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NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 vs TP-Link Archer AX73

A

Product A: NETGEAR

Nighthawk CAX30

48 of 90 known

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer AX73

56 of 90 known

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ANETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30

BTP-Link Archer AX73

General

2 of 9 differ

Series

Nighthawk2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Titled Nighthawk AX6/6-Stream WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router, data sheet CAX30.

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026

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

CAX30, CAX30S1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026The page title and mpn are CAX30S. The CAX30 is the same Wi-Fi 6 cable modem router with the same datasheet figures. The CAX30S bundle has a 90-day Armor trial and the CAX30 a 30-day trial.

Archer AX731Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026The page has no version selector. The US download page lists hardware versions V1 and V2 and shows V2.6 by default, and the datasheet, user guide and firmware named here are for V2.6. V1 had its last US firmware in 2022-11. The V1 and V2 datasheets read the same except for the VPN lines.

GTIN / EAN

6064491564161Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026JSON-LD on the page: sku CAX30S-100NAS, gtin and upc 606449156416. No GTIN is stored for the CAX30 since no maker page prints one.

8400307023276Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B08TH4D3QVRead 16 October 2026Item details: UPC 840030702327, ASIN B08TH4D3QV. The listing does not say which hardware version ships.

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

Not available

Not available

Status

Available1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026The page offers the CAX30S for sale with an Add To Cart button. It is not marked discontinued.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026The US page is live in October 2026 with a Buy Now link to Amazon. V2 firmware was published as late as 2026-05.

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.

Not available

$199.997Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-ax73-ax5400-router-reviewRead 16 October 2026Hardware table row U.S MSRP: 199.99 USD. A US MSRP is stated without sales tax. The review is from the V1 era.

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.

US1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026The page and the datasheet name US cable providers: Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox.

US7Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-ax73-ax5400-router-reviewRead 16 October 2026The MSRP is the US price.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black7Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B08R588RCGRead 15 October 2026Product details: Color Black. The listing is titled NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30), manufacturer part CAX30-200NAS.

Black6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B08TH4D3QVRead 16 October 2026Item details: Color 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.

Router2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Standalone router, OneMesh-compatible.

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.

Home1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026The page sits under Home, WiFi, Modem Routers on netgear.com and is part of the Nighthawk home line.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi 6 home routers.

Wi-Fi

8 of 14 differ

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

Wi-Fi 62Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Wi-Fi 61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 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.

AX27001Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 20262Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

AX54001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026

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

ANETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	3	40	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	3	80	No

Source2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Technical specs (page 10): 2.4 GHz AX 3x3 (Tx/Rx) 1024-QAM 40 MHz, up to 0.9 Gbps, and 5 GHz AX 3x3 1024-QAM 80 MHz, up to 1.8 Gbps. The maker prints the rates only rounded to 0.1 Gbps, so no link rate is stored. The footnote says up to 2700 Mbps when connected to other 802.11ax 2700 Mbps devices.

BTP-Link Archer AX73

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	4	160	4,804	No

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Page: 5 GHz 4804 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160) and 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax), 4T4R on 5 GHz and 6 Streams in total. 574 Mbps at 40 MHz is 2 streams, which leaves 2 of the 6 streams for 2.4 GHz. The datasheet's sensitivity table lists HE160 as the widest 5 GHz channel and HE40 as the widest 2.4 GHz channel. Dong Knows Tech prints 4x4 on 5 GHz and 2x2 on 2.4 GHz.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Wireless: 4804 Mbps (5 GHz, 11ax) + 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz, 11ax). Highlights: advanced 4x4 HT160 structure for peak speeds at 4804 Mbps on 5 GHz, OFDMA and MU-MIMO across 6 streams. The sensitivity table lists 11ax HE160 on 5 GHz and HE40 on 2.4 GHz as the widest channels.7Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-ax73-ax5400-router-reviewRead 16 October 2026Hardware table: 5 GHz 4x4 AX up to 4804 Mbps with 20/40/80/160 MHz channels and 2.4 GHz 2x2 up to 574 Mbps with 20/40 MHz channels.

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.

Not available

5,378Mbps=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.

6=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6=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.

OFDMA, Beamforming, Band steering1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026Technical specs list Uplink and Downlink OFDMA and Smart Connect, which picks the fastest WiFi band under one WiFi name.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Footnote: needs compatible AX clients with DL-OFDMA and UL-OFDMA support. Smart Connect puts both bands under one WiFi name. MU-MIMO is not named, so it is not stored.

OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Target Wake Time, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Page lists 4x4 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Beamforming and Airtime Fairness. TWT and Smart Connect come from the datasheet and the user guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Features: OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Airtime Fairness, Target Wake Time and Smart Connect, which intelligently switches each device's connection to the optimum available Wi-Fi band.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Chapter 7: enable or disable TWT, enable OFDMA only or OFDMA and MU-MIMO, and use Smart Connect.

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

Not available

61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Page: 6x Fixed High-Performance Antennas.

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.

Not available

No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026The page calls the six antennas fixed. Dong Knows Tech says they cannot be removed and only swivel.7Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-ax73-ax5400-router-reviewRead 16 October 2026Hardware table: six external, non-removable antennas that swivel.

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

186m²6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B08TH4D3QVRead 16 October 2026TP-Link Store listing for Archer AX73: Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. 2,000 sq ft is 185.8 m2, stored as 186. The maker's own page gives only 3 Bedroom Houses. Dong Knows Tech also gives about 2,000 ft2 (186 m2) from its own test.

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

ANETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30

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

Source2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports with dual Gigabit port aggregation, one USB 3.0 port and a cable/coaxial port (connection diagram, page 9). The coax port takes the cable internet connection, so it is the WAN. No link rate is stored for it, since DOCSIS is not an Ethernet rate.

BTP-Link Archer AX73

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-ax73Read 16 October 2026Page: 1x Gigabit WAN Port, 4x Gigabit LAN Ports and 1x USB 3.0 Port. The page names no port that can switch between WAN and LAN.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

4=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.

Not available

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.

Cable2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Not available

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

DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 3.0 (32x8)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Built-in DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem compatible with 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0. Up to 10 Gbps is the DOCSIS 3.1 maximum and depends on the provider.

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 OneMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Page: OneMesh Supported. The page names no EasyMesh.

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

12Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sold as one modem router. The package contents list a single router.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026

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 manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Settings are changed at http://www.routerlogin.net with the admin login. Chapter 6 also covers remote access with the Nighthawk app.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_QSG_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Install using the modem router web interface at routerlogin.net, or with the Nighthawk app.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 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 manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026The router is set up and managed with a local admin login at routerlogin.net, so no maker account is needed.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_QSG_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026The guide offers the web interface as an install route next to the Nighthawk app.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Chapter 2: if you do not want to register a TP-Link ID now, you may click Skip to proceed. The web page accepts the router password. Dong Knows Tech says QoS, parental controls and security features need a TP-Link ID and the Tether app.

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.

Router3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026The manual configures the unit as a modem router. Bridge and access point modes appear only in troubleshooting tips and are not stored.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Working modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Section 4.4: Advanced > System > Operation Mode > Access Point.

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, LAN aggregation, Dynamic DNS2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Dual Gigabit Ethernet port aggregation and a guest network. The Nighthawk app also lists guest networks.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Chapter 5: guest WiFi network (page 52) and Ethernet port aggregation of ports 1 and 2 (page 59). Chapter 8: Dynamic DNS with NETGEAR, No-IP and Dyn accounts (page 92). Parental controls, QoS, VLAN and IPTV are not named, so they are not stored.

Guest network, IPTV, LAN aggregation, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Page lists a 5 GHz and a 2.4 GHz guest network, IPTV (IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge, Tag VLAN), Static Link Aggregation (LAG) with 2 LAN ports, QoS by Device, HomeShield Parental Controls with Bedtime, Off Time and Pause the Internet, and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS). Tag VLAN is part of the IPTV settings, so VLAN is not stored. The page names no IoT network or dual WAN.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Section 15.2 sets up Link Aggregation of LAN2 and LAN3 in static LAG or LACP mode. IPTV/VLAN and Link Aggregation cannot run together. Section 15.3 IPTV and 15.5 Dynamic DNS match the product page.6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B08TH4D3QVRead 16 October 2026The free HomeShield features include basic parental controls and Quality of Service.

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

OpenVPN2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026VPN support for secure access to the home network away from home. The manual names OpenVPN.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Chapter 9: use OpenVPN software to remotely access the router. The router is the gateway. No VPN client mode is described.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP VPN, L2TP VPN. The product page and the V1 and V2 datasheets list only OpenVPN and PPTP, and the user guide chapter 14.3 sets up an L2TP/IPSec server, so L2TP is stored.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Chapter 14 covers OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP/IPSec servers, and a VPN client.

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

Not available

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026VPN Client: Open VPN, PPTP and L2TP.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP VPN, L2TP VPN.

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, Media server3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Chapter 7: ReadySHARE storage with FTP access inside the network. ReadyDLNA media server is on by default (page 79).

File server, Media server, Time Machine1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 20261x USB 3.0. Supported functions: Apple Time Machine, FTP Server, Media Server, Samba Server.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Section 9.3 Time Machine and section 9.2 Media Sharing.

Security

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

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Standards-based WiFi security (802.11i, 128-bit AES with PSK) and stronger WiFi password protection with WPA3.3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Page 51: WPA2-PSK [AES] is the default and WPA/WPA2 Enterprise needs a RADIUS server. WPA3 is claimed on the data sheet, but this April 2021 manual lists only WPA, WPA2 and WPA/WPA2.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Wireless security: WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA2/WPA3-Personal and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise.

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

NETGEAR Armor1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026NETGEAR Armor, with a trial included in the bundle.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

HomeShield1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Service kit: 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.

Paid2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Footnote: NETGEAR Armor requires a paid subscription after the initial 30-day free trial. No free tier is listed. The field note names Armor as basic_free for shared names, but the maker states only a paid subscription, so paid is stored like for the RS300 and Orbi 370.

Basic free, full paid2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Footnote: HomeShield includes the Free Basic Plan. Fees apply for the Pro Plan.6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B08TH4D3QVRead 16 October 2026HomeShield free features: basic network security with Security Scan and IoT device identification, basic parental controls, Quality of Service and basic weekly and monthly reports.

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Section 16.1.1 Auto Update.

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.

Not available

31 December 20294Regulatory filingstatic.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260907/Statements%20of%20PSTI%20Compliance_TP-Link.pdfRead 16 October 2026UK PSTI statement of TP-Link Systems, signed 7 September 2026: Archer AX73 V2 has a defined support period of 31/12/2029 or later. The statement says a non-end-of-life product's period may be refreshed to extend the date, so the date is a minimum. It lists Archer AX73 V1 as 23/4/2027. UK statement.

Smart home

None of 5 known

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

Not available

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.

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CPU cores

21Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026Technical specs: dual-core 1.5GHz processor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

31Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Processor: 1.5 GHz Triple-Core CPU.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Highlights: 1.5 GHz Triple-Core CPU.

CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

1.5GHz1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 20262Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

1.5GHz1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 20262Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Highlights: 1.5 GHz Triple-Core CPU.

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.

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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.

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

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Power

3 of 5 differ

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

External DC adapter3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Table 6: power adapter, 120V 60 Hz input and 12V/3.5A DC output.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026The user guide says the router connects to a power socket via the provided power adapter.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Power Port: for connecting the router to a power socket via the provided power adapter.

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

12 V, 3.5 A3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026The manual's rear panel figure labels the DC inlet 12V 3.5A.

12 V, 2.5 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Power: 12 V, 2.5 A.

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

42W3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 202612 V times 3.5 A is 42 W.

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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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8.7W1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Typical Power Consumption: power consumption in networked standby when all wired network ports are connected and all wireless network ports are activated: 8.7 W. Stored as the maker's typical figure under that condition.

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.

Width110Height254Depth211mm(4.3 × 10 × 8.3 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Printed 10.0 x 8.3 x 4.3 in / 254 x 211 x 110 mm without axis names. The manual says the status LEDs and buttons are on the front, and in the product photo they sit on the narrow edge. Amazon prints 8.3 in L x 4.3 in W x 10 in H. So 254 mm is the height, 211 mm the depth and 110 mm the width. The April 2021 manual (Table 6) prints 264 x 215 x 110 mm. The newer data sheet and the netgear.com page agree, so the data sheet is used.

Width272.5Height49.2Depth147.2mm(10.7 × 1.9 × 5.8 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.7 x 5.8 x 1.9 in (272.5 x 147.2 x 49.2 mm). The six fixed antennas are not part of this size.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Dimensions: 10.7 x 5.8 x 1.9 in (272.5 x 147.2 x 49.2 mm). The product page gives the axes as W x D x H.

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.

950g(2.1 lb)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Printed 2.10 lb / 0.95 kg, the same as the netgear.com page and Amazon (2.1 lb). The April 2021 manual (Table 6) prints 2.55 lb (1.16 kg), so the maker's documents disagree and the data sheet is used.

734g(1.6 lb)7Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-ax73-ax5400-router-reviewRead 16 October 2026Hardware table: 1.61 lbs (734 g). The review dates from 2021, so it weighed the first hardware version. The two datasheets give the same case size. The review does not say whether the adapter is included.

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

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Yes3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Position Your Router: the device can be mounted on the wall, with two screws 143.9 mm apart. No bracket is needed.7Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-ax73-ax5400-router-reviewRead 16 October 2026Hardware table: wall-mountable, yes.

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.

PY3193004616Spec databasewikidevi.wi-cat.ru/Netgear_PCB_IDRead 15 October 2026FCC Info entry: Netgear CAX30, Nighthawk AX6 AX2700 WiFi Cable Modem Router, PY319300461 (2020-07-06). The FCC database could not be read, so the ID is not checked against the grant.

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Other certifications

FCC Part 15 Class B3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Table 6, electromagnetic emissions: FCC Part 15 Class B.

FCC, CE, RoHS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE. The datasheet adds RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Certification: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

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

Nighthawk AX6/6 Stream WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router (CAX30), Ethernet cable, Quick Start Guide, Power adapter2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package contents: router (CAX30), Ethernet cable, Quick Start Guide and power adapter.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_QSG_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package contents: cable modem router, Ethernet cable and power adapter.

Wi-Fi Router Archer AX73, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026Package content: Wi-Fi Router Archer AX73, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Package contents: Wireless Router Archer AX73, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

Links

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Product page

www.netgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30s1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/modem-routers/cax30sRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax731Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax73Read 16 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/299572Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/29957Read 16 October 2026Archer AX73(US)_V2.6 datasheet, copyright 2020.

Manual

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdf3Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_UM_EN.pdfRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/137763Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/13776Read 16 October 2026Archer AX73 User Guide REV2.0.2 for V2.6, published 2026-06.

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

1 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.

1year2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/CAX30/CAX30_DS.pdfRead 15 October 2026NETGEAR 1-year limited warranty. It is valid only if the product is bought from a NETGEAR authorized reseller.

2years5Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 16 October 2026US warranty page: products purchased on or after 9/1/2023, Wi-Fi Router, 2 years. TP-Link's Amazon listing says 2 year manufacturer.

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