under Home Networking, WiFi Routers.

Wi-Fi

8 of 14 differ

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

Wi-Fi 51Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Protocol IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The 2.4 GHz radio is 802.11n and the 5 GHz radio is 802.11ac.

Wi-Fi 61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026

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.

AC12003Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026The EU declaration of conformity names the radio equipment type AC1200 Wireless Travel Router, GL-SFT1200.

AX30001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds row: AX3000, 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160), 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.

AGL.iNet Opal

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 4	2	40	300	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 5	2	80	867	No

Source1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) and 867 Mbps (5GHz). The page prints no stream count and no channel width. 300 Mbps is only reached by 2 streams at 40 MHz in 802.11n and 867 Mbps is the 802.11ac rate of 2 streams at 80 MHz. The two streams come from the chip description in the CNX Software entry. The widths are worked out from the printed rates.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n, 300Mbps (2.4GHz) and 802.11 ac, 867Mbps (5GHz). No stream count or width is printed.8Press articlecnx-software.com/2024/11/28/16-banana-pi-bpi-wifi5-router-is-powered-by-siflower-sf19a28-dual-core-mips-socRead 15 October 2026Chip spec list: 2.4 GHz WiFi 2x2 MIMO up to 300 Mbps and 5 GHz WiFi 2x2 MIMO up to 866.7 Mbps. That rules out 1 stream at 160 MHz for the 867 Mbps rate. The article covers a Banana Pi board with the same chip, not the Opal, so the Opal's stream count rests on the chip.

BTP-Link Archer AX55

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	160	2,402	No

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Standards row: Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax/ac/n/a on 5 GHz and 802.11ax/n/b/g on 2.4 GHz. The capacity row says 4 Streams and the overview says 160 MHz bandwidth on 5 GHz. 2402 Mbps at 160 MHz and 574 Mbps at 40 MHz each fit 2 streams, so the split is 2 per band and the sum equals the 4 streams stated. 40 MHz on 2.4 GHz follows from the 574 Mbps rate. No band is a dedicated backhaul.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer AX55 V4.6: wireless 2402 Mbps (5 GHz) plus 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz). 4 streams. HE160 on the 5 GHz band.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the router handles four independent data streams and gives 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2,402 on 5 GHz. It prints the 5 GHz unit as Gbps, a typo for Mbps.

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.

1,167Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2,976Mbps=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

160MHz=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.

Not available

OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Target Wake Time, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026OFDMA, Beamforming and Target Wake Time are listed in the overview. Airtime Fairness and DFS are listed but are not options. MU-MIMO and Smart Connect are from the datasheet and user guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026OFDMA across 4 streams, Target Wake Time, Beamforming, Airtime Fairness and Smart Connect, which assigns each device to the best Wi-Fi band, stored as band steering.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect assigns each device to the best band. MU-MIMO works only on 5 GHz and is not available when Smart Connect is on. The notice lists OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM and HT160.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review names MU-MIMO, beamforming and OFDMA.

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

21Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Antennas: 2 x undetachable external Wi-Fi antennas.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026External Antennas: 2 x 2.4GHz + 5GHz two-in-one Wi-Fi Antennas. Both antennas serve both bands.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 20264x Fixed High-Performance Antennas.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Hardware: antennas 4x high-performance antennas. Four high-gain external antennas in the features list.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: antennas (removable) 4/No. Four amplified antennas that cannot be replaced but can be rotated and swiveled.9Spec databasenextpit.de/wlan-router/tp-link-archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Antenna type external, number 4.

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

Not available

Not available

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

No1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Antennas: 2 x undetachable external Wi-Fi antennas.

No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026The page calls the antennas fixed. Tom's Guide says they cannot be replaced but can be rotated and swiveled.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The four amplified antennas cannot be replaced.

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

521Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Support Max. 52 connected wireless devices simultaneously.

Not available

Ports and modem

2 of 9 differ

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.

AGL.iNet Opal

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	1	Not available
RJ45	2	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	0.48	USB 2.0

Source1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Interface: 1 x WAN Ethernet port, 2 x LAN Ethernet ports, 1 x USB 2.0 port, 1 x Type-C power input. Ethernet Speed 10/100/1000 Mbps. USB 2.0 is stored at the standard 480 Mbps rate.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Ethernet Port: 1 x WAN, 2 x LAN at 10/100/1000 Mbps. USB Port: USB2.0 Type-A. Power Port: USB Type-C interface, 5V/3A power supply.

BTP-Link Archer AX55

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	1	Not available
RJ45	4	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.0

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Ethernet Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN port and 4x Gigabit LAN ports. USB Support: 1x USB 3.0 port.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026One 1 Gbps WAN port, four 1 Gbps LAN ports and a USB 3.0 connector rated at 5 Gbps.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

3=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

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=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.

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

Mesh

1 of 7 differ

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

Not available

TP-Link OneMesh, EasyMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026OneMesh Supported. The EasyMesh entry says the router can build an EasyMesh network with EasyMesh-compatible devices.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Chapter 10: EasyMesh with Seamless Roaming.

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 pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026One router is sold.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Sold as a single router.

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

Software

5 of 7 differ

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 manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Settings are made in the web Admin Panel. The guide also says to use the GL.iNet app for the internet setup if preferred.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Management Features: Tether App and Webpage. Cloud service: TP-Link ID. The user guide describes the full web interface at tplinkwifi.net.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Chapter 2 sets up the router with the Tether app or at http://tplinkwifi.net in a browser. Settings are managed in the web interface.

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

No3Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Setup: open 192.168.8.1 in a browser, choose a language and set an admin password. GoodCloud and AstroWarp are optional cloud services.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Quick setup lets the user click Skip instead of registering a TP-Link ID, and the web interface login accepts the router password. A TP-Link ID is only needed for cloud features.

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, Repeater2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Network mode: Routing, AP, Wireless Bridge, Wired Bridge. Repeater Mode: scans and connects to SSID, connects to hidden SSID. The bridge modes are not stored as media_bridge, since the maker does not define them.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Working Modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Section 4.4: the router can work as an access point. Set at Advanced > System > Operation 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, Dual WAN, Dynamic DNS2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Wireless Configuration lists Guest SSID. Multi-WAN and Dynamic DNS come from the user guide. The datasheet lists no QoS, parental control or VLAN.3Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Network settings lists Multi-WAN with automatic failover, Guest Network and Dynamic DNS. The IoT network, QoS and parental control pages are not described for this model and are not stored.

Guest network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Guest network on 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, IGMP proxy and snooping for IPTV, QoS by device, HomeShield parental controls and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) are listed. The datasheet says HomeShield includes a free basic plan. Tag VLAN is part of the IPTV settings, so VLAN is not stored. There is no IoT network entry.

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

OpenVPN, WireGuard1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026The page says Opal provides a secured network with OpenVPN and WireGuard and a VPN server can be set up on it. The datasheet lists client and server for both.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026VPN: OpenVPN client and server and WireGuard client and server.3Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Opal supports OpenVPN, WireGuard and Tor, with client and server tutorials for OpenVPN and WireGuard. Tor is not native.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Features: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP and WireGuard VPN Server and VPN Client are supported. The US product page lists only OpenVPN and PPTP as servers and OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP as clients, which predates the WireGuard firmware. The user guide has chapters for all four server types.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Chapter 13: Use OpenVPN, PPTP VPN, L2TP/IPSec VPN and WireGuard VPN to access your home network.

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

OpenVPN, WireGuard1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026OpenVPN and WireGuard. The page lists up to 12 Mbps for OpenVPN and 65 Mbps for WireGuard in client mode.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026VPN: OpenVPN client and server and WireGuard client and server. Maximum OpenVPN speed 12 Mbps and maximum WireGuard speed 65 Mbps.3Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026OpenVPN and WireGuard client tutorials.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Software row: VPN: OpenVPN/PPTP/L2TP/WireGuard VPN Server and VPN Client.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Section 13.5: VPN Client with OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec and WireGuard VPN server entries.

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.

File server, Cellular modem3Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Plug a cellular USB modem into the USB port to share its internet. Network Storage is listed under Applications and the System Overview shows USB drives.

File server, Media server, Time Machine1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026USB Support: Apple Time Machine, FTP Server, Media Server and Samba Server.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Chapter 8: access the USB device locally and remotely, with Time Machine in section 8.3.

Security

5 of 5 differ

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

Not available

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA2/WPA3-Personal, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise.

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

Not available

HomeShield1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026TP-Link HomeShield.

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.

Not available

Basic free, full paid2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Footnote: HomeShield includes the Free Basic Plan. Fees apply for the Pro Plan. Tom's Guide gives 55 USD a year for HomeShield Security+. The free and paid tiers share the name HomeShield.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The basic HomeShield protection is free and the Security+ subscription costs 55 USD a year.

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade and OTA Firmware Upgrade.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade.

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.

11 June 20277Maker product pagegl-inet.com/pages/psti-support-periodRead 15 October 2026PSTI Support Period table, last updated 2025-06-27: Opal (GL-SFT1200) June 11, 2027 or later. The actual period is 2 years after the announcement of end of life. The date is a minimum and the table is the maker's UK PSTI statement.

31 December 202910Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202606/20260609/Statements%20of%20PSTI%20Compliance_TP-Link.pdfRead 14 October 2026UK PSTI statement of TP-Link Systems, version of June 2026, lists Archer AX55 V1 with a defined support period of 31/12/2029 or later. Stored as a published minimum for the UK. V4 is not listed. The Singapore support FAQ (Duration of Security Support) lists Archer AX55 until 6 April 2028. The US site has no statement.

Smart home

1 of 5 differ

Thread border router

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Amazon Alexa1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Compatible with Alexa. The overview says to control the router via voice commands with Amazon Alexa.

Hardware

2 of 6 differ

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.

Siflower SF19A281Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026CPU: SF19A28. The maker prints the chip name without its maker. CNX Software names it as the Siflower SF19A28.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026CPU: SF19A28, Dual-Core, @1 GHz.8Press articlecnx-software.com/2024/11/28/16-banana-pi-bpi-wifi5-router-is-powered-by-siflower-sf19a28-dual-core-mips-socRead 15 October 2026CNX Software names the Siflower SF19A28 dual-core MIPS SoC. The article covers a Banana Pi board, not the Opal.

Qualcomm IPQ50186Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi chip Qualcomm IPQ5018. The text says it has Qualcomm's IPQ5018 Wi-Fi chipset. 24wireless, citing FCC photos of the Japanese V1 model, names a Qualcomm IPQ5018 SoC. The maker's page only says Qualcomm chipset. A forum quote of WikiDevi says V4 uses a different Qualcomm 5 GHz radio chip, and no source states the V4 SoC.7Press article24wireless.info/tp-link-archer-ax55-in-japanRead 14 October 2026TP-Link Japan announced the router on 2021-11-25 for sale on 2021-12-16. The article names a Qualcomm IPQ5018 SoC (printed IPQ0518 in the text) and a Qualcomm QCN6102 5 GHz radio chip.

CPU cores

21Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026CPU: SF19A28, Dual-Core @1GHz.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026CPU: SF19A28, Dual-Core, @1 GHz.

21Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Processor: Dual-Core CPU. The overview names an advanced Qualcomm chipset.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 1GHz dual-core.

CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

1GHz1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026CPU: SF19A28, Dual-Core @1GHz.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026CPU: SF19A28, Dual-Core, @1 GHz.

1GHz6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table and text: a 1GHz dual-core processor. TP-Link prints no clock. 24wireless says the clock is not disclosed.

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.

128MB1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Memory / Storage: DDR3 128MB. Only a megabyte figure is published, so it is stored as 0.128 GB.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Memory / Storage: DDR3 128MB / SPI NAND Flash 128MB.

512MB1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Overview: 512 MB RAM.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Text: 512MB of RAM. The maker's page also says 512 MB RAM. The review's spec table lists the memory and storage columns the other way round (128MB/512MB), which contradicts its own text and the maker.7Press article24wireless.info/tp-link-archer-ax55-in-japanRead 14 October 2026Comparison table: 512 MB RAM.

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 pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Memory / Storage: SPI NAND Flash 128MB. Stored as 0.128 GB.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026SPI NAND Flash 128MB. Stored as 0.128 GB.

128MB6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Text: 128MB of flash storage for the firmware and settings. 24wireless cites an FCC teardown with an ESMT F50D1G41LB 1 Gbit flash, which is 128 MB. Stored as 0.128 GB.7Press article24wireless.info/tp-link-archer-ax55-in-japanRead 14 October 2026The article cites an FCC-derived teardown: ESMT F50D1G41LB flash, 1 Gbit, which is 128 MB.

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

Not available

Not available

Power

4 of 5 differ

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

USB1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Power Input: Type-C, 5V/3A.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Power Port: USB Type-C interface, 5V/3A power supply.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Package Content: Power Adapter. Power: 12 V DC 2 A.

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

5 V, 3 A1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Power Input: Type-C, 5V/3A.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Power Port: USB Type-C interface, 5V/3A power supply.

12 V, 2 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V DC 2 A. The user guide names the included power supply as model T120200-2B1.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026FCC statement: I.T.E. Power Supply model T120200-2B1.

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

Not available

24W3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026The adapter is model T120200-2B1 and the page prints 12 V 2 A for the router, so 12 V x 2 A is 24 W. TP-Link prints no separate adapter output rating.

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

6W1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Power Consumption: <6W. Published as an upper bound without a stated load.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Power Consumption <6W.

Not available

Measured

5 of 6 differ

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.

AGL.iNet Opal

Not available

BTP-Link Archer AX55

Distance (m)	Connected to	Throughput (Mbps)
4.572	Main unit	823.7
15.24	Main unit	288.4
22.86	Main unit	89.6
27.432	Main unit	15

Source5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Keysight IxChariot with a Samsung Galaxy Book notebook as the test client, router and client in a 100 year old home. Firmware and band are not stated. Direct rows: 15 ft (4.572 m) 823.7 Mbps, 50 ft (15.24 m) 288.4 Mbps, 75 ft (22.86 m) 89.6 Mbps and 90 ft (27.432 m) 15.0 Mbps. The review was published 2024-04-19 on the original hardware.

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

Not available

823.7Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi throughput (measured)

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

Not available

697.1Mbps5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026Test system in an adjacent room 25 ft and a wall away: 697.1 Mbps.

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

Not available

33.528m5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review gives a range of 110 feet (33.528 m).

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

Not available

8.4W5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026During the data saturation test the router used only 8.4 W. The estimated annual electricity cost is 11.04 USD.

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.

Not available

Not available

Dimensions and weight

3 of 4 differ

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.

Width118Height30Depth85mm(4.6 × 1.2 × 3.3 in)1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Dimension / Weight: 118 x 85 x 30mm / 145g. The page prints no labels. Stored as width 118, depth 85 and height 30, as for the Beryl 7. The launch blog says the antennas fold.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Dimension / Weight: 118 x 85 x 30mm / 145g.

Width261.1Height41Depth134.5mm(10.3 × 1.6 × 5.3 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 202610.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 in (261.1 x 134.5 x 41.0 mm), width x depth x height. The datasheet prints 261 x 134.5 x 41 mm.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 in (261 x 134.5 x 41 mm).

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

Not available

Not available

WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

145g(5.1 oz)1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Dimension / Weight: 118 x 85 x 30mm / 145g.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026145 g.

Not available

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

Not available

Yes3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026The device also can be mounted on the wall as shown in the following figure, with screw and distance notes on the same page.

Certifications

1 of 1 differ

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

Not available

Not available

FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

2AFIW-SFT12003Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Regulatory Statements: FCC ID: 2AFIW-SFT1200.

Not available

Other certifications

CE, FCC, MIC, RoHS, WEEE, CCC, IC2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Certification: CE, FCC, MIC, RoHs, WEEE, CCC and IC.

FCC, CE, RoHS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE. The datasheet lists FCC and RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Certification: FCC, RoHS.

In the box

1 of 1 differ

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

Opal (GL-SFT1200) router, Power adapter, Ethernet cable, Warranty card, User manual2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package list: 1 x Opal (GL-SFT1200) Router, 1 x Power Adapter, 1 x Ethernet Cable, 1 x Warranty Card, 1 x User Manual. The user guide also lists a thank you card and a plug converter. Only the items both documents list are stored.3Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Package contents: Opal (GL-SFT1200), user manual, Ethernet cable, thank you card, warranty card, power adapter and a converter for the shipping country.

Not available

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-sft12001Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax551Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/sft1200_datasheet_20240301.pdfRead 15 October 2026Datasheet GL-SFT1200, file dated 20240301, page footer ver.20230301.

www.tp-link.com/us/document/934672Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026

Manual

docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft12003Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Opal (GL-SFT1200) User Guide for firmware 4, dated 2026-10-02.

www.tp-link.com/us/document/949783Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026User guide Archer AX55 V4.6 for the US.

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.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

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.

2years1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-sft1200Read 15 October 2026Hassle-Free 2 Year Warranty on the store page.

2years4Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 14 October 2026Warranty periods for products purchased on or after 9/1/2023 list 2 years for the Wi-Fi Router family. US site. Tom's Guide also says the AX55 has a two-year warranty.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the AX55 comes with a two-year warranty.

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