TP-Link Archer C64 AC1200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router Review: Power-Packed Performance for Home Networks

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a reliable Wi-Fi connection is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether you're streaming your favorite shows, attending virtual meetings, or gaming online, your internet experience heavily depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi router. Enter the TP-Link Archer C64 AC1200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router—a feature-rich, budget-friendly router that brings excellent speed, stability, and security for small to medium-sized homes.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down the key specifications, features, pros and cons, and why the TP-Link Archer C64 might just be the best router for your home networking needs in 2025.

🔍 Key Highlights of TP-Link Archer C64

• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) with combined speeds up to 1200 Mbps

• MU-MIMO and Beamforming for efficient device handling

• Advanced security with WPA3 and Guest Network support

• Four Gigabit LAN ports + One Gigabit WAN port

• QoS, Parental Controls, VPN, and more through Tether App and web UI

  
  

📶 Performance Overview

The Archer C64 operates on dual bands, offering up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, giving a total of 1200 Mbps throughput under the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard. This speed is sufficient for 4K video streaming, HD video calls, large file downloads, and multiplayer online gaming—all happening simultaneously across devices.

Thanks to MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output), the router can handle multiple devices at once, ensuring that no device is left buffering during peak hours. This makes the Archer C64 ideal for smart homes with 10–20 connected devices.

📡 Wi-Fi Range and Coverage

TP-Link claims the Archer C64 is suitable for up to 3-bedroom houses, and from real-world testing, it lives up to the claim. The inclusion of Beamforming technology improves signal strength by targeting specific devices rather than broadcasting signals in all directions. This boosts stability and coverage, especially in multi-story or larger apartments.

🔐 Advanced Security Features

In an era of growing cyber threats, the TP-Link Archer C64 offers strong protection:

• WPA, WPA2, WPA3 encryption protocols safeguard your wireless data.

• SPI Firewall, Access Control, and IP & MAC Binding provide deeper layers of protection.

• Guest Networks (one each for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) allow you to share Wi-Fi without exposing your main network.

• The Parental Controls feature lets you manage online time and content access for kids, which is especially useful for families with younger users.

  
  

🌐 Ethernet & Hardware Features

If you prefer wired connections for streaming devices or desktop gaming PCs, the Archer C64 delivers blazing speeds via its 4× Gigabit LAN ports and 1× Gigabit WAN port. Gigabit ports ensure full-speed performance for connected devices and seamless file sharing across the network.

On the hardware front, the router is powered by a robust internal processor (exact details not disclosed by TP-Link), supported by 12V/1A power input. There is no USB port, which might be a downside if you rely on external storage or printer sharing across the network.

🧠 Smart Software Features

One of the key benefits of the Archer C64 is its easy management through the TP-Link Tether App (available on Android and iOS). From the app or via the web UI, you can:

• Monitor network activity

• Configure Quality of Service (QoS) by device

• Control parental settings

• Manage firmware updates (including OTA updates)

• Handle NAT forwarding, including Port Triggering, Port Forwarding, UPnP, and DMZ

• Set up IPv6 and IPv4 dual-stack

The software also supports Dynamic DNS (DDNS) services such as TP-Link, NO-IP, and DynDNS, allowing you to easily connect to your home network from anywhere using a domain name.

🧰 Additional Features for Power Users

• VPN support (client and server functions) for private and encrypted browsing.

• IGMP Proxy, Snooping, Bridge, and Tag VLAN for IPTV support, which is ideal if you’re using fiber TV services.

• WAN Types support includes PPPoE, Static IP, Dynamic IP, PPTP, and L2TP, making it compatible with most ISPs worldwide.

• OTA Firmware Upgrade via TP-Link Cloud services ensures your router is always up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

  
  

🧪 Real-World Use Case Scenarios

1. For the Work-from-Home Professional

With dedicated QoS by Device, you can prioritize your laptop or PC to always get the highest bandwidth during critical Zoom calls or large file uploads. The stable 5 GHz band also ensures low latency and better speed.

2. For Streaming Addicts

Using the 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, users can stream 4K content on multiple devices simultaneously without buffering. The Beamforming tech also ensures better coverage in areas away from the router.

3. For Online Gamers

The low-latency 5 GHz connection combined with wired Gigabit LAN ports provides a lag-free gaming experience. MU-MIMO ensures other devices on the network won’t slow down your ping times.

4. For Families

The Parental Controls and Guest Network functionality make the Archer C64 ideal for homes with children and frequent visitors. Limit access, manage content, and ensure your main network remains secure.

✅ Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Dual-band AC1200 speed ideal for home use

• MU-MIMO and Beamforming improve efficiency and range

• Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections

• Guest Wi-Fi, VPN support, and robust security

• Easy management via Tether App and Web UI

• Budget-friendly price with premium features

• Compact and modern design fits most decor

❌ Cons:

• No USB port for external storage/printer sharing

• Limited advanced customization compared to higher-end routers

• Basic internal hardware details (e.g., processor/RAM) not disclosed

  
  

📦 What's in the Box?

When you unbox the TP-Link Archer C64, you’ll typically find:

• 1× Archer C64 AC1200 Router

• 1× Power Adapter (12V = 1A)

• 1× Ethernet Cable

• 1× Quick Installation Guide

The router comes with a sleek, compact rectangular design, with four fixed antennas for better wireless coverage.

🌱 Environmental Compliance

TP-Link ensures that the Archer C64 complies with CE and RoHS certifications, confirming its commitment to environmental standards. It operates efficiently within 0°C to 40°C temperature and 10%–90% non-condensing humidity.

📌 System Requirements

To manage the router or access the web-based interface, you’ll need a device with:

• Internet Explorer 11+

• Firefox 12.0+

• Chrome 20.0+

• Safari 4.0+

• Or any modern JavaScript-enabled browser

  
  

🛒 Final Verdict: Should You Buy the TP-Link Archer C64?

If you're looking for a value-for-money router with excellent performance, modern security features, and ease of management, the TP-Link Archer C64 is a smart choice for small to mid-sized homes. It competes well with routers in a higher price range by offering Gigabit ports, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and advanced software options—without burning a hole in your pocket.

Whether you're a casual internet user, work-from-home professional, or a digital family, this router handles the load effortlessly. Though it lacks USB connectivity and premium features found in tri-band routers, for its price bracket, it delivers impressive performance.