Routers / Compare

TP-Link Archer AX21 vs TP-Link Archer BE9700

A

Product A: TP-Link

Archer AX21

45 of 90 known

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer BE9700

63 of 90 known

Change TP-Link Archer BE9700

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ATP-Link Archer AX21

BTP-Link Archer BE9700

General

3 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-be9700Read 14 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 BE9700, Archer BE6001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026The same hardware is sold as Archer BE600 on tp-link.com and Amazon. The US datasheets of both names list identical specs. The maker's US support page names this model Archer BE9700 (US) V1.6.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

20 May 20253Press releasetp-link.com/us/press/news/21773Read 14 October 2026Release dated May 20, 2025.

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-be9700Read 14 October 2026The product page and support downloads are live. Firmware 1.3.5 for V1.6 is dated 2026-06-30.

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

$249.993Press releasetp-link.com/us/press/news/21773Read 14 October 2026MSRP of $249.99, excluding tax.

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

US3Press releasetp-link.com/us/press/news/21773Read 14 October 2026US launch 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.

Black1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026The product photos on the page show a black unit. The page gives no colour name.

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

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-be9700Read 14 October 2026Standalone router, EasyMesh-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-be9700Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi 7 home routers.

Wi-Fi

12 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 71Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 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.

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).

BE97001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 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 BE9700

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	3	40	1,032
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	160	2,882
6 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	320	5,764

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026Page lists 6 GHz 5765 Mbps, 5 GHz 2882 Mbps and 2.4 GHz 1032 Mbps, all 802.11be, and 7 streams in total. The datasheet gives 5764 Mbps for 6 GHz and is used.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/31604Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer BE9700(US) 1.0&1.6: WiFi speeds 5764 Mbps (6 GHz) + 2882 Mbps (5 GHz) + 1032 Mbps (2.4 GHz). The reception sensitivity table gives the widest channel per band: 40 MHz on 2.4 GHz (EHT40), 160 MHz on 5 GHz (EHT160) and 320 MHz on 6 GHz (EHT320). The footnote says 320 MHz is only on 6 GHz. Streams per band follow from the rates: 1032 Mbps at 40 MHz is 3 streams of 344 Mbps, 2882 Mbps at 160 MHz is 2 streams and 5764 Mbps at 320 MHz is 2 streams. The sum of 7 matches the maker's 7 streams.

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

3=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Yes=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

9,678Mbps=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

7=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

320MHz=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.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RU, 4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026Lists MLO, 4K-QAM, Multi-RUs, MU-MIMO, OFDMA and Beamforming. Smart Connect in the datasheet assigns each device to the best band, stored as band_steering.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/31604Read 14 October 2026WiFi 7 features: Multi-Link Operation, 320 MHz bandwidth, 4K-QAM and Multi-RUs. Smart Connect assigns each device to the best band.

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-be9700Read 14 October 20266x external 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.

No5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: number of antennas and removable: 6/No.

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

242m²5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review says the router can service 2,600 square feet. Converted from sq. ft. (241.5) and rounded. A Walmart listing titled for the Archer BE600, which has the same datasheet, also says 2,600 sq. ft. The title was seen in search results.

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

1205Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review says 120 devices. The Walmart listing title for the Archer BE600 says 120 devices too.

Ports and modem

5 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 BE9700

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	10	Not available
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	3	LAN	2.5	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.0

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 20261x 10 Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN, 3x 2.5 Gbps LAN and 1x USB 3.0. The product photo shows RJ45 sockets. Tom's Guide gives 5 Gbps for the USB port.5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026The USB 3.0 port moves 5 Gbps.

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

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

10Gbps=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.

EasyMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026Compatible with 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-be9700Read 14 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

2 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-be9700Read 14 October 2026Management features: Tether App and Webpage.

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

No3Owner's 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.

No5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Setup works with the Tether app or a connected browser.

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-be9700Read 14 October 2026Wireless mode: Router Mode, Access Point Mode.

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

Guest network, IPTV, 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, IoT network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026Page lists IoT Network, 6 GHz, 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz guest networks, IPTV (IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge, Tag VLAN), QoS by Device, HomeShield Parental Controls and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS). Tag VLAN is part of the IPTV settings, so VLAN is not stored.4Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Basic parental controls (create profile, preset age template, pause the internet, content filter by URL, bedtime) and QoS are free.

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, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026

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, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026

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 server1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 20261x USB 3.0. Supported functions: FTP Server, Media Server, Samba Server.

Security

2 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-be9700Read 14 October 2026Lists WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/31604Read 14 October 2026WiFi encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).

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

Not available

HomeShield1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026HomeShield. Basic and advanced features, advanced features need a paid subscription.

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 paid4Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026HomeShield Basic network security, basic parental controls and QoS are free. Advanced network security and advanced parental controls have a 30-day free trial and then need a subscription.

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-be9700Read 14 October 2026Cloud service lists 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.

Not available

Not available

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 Alexa, Google Assistant1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026

Hardware

6 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

Broadcom BCM6765 and BCM67115Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review names the Broadcom BCM 6765 and 6711 Wi-Fi chips. The maker publishes no chip.

CPU cores

Not available

45Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: quad-core 2.0 GHz, 1GB, 128MB.

CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

Not available

2GHz5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: quad-core 2.0 GHz.

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.

Not available

1GB5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 1GB memory.

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.

Not available

128MB5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 128MB storage. Stored as 0.128 GB.

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

Not available

No5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Passively cooled, with a honeycomb of small square vents.

Power

2 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 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-be9700Read 14 October 2026The page and the datasheet list a power adapter. The back panel photo shows a DC jack.

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, 3.3 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 3.3 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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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.

ATP-Link Archer AX21

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BTP-Link Archer BE9700

Distance (m)	Connected to	Throughput (Mbps)
4.572	Main unit	2,201
15.24	Main unit	700.7
22.86	Main unit	146.9
27.432	Main unit	191.1

Source5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Test client is an HP Envy 2-in-1 notebook. Tom's Guide names Keysight IxChariot set to mimic 10 high-performance users for its benchmark and does not name the band for the distance tests. Rows are 15 ft (4.572 m) 2.201 Gbps, 50 ft (15.24 m) 700.7 Mbps, 75 ft (22.86 m) 146.9 Mbps and 90 ft (27.432 m) 191.1 Mbps. The test at 25 ft through a wall is in its own field. Firmware not stated.

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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2,201Mbps=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.

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1,432Mbps5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 202625 ft through a wall: 1.432 Gbps. Keysight IxChariot, HP Envy 2-in-1 client. Band not named.

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

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36.576m5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review gives a 120 foot range (36.576 m).

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

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11.3W5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026At its peak the router used 11.3 watts. The review says its two ECO modes lowered use to 10.1 watts when not in use.

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.

Width268.6Height47.6Depth153mm(10.6 × 1.9 × 6 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/31604Read 14 October 2026Published as 10.6 x 6.0 x 1.9 in (268.6 x 153.0 x 47.6 mm). The datasheet does not say whether the antennas are included. Tom's Guide gives 11.4 x 5.5 x 1.8 in with the antennas folded flat and 6.9 in tall with the antennas up. The maker's figures are stored as width, depth and height.

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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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.

Yes5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the router can sit on a table or be mounted on a wall. No bracket is named.

Certifications

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

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FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

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Other certifications

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

FCC, RoHS2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/31604Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, 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 BE9700, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/31604Read 14 October 2026Package contents as listed.

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-be97001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be9700Read 14 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/316042Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/31604Read 14 October 2026

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.

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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.

2years5Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be9700-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review gives a two-year warranty. US market.

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