TP-Link Archer GE550 Review – A Niche Gaming Router with Solid Performance

Despite WiFi 7 being the official current standard for wireless networks since 2024, few router manufacturers have adopted the technology on a large scale. The market is dominated by three brands: Asus, Netgear, and TP-Link. Among them, TP-Link stands out for offering full-featured tri-band routers that are actually affordable.

One of the latest is the Archer GE550, a gaming router with a recommended price of $350. So what makes it a gaming router? Well, it features a design that gives off typical PC-gaming vibes, including an RGB LED strip on the front capable of various light effects, which also acts as a status indicator. You’ll definitely score some geek points if that’s your thing—but it’s not as over-the-top as some of the Asus ROG routers.

Most importantly, the router has custom firmware with a gaming mode that provides optimized settings for lag-free online gaming. It’s not revolutionary, and most users won’t notice a major difference, but for those deep into CS:GO or similar games where reaction time is everything, it’s a definite plus.

Otherwise, it’s simply a solid WiFi 7 router—fast, stable, and reliable. During my week-long testing, I didn’t experience any downtime, except for a scheduled reboot after a firmware update one night. The gaming features don’t cause any drawbacks, even if you never use them. And the price isn’t a problem either.

Watch for Sales

At the time of writing, it’s significantly cheaper than its MSRP and can be found for about $240 at several major retailers. This may vary depending on when you read this, but keep an eye out for deals—it has reached that price point occasionally earlier this spring.

If you can’t wait and need to buy it at full price, $350 still isn’t bad considering what you get. It’s a true WiFi 7 tri-band router, with support for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. If you connect through the 6 GHz band, speeds are excellent.

I measured just below gigabit speed using a WiFi 7-compatible laptop, and consistently above 600 Mbps with a smartphone. With MLO enabled and a compatible PC, I reached just over 1,300 Mbps. Not extreme, but speeds remained high even at medium range—like the other end of an apartment or small house—which is impressive considering high-frequency signals typically have shorter range.

Response times are minimal and speed is more than enough for streaming video, downloading large files, internal data transfers, and video meetings—all simultaneously for several users.

High Speed for Fewer Users

Where the Archer GE550 cuts corners compared to other TP-Link routers is total bandwidth. 5.7 Gbps on 6 GHz and 2.9 Gbps on 5 GHz is respectable, but still just about half of what last spring’s Archer BE550 offers for a similar price. The Ethernet ports are also limited: 5 Gbps WAN port, 5 Gbps LAN, and three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports. The faster one is labeled a “Gaming Port” and can be hardware-prioritized for best performance.

Everything is easily managed via the TP-Link Tether app, which also helps with installation and allows remote management through a TP-Link account. Setup is smooth, and most settings are pre-configured—just plug and play.

More Great Features

Including a file server via the USB 3 port on the back. I plugged in a small SSD and immediately had access to a shared SMB volume, ready-made access accounts, and a UPnP server for media streaming. That deserves a gold star.

You can connect additional TP-Link devices in a mesh network. TP-Link uses the EasyMesh standard, so in theory, you could connect other EasyMesh devices—but TP-Link only guarantees compatibility with its own, so no promises.

You also get an advanced guest network that can be configured with a web portal and time limits. You can customize the landing page with your own logo, background, and welcome message. A separate IoT network is also available for low-bandwidth, always-connected smart devices.

Security Behind a Paywall

For extra protection, including enhanced parental controls, DDoS protection, and more, you can subscribe to HomeShield, TP-Link’s security platform. This costs about $44 for the first year and $73 for renewal.

It’s debatable whether it’s worth it, but there’s a bundle deal offering Norton 360 TP-Link Edition for up to five devices for about $48, which is essentially the excellent Norton 360 Deluxe at a slight discount.

However, if your PC is already secured by other means, it’s probably an unnecessary cost. The router’s built-in security is decent without extra fees. And since everything else—from performance and range to usability and features—lives up to expectations, it’s easy to recommend.

The only question is whether to choose this one, or the Archer BE550, which offers nearly identical functionality but with greater bandwidth and faster LAN ports—for roughly the same price.

Specifications

• Product Name: TP-Link Archer GE550
• Tested: May 2025
• Manufacturer: TP-Link
• Wireless Protocol: WiFi 7
• Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz
• WiFi Speeds: 574 + 2882 + 5764 Mbps
• Ports: 5 Gbps WAN, 5 Gbps LAN, 3x 2.5 Gbps LAN, USB-A 3.0
• Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WPS
• File Server/Print Server: Yes/No
• Other Features: Gaming optimization, mesh support, guest network, parental control, QoS, Time Machine support, IoT network, optional security+ (antivirus and enhanced intrusion protection), Google Assistant & Alexa support
• User Interface: Web, App
• Remote Management: Yes, via app
• Size (with antennas): 13 x 19.3 x 23.7 cm
• Price: $350