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TP-Link Archer AX55 vs TP-Link Archer BE230

A

Product A: TP-Link

Archer AX55

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer BE230

64 of 90 known

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ATP-Link Archer AX55

BTP-Link Archer BE230

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-be230Read 14 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 BE230, Archer BE36001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The support page lists the Archer BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router datasheet under the Archer BE230 downloads, and the maker's end-of-sale list has Archer BE230 and Archer BE3600 (Walmart) rows with the same dates. Tom's Guide and Dong Knows Tech both call the BE3600 the identical router. The datasheet of the BE230 is used.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

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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-be230Read 14 October 2026The product page and the support downloads are live. Firmware 1.2.6 build 20260617 is dated 2026-07-30. 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 the US versions, so it is still sold.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260921/US%20EOS_List_Home%20-%20V9.pdfRead 14 October 2026Archer BE230 versions 1.0, 1.6, 1.20 and 1.26 (US) and Archer BE3600 1.6 and 1.26 (USW): end-of-sale notice 2026-08-18, end of sale 2027-02-14. Stored as available until the end-of-sale date passes.

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

$9911Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: U.S. price at launch $99, for the Archer BE230 (Archer BE3600). The Tom's Hardware launch report of 2024-07-23 gives $99 at Walmart too. Tom's Guide later prints a list price of $120. Retailer sale prices are not used.13Press articletech.yahoo.com/general/articles/tp-walmart-tout-first-sub-181914722.htmlRead 14 October 2026The new TP-Link Archer BE3600 is available exclusively through Walmart for $99. Excluding tax, US.

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.

US10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026US review and US prices.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026US launch price.13Press articletech.yahoo.com/general/articles/tp-walmart-tout-first-sub-181914722.htmlRead 14 October 2026US, Walmart.

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.

Black10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Wrapped in black plastic. The review gives no colour name. The retail listings say 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-be230Read 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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Listed under Home Networking, WiFi Routers.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers for homes. The page rates coverage for 3 Bedroom Houses.

Wi-Fi

5 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-ax55Read 14 October 2026

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 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.

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).

BE36001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The page names the product BE3600 and shows the total as 3570 Mbps (2882 + 688).

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 BE230

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	40	688
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	160	2,882

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds: BE3600, 5 GHz 2882 Mbps (802.11be) and 2.4 GHz 688 Mbps (802.11be). Capacity: 2x2 MU-MIMO, 4 streams, dual-band. Streams per band follow from the rates: 688 Mbps at 40 MHz and 2882 Mbps at 160 MHz are both 2 streams. The widest channels come from the datasheet.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer BE230_V1: WiFi Speeds 2882 Mbps (5 GHz) + 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz). The reception sensitivity table lists 11be EHT40 on 2.4 GHz and 11be EHT160 on 5 GHz, so 40 MHz and 160 MHz are the widest 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

3,570Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi streamsiSpatial streams of all radios in one unit, e.g. 12 for a tri-band router with 4x4 on each band.

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel of any radio, e.g. 320 on the 6 GHz band.

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.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RU, 4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Advanced Features: MLO, 4K-QAM, Multi-RUs, EasyMesh-compatible. Capacity lists 2x2 MU-MIMO, OFDMA and Airtime Fairness. Range lists Beamforming.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026WiFi 7 Features: MLO, 4K-QAM and Multi-RUs. Smart Connect assigns each device to the best Wi-Fi band, stored as band_steering.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect combines the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and assigns devices between them to balance network demands. Wireless Settings offers OFDMA + MU-MIMO.

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.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 20264x External Antennas.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Four non-detachable antennas that swivel 180 degrees and tilt up to 90 degrees.

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.

No10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: number of antennas/removable: 4/No. The text says the antennas swivel but can't easily be replaced.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Four non-detachable antennas.

Coverage of one unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area that one unit covers. A square feet claim is converted exactly and rounded to a whole m². A claim for a whole pack is stored separately. An area that a trusted review quotes from the maker counts, and the source note names the review.

Not available

Not available

Connected devices per unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed maximum number of devices one unit serves. A claim for a whole mesh pack is not stored here.

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 BE230

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

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Ethernet Ports: 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN and 3x 1 Gbps LAN. USB Support: 1x USB 3.0. USB 3.0 is the 5 Gbps USB data rate.

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

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=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.

EasyMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026EasyMesh: Compatible 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-ax55Read 14 October 2026Sold as a single router.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026One router is sold.

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-be230Read 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/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/46774Read 14 October 2026Quick setup in the web interface says that to use more of TP-Link's cloud service you can log in with a TP-Link ID or click Skip to proceed.

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-be230Read 14 October 2026Wireless Mode: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Section 4.4 Set Up the Router as an 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, IoT network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Guest Network: 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Advanced Features lists an IoT Network. IPTV lists IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN, so VLAN is not stored. QoS by Device and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) are listed. HomeShield Parental Controls are listed and the basic tier is free (see the HomeShield page).3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Chapters on Guest Network, IoT Network, IPTV (section 16.4) and Dynamic DNS (section 16.6).8Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Basic parental controls (create profile, preset age template, pause the internet) and QoS are listed as 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/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, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP and WireGuard. The user guide names the L2TP server L2TP/IPSec.

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, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP and WireGuard.

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-be230Read 14 October 2026Supported functions: FTP Server, Media Server, Samba Server.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Chapter 10 covers USB storage access (Samba, FTP), media sharing and Time Machine in its chapter overview. The body of the chapter has no Time Machine section. Tom's Guide describes a Time Machine backup setting in the web interface.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026The web interface has a place to set the USB drive up for Time Machine backups.

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-be230Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and 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.

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-be230Read 14 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 paid8Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Basic network security (router and wireless security scan, IoT device identification) is free. IoT protection, web protection and intrusion prevention need Security+, with a 30-day free trial. The datasheet says HomeShield includes basic and advanced features and advanced features need a paid subscription.

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-be230Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade.

Security updates untiliPublished end date of security updates for this model. It is not calculated from a number of years. A published minimum date, such as "at least through" or "or later", counts as the stated date. The source note says it is a minimum and names the region.

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.

3 August 20296Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260907/Statements%20of%20PSTI%20Compliance_TP-Link.pdfRead 14 October 2026UK PSTI statement, Home Networking, Routers: Archer BE230 V1 has a defined support period of 3/8/2029 (3 August 2029). The statement says the period ends 3 years after the end-of-life date and may be refreshed to extend it, so the date is a minimum. The same list gives Archer BE3600 V1 as 14/2/2030. The statement is for the UK, and the US end-of-sale date is later than the EU one, so the US date may be later.

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.

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.

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.

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Advanced Features: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

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.

Broadcom BCM676410Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi chip Broadcom BCM6764. The text says the router is powered by Broadcom's BCM6764 Wi-Fi chip with a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor. The maker publishes no chip and Dong Knows Tech lists the processor as undisclosed.

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.

410Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: processor/memory/storage quad-core 2.0 / 512MB / 128MB.

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.

2GHz10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: quad-core 2.0.

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.

512MB10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026512MB, the only figure printed. Stored as 0.512 GB.

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.

128MB10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026128MB. Stored as 0.128 GB.

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

Not available

No10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Passive cooling through square holes in the top.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026The router has no fan and ran silently.

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-be230Read 14 October 2026The datasheet lists a power adapter in the box, and the user guide describes a power port for the provided 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 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 2 A (US) and 12 V, 1.5 A (EU). The US figure is stored.

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.

24W1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 202612 V times 2 A is 24 W (US adapter). The EU adapter is 12 V, 1.5 A.

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 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 BE230

Distance (m)	Connected to	Throughput (Mbps)
4.572	Main unit	1,138
15.24	Main unit	702.3
22.86	Main unit	205.2
27.432	Main unit	15.5

Source9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of the identical Archer BE3600 (sold as Archer BE230 on Amazon). Keysight IxChariot simulating 10 users, Acer Swift Edge 16 Wi-Fi 7 notebook, 3,500 sq ft home. Rows are 15 ft (4.572 m) 1.138 Gbps, 50 ft (15.24 m) 702.3 Mbps, 75 ft (22.86 m) 205.2 Mbps and 90 ft (27.432 m) 15.5 Mbps. The band is not named and the firmware is not stated. The review also gives 1.234 Gbps with the router and the notebook side by side and 1.103 Gbps over a 15 ft wired link, which are not stored.

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)

1,138Mbps=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.

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.

1,114Mbps9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Notebook in an adjacent room 25 ft from the router. The text prints 1.114 Mbps next to a 990.1 Mbps result for the MSI Roamii BE Lite, so the unit is a typo for Gbps. Stored as 1114 Mbps. Band not named.

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).

28.956m9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table and text: maximum range 95 feet (28.956 m).

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.

7.7W9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026During the saturation test with data flowing, the router in Normal power mode used 7.7 watts. The review lists Power-Saving and Ultra Power Saving modes too.

Energy use per day (measured)iEnergy the router used over 24 hours of the reviewer's test use. This is not the power at one moment.

Not available

195Wh12Measurementdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: power consumption per 24 hours about 195 Wh as tested. Firmware 1.0.3 Build 20240612 rel.13057(5553).

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).

Width272.7Height41.7Depth147mm(10.7 × 1.6 × 5.8 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Published as 10.7 x 5.8 x 1.6 in (272.7 x 147 x 41.7 mm). Stored as width, depth and height. Tom's Guide gives the same inches with the antennas folded flat and adds 5.0 in for the antennas. Dong Knows Tech prints 13.52 x 9.25 x 3.90 in, which does not fit the datasheet and is not used.

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/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/46774Read 14 October 2026Section 2.1 shows the router mounted on the wall with two screws 157 mm apart. No bracket is named.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Cutouts let the router be wall-mounted without a bracket.

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.

Not available

Not available

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-be230Read 14 October 2026Certifications: CE, FCC. The datasheet adds RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

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

Not available

Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Package Contents: Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230, 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-be2301Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 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/172862Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026

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/467743Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Archer BE230(US)_V1_User Guide.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

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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.

2years7Maker 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. Tom's Guide and Staples give 2 years for the Archer BE3600 too.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026The two-year warranty includes lifetime support. US market. Staples lists a 2 year warranty for the Archer BE3600 too.

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