The TP-Link Archer C64 (ARCHER C64) AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO WiFi Router arrived promising a boost to my home network. With its advertised 802.11ac Wave 2 technology and four external antennas, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Over the past few weeks, I’ve thoroughly tested the router under various conditions, from streaming 4K video to handling multiple connected devices simultaneously. This review shares my experience and insights.

The Archer C64 boasts a range of features designed to enhance performance and ease of use. The dual-band functionality, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, is a welcome addition, allowing for better bandwidth management and reduced congestion. The four external antennas provide excellent coverage throughout my home, even reaching areas where my previous router struggled. The MU-MIMO technology, while not a game-changer in my specific setup (a moderate number of devices), noticeably improved network efficiency during peak usage times. Setup using the Tether app was surprisingly straightforward and intuitive.

In terms of performance, the Archer C64 exceeded my expectations. Streaming 4K content on multiple devices simultaneously was flawless. Gaming also benefited significantly, with reduced latency and smoother gameplay. The 5GHz band proved particularly robust, offering consistently high speeds even when multiple devices were connected. The 2.4GHz band, while not as fast, still provided reliable connectivity for devices that don’t support the 5GHz band. I ran several speed tests using Ookla’s Speedtest.net, and consistently achieved speeds close to my internet plan’s maximum, exceeding the performance of my previous router.

I experienced a slight performance dip during periods of extremely high network activity (multiple devices streaming high-bandwidth content concurrently), but this was minimal and didn’t significantly disrupt any activities. Overall, I found the router’s performance to be exceptionally reliable and efficient.

Pros:

• Excellent coverage due to the four external antennas.
• Strong performance on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
• Easy setup and management via the Tether app.
• MU-MIMO technology improves network efficiency.
• Good value for the price.

Cons:

• Slight performance drop under extreme network load.
• The Tether app, while functional, could benefit from some minor UI improvements.

The TP-Link Archer C64 (ARCHER C64) is a solid and reliable router that delivers on its promises. Its excellent coverage, strong performance, and user-friendly setup make it an excellent choice for homes with multiple devices and moderate to high bandwidth requirements. While there’s room for minor improvements in the app’s interface and performance under extreme load, these are minor drawbacks compared to its overall strengths. I would confidently recommend the Archer C64 to anyone looking for an upgrade to their home Wi-Fi network.