Routers / Compare

TP-Link Archer AX21 vs TP-Link Archer AX73

A

Product A: TP-Link

Archer AX21

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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

ATP-Link Archer AX21

BTP-Link Archer AX73

General

2 of 9 differ

Series

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

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.

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.

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

Not available

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 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.

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.

Not available

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

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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 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.

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).

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.

ATP-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.

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.

1,775Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

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.

4=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, 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

ATP-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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not available

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

3 of 5 differ

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

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).

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

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.

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

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.

Not available

Not available

CPU cores

Not available

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.

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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

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

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

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.

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.

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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Other certifications

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

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.

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.

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.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

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

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.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.

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

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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.

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.

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.