TP-Link Archer C64 vs Archer C54: Which AC1200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router Should You Buy?

n the budget-friendly Wi-Fi router segment, TP-Link remains a top-tier brand known for delivering performance, reliability, and excellent value. Two of its popular models in the AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi router lineup are the TP-Link Archer C64 and the TP-Link Archer C54. Both are solid contenders for homes and small offices, but how do they compare? Which one should you choose in 2025?

In this detailed comparison review, we’ll evaluate the design, features, performance, ports, security, and software capabilities of both routers so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

🔧 Overview & Use Cases

Both routers belong to TP-Link's AC1200 dual-band lineup, but they cater to different user needs:

• Archer C64 is designed for mid-sized homes (3-bedroom) with heavier usage—gaming, 4K streaming, and smart devices.

• Archer C54 is more suited to apartments or 2-bedroom homes with lighter internet activities like browsing and standard video calls.

  
  

  📡 Wireless Specifications

  Archer C64:

  • 5 GHz Band: 867 Mbps

  • 2.4 GHz Band: 400 Mbps (Wave 2)

  • MU‑MIMO: Yes
    

  • Beamforming: Yes
    

  • Smart Connect + Airtime Fairness: Yes
    

  
  

  Archer C54:

  • 5 GHz Band: 867 Mbps

  • 2.4 GHz Band: 300 Mbps
    

  • MU‑MIMO: Yes
    

  • Beamforming: Yes

  
  

  Verdict: The C64 offers a faster 2.4 GHz channel (400 vs 300 Mbps) and advanced features like Smart Connect and Airtime Fairness which improve real-world performance.

  
  

  🌐 Wired Connectivity

  Archer C64:

  • 1× Gigabit WAN, 4× Gigabit LAN
    

  Archer C54:

  • 1× Fast Ethernet WAN (10/100 Mbps), 4× Fast Ethernet LAN
    

  
  

  Verdict: The C64 supports high-speed broadband without bottlenecks; the C54 caps wired throughput at 100 Mbps significantly slower.

  
  

  🏠 Coverage & Antennas

  Both routers feature 4 external antennas and Beamforming, but:

  • Coverage: Both claim support for up to 3-bedroom homes
    

  • Beamforming helps both, but the C64’s smarter band steering and fairness options give it a more consistent signal in crowded environments.

    
    

    🔒 Security & Smart Features

    Archer C64:

    • Supports WPA3 (the most secure encryption standard)
      

    • Includes SPI Firewall, IP/MAC Binding, Access Control
      

    
    

    Archer C54:

    • Supports WPA3 as well
      

    • Also features standard firewall and access controls
      

    Both support Guest Networks, Parental Controls, IPv6, and IGMP for IPTV .

    
    

    ⚙️ Management & Software

    Both routers use the TP-Link Tether app and web interface, offering:

    • Network monitoring

    • QoS by device

    • Parental settings (time & URL filters)

    • Guest Wi-Fi setup

    • DDNS, NAT forwarding, UPnP, DHCP management

    
    

    Additional perks on C64:

    • Smart Connect that auto-switches devices between bands
      

    • Airtime Fairness ensures efficient airtime distribution
      

    • EasyMesh compatibility for adding to mesh setups

      
      

      🔋 Hardware & Build

      Archer C64:

      • CPU: 1.2 GHz (MediaTek)
        

      • Power Input: 12 V ⎓ 1 A
        

      Archer C54:

      • CPU: MediaTek MT7628 single-core (~580 MHz)
        

      • Power Input: 9 V ⎓ 0.85 A

      Verdict: The C64 has nearly double the CPU speed, providing better handling of multiple connections and advanced features.

      
      

      💰 Price vs. Value

      • Archer C54 is more budget-friendly—a solid pick for simple home use where wired speeds over 100 Mbps aren’t needed.

      • Archer C64 costs a bit more but delivers Gigabit ports, more powerful CPU, faster wireless, and smarter networking—ideal when you need reliability, speed, and scalability.

        
        

        🏁 Final Winner

        Criteria	Archer C64	Archer C54
        Wi‑Fi speed (2.4 GHz)	400 Mbps	300 Mbps
        Gigabit Ethernet	✅	❌
        CPU Performance	1.2 GHz	580 MHz
        Smart Connect & Fairness	✅	❌
        EasyMesh Support	✅	❌
        Overall performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐☆
        Price	Higher	Lower

Recommendation:

• Go with the Archer C64 if:

  • You have a high-speed broadband plan (100 Mbps+).

  • You stream 4K, game online, or run many smart home devices.

  • You want wired Gigabit LAN connectivity and future-proof features.

• 
  

  Choose the Archer C54 if:

  • You have lighter networking needs.

  • Your ISP plan is below 100 Mbps.

  • You just need a solid dual-band router without extra frills.

    
    

✅ Final Thoughts

While both routers offer good value, the Archer C64 clearly outperforms the Archer C54 in almost every technical aspect—speed, wired connectivity, CPU power, signal management, and future expansion. If your home setup demands these capabilities, the C64 is worth the extra investment.