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TP-Link Archer BE550 review

Wi-Fi 7 router priced at $499.

CHOICE Expert Rating

81%
Recommended
What is the CHOICE Expert Rating?
Pros

Pros

  •   Excellent close range performance to a single client
  •   Excellent close range performance to multiple clients
  •   Very good parental controls included (keyword blocking, bedtime, age-based profiles)
  •   Handled multi-client streams without interruption
Cons

Cons

  •   Setup requires an online account
  •   Band-steering only present on 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks; must connect connect compatible devices to the faster 6GHz network manually
  •   2.4GHz network was very slow in the obstructed range test, indicating it would not perform well in an environment with busy 2.4GHz activity

Type

Type
Wi-Fi 7
Tri-band router (6Ghz)
1
Maximum NBN download speed (Mbps)
2000

Recommended products

Recommended
Recommended

Test results

CHOICE Expert rating
81%
Performance score
83%
Ease of use score
77%
Parental controls score
80%
Single client score
90%
Multi client score
96%
Obstructed range score
61%

Sustainability

Shop Ethical rating
NOT RATED
Annual power consumption (kWh(
131
Warranty (years)
3
Claimed firmware update period
TBD
Country of origin
China

Related products

Availability
Tested model

Cost

Price
$499.00
Annual Running Cost
$52.35

Specifications

Antennas
Internal
Gigabit LAN ports
0
2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports
4
5 gigabit Ethernet ports
0
10 gigabit Ethernet ports
0
USB-2 ports
0
USB-3 ports
1
USB-C ports
0
WAN speed (Gbps)
2.5
Maximum channel width (MHz)
320
Power cable length (cm)
142
Power button or switch
1
Setup software
App
Weight (g)
1128
Dimensions (HxWxD)
203 x 230 x 78
Website
tp-link.com/au

Features

Wi-Fi bands
2.4/5/6
Maximum claimed speeds (Gbps)
0.5/2.8/5.7
Free parental controls
Parental controls type
Categorical filtering can be applied from the app
Mesh network support
Mesh network compatability
EasyMesh
4/5G backup
VoIP
DLNA
MU-MIMO
Multi link operation (MLO)
Band steering
Yes (2.4GHz and 5GHz only)
Guest networks
WPS
Turn LED lights on/off
Wall mountable
USB drive sharing
Web interface available
Default encryption
WPA2/WPA3
VPN
VPN type
Server and client, via app
Orientation
Upright
Scheduling
Bedtime feature and time limits
elias plastiras
User 1000000003029

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices.  Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices.  Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.

Peter Zaluzny web
Peter Zaluzny

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.