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TP-Link Archer AX55 vs TP-Link Archer AX73

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Product A: TP-Link

Archer AX55

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Product B: TP-Link

Archer AX73

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Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ATP-Link Archer AX55

BTP-Link Archer AX73

General

1 of 9 differ

Series

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 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 AX551Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026The US page is titled Archer AX55 and its support page lists hardware versions V1 and V4, with the datasheet and user guide for V4.6. TP-Link UK and Japan also list V1. The page's specs do not differ by version. TP-Link sells a separate Archer AX55 Pro with a 2.5 Gbps port, which is not covered here. Other regions list V2 with a Broadcom chip.

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-ax55Read 14 October 2026The page and the US downloads are live.

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

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

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

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

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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Standalone AX3000 Dual Band Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router.

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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Listed under Home Networking, WiFi Routers.

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

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

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

AX30001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds row: AX3000, 5 GHz 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160), 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax).

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 AX55

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	40	574	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	160	2,402	No

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

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.

2,976Mbps=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.

160MHz=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, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Target Wake Time, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 14 October 2026OFDMA, Beamforming and Target Wake Time are listed in the overview. Airtime Fairness and DFS are listed but are not options. MU-MIMO and Smart Connect are from the datasheet and user guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026OFDMA across 4 streams, Target Wake Time, Beamforming, Airtime Fairness and Smart Connect, which assigns each device to the best Wi-Fi band, stored as band steering.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect assigns each device to the best band. MU-MIMO works only on 5 GHz and is not available when Smart Connect is on. The notice lists OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM and HT160.6Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-ax55-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review names MU-MIMO, beamforming and OFDMA.

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

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

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.

ATP-Link Archer AX55

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

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

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

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

Mesh

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

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

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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Sold as 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

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

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

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

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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Working Modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026Section 4.4: the router can work as an access point. Set at Advanced > System > Operation Mode.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade and OTA Firmware Upgrade.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade.

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.

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

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

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Thread border router

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

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

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

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

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

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Hardware

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

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

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CPU cores

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

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.

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

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.

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

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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.

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

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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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Package Content: Power Adapter. Power: 12 V DC 2 A.

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

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.

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

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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.

ATP-Link Archer AX55

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

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

BTP-Link Archer AX73

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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.

823.7Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi throughput (measured)

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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-ax55Read 14 October 202610.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 in (261.1 x 134.5 x 41.0 mm), width x depth x height. The datasheet prints 261 x 134.5 x 41 mm.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 October 2026Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 in (261 x 134.5 x 41 mm).

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/94978Read 14 October 2026The device also can be mounted on the wall as shown in the following figure, with screw and distance notes on the same page.

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

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.

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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-ax551Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax55Read 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/934672Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/93467Read 14 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.tp-link.com/us/document/949783Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/94978Read 14 October 2026User guide Archer AX55 V4.6 for the US.

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.

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

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.