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Our home Wi-Fi was originally used for computers and laptops, then smartphones and printers, and video games soon followed. Today, we have robots cleaning our floors and smart ovens, all requiring a bit of that valued broadband. It makes sense to use a Wi-Fi router to boost the strength of your internet.
Today, we are going to compare the TP-Link Archer C5 vs C50 wireless routers. We will consider their appearance, potential, and value for money. Once we have finished comparing the specifics, we’ll add a comparison chart and some pros and cons before deciding which is the better buy.
Let’s start with what the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50 have in common.
TP-Link Archer C5 vs C50 – Similarities
Quick Glance
For a quick recap and easy viewing, you can find all of the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50 features in the chart below.
Antennas
The TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50 have two antennas that can be easily detached.
Transfer Speeds
The dual-band frequencies mean the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50 have one band for 2.4GHz and the other for 5GHz. The transfer speed for 2.4GHz is 300Mbps and at 5GHz it is 867Mbps. The combined transfer rate is 1.2Gbps.
LED Indicators
On the front of the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50, there are a series of LED indicators that let you know the status of the router, including a separate light for the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands.
TP-Link Tether App
By downloading the TP-Link Tether app, you can manage the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50. It’s easy to set up parental controls, guest networks and you can see exactly who is online.
Warranty
There is a 2-year warranty with both the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50.
That’s all for the similarities, so now we will take a look at what makes the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50 different.
Differences Between TP-Link Archer C5 and C50
Appearance
Both of the TP-Link routers have a simple, sleek design however they differ in size.
TP-Link Archer C5
This router comes in black and it does make it easier to see the LED lights. It is 12.5 x 2.8 x 9.5 inches and weighs 1.9 pounds.
TP-Link Archer C50
You can choose between black or white. Not only that but it is much smaller at 7.2 x 1.3 x 4.9 inches. It weighs just 1.1lbs.
The Winner Is- The TP-Link Archer C50
Connectivity
At the back of each router, you will find the power button and different ports to connect devices.
TP-Link Archer C5
This has 4-gigabit ethernet ports. Gigabit Ethernet ports are the latest in technology and can reach speeds up to 10 times faster than previous ethernets. It also has 2 USB 2.0 USB ports.
TP-Link Archer C50
There are 4 fast ethernet ports plus a USB 2.0 port.
The Winner Is- The TP-Link Archer C5
Read next – Linksys EA8300 vs EA8500: Which Wi-Fi Router is Better?
Ideal Uses
Both of the TP-Link wireless routers are ideal for HD video streaming and online gaming without interruptions in connectivity.
TP-Link Archer C5
There is no other information regarding the number of devices you can connect or the range of the signal.
TP-Link Archer C50
You can connect 12 to 14 different devices to this router. Its range is between 2000 and 3000 square feet.
The Winner Is- The TP-Link Archer C50
Pros and Cons
Because of the similarities, it’s still quite difficult to choose the best option. Here are some pros and cons of the two TP-Link wireless routers.
TP-Link Archer C5
Pros:
- You get some excellent download speeds
- The range is very impressive
- The connection is reliable, even with multiple uses online
Cons:
- The setup can be challenging, especially if you are new to wireless routers
TP-Link Archer C50
Pros:
- It is much easier to set up than the Archer C5
- Both the range and the speeds passed our expectations
- The value for money is amazing for what you get
Cons:
- Not all printers are compatible
The Final Verdict
First of all, it is possible that you will find the installation tricky, but this may be because you haven’t installed one before. That being said. TP-Link has 24/7 technical support so you can call, and someone will talk you through the process. They will also be able to advise you on the best settings for your needs.
Looking at the TP-Link Archer C5 and the TP-Link Archer C50 from a design point of view, we preferred the TP-Link Archer C50. It was much smaller which made it less obtrusive in our homes. It was nice that the antennas are detachable on both of the routers. It makes it easier to store.
The TP-Link Archer C5 is the newer model, as you can see with the gigabit ethernet. It’s true that we noticed slightly faster speeds with this router but will provide excellent speeds with noticeably faster internet. We were happy with the range of both and felt that both of them were reliable. In all the time we were testing, we didn’t have any drops in the connection.
The overall winner is the TP-Link Archer C50. Despite not having the newer gigabit ethernets we were blown away by the speed. It was also easier to set up and quite a bit cheaper. So, all in all, we felt that with the same features, great speed, and range, the price for the TP-Archer C50 was fantastic.