ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router vs TP-Link Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router
We compare the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router and TP-Link Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router
Scored 9.5/10 in our testing
ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best high-end Wi-Fi 6 router — 8 LAN ports, AX7800, and dual 2.5 Gbps ports for demanding networks
TP-Link Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best mid-range Wi-Fi 6 router — AX5400 with HomeShield security and easy TP-Link Tether app
Score Breakdown
| ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router | Category | TP-Link Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| 9.8/10 ✓ | Performance | 9/10 |
| 9.8/10 ✓ | Features | 9/10 |
| 8.8/10 | Ease of Use | ✓ 9.8/10 |
| 9/10 | Value | ✓ 9.5/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Overall | 9.3/10 |
Specs Comparison
| ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router | Spec | TP-Link Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 6 (AX7800) tri-band | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (AX5400) dual-band |
| Up to 7,800 Mbps combined | Speed | Up to 5,400 Mbps combined |
| 2x 2.5 Gbps ports + 8x Gigabit LAN | Ports | 5x Gigabit ports (1 WAN + 4 LAN), USB 3.0 |
| Quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU | Processor | TP-Link HomeShield with parental controls |
| OFDMA, MU-MIMO, WPA3, VPN server | Features | TP-Link Tether — user-friendly mobile app |
ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router
Pros
- + 8 Gigabit LAN + 2x 2.5 Gbps — most ports in this guide
- + Quad-core processor handles VPN and advanced routing without slowdown
- + AiMesh compatible for whole-home mesh expansion
- + VPN server built-in — OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec
Cons
- − Large physical footprint — requires substantial desk space
- − More complex than most home users need
- − Higher price than RT-AX86U Pro for features most homes won't use
TP-Link Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Pros
- + TP-Link Tether app — simplest setup experience in this guide
- + HomeShield parental controls included free
- + AX5400 handles 20+ device households
- + OFDMA and 4x4 MU-MIMO for efficient multi-device performance
Cons
- − 5 Gbps combined — lower ceiling than ASUS AX86U Pro
- − HomeShield Pro subscription required for advanced security features
- − No 2.5 Gbps ports for multi-gig internet plans
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router comes out on top with an overall score of 9.5/10. The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro is the flagship single-router solution for power users and small offices. Eight Gigabit LAN ports plus two 2.5 Gbps ports — the most physical connectivity of any router in this guide. The tri-band AX7800 configuration dedicates one band for backhaul if used in a network with other ASUS AiMesh nodes. The quad-core processor handles VPN server operations, QoS, and simultaneous connections without slowdown. ASUS's comprehensive router interface gives granular control over every network aspect.
Buy the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro Wi-Fi 6 Router on AmazonRead the full Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2026: Fastest and Most Reliable Tested guide for complete reviews of all 8 products.