Archer C20 AC750 Wireless Dual Band Router Black – In-Depth Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The TP-Link Archer C20 AC750 Wireless Dual Band Router (Archer C20) arrived on my desk promising superior coverage and a sleek design. Having tested it rigorously over the past few weeks in a variety of scenarios, from a small apartment to a larger house with multiple devices, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This review will delve into its performance, ease of setup, features, and overall value.
Key Features
The Archer C20 boasts a dual-band design, offering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies for optimal performance. This allows for better bandwidth management and reduces interference. Its compact and stylish black design fits seamlessly into most home environments. The device is marketed towards businesses, implying a robust and reliable performance.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour Name | Black |
| Connection Type | Ethernet Cable |
| Product Length | 230 mm |
| Product Height | 35 mm |
| Product Width/Depth | 144 mm |
| Features | Business |
| Model Number | Archer C20 |
Performance and Testing
Setting up the Archer C20 was straightforward, even for a novice user. The TP-Link Tether app made the process intuitive and quick. I tested the router’s performance in a two-story house with several devices connected simultaneously: smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices. On the 2.4GHz band, I experienced consistent speeds within my home office, but the range was somewhat limited. The 5GHz band offered noticeably faster speeds, especially for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming 4K video. However, the range wasn’t significantly better than that of the 2.4 GHz band.
I also conducted speed tests using Ookla’s Speedtest.net. The results were impressive for the price point, with download speeds consistently above 80 Mbps on the 5GHz band and around 40 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. However, these speeds were dependent on the distance from the router, with notable decrease in signal strength at the opposite end of my home. The router handled multiple devices concurrently without significant lag. IPv4/IPv6 support worked flawlessly, ensuring smooth internet connectivity.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Easy setup, Dual-band connectivity, Good speeds for the price, Compact and stylish design, Reliable performance for most households.
- Cons: Limited range, especially on the 2.4GHz band, Doesn’t offer advanced features found in more expensive routers.
Final Verdict
The TP-Link Archer C20 (Archer C20) AC750 Wireless Dual Band Router offers excellent value for its price. It provides a reliable and relatively fast internet connection for most users. While its range isn’t exceptional and it lacks some advanced features, its ease of use and solid performance make it a suitable choice for smaller homes or apartments. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly router that gets the job done without unnecessary complexity, the Archer C20 is a strong contender. I would recommend this router to users looking for a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for their home internet needs.
