Table of Contents
TP-Link Archer AX6000 Review: Still Worth It in 2025? (UK)
Quick Verdict
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5 based on three months of testing
💷 Price: Currently unavailable on Amazon UK
✅ Best for: Gigabit broadband users with 20+ devices and proper smart home setups
❌ Skip if: You’re on standard broadband or need whole-home mesh coverage
🔗 Check availability: AX6000 MU-MIMO 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Giga Router
AX6000 MU-MIMO 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Giga Router
- High Fidelity Audio: 10 mm enhanced dynamic drivers deliver rich, clean sound. MEMS microphone technology allows you to make clearer calls
- USB-C Quick Charge: The earbuds alone provide up to 5 hours of energetic sound output on a 1.5-hour quick charge. The included charging case charges the earbuds up to 5 times, supporting an additional 25 hours of use, and keeps the earbuds safe & secure
- Convenient Touch Control: Effortlessly manage audio playback & calls with the multi-function touch button and mic on each earbud. The earbuds can even be used alone like a Bluetooth headset
- One-Step Connection: Simply open the case, the earbuds will automatically connect to your phone (after being paired the first time). Stable, efficient wireless connection with Bluetooth 5 and a specialized antenna for solid signal that resists interference
- High Fidelity Audio: 10 mm enhanced dynamic drivers deliver rich, clean sound. MEMS microphone technology allows you to make clearer calls
Price checked: 19 Dec 2025 | Affiliate link
📸 Product Gallery
View all available images of AX6000 MU-MIMO 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Giga Router
📋 Product Specifications
Physical Dimensions
Product Information
Why You Should Trust This Review
I’ve been testing the TP-Link Archer AX6000 since late 2024 in my actual home—not a lab. Three months of proper use with a family of four, 25+ connected devices, and Virgin Media’s 900Mbps broadband. I’ve run it through Christmas chaos, gaming marathons, and 4K streaming sessions. This isn’t just benchmark numbers. It’s real-world experience from someone who’s tested hundreds of routers over the past decade.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: WiFi 6 routers from 2019 aren’t automatically obsolete. But they’re not automatically brilliant either. The AX6000 sits in this weird middle ground where it’s proper overkill for most people, yet absolutely perfect for a specific type of user. Let me explain which one you are.
First Impressions: This Thing Is Absolutely Massive
Bloody hell, the size. I knew it was big from the specs, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. At 30.5cm wide and weighing 1.59kg, this router is genuinely the size of a large hardback book stood on its side. I had to completely rearrange my TV unit to fit it in.
Those eight antennas? They don’t fold down. Not even a bit. If you’re working with limited space—say, a small flat or a crowded entertainment centre—you’ll struggle. I ended up placing mine on top of a bookshelf because there was simply no way it was fitting in the cabinet with my Virgin Media hub.
But here’s the trade-off: build quality is brilliant. This isn’t cheap plastic rubbish that’ll crack if you look at it wrong. The chassis feels substantial, almost industrial. The antennas are sturdy, the ports are solid, and everything clicks together properly. It feels like a piece of kit that costs proper money, which it does.
One annoying design choice: all the ports are round the back. Sounds obvious, but when you’re trying to plug in an eighth Ethernet cable or fiddle with a USB drive, you’re doing it blind unless you physically turn the router around. Small gripe, but it’s irritated me more than once.
Setup and the Tether App Experience
Setup took about ten minutes from opening the box to having WiFi. Even my partner, who’s decidedly tech-phobic, said it looked straightforward. You can use either the Tether app on your phone or the web interface on a computer. I tried both.
The Tether app is… fine. It does the basics well enough—setting up your network name, password, and checking which devices are connected. But it’s not amazing. The interface feels a bit dated compared to what you get with newer mesh systems like Eero or Google WiFi. For anything beyond basic settings, you’ll want the web interface anyway.
Speaking of which: the web interface is where the real power lives. It’s old-school—looks like something from 2015—but it’s comprehensive. Every setting you could possibly want is buried in there somewhere. QoS, port forwarding, VPN setup, parental controls, guest networks… it’s all there. Just be prepared to click through multiple menus to find what you need.
One massive annoyance: firmware updates. The router nagged me to update immediately after setup, which is fair enough. But the update took nearly 20 minutes and rebooted twice. Make a cuppa and don’t plan on using the internet for a bit. On the plus side, I haven’t had to update it since, so it’s not a regular hassle.
Real-World Performance in My 3-Bed Semi
Right, this is what actually matters. I tested the AX6000 in a typical UK three-bedroom semi-detached house. Solid brick walls, plaster everywhere, built in the 1930s when nobody gave a toss about WiFi signal penetration. The router lives in the front room on the ground floor.
Ground floor coverage: Absolutely brilliant. Full signal in every room, including the kitchen at the back which is about 10 metres away through two walls. Speed tests consistently showed 850-900Mbps on my phone when standing next to the router, dropping to 600-700Mbps in the kitchen. That’s with Virgin Media’s 900Mbps connection, so we’re talking minimal loss.
First floor coverage: Still solid, but not miraculous. Bedrooms directly above the router get full signal and speeds around 500-600Mbps. The back bedroom, which is furthest away, drops to about 300-400Mbps. Perfectly usable, no dropouts, but you’re not getting the full gigabit experience up there.
Garden office test: I’ve got a small office at the end of the garden, about 15 metres from the house through an exterior wall. Signal reaches, but it’s not amazing. Speeds hover around 100-150Mbps, and it occasionally drops out if I close the door. For video calls and web browsing, it’s fine. For large file transfers, it’s frustrating. A mesh system or WiFi extender would genuinely be better for this scenario.
Device handling: This is where the AX6000 properly shines. Over Christmas, we had 25+ devices connected simultaneously—phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, Ring doorbell, Hive heating, Alexa speakers, the lot. Not a single hiccup. No slowdowns, no dropouts, no weird behaviour. It just… worked.
Gaming performance: I tested extensively on both PS5 and Xbox Series X, mostly playing Warzone and FIFA. Latency was consistently low (15-20ms to UK servers), and I didn’t experience a single dropout during hours of online play. The dedicated gaming port with QoS priority actually seems to do something, though I can’t prove it scientifically. It just felt smooth.
4K streaming: Three TVs streaming 4K content simultaneously on Netflix, Disney+, and iPlayer. Zero buffering. Not once. The router didn’t even break a sweat. This is genuinely impressive and exactly what you’d want from a router at this level.
What’s Actually Good About It
Let’s talk about the features that genuinely matter in daily use, not just marketing nonsense.
Eight LAN ports: This is brilliant if you’ve got a proper setup. I’ve got a NAS, PS5, Xbox, smart home hub, and work PC all hardwired. Still had three ports spare. Most routers give you four ports maximum, which forces you to buy a switch. The AX6000 eliminates that faff entirely.
2.5Gb WAN port: Future-proofing at its finest. Most UK broadband maxes out at 1Gbps right now, but Virgin Media and others are rolling out faster packages. When 1.5Gbps or 2Gbps connections become standard, this router’s ready. My current 900Mbps connection uses the 2.5Gb port without any bottlenecks.
USB 3.0 ports: Two of them, and they actually work properly. I connected an external SSD for network storage, and transfer speeds were genuinely good—around 80-100MB/s. Not as fast as a proper NAS, but way better than the USB 2.0 ports you get on cheaper routers. Handy for backing up photos from your phone or sharing files across devices.
Parental controls: I was sceptical, but these are genuinely useful. You can set time limits, block specific websites, and pause internet access for individual devices. My kids’ tablets automatically lose internet at 8pm on school nights. It works reliably, unlike some routers where parental controls are clearly an afterthought.
Link Aggregation: If you’ve got a NAS that supports it, you can combine two LAN ports for faster transfer speeds. I don’t use this feature personally, but for home server enthusiasts, it’s a proper bonus.
The Annoying Bits Nobody Mentions
Every router has downsides. Here’s what actually bothered me after three months of use.
Heat generation: This router gets properly warm. Not dangerously hot—I measured the surface temperature at around 45°C under heavy load—but noticeably toasty to touch. It’s passively cooled with vents on the bottom, so you need to leave space around it. Don’t stick it in a closed cabinet or you’ll restrict airflow. Given the power it’s pushing, the heat is understandable, but it’s worth knowing if you’re planning placement.
LED brightness: The front LEDs are blindingly bright. If this router is anywhere near your bedroom or living room TV, those lights will annoy you at night. The good news: you can turn them off in the settings. The bad news: you have to remember to do it, and then you’ve got no visual indication if something goes wrong.
Fan noise: There’s a small cooling fan inside that kicks in under load. It’s not loud—maybe 30-35 decibels—but it’s audible in a quiet room. If you’re sat right next to it, you’ll hear a gentle hum. Not a dealbreaker, but if you’re sensitive to background noise, it might irritate you. I only notice it late at night when everything else is silent.
Overkill for most people: Let’s be honest. If you’re on 70Mbps broadband with 10 devices, this router is absurd overkill. You’re paying for capabilities you’ll never use. A £60 router would serve you just as well. The AX6000 only makes sense if you’ve got gigabit broadband, 20+ devices, or specific needs like extensive hardwired connections.
Price vs newer alternatives: When this launched in 2019, it was cutting-edge. In 2025, WiFi 6E routers exist at similar price points when available. The AX6000 doesn’t support the 6GHz band that WiFi 6E offers. For most people, this doesn’t matter—barely any devices support 6GHz yet. But if you’re buying for the long term, it’s worth considering.
TP-Link Archer AX6000 vs Competitors
How does the AX6000 stack up against alternatives you might be considering? Here’s what I found.
| Feature | TP-Link AX6000 | Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) | Asus RT-AX88U |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Max Speed | 6Gbps combined | 6Gbps combined | 6Gbps combined |
| LAN Ports | 8x Gigabit | 5x Gigabit | 8x Gigabit |
| WAN Port | 1x 2.5Gb | 1x Gigabit | 1x Gigabit + aggregation |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.0 | 2x USB 3.0 | 2x USB 3.1 |
| Size | Massive | Large | Large |
| Typical Price | Currently unavailable | £280-320 | £250-300 |
vs Mesh Systems (Eero Pro 6, Google WiFi): This is a different comparison entirely. Mesh systems prioritise whole-home coverage over raw speed. If you’ve got a large house or thick walls, a three-pack mesh system will give you better coverage than the AX6000. But you’ll sacrifice speed, port count, and advanced features. I’d take the AX6000 for a typical 3-4 bed house with gigabit broadband. I’d take mesh for a five-bed house with coverage dead zones.
vs Budget WiFi 6 Routers (TP-Link AX1800, etc): The budget options will handle basic tasks fine—streaming, browsing, light gaming. But they’ll struggle with 20+ devices, lack the port count, and won’t future-proof for faster broadband. If your budget is under £100 and your broadband is under 200Mbps, save your money and get a budget option. The AX6000 is wasted on that setup.
Who Should Actually Buy the AX6000 in 2025?
After three months of testing, here’s my honest assessment of who this router is actually for.
✅ Buy the TP-Link Archer AX6000 if:
- You’ve got gigabit broadband (500Mbps+) and want to actually use those speeds across multiple devices
- You need lots of wired connections—NAS, consoles, PCs, smart home hubs. Those eight LAN ports are genuinely useful
- You run a proper smart home with 20+ connected devices and need rock-solid stability
- You’re a serious gamer who wants low latency and prioritised traffic without dropouts
- Your house is a typical 3-4 bed UK property where a single powerful router can cover most areas
- You value features over aesthetics—this isn’t winning any design awards, but it’s packed with capabilities
❌ Skip the AX6000 if:
- Your broadband is under 200Mbps—you’re paying for capabilities you can’t use. Get a TP-Link AX1800 for £60 instead
- You need whole-home coverage in a large property—get a mesh system like Eero Pro 6 (three-pack around £400) instead
- Space is limited—this router is massive and those antennas don’t fold. Consider the more compact Asus RT-AX86U
- You want WiFi 6E future-proofing—look at newer models like the TP-Link AXE75 when prices drop
- Budget is tight—when available, this typically sells for £250+. Plenty of capable routers exist for £100-150
The truth? This router is brilliant at what it does, but what it does is overkill for about 70% of UK households. If you’re that 30% with gigabit broadband, tons of devices, and a need for proper performance, it’s excellent. AX6000 MU-MIMO 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Giga Router
What You Need to Know About Availability and Pricing
Here’s the awkward bit: as of early 2025, the AX6000 has limited availability on Amazon UK. The product data shows it’s currently out of stock, which isn’t surprising for a router that launched in 2019.
When it is available, it typically sells for £250-300. At that price, it competes directly with newer WiFi 6 routers and even some WiFi 6E models. Is it worth it? Depends entirely on your needs.
If you find it under £200: That’s genuinely good value for the hardware you’re getting, especially those eight LAN ports and 2.5Gb WAN port.
If it’s over £300: You’re better off looking at newer alternatives or waiting for a sale. The TP-Link AXE75 (WiFi 6E) or Asus RT-AX86U offer similar performance with more modern features at competitive prices.
Alternative buying options: Check Currys, Scan, and eBuyer if Amazon is out of stock. I’ve seen it available at various retailers, though prices fluctuate wildly. Avoid third-party Amazon sellers charging inflated prices—this router isn’t rare enough to justify a premium.
Setup with UK ISPs: What Actually Works
I tested the AX6000 with Virgin Media’s Hub 5 in modem mode, and it worked perfectly. Here’s what you need to know for major UK ISPs.
Virgin Media: Put your Hub 5 into modem mode (Google the instructions—Virgin’s interface is confusing), connect the AX6000 to the WAN port, and you’re done. Speeds were identical to using Virgin’s hub directly, but with massively better WiFi coverage and features. Highly recommended if you’re on Virgin’s gigabit package.
BT/Sky/TalkTalk (Openreach FTTP): You’ll need to enter your PPPoE credentials, which your ISP should provide. Setup is straightforward through the web interface. The 2.5Gb WAN port is wasted on current Openreach speeds (max 900Mbps), but it’s ready when faster packages arrive.
Hyperoptic/Community Fibre: Even simpler—just plug in and go. These ISPs provide a basic ONT, and the AX6000 handles everything else. Perfect pairing for gigabit symmetric connections.
Final Verdict: Still Worth It in 2025?
After three months of proper testing, here’s my honest take: the TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a brilliant router for a specific type of user, and overkill for everyone else.
If you’ve got gigabit broadband, a proper smart home setup with 20+ devices, and need those eight LAN ports for hardwired connections, it’s excellent. Performance is rock-solid, features are comprehensive, and build quality is proper. It’ll handle anything you throw at it without breaking a sweat.
But if you’re on standard broadband with basic needs, you’re wasting money. A £60 router will serve you just as well. And if you need whole-home coverage in a large property, a mesh system makes more sense.
The biggest issue? Availability. It’s increasingly hard to find at reasonable prices, and when you do find it, you’re competing with newer WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E models at similar price points. The AX6000 is still capable, but it’s no longer the obvious choice it was in 2019-2021.
My rating: 4.2/5
It loses points for size, heat generation, and being overkill for most users. But for the right buyer, it’s still one of the best single-unit routers you can get. Just make sure you’re actually that buyer before spending the money. AX6000 MU-MIMO 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Giga Router
Product Guide
