Compared to flashier gaming models like the flagship Archer AX11000, the AX6000 takes a more subtle approach to design: it has eight permanently installed antennas, a horizontal design, and a black plastic exterior that looks more business than gaming. The LEDs in the upper center, however, are glossy. But there is some flash here, in the form of an LED at the top center, behind a shiny gold TP-Link badge that glows blue when everything is working (and red when it is not). However, this light can be easily disabled with a dedicated hardware button – important if your router lives near your TV or in your bedroom.
Aside from that, it is in the wireless department where the AX6000 begins to show its mid-range limitations. This router is dual-band, not the more robust tri-band option found in high-end equipment. In other words, the AX6000 is dual-band, delivering throughput of up to 1148 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 4804 Mbps at 5 GHz. The router also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but not the latest Wi-Fi 6E specification. Thus, your device gets to live in a more crowded, mainstream bandwidth, rather than in the newly opened (and thus much less crowded) 6 GHz band.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]Unlike its flashier competitors, the Archer AX6000 has a single, unobtrusive LED at the top that lights red during startup and turns blue when there is no problem. This can be turned off with a switch on the side of the router, next to the router’s WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) key, allowing you to quickly add devices to your network. There is also a button to turn off Wi-Fi communication, effectively turning the Archer AX6000 into a wired router.
Basic settings allow users to configure Internet settings, create names and passwords for each wireless band, configure USB sharing, and create guest networks. You can also access TP-Link’s Home Care settings, where you can create user profiles with parental controls, assign Child, Pre-Teen, Teen, and Adult content filters, and configure the settings for gaming, surfing, streaming, chat, standard, and Custom presets can be used to configure QoS settings by activity.