Top & Best TP-Link Router Review 2022 – How to Select Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Top & Best TP-Link Router: How to choose the best model in 2022
Very welcome to mypricesaving.com. Today we are going to talk about the TP-Link router. The brand offers models with varied technical specifications, aimed at different types of users.
The models – from the domestic and commercial segments – stand out as the most popular routers in the country, for several reasons: variety of models, interesting features, ease of installation, competitive prices, among others.
Next, you will learn about the different TP-Link router models to find out which option is best for you. We have also prepared a list with the specifications, advantages and disadvantages of the best models for sale.
First, the most important
- You can find TP-Link router models in two segments: domestic – Wi-Fi and High Power routers – and commercial – VPN and Load Balance routers.
- It is possible to configure the network and manage the functions of the TP-Link router through the Tether application, exclusive for smartphones with Android and IOS operating system.
- The TP-Link Wireless router comes with a power supply, Ethernet cable and Quick Installation Guide (printed and on CD-ROM).
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The best TP-Link router models: Our favorites
Before choosing a TP-Link router, you must assess your needs: Do you need a home appliance? Or office equipment? With simple or encrypted connection?
Once you understand your needs, you need to know the best TP-Link router models for your profile. To assist you in choosing, we have prepared a list of the best options for different uses.
- The best model with advanced functions
- Great option with four external antennas
- Model with high speed connection on multiple devices
Buying Guide
Do you have a good broadband internet package, yet the connection speed is low or fluctuates as you move around the environment? Perhaps the problem is with your router.
In this case, the TP-Link router is the best solution, as it provides a stable and fast connection, regardless of the size or construction of your home or office. Learn more about the product in this Buying Guide.
Why buy a TP-Link router and not a model from another brand?
If you are in doubt whether to invest in a TP-Link router or in a model from another brand, we have prepared this section with all the differentials of the models of this brand (vary from one equipment to another).
Easy configuration: You can configure the TP-Link router through the simplified user interface, using the Installation Wizard CD. To configure security encryption for your wireless network, simply press the WPS button.
QoS ( Quality of Service ): Administrators are able to determine the bandwidth that will be allocated to each device through IP control.
Guest network: This setting allows you to open your Wi-Fi network to guests while protecting your private network (accesses are different).
Parental control: Allows parents – or company administrators – to establish access policies for children or employees, whether to limit
access to certain websites or the time allowed.
In more modern models, the Parental Control function is even more complete. It is possible to create user profiles for each member of the family, filter levels – you can block sites according to age – and a personalized time limit.
It is also possible to suspend internet access to enjoy family moments. You can also receive statistics on what websites your child visits and how much time he spends at those addresses.
- IPv6 compatibility: TP-Link routers have support for IPv6 ( Internet Protocol version 6), the new generation of the internet, making your network ready for the future of the internet. The devices are also compatible with IPv4.
- WPA / WPA2 encryptions: These encryption standards ensure that your wireless connection is protected from intruders.
- LAN and Gigabit WAN ports: All models have two to four LAN ports and at least one WAN port that makes the TP-Link router up to 10 times faster than with standard Ethernet connections.
- MU-MIMO technology : Multi-User technology allows the router to operate multiple mobile devices at the same time, with speed four times faster than standard AC routers.
- Omnidirectional signal: This technology provides a stable signal, no matter what direction or distance you are in. With the Omnidirectional signal you have Internet reliability anywhere in the home or office.
What is the best TP-Link router for home use?
TP-Link has two lines of routers for home use: Wi-Fi and High Power routers. We will talk about the differentials of each one throughout this section.
Wi-Fi Routers
The TL-WR line routers (820N, 840N, 845N and 940N) have two or three fixed antennas of 5bBi and 2.4GHz band, four LAN ports (10 / 100Mbps), 1 WAN port (10 / 100Mbps) and Wireless speed which ranges from 300 to 450Mbps.
The AC / Archer models – AC1750, AC2300, AC3150 and AC5400 – are considered intermediate and premium. Both have four LAN ports, one WAN port and, in some cases, UBS 2.0 and 3.0 ports.
These models also come with the latest Wireless internet standard: 802.11ac. which is designed for high traffic online activities. This version is three times faster than the previous standard (802.11n.).
The Archer line consists of eight models with very different technical configurations, so we have prepared a comparative table:
High power routers
Still on residential models, you can invest in a high power router. TP-Link has two models in this category: TL-WR841HP and TL-WR941HP .
The difference between them is that the first has two antennas and a speed of 300Mbps and the second has three antennas and a speed of 450Mbps, being even more powerful. But they have many characteristics in common.
These devices have high gain antennas, with 8dbi – four times the range of a conventional router – that amplify the reception and sensitivity of the device.
The wireless signal is reinforced and reaches all environments, even the most distant (the range is up to 900m²), establishing a stable internet connection for all connected gadgets.
In addition, the wireless speed over long distances is twice that of a simple router, as there are amplifiers in these devices.
Another advantage of the models in this segment is that in addition to serving as a wireless router, they also function as a signal repeater and Access Point , giving you flexibility of use.
What is the best TP-Link router for commercial use?
If you have a small, medium or large company, you should invest in a router for commercial use. TP-Link works with two lines of routers in this segment: VPN and Load Balance .
VPN routers
The TP-Link VPN router is a network device that allows you to connect it to a virtual private network (Virtual Private Network / VPN). That way, you can browse safely.
The hardware comes pre-configured, so there is no need to install any additional software, just configure the LAN and WAN networks, encrypt them and connect them to the VPN router.
The most interesting thing is that the TP-Link VPN router establishes the connection on the device itself, using IPSec, OpenVPN or PPTP tunnels.
TP-Link VPN routers support Gigabit Ethernet connections on the LAN and WAN ports, which ensure a high-speed cable connection. In addition, these devices support several VPN protocols, which allow:
- High security.
- Remote connection of employees to the main office securely.
Speaking of security, these devices have abundant security strategies such as SPI Firewall, “DoS” defense and IP binding to protect your network from virtual attacks.
The TL-ER6020 and TL-ER6120 models have some additional features such as Load Balance, Access Control, Bandwidth Control, Load Balance, Section Limit, PPPoE Server, among others.
These two models are also capable of managing Internet connections for customers and other users, with 50 (TL-ER6020) to 100 connections (TL-ER6120).
Both have protection technology against electric rays, avoiding power surges – as long as it is in deep ground conditions. That way, your network infrastructure investments will remain secure.
Load Balance Routers
The Load Balance router performs connection balancing to distribute broadband between two or more webservers and automatically select the best line according to traffic – to ensure high internet availability.
TP-Link has three models in this category: TL-R470T + , TL-R480T + and TL-ER5120 .
The simplest model, the TL-R470T + , offers 5 ports, one LAN, one WAN and three alternating, equipped with advanced load balancing to ensure maximum bandwidth and backup features.
The router only releases Internet network for users with previously authenticated accounts. The compact size makes this model ideal for small offices and internet cafes.
The device is also able to detect and block Denial of Service / DoS attacks and offers IP filtering options, which reinforce prevention against viruses and malware.
The TL-R480T model has features very similar to the previous model, the difference is that its performance is superior. The same occurs with the model TL-ER5120 , but in this case, the device is suitable for medium-sized companies.
How much does a TP-Link router cost?
The Wi-Fi routers of the TL-WR line (entry segment) cost from R $ 85 to R $ 20. Models of the Archer line cost from R $ 155 to R $ 1,400. If you choose a high-range router, you will need to invest between R $ 180 and R $ 280.
Commercial routers are more expensive. The models of the Load Balance line cost between R $ 170 and R $ 1,900, while the models of the VPN line cost from R $ 480 to R $ 1,075.
Where to buy a TP-Link router?
Purchasing Criteria: Factors for comparing TP-Link router models
The TP-Link router is the electronic device responsible for transmitting broadband internet to all other devices, be it a smartphone, tablet, computer or a Smart TV.
However, choosing the ideal device is not a simple task, as the brand offers a wide variety of models in different segments. With that in mind, we have listed the main purchase criteria below:
- Number of antennas
- Wireless Speed
- Design
- Special Editions
We will detail each of the criteria listed above throughout this section.
Number of antennas
When you buy a TP-Link router, you will notice that the device with an antenna is a thing of the past, because you find models with two to eight antennas in one device, and the more antennas, the better the connection.
A model with three 5dBi antennas already offers coverage and stability in the internet connection for home use. Even better if any of these antennas have a 5GHz band and Omnidirectional technology.
Wireless Speed
The simplest TP-Link router models offer speeds of up to 300Mbps, enough for a home network as it supports HD streaming services and lightweight online games.
Models with up to 450Mbps are even better, as they mitigate data loss over long distances and through obstacles present in a small office or large apartment.
You also find Dual Band models – with 2.4 and 5GHz bands – that offer the flexibility of two dedicated networks.
The 2.4GHz band has less power and a longer range. It is responsible for performing simple tasks and can have speeds of 300, 450, 600 or 1000Mbps.
The 5GHz band has greater power and a shorter range. It is responsible for performing complex tasks. It can have a speed of 433, 867, 1300, 1625 or 2167Mbps.
Special Editions
TP-Link also has a line of routers that operate with Wi-Fi Mesh , that is, a network of devices that work in convergence: Deco Line, models M4, M5 and E5.
This line uses a system of units (two or more routers) to provide Wi-Fi Dual Band coverage for the entire house. Devices switch automatically as you move around the house.
A set with two units covers up to 280 square meters and with three units covers up to 420 square meters. You will have access to fast and stable internet on up to 100 devices.
In addition to acting as a router, these devices operate in the signal repeater and access point functions , just select the mode that corresponds to your connection needs.
Design
The most modern models feature a premium design, with a textured finish and surface with small holes that dissipate heat and guarantee stable operation and good long-term functionality.
Home appliances are available in two color options: white and black. Models for commercial use are available in gray. The Deco line models have a modern and minimalist design.
