TP-Link Archer AX23 vs AX55: What should you choose?

The TP-Link Archer AX23 is an AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 router, while the Archer AX55 is an AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 router with additional features such as 160 MHz support and USB 3.0.

The AX23 is listed at 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. It has four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port.

The AX55 is listed at 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. It also has four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port, along with a USB 3.0 port.

Both support Wi-Fi 6 and features designed to improve network efficiency when multiple devices are connected.

The AX55's 5 GHz specification includes HE160, allowing compatible devices to use a wider 160 MHz channel. The AX55 also supports EasyMesh compatibility.

The AX23 is designed for 2–3 bedroom houses according to TP-Link's product information, while the AX55 is listed for 3-bedroom houses. These are manufacturer coverage guidelines rather than guarantees for every building.

The difference between AX1800 and AX3000 does not mean the AX55 will automatically deliver twice the real-world internet speed. Actual performance depends on the broadband plan, client devices, interference, distance and building construction.

The AX23 can therefore be appropriate for users who want Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet without needing the additional features of the AX55.

The AX55 is more suitable when you have compatible high-speed Wi-Fi 6 devices, want 160 MHz support or need its USB and additional capacity.

So, the AX55 is the more capable model on paper, while the AX23 can be sufficient for a less demanding Wi-Fi 6 home network.