TP-Link Archer AX72 vs AX55: Which is better?

The TP-Link Archer AX72 is a higher wireless-performance class than the Archer AX55: the AX72 is AX5400 while the AX55 is AX3000. Both are dual-band Wi-Fi 6 routers.

TP-Link's specifications list the AX72 at up to 4804 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The AX55 is listed at 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.

Both support Wi-Fi 6 features and HE160 on the 5 GHz band. The AX72 has six fixed high-performance antennas, while the AX55 has four.

Both also provide Gigabit WAN and LAN connectivity, and both support mesh functionality within TP-Link's supported ecosystem.

The AX72 additionally has a USB 3.0 port, as does the AX55. The AX72 is designed as a higher-capacity six-stream router, while the AX55 occupies the AX3000 class.

This does not mean that an AX72 will automatically deliver twice the real-world internet speed of an AX55. The advertised AX class represents maximum physical wireless rates under specified conditions. Actual performance depends on the client device, environment, interference, network traffic and broadband connection.

The AX55 can therefore be sufficient for a home where the broadband plan and client devices do not require the additional wireless capacity of the AX72.

The AX72 becomes more relevant when you have multiple compatible Wi-Fi 6 devices, higher wireless traffic or want the additional hardware capacity.

Both should be evaluated against the internet plan and home layout.

In simple terms, the AX72 offers a higher wireless class and more radio capacity, while the AX55 provides a lower AX3000 class at a potentially more appropriate level for less demanding networks.