The Internet has become globally universal, with a record number of Internet users logging online every single day. Everyone needs the Internet today, from homes to businesses. Many people require however not just an Internet connection for their daily work; they also require an internet connection for mobile usage.
So, in today’s world where rapid internet connections are essential, a good router is a must-have. When you fail to choose a good router, your connections may be patchy or limited.
As it stands, the average speed for internet connections has also increased drastically when a comparison is made to just a few years ago. So, it’s even more important than it was before to have an updated router that is compatible, and that will make the very most of your Internet connection.
There are dozens of different types of router available on the markets today. Most people don’t even bother to look at the technical specifications, seeing it as little more than unimportant jargon.
You may already be aware of the fact that “Archer” routers manufactured by TP Link are amongst the best when it comes to providing a fast and stable internet connection. If you were already aware of this fact, you may also be aware of the 3 major models in the Archer series, the C7, C8, and C9. But, it can be somewhat of a challenge to try and work out which of these three models you should purchase for your office or home. So, we are here to help.
TP Link are well-established and well-known for their wireless routers, and for their Archer C7, C8, and C9 models. When compared to other leading brands such as Netgear, Linksys, and Asus, TP link routers tend to be available at a more economical price. The vast majority of routers made by TP link support cable, DLS, and fiber broadband, ensuring that they work equally well with all the different service providers.
Router | Wi-Fi Speed | CPU Processor | USB Ports | Rating | Price | |
 | Archer C7 | Up to 1750Mbps | Single-Core | 2x USB 2.0 | ||
 | Archer C8 | Up to 1750Mbps | 800MHz Dual-Core | 1x USB 3.0 + 1x USB 2.0 | ||
 | Archer C9 | Up to 1900Mbps | 1GHz Dual-Core | 1x USB 3.0 + 1x USB 2.0 |
TP Link Archer C7 vs C8 vs C9: Shared Features
Bands
All three of the routers from TP Link transmit signals simultaneously on dual bands of 2 GHz and 5GHz each. This technology ensures that your internet connection will be constant, even in the event of there being massive traffic in one of the bands.
Gigabit Ports
All three of the TP link routers boast Gigabit ports, these enabling the connection of wire devices to your network such as TVs.
Guest Network Access
Once again, all three of these TP routers have, as standard, Guest Network Access. This can be used in order to limit the access of your network by your guests, therefore enhancing your own security levels.
Parental Controls
All three routers have parental controls, thus ensuring that it is possible to block some users, such as children, from being able to view. When parental controls are used, undesired information will not reach your specified network users.
TP Link Archer C7 vs C8 vs C9: The Differences
Design
The Archer C9 boasts blue indicator lights and a white overall design. Its inbuilt foot stands make it perfect for use on any type of flat surface such as tables. It should be noted however, that due to the foot stand, the C9 router cannot be wall-mounted.
The C7 version of the router is entirely black, with green indicators, and doesn’t have a foot stand. The C8, like the C9 is white with blue indicator lights. It also boasts 3 external antennas, and like the C7 it has a foot stand that means that wall-mounting the router is not an option.
Speed (Performance)
The Archer C7 and C8 have similar bandwidths of 1750Mbps. However, the bandwidth on the 2.4 GHz frequency is higher on the Archer C9 than it is on the C7 and C8. Therefore, when used with devices that depend on 2.4 GHz, the Archer 9 provides the fastest speed and connection.
Beamforming
The Archer C7, unlike the C8 and the C9, doesn’t support beamforming+ technology. This technology aids the tracing of wireless devices for faster and stronger connections.
USB Ports
Both the Archer C8 and C9 have one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 port. The Archer C7 router on the other hand has a double 2.0 USB port and doesn’t have a 3.0 USB port.
Antennas
All three models of routers from TP Link have 3 external antennas that can be removed and adjusted with ease. The C7 however also boasts 3 internal antennas in addition to the 3 external ones.
TP LINK Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless, Dual Band, Gigabit Router
This router is a popular choice, and can be found in the lower end of the price bracket for wireless routers. In fact, it is widely regarded as a favourite, as it offers you an abundance of features, all for a low cost. The C7 offers Guest Network Access, ensuring privacy for your office or home, and increased control over bandwidth for all your connected devices. The C7 is also a popular router, as its setup procedure is simple and therefore suited to anyone.
Performance of the Archer C7
The Archer C7 offers a theoretical speed of 1750 Mbps on both 5 GHZ and 2.4 GHZ bands, this router living up to the expectations of the user. Reviews show that the router delivers a strong signal throughout, and there are no reports of dropped connection. The C7 delivers a data stream that is strong and stable, to all types of devices. The C7 also boasts some great management options, although these have been reviewed as not being particularly user-friendly.
Best Use for the Archer C7
The TP Archer C7 is best suited to home use where internet use is lighter than in businesses, the router sometimes struggling when multiple devices are connected at one time. The router has IPV6 support and parental controls, but it is not ideal for streaming on multiple devices simultaneously.
Pros of the TP Link Archer 7
- Very affordable
- Guest network access available
- External hard drivers, printers, and other devices can be connected via the dual USB ports
- Bandwidth of individual devices can be controlled with this router using IP-based Bandwidth control
- For the price, its 5GHz performance is almost unbeatable
- Easy to install
- Wide variety of management settings
Cons of the TP Link Archer C7 Router
- The C7 doesn’t have a USB 3.0 port
- Limited power (720 MHz) due to its single core CPU
- Multiple users are unable to stream simultaneously.
- Data transfer speeds are only average.
- The C7 became obsolete once the C9 was introduced
TP Link AC1750 C8 Wi-Fi Gigabit Router
C8 shows marked differences from the C7, this next generation router showing just how much things have progressed. It’s a great price for what it offers, and is one of the lower priced 802.11ac routers devices on the market. The C8 boasts 3 removable antennas, beamforming support, a dual core 800MHz CPU, and four port gigabit switch.
Performance of the Archer C8
On its dual band network, the Archer C8 offers potential, theoretical speeds of 1.75 Gbps. The Archer C8 is ideal for fast and smooth streaming, even though interference problems with neighbours have been noted in more than a few reviews. Generally speaking the router is high-performing, and connecting multiple devices that will run simultaneously is very simple. When compared to the C7, the C8 is far easier to configure, and signal strength in basements and other hard-to-reach areas of properties is far improved.
Best Use for the Archer C8
Signal strength is enhanced thanks to the beamforming technology of this routing. This allows users to game and watch videos on Netflix without any interruption problems. Even when all family members are connected with their devices, the C8 will hold its own, providing smooth and uninterrupted internet access.
Pros of the Archer C8 from TP Link
- Dual Core CPU with a powerful 800 MHz
- 1 USB 2.0 port and 1 USB 3.0 port
- Beamforming+ tech
- Parental control and guest network options
- For this price, the Archer C8 offers great 5 GHz performance
- Newer, slicker design than the antiquated C7
- 1.75 Gbps transfer speeds (theoretical max)
Cons of the Archer C8 Router from TP Link
- Slower internet Wi-Fi speeds than routers from other major competitors in the same price bracket
- Parental control is not easy to manage
Archer C9 Ac1900 TP Link Wireless Wi-Fi Router
The Archer C9 finds itself ranked up with the very best AC1900 routers, this model from TP Link also being significantly cheaper than many of its competitors. Affordably priced, this model is certainly not short of features. It boasts USB support that can be used for Drive sharing, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and theoretical speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. The design of the C9 is elegant and sleek, and it is definitely worth not just a second but a third look.
Performance of the Archer C9
The performance of the Archer C9 from TP link is rather impressive, and speeds are far more impressive than with older models. Although maximum speeds are always only theoretical, on average, you should be able to easily attain a speed of 430 Mbps on the routers 5 GHz band. The 5GHz network of the C9 works flawlessly and impressively, and wired performance, according to many reviews, is also much superior to that of far pricier models from other manufacturers.
Best Uses for the Archer C9
If you are looking for a router for household users where family members are likely to be gaming and streaming at the same time, the TP link Archer C9 is an affordable and excellent option. The router will allow for streaming of videos and whole day games without any interruptions in connections or problems with speed. The C9 really is built to deliver, and what’s more, it really is affordable.
Pros of the Archer C9
- Excellent, competitive price
- Installation process is straightforward and easy
- Design is elegant
- Theoretical Wi-Fi speed of up to 1900 Mbps
- Dual core CPU of 1 GHz
- 1 USB 2.0 and 1 USB 3.0 port
- Parent control and guest network capability
- Navigation is easy through the iOS app and software
Cons of the TP Link Archer C9
- Storage performance is average
- C9 only offers a standing option
- No virtual private network server
Should You Invest in the Archer C9 from TP Link as Opposed to the C7 or C8?
The honest answer to this question is yes. The C9 is far superior to the previous C7 and C8 models. The bandwidth is larger with the CP which is important if you are running several devices that use the 2.4 frequency. As it is the newest model available in the Archer series, it has added extra features, stronger signal strengths, and is easily capable of covering your entire office or home.
The price difference between the 3 different routers is minimal, and for this reason, the C9 really put the C7 and C8 to shame, especially when comparing speeds. Of the three routers, the C9 is the only one capable of streaming with 4K HD. This feature is essential for online gamers or other users that need to stream videos at high speed without lagging or interruption.
When comparing the C7 and C8 models, it is quite apparent as to why the C7 is now virtually obsolete. The C7 has seriously limited capabilities such as only being able to allow one device to stream at any one time, and its low-powered single core processor. So, that leaves the C8 and the C9 for comparison, the C9 winning hands down. Although the C8 has some great features and works well, it still lacks the HD video streaming feature found with the C9.
The simple answer really is to stick with the C9. It is still really competitively priced, but wins hands-down on performance.