TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 WiFi 6 Router Review
A TP-Link Archer AX21 dual band WiFi 6 router rated for 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth, using 4 high gain antennas and beamforming for extended coverage.
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model | Archer AX21 |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), dual band |
| Bandwidth | Up to 1.8 Gbps total (1200 Mbps 5GHz, 574 Mbps 2.4GHz) |
| Antennas | 4 high gain antennas |
| Best for | Households wanting a WiFi 6 upgrade with broad ISP compatibility and VPN server support |
Product Overview
TP-Link positions this router as a WiFi 6 upgrade from older WiFi standards, stating the newer 802.11ax technology achieves faster speeds, greater device capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous generation.
As a dual band router, the Archer AX21 covers the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, though TP-Link notes dual band WiFi 6 routers like this one do not support the 6 GHz band.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
AX1800 rated, up to 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth.
Connects more devices simultaneously without congestion.
Extends signal strength to devices farther away.
Works with both OpenVPN Server and PPTP VPN Server.
Works with all major internet service providers.
Backed by TP-Link's manufacturer warranty.
Design and Build Quality
The router measures 10.28 inches long by 5.3 inches wide by 1.61 inches tall, finished in black, with a recorded weight of about 1.1 pounds, model Archer AX21. TP-Link backs the router with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Coverage is extended through beamforming technology, 4 high gain antennas and an advanced front end module chipset, which TP-Link states focuses signal strength toward devices further from the router.
Performance in Everyday Use
At AX1800, the router delivers up to 1.8 Gbps of total bandwidth, split between up to 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, though TP-Link notes actual speeds cannot exceed a household's internet plan and will vary with distance and obstacles.
OFDMA technology lets the router communicate with more devices simultaneously, aimed at smoother streaming and gaming when many devices are connected at once. The router also supports both an OpenVPN Server and a PPTP VPN Server, and TP-Link states it works with all major internet service providers.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Up to 1.8 Gbps total | Feature bullet states enjoy smoother and more stable streaming and gaming with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth | 8.5 | Confirms the total bandwidth rating for this router |
| Band speeds | Up to 1200 Mbps on 5GHz, 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz | Feature bullet states up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz | 8.4 | Confirms the per band speed split |
| Device handling | OFDMA technology | Feature bullet states WiFi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology | 8.3 | Confirms the technology behind multi device performance |
| Coverage hardware | 4 high gain antennas, beamforming | Feature bullet states beamforming technology, 4 high gain antennas and an advanced front end module chipset | 8.2 | Confirms the hardware behind the extended coverage claim |
| VPN support | OpenVPN and PPTP server | Feature bullet states Archer AX21 supports both Open VPN Server and PPTP VPN Server | 8.2 | Confirms the VPN server types supported |
| Dimensions | 10.28 x 5.3 x 1.61 inches | Item dimensions list length 10.28 inches, width 5.3 inches, height 1.61 inches | 7.8 | Confirms the physical size of the router |
| Warranty | 2 years | Manufacturer warranty field states Manufacture's 2-year warranty | 8.1 | Confirms the coverage period backing this router |
Who Should Buy It
- Households upgrading to WiFi 6 from an older router
- Homes with many connected devices at once
- Streaming and gaming needing stable, low congestion WiFi
- Buyers wanting a built in VPN server option
- Any major internet service provider setup
- Covering a home with beamforming and multiple antennas
- Anyone specifically wanting a tri band router with 6 GHz support
- Dual band only, with no support for the 6 GHz band
- Actual speeds are limited by the household's internet plan, distance and obstacles
- No built in modem, so a separate modem is required
- Single black color finish is the only option in this listing
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | TP-Link | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi standard | WiFi 6, dual band | Older WiFi 5 standard | WiFi 6, tri band with 6 GHz |
| Bandwidth | Up to 1.8 Gbps total | Lower total bandwidth | Higher total bandwidth |
| Device handling | OFDMA for multiple devices | No OFDMA support | OFDMA for multiple devices |
| Coverage | Beamforming, 4 antennas | Fewer antennas, no beamforming | Beamforming, more antennas |
| VPN support | OpenVPN and PPTP server | No VPN server support | OpenVPN server only |
| Warranty | 2 years | Shorter warranty period | Shorter warranty period |
Alternatives Worth a Look
This is a TP-Link Archer AX21 dual band WiFi 6 router rated AX1800, using OFDMA, beamforming and 4 high gain antennas for coverage, with support for OpenVPN and PPTP VPN servers. It suits households wanting a broadly compatible WiFi 6 upgrade, with the main consideration being that it does not support the 6 GHz band available on tri band routers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this router support the 6 GHz band?
No, the listing states dual band WiFi 6 routers like this one do not support the 6 GHz band.
What is the total bandwidth?
Up to 1.8 Gbps, per the listing.
Does it work with my internet provider?
The listing states it works with all major internet service providers, including Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum and others.
Does this router include VPN support?
Yes, both OpenVPN Server and PPTP VPN Server, per the listing.
Does this router include a modem?
No, the listing states all WiFi routers require a separate modem.
What is the warranty?
A 2 year manufacturer warranty, per the listing.
How many antennas does this router have?
4 high gain antennas, per the listing.
This review is based on TP-Link's stated specifications, bandwidth figures, antenna configuration and VPN support for this router as listed. It is editorial analysis of the features as described, not independent speed or range testing of this specific unit.