The invention of the internet has changed the life of humankind and we are seeing record numbers of people are using the internet every day. People are using the internet for their office, business, home, social connectivity, knowledge sharing, communication, and what not! Few people require an internet connection for business and work purposes while others are using the internet for general uses. Either way, everyone wants a fast internet experience therefore it is very important to have a good router.
There are hundreds of wireless router brands and thousands of models available in the market. But you might have heard that the TP-Link Archer routers are the best in terms of fast wireless network connections.So if you are interested in buying the TP Link Archer router then you have to pick one router from three available models: Archer C7, Archer C8, and Archer C9. This is where you might become confused as there are similarities as well as key differences available among these three routers.
So, how do you make the best choice out of these three TP Link Archer models and buy a router that best suits your needs. Well, there is nothing to worry about because in this article our experts have reviewed these three TP Link Archer routers and make a detailed comparison. This article will help you decide which TP Link Archer router model is best for you. Let’s dig into the article for details!
3 TP Link Archer Router
TP-LINK Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router Archer C7
TP-LINK Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router Archer C8
TP-LINK Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router Archer C9
Similarities between Link Archer C7, C8, and C9
All these three routers from TP Link are from the same series so there are lots of common features available among them. Let’s check them out.
1. Dual-Band Routers
These routers are dual-band routers. So they all can operate in two different frequencies – the 2.4GHz frequency band and the 5GHz band. This feature is very common among the AC wireless routers. So you can expect superior speeds from all these TP Link wireless routers.
2. Latest 802.11AC Wi-Fi
All these three routers offer the latest wireless standard of 802.11AC. Well, many of you may become surprised about this as the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11AX) is already knocking at the door. But the 802.11AC is still relatively fast and relevant so there is nothing to worry about the internet speed. The truth is; your internet speed will be determined onyour subscription plan from your Internet Service Provider.
3. Beamforming
Beamforming is anew technology and it has revolutionized today’s wireless performance. This new technology works by directing the Wi-Fi signals directly to the connected client. It is like you are shouting towards someone in a particular direction rather thanshouting for everyone at once. So with this new technology, the client will get stronger signals regardless of their location. The Archer C8 and Archer C9 have this feature. Unfortunately, Archer C7 doesn’t support Beamforming.
4. USB 3.0 Ports
These TP Links routers have USB 3.0 ports. So you can easily share media and HD streaming which is very convenient. The Archer C8 and Archer C9 come with USB 3.0 ports. Unfortunately, Archer C7 doesn’t have any USB 3.0 ports. You can connect USB-enabled devices like external storage drives, printers, or a 3G/4G dongle to theseTP Link routers.
5. Parental Controls
The parental controls feature is available in all three models of the TP-Link router. This is a great feature and you can easily control the Wi-Fi network of your home. There may be some content that you don’t want to show to the children, so you can use the Parental controls feature to prevent such undesired information from reaching to your children.
6. Guest Network Access
This is another amazing feature and available on all these TP Link routers. The gust network access feature allows you to limit access to your network by guests. So your network won’t be overcrowded with lots of devices as well as it willenhance the security of your information.
Comparison Between TP Link Archer C7, C8, And C9
| Device Name | CPU | USB Ports | USB Types | Frequency | No of Antennas | Top Speeds | LAN Ports | WAN Ports |
| Archer C7 | Single-Core | 2 | USB 2.0 | Dual-band | 3x External + 3x Internal | Up to 1750Mbps | 4 | 1 |
| Archer C8 | 800MHz Dual-Core | 2 | USB 2.0 & 3.0 | Dual-band | 3x External | Up to 1750Mbps | 4 | 1 |
| Archer C9 | 1GHz Dual-Core | 2 | USB 2.0 & 3.0 | Dual-band | 3x External | Up to 1900Mbps | 4 | 1 |
1. TP-LINK Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router Archer C7
The Archer C7 is the cheapest of the three wireless routers in this series. But don’t be a fool with the low price because its performance is way better considered to its price and the popularity of this router also indicates the quality of this router. You can buy this router at low as $80 and you will get a maximum throughput speed of 1.75Gbps thanks to the 720MHz of the single-core processor. So this router can handle the network requests more efficiently. Some other key features of this router are Guest Network Access, control over bandwidth, simple setup process, and many more. Moreover, this router supports the next generation Wi-Fi technology, 802.11ac. So you can easily transfer large files and data via dual USB ports.
Performance Of Archer C7
We already know this router has a throughput speed of 1.75Gbps that means the C7 router can handle 4K streaming at a certain level. If you are an entry-level gamer then this is an excellent router to get you going. This router has a single-core processor so you can’t expect this router to handle pro-level gaming. The best part of this router is; all the Ethernet portsaccept a gigabit connection. So it will be a great option for you if your Internet Service provider only gives you a cable modem without a wireless router. This router is compatible with any cable modem without any issues.
This router was tested several times and it always delivers on the 5GHz band. The speed on the 2.4GHz band was also strong and there was no problem or performance drop when the distance between the router and the connected client was increased. So if you have a good connection from your Internet Service Provider then you will get a continuous speed of over 300Mbpson the 5GHz band.
With this router, you can transfer heavy files and data quite easily. So, the overall performance of this router does worth the money. Moreover, it comes with lots of management features so buying this router will be a great decision for you if you want to use 2 or 3 devices at a time.
Use Of Archer C7
This router from TP-Link is best for light internet use. So you may not get the best performance from it when you are using this router for a home or business that has multiple users operating the internet at the same time. So this router is ideal for a home that requires moderate internet uses. With this router, you can do HD streaming but only if when you won’t share the network with too many people. A lot of reviews from users suggest that 10/12 people can share a network at a time with this router and it won’t affect the performance of the router.�?�?�?
Pros Of Archer C7
1. Archer C7 offers total Wi-Fi speeds up to 1.75Gbps.You will get 450Mbps at 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps at 5GHz band
2. Archer C7 is compatible with devices which support a, b, g and n standards
3. It has dual 2.0 USB ports so sharing large files, media, and printer either locally or remotely through FTP server becomes easy
4. Thanks to the guest network feature you can limit the access of your network by guests, therefore enhancing the security of your information.
5. Archer C7 router lets you control bandwidth usage by various devices connected to your network, thanks to IP-based Bandwidth Control feature
6. The installation process of this router is extremely easy because of therouter’s simple setup interface
7. This router is affordable and you will get more value than you would expect from routers from other brands
8. Archer C7 has dual USB ports to connect printers and external hard drives
9. You will get excellent 5GHz performance as well as multiple management settings
Cons Of Archer C7
1. No USB 3.0 port
2. Single-core CPU with only 720 MHz of power
3. Multiple users can’t stream at the same time
4. Average data transfer speeds
5. Become outdated with the introduction of C9
2. TP-LINK Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router Archer C8
The Archer C8 router is more powerful and a notch higher in terms of performance compared to the Archer C7 router but the difference is not that high up. This router from TP Link has a dual-core processor with a clock speed of 800MHz. Thanks to the dual-core processor; Archer C8 can handle more workload than the Archer C7. Moreover, this router comes with a USB 3.0 port so you can plug-in devices like an external hard drive. There is also a USB 2.0 port available so you also have the option to use flash drives. This router has a throughput speed of1750Mbps, and it can handle wired and wireless connections simultaneously. It is definitely a great router for its price point.
Performance Of Archer C8
Many people say the performance of C7 and C8 is equal because of the same throughput speeds but it’s not true. The C8 router can cast its wireless signals farther than the C7. This is because the C8 router is equipped with Beamforming technology. This technology canlocate wireless devices then pitch the Wi-Fi signals directly towards it.It is like you are shouting towards someone in a particular direction rather thanshouting for everyone at once. So with this new technology, the client will get stronger signals regardless of their location.
The TP Link C8 router is powered by dual dedicated CPUs. Moreover, this router can sustain a much stronger Wi-Fi connection easily. So whether it’s a wired or wireless connection, it eliminates the performance drops that outbreak other routers with busy networks and maximizes both range and stability. So with the busiest home networks, you will get premium performance from this router.The dual-core processor also ensures that the router won’t drop performance when the workload increases.
One of the most significant differences between the C7 and C8 is the USB port. C8 has a USB 3.0 port that the C7 doesn’t have. C8 router comes with built-in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports so you can connect USB -enabled devices like the external storage drives, printers, or a 3G/4G dongle with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports.Moreover, you can also use the FTP server in a convenient way. Some other key features of this router are the Guest Network, Parental Control, etc. C8 router also supports the IPv6 version which is excellent because a few years from now, all the new websites will come in IPv6 address only.
Use Of Archer C8
This router is the best choice for home and office that doesn’t want to spend more money on purchasing repeaters and other networking equipment to boost the signal. This router has enough strength to cover ranges thanks to the Beamforming technology. So you can sit anywhere in your house and enjoy strong Wi-Fi signals. Moreover with this router ensures speed and responsiveness at the highest level therefore you can constantly transfer heavy files and data at a faster speed. If you are a pro gamer then it will be an excellent option for you because with this router you can stream 4k videos conveniently.
Pros Of Archer C8
1. Powerful 800MHz dual-core processor
2. Dual USB ports:USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
3. Excellent built quality with modern design
4. Beamforming technology for larger covering area
5. Guest network options and parental controls
6. Dual-band with great 5GHz performance
7. Supports the next generation Wi-Fi of 802.11ac
Cons Of Archer C8
1. There are faster speed Wi-Fi routers are available
3.TP-LINK Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router Archer C9
This is the best router among these three TP Link routers in almost all respects. This router has a maximum throughput speed of 1900Mbps which is faster by 150Mbps then the C7 and C8. Moreover, the built quality, attention to detail, and the materials used in this router make it like a strong device that will withstand a long time. It is a dual-band router and it has the latest fifth-generation 802.11ac technology so you don’t have to worry about the performance and signal strength. In addition, the TP-Link C9 router comes with a 1GHz dual-core processor so it can easily handle multiple devices simultaneously. This router has three long-range external antennas and they are coupled with its Beamforming technology. We already know what Beamforming technology is and what the benefits of this technology are. So without any doubt, this is the most standout router that you should consider.
Performance Of Archer C9
This is a super-fast router from TP-Link where the 5GHz band, 802.11ac gives 1300 Mbps wireless data rates, and the 2.4 GHz 802.11n provides rates of 600 Mbps. This router is compatible with ADSL2/2+, ADSL, VDSL2, fiber, and cable services which is very convenient. The three antennas of this router cover more areas and boost the signal so you can enjoy lag-free gaming and stream almost anywhere around the house.
This router also has a fast and strong dual-core processor compared to the C7 and C8. So 4k video streaming will be very convenient and you won’t experience any performance drop from the router. For a big home or office where a lot of users will share the network, this router will be a great investment because this router would take a long time before it becomes incapable of handling high demands.
This router is equipped with a friendly user interface therefore you will have the strong control to optimize your network. This router is very easy to set up and it will take less time compared to the C7 and C8 to configure the settings. So you don’t have to be a network specialist to set up this router. Some other key features of this router are IPv6 support, multiple wireless SSIDs, and encrypted VPN access.
Use Of Archer C9
This router can handle the signal requirements from three 4K TVs, five smartphones, and five laptops at a time. It shows the signal strength of this router. You can also use this router for gaming. But it is only suitable for light to medium gaming because C9 lacks optimization features. Moreover, gaming routers usually need to be heavily configurable.Apart from that, you can do HD video streaming, online gaming, VoIP calls, large file downloads, large data transfer without any signal interruption, and performance drop.It is said that the C9 is built to deliver.
Pros Of Archer C9
1. Easy installation process
2. Elegant design at an affordable price
3. Wi-Fi speeds up to 1900Mbps
4. 1GHz dual-core CPU
5. 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0 port
6. Guest network and parental control feature
Cons Of Archer C9
1. Average storage performance
2. Only standing option
FAQs About TP Link Archer C7, C8 And C9
1. How Can I Boost My TP Link Router Signal?
There are many ways you can boost the signal of your TP-Link router. You can boost the signal by placing your router in an open space, changing the wireless channels, updating the router’s firmware as well as the wireless adapter drivers, repositioning the antenna of the routeIs TP Link reliable?rs, and many more.
2. What Is The Difference Between Archer A7 And C7?
There are not many differences between the Archer A7 and C7 apart from the fact that the A7 has the ability to control some of the router’s main features with Amazon Alexa and it has one less USB 2.0 port compared to the C7.
3. How Can I Check My TP Link Internet Speed?
There are many websites and apps available where you can test the speed of your TP Link router. You can try https://www.speedtest.net/a very popular website or use its app https://www.speedtest.net/appsto test internet speed from your computer or smartphone. Make sure you do multiple tests to determine the accurate result.
4. Is TP-link A Chinese Company?
Yes, TP Link is a chines company, in fact they are a Chinese manufacturer of computer networking products based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
5. What Does AC1750 Mean?
AC means that the router has support for the 802.11ac wireless networking standard. The number after the AC suggests the maximum theoretical bandwidth of the router. For example,1900 means 1900 Mbps, 3200 means 3200 Mbps.
6. Is TP Link Reliable?
TP Link is a very renowned company and they have the reputation of producing high-quality products for home use as well as office use. Moreover, TP Link ensures value for money for its consumers.
7. How Do I Reset My TP-Link Router?
Reseating the TP-Link is very simple but you have to keep the router on when reseating it. Now locate the reset button at the back of the router. Now press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds and wait for the system LED to start to flash quickly. Now release the button and wait for the router to reboot.Congrats, you have reset your router. But remember, reseating the router will erase everything you have done to personalize this router.
Final Thoughts
Picking a router from the Archer C7, C8, and C9 isn’t that difficult because there is a minimal variance between their price and their differences are quite noticeable. So the TP Link Archer C9 will be the best pick because the price is not high compared to the other two routers and you will get more speed, CPU power, signal strength, and more consistent performance from the C7 router. So if you want a verdict from our experts then the answer is,go with the TP Link Archer C9 Router.�?�?�?