TP-Link Archer AX21 vs TP-Link Archer BE230

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is the stronger overall pick here, costing less than the TP-Link Archer BE230 and earning a higher owner rating, with the two tied on warranty coverage. The BE230 remains the better router on paper thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and multi-gig wired ports, so a buyer chasing that hardware may still prefer paying more for it.

Wi-Fi generation. The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router rated AX1800, while the TP-Link Archer BE230 is dual-band Wi-Fi 7 rated BE3600 with Multi-Link Operation, letting a compatible client use both bands at the same time.

The TP-Link Archer BE230, by a clear margin. It pairs a 2.5 Gbps WAN port with a 2.5 Gbps LAN port, while every port on the TP-Link Archer AX21 tops out at Gigabit speeds.

Only the TP-Link Archer BE230. Its USB 3.0 port supports FTP, Samba and media sharing, though not Time Machine backups. The TP-Link Archer AX21 has no USB port at all, so it offers no network storage options.

Buyers replacing an aging ISP gateway on a tight budget who want a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with a VPN server and client, EasyMesh expansion and a dedicated IoT network should buy the TP-Link Archer AX21.

Buyers on a multi-gig internet plan, or who want Wi-Fi 7 with Multi-Link Operation and a USB port for network storage, should buy the TP-Link Archer BE230, and pay the higher price for that newer hardware.