TP-Link Archer GE550 router is establishing itself as a triple-band WiFi 7 gaming router, a dedicated to the gaming domain. Among the highlights are blistering transmission speeds (up to 9220 Mbps) and a 5G Gigabit port that’s perfect for users with compatible devices who want to embrace the WiFi 7 standard.
TP-Link Archer GE550 Router Pros and Cons
TP-Link Archer GE550 Router Design
The TP-Link Archer GE550 router shares a similar appearance to the Archer GE650, featuring a front RGB LED light strip capable of displaying various lighting effects while also serving as a status indicator for the router’s current operation. The Archer GE550’s base houses a 5 Gbps WAN port, a 5 Gbps LAN port, and three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports. The faster ports are designated ‘Gaming Ports,’ which can be prioritised via hardware settings for optimal performance. The router includes a USB 3.0 port, enabling swift connection to storage devices or printers for effortless network access. Expand your setup without complex configuration.
TP-Link Archer GE550 router fueled by a Qualcomm IPQ9574 @ 2.2 GHz chipset, it shines as the perfect business tool for various business applications with 2048 MB RAM and 256 MB memory of storage. It provides ultra-low latency and consistent performance in high-bandwidth settings. Whether accessing the web, watching movies or playing games, Archer GE550 is incredibly fast and responsive. Plus, the Archer GE550 features a 5 Gbps WAN port, further enhancing network performance for a lightning-fast wired experience. It’s ideal for high-speed internet subscriptions, intensive cloud backups, and next-generation gaming.
TP-Link Archer GE550 Router Feature
- Blazing-Fast Gaming Wi-Fi – 5764 Mbps on a 6 GHz band and 2882 Mbps on a 5 GHz band, as well as 574 Mbps on a 2.4 GHz band, Archer GE550 is always ready for the fiercest battles. Keep your gaming strong with less dropped connections, gaming speeds of up to 433 Mbps, and a dedicated gaming port.
- Next-Level Speed with Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Experience ultra-low latency and stable connections using both 6 GHz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously; Enjoy smoother gameplay, faster data transfers, and peak performance for all your gaming devices
- Ultra-Fast Wired Connections – 5G & 2.5G Ports: Archer GE550 WiFi 7 Router Featuring 1× 5Gbps WAN, 1× 5Gbps LAN, and 3× 2.5Gbps LAN ports, this router ensures maximum bandwidth for gaming PCs, consoles, and streaming setups; No bottlenecks—just pure speed
- Smart Roaming with Whole-Home Mesh WiFi: Enjoy an uninterrupted gaming and streaming experience as EasyMesh technology seamlessly connects you to the strongest signal while moving around your home; Eliminate dead zones by adding an EasyMesh TP-Link router or range extender to create a flexible, multi-gigabit whole-home WiFi network—no more searching for a stable connection
- Game Acceleration for Lag-Free Performance: Optimise gaming applications, devices, and servers with built-in acceleration features; Minimize jitter, reduce ping, and eliminate lag for a truly competitive edge; Elevate your gaming experience with this ultra-fast, advanced Wi-Fi 7 gaming router
- Real-Time Game Panel & Customisable R: Stay in control with a dedicated game panel providing real-time network insights, R customisation, and game acceleration settings; with this wifi router, you can optimise your gameplay at a glance
- Volcano-Inspired Design with R Lighting: Unleash your gaming passion with a bold, fiery design and customisable R lighting that sets the perfect atmosphere for your gaming setup
- TP-Link HomeShield Security – Game with Confidence: Advanced antivirus protection shields your devices and personal data from cyber threats, ensuring a safe and secure gaming experience
TP-Link Archer GE550 Router Specifications
Brand | TP-Link |
Model name | Archer GE550 |
Special feature | Access Point Mode, Beamforming, Internet Security, QoS |
Frequency band class | Tri-Band |
WiFi Speeds | BE9300 6 GHz: 5764 Mbps (802.11be) 5 GHz: 2882 Mbps (802.11be) 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax) |
Ethernet Ports | 1× 5Gbps WAN 1× 5Gbps LAN 3× 2.5 Gbps LAN |
Wireless communication standard | 802.11.be, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11n |
Compatible devices | Gaming Console, Personal Computer, Printer, Security Camera, Smart Television, Smartphone, Streaming Device, TabletGaming Console, Personal Computer, Printer, Security Camera, Smart Television, Smartphone, Streaming Device, Tablet |
Recommended uses for product | Gaming |
Included components | Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router Archer GE550 |
Connectivity technology | Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi |
Colour | Black |
TP-Link Archer GE550 Performance Test
The TP-Link Archer GE550 works with the 6 GHz band, which provides the fastest, most reliable WiFi to all of your connected devices. I had absolutely no complaints about its performance in my testing. With a Wi-Fi 7-ready laptop, I hit just under gigabit speeds, while my smartphone rarely dropped below 600 Mbps. With MLO and a compatible PC, I managed to reach speeds a little over 1,300 Mbps. It’s not rabidly fast, but it can maintain those higher speeds even at mostly modest distances—which is impressive, especially since the shorter distances can typical limit high-frequency signals.
The Archer GE550 router is no slouch in the gaming category, either. It comes with a custom firmware, and dedicated gaming mode with optimised settings for lag free online gaming. Not a life-changing improvement — most folks won’t notice a huge difference — but it’s a clear advantage for people playing games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive where razor-thin reaction time can be the difference between getting the drop on your foe or watching a bullet graze past your ear.
TP-Link Archer GE550 Router Setup
The Archer GE550 setup is relatively straightforward, easily managed via the TP-Link Tether application. This app also supports installation and enables remote management through your TP-Link account. The process is smooth, with most settings pre-configured for plug-and-play functionality.TP-Link employs the EasyMesh standard, theoretically enabling connection to other EasyMesh devices—though TP-Link guarantees compatibility solely with its own products and makes no further commitments.
You also get advanced guest network options with web portal and time control. You can brand the login page with your logo, background and welcome message. Furthermore, an independent IoT network is available for low-bandwidth, always-on smart devices. And for further security, such as advanced parental controls and DDoS protection, you can opt in to TP-Link’s HomeShield security platform. The first year is $44 and it renews at $73. Whether this is worthwhile is a moot point but a bundle offer gets you Norton 360 TP-Link Edition that covers up to five devices for about $48 – it’s basically a slightly discounted version of the brilliant Norton 360 Deluxe.
But if you’ve already protected your computer in different ways, you might not need to add this heady cost. The router’s built-in security is actually very good – for no extra cost. It also exccles in everything else we are looking for–performance, coverage, ease-of use and features, so it’s a very easy call.