TP-Link Archer GX90 AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 gaming router delivers impressive performance and bristles with features like multi-gig connectivity, robust parental controls, network security software, and game optimization tools.
TP-Link Archer GX90 Router Pros and Cons
TP-Link Archer GX90 Router Design
The TP-Link Archer GX90 black textured cabinet with red accents bears a striking resemblance to the TP-Link AX11000 router that we reviewed back in 2020, but at 2.0 by 8.3 by 8.3 inches (HWD) it’s not nearly as bulky as the 7.2-by-11.3- by-11.3 inch Archer AX11000. Like all excellent gaming routers, the TP-Link Archer GX90 is festooned with an intimidating array of big, pointy antennae – eight, to be precise – that make it look like a Cylon battle cruiser from Battlestar Galactica.
There are three Gigabit Ethernet ports to provide a wired connection for a laptop, games console or set-top box, along with a fourth Gigabit Ethernet port that can double-up for a wired connection or for connecting to your existing modem or router to use its Internet connection. And, if you’re fortunate enough to have really super-fast broadband, there’s a fifth Ethernet port that supports 2.5 Gb connections as well.
The TP-Link Archer GX90 also supports TP-Link’s OneMesh technology, which supports it to form a more extensive mesh network with other TP-Link routers, or range extenders such as its new RE650X.
Among the most current Wi-Fi 6 routers offering tri-band capabilities, the TP-Link Archer GX90 distinguishes itself with gaming-centric features. Unlike others that merely divide the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequencies into two networks, this router takes it a step further by allowing users to create a third network utilizing the secondary 5.0 GHz band, which can be specifically designated as a “Gaming Band” with an impressive speed of 4.8 Gbps dedicated solely to gaming.
TP-Link Archer GX90 Router Feature
- Game Band: Tri-Band structure provides a 4.8 Gbps Game Band exclusive for your gaming rigs and bings pure immersion. 4804 Mbps (5GHz, HE160) + 1201 Mbps (5GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4GHz)
- Game Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive
- Ultra Connectivity: 1 × 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 1 × 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 3 × Gigabit LAN ports and 2 x USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput
- Expansive Coverage: 8 detachable high-performance antennas, Beamforming, high-power FEM, 4T4R combine to deliver WiFi coverage up to a 4-bedroom house
- More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
- Powerful Processing: 1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU ensures your network performance always at peak run
- TP-Link HomeShield – TP-Link’s premium security service keeps your home network safe with cutting-edge network and IoT protection. Free features: 1. Basic Network Security including Security Scan and IoT Device Identification 2. Basic Parental Controls 3. Quality of Service 4. Basic Weekly/Monthly Reports. Visit TP-Link website for more information.
- TP-Link OneMesh Supported: Flexibly Create Whole Home WiFi with Archer GX90 by adding a OneMesh supported Range Extender, like RE505X
TP-Link Archer GX90 Router Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 8.35 x 8.35 x 2.04 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.43 pounds |
| Item model number | Archer GX90 |
| Date First Available | January 22, 2021 |
| Manufacturer | TP-Link |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam |
TP-Link Archer GX90 Router Performance
The TP-Link Archer GX90 performed admirably on our throughput performance tests. Its score of 120Mbps on the close-proximity (same room) test was faster than the Linksys MR9600 (111Mbps) and only 2Mbps slower than the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 (122Mbps). The Asus ROG Strix GS-AX6000 took top honors with a score of 128Mbps. On the 30-foot test, the GX-90 scored 46Mbps, beating the Asus ROG Strix GS-AX6000 (44Mbps), the Linksys MR9600 (38Mbps), and the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 (38Mbps).
We then moved to testing on the 5GHz band. The TP-Link Archer GX90 delivered 840Mbps on the 5GHz close-proximity test, matching the Linksys MR9600 and coming in just 6Mbps behind the Asus ROG Strix GS-AX6000. The Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 led with a score of 865Mbps. On the 30-foot 5GHz test, the GX-90’s score of 339Mbps outpaced the Linksys MR9600 (228Mbps) and the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 (230Mbps), but couldn’t stay on top of the Asus ROG Strix GS-AX6000. (At 424Mbps, the Asus dominated this field on that test.)
We test a router’s read and write file-transfer performance by timing how long it gets to move a 1.5 GB folder including photos, video, music, and office document files from side to side between a USB 3.0 drive that’s connected to the router and a desktop PC. The TP-Link Archer GX90’s score of 70MBps on the write test was a tad faster than the Asus ROG Strix GS-AX6000 (69MBps) but not quite as fast as the Linksys MR9600 and the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000, both of which scored 73MBps.
The TP-Link Archer GX90 score of 68MBps on the read test was the slowest of the bunch. The Linksys MR9600 scored 70MBps, the Netgear Nighthawk XR1000 scored 76MBps, and the Asus ROG Strix GS-AX6000 notched a speedy 85MBps.
TP-Link Archer GX90 Router Verdict
TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90)- Tri Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, High-Speed ax Router, Smart VPN Router...
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