Bottom Line:

The TP-Link Archer C80 is a budget-friendly router that provides a surprising amount of power, including AC1900 Wi-Fi and four spatial streams for improved efficiency. It’s not the most robust router on the market, but it certainly punches above its weight in its price range.

 

In an increasingly connected world, the role of the router as the central hub of the home network has never been more critical. And within this market, TP-Link’s Archer C80 stands as a testament to balancing affordability with reliable performance. A versatile router that caters to a broad spectrum of needs, the Archer C80 can confidently manage your day-to-day browsing, streaming, and light gaming requirements without breaking the bank.

This in-depth review will delve into the nuances of this promising router, providing insights into its design, build, performance, software, connectivity options, setup process, and comparison with key competitors. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the TP-Link Archer C80, with a little help from our friends at Coreceptive.

What we like	What we don’t like
Good performance for the price	Limited advanced features
User-friendly software	No Wi-Fi 6 support
Compact, sleek design	No wall-mounting option

TP-Link Archer C80’s Sleek Design

Personalizing a router isn’t easy, given the technical nature of the hardware, but the TP-Link Archer C80 does it with aplomb. At first glance, its sleek black design and distinct four-antenna array offer a modern aesthetic that can complement any space, be it a home office or a gaming room. The clear labeling of each port on the back of the router prevents user confusion, which is a boon for the technologically uninitiated.

Additionally, the LED indicators on the front of the Archer C80 provide an at-a-glance understanding of the device’s status. It doesn’t overdo the LEDs, meaning your room won’t be lit up like a Christmas tree, as is the case with some routers. The footprint is fairly compact, making it easier to fit into tighter spaces or blend into the environment.

One thing to note is that the Archer C80, despite its sleek exterior, is not designed for wall-mounting. This may be a drawback for those with limited desk or shelf space, but generally, it’s a minor limitation considering the device’s other benefits.

A Deep Dive into the Archer C80’s Build

As a piece of equipment meant to stay in one place and run consistently, the TP-Link Archer C80 is surprisingly lightweight. However, don’t let the weight fool you; the build quality of the router is sturdy and solid. The plastic body feels robust, and the antennas are firm, reducing the risk of damage.

Internally, the Archer C80 is built around an advanced architecture that includes a powerful CPU for faster processing of your networking requests. Unlike the more premium models in the market, it might not offer advanced features like beamforming or dynamic frequency selection, but it does the basics right and in a reliable manner.

Heat dissipation is also taken into account in the design, with a sufficient number of vents ensuring that the device never overheats. That being said, for those seeking a rugged and industrial-strength router, you might be better off checking out some of the best small business routers from our list at Coreceptive.

Striking a Balance: The Performance of the TP-Link Archer C80

The Archer C80 delivers strong performance for its price point. Equipped with AC1900 Wi-Fi, it can theoretically reach up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, which, while not groundbreaking, is more than enough for everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and light gaming.

This router really shines in a small to medium-sized environment. It has four spatial streams – two on each band – which makes a noticeable difference in Wi-Fi efficiency, especially when multiple devices are connected. However, for larger spaces or houses with multiple floors, you might need to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi extenders to ensure a strong signal throughout.

Despite being a budget option, it holds its own against some of the best gaming routers of 2023. While it might not match the raw power of premium options, it definitely provides excellent value for money.

User-friendly and Intuitive: Exploring the Archer C80’s Software

The software and interface of the Archer C80 is where TP-Link excels. The Tether app, which can be used to manage the router, is user-friendly and can be easily navigated by even those without much technical know-how. The interface offers various levels of customization, from setting up parental controls to guest networks, all at the tap of a screen.

The Archer C80 also supports IPv6, providing future-proof internet access. This is a significant advantage, as many competing models in this price range often neglect this feature.

However, power users might find the lack of advanced options limiting. While the router does allow some QoS and network management options, they’re not as extensive as some competitors, like the Asus RT-AX88U.

Analyzing the Archer C80’s Connectivity Options

The Archer C80 provides a fair range of connectivity options for home users. It comes with one Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports. It also has one USB 2.0 port, which isn’t the fastest option available but still useful for sharing files or a printer across the network.

Wireless connectivity is the standard dual-band, with support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The router also supports WPS for easy connection of devices, and it has a dedicated WPS button for convenience.

However, keep in mind that the Archer C80 doesn’t support link aggregation or come with multiple USB ports, which are common in more premium models. If you need advanced connectivity options, consider looking at other models like the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000.

Streamlined and Simple: The Setup Process for the Archer C80

Setting up the Archer C80 is a straightforward process. The quick installation guide included in the package does a good job of guiding users through the process, even those with little to no prior experience.

The use of the Tether app simplifies the setup further. It leads you through the initial configuration, including setting up your SSID, password, and internet connection. The QR code feature on the router also helps to quickly connect your devices.

As a point of comparison, the setup process of the Archer C80 is on par with that of the Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD, known for its user-friendly setup.

In the Ring: The Archer C80 Versus its Competitors

When it comes to the Archer C80’s competitors, the main ones would be other budget routers. For instance, the Archer C80 often finds itself compared with some of the best budget routers available. While it holds its own in terms of performance and design, it sometimes falls short when it comes to advanced features and connectivity options.

A significant competitor is the Asus RT-AX56U, a similarly priced router that offers the added benefit of Wi-Fi 6. While the Archer C80 might not offer the latest wireless standard or the robustness of more premium options, it certainly does provide excellent value for its price point, especially for users who don’t require the absolute best performance or the most advanced features.

Unraveling the Archer: Concluding Thoughts on the TP-Link C80

To conclude, the TP-Link Archer C80 is a great option for users seeking a budget-friendly router that still delivers reliable performance. It might not have the bells and whistles of high-end routers, but it does what it’s designed to do, and it does it well.

Whether you need a router for browsing, light gaming, or streaming your favorite TV shows, the Archer C80 can handle it. For more robust needs, you may want to consider the best long-range router options or perhaps one of the best mobile hotspots for gaming, depending on your specific needs.

Overall, the Archer C80 serves as a testament to TP-Link’s ability to balance price and performance, making high-speed internet access more accessible to the masses.

FAQs

Q1: Does the Archer C80 support Wi-Fi 6?

A1: No, the Archer C80 supports up to the Wi-Fi 5 (AC) standard.

Q2: Can I wall-mount the Archer C80?

A2: The Archer C80 doesn’t have a wall-mounting option. Its design is optimized for desk or shelf placement.

Q3: How many devices can the Archer C80 handle simultaneously?

A3: The Archer C80 can comfortably support up to 15-20 devices, although this can vary depending on your network’s overall usage.

Q4: Does the Archer C80 support VPN? A4: Yes, the Archer C80 supports OpenVPN and PPTP VPN servers.

Q5: Can I control the Archer C80 using a mobile app?

A5: Yes, TP-Link provides the Tether app for both iOS and Android, allowing you to manage your network settings directly from your smartphone.

Specifications

Specifications	Details
Wi-Fi Standard	AC1900 (2.4GHz: 600Mbps, 5GHz: 1300Mbps)
Processor	Single-core CPU
Memory	128MB RAM, 16MB Flash
Ports	1 Gigabit WAN, 4 Gigabit LAN, 1 USB 2.0
Dimensions	8.5 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches (without antennas)
Weight	0.81lbs
Parental Controls	Yes
Guest Wi-Fi	Yes
VPN Server	OpenVPN, PPTP
Beamforming	Yes
Smart Connect	Yes
Airtime Fairness	Yes
Band Steering	Yes
Link Aggregation	No
MU-MIMO	Yes