D-Link DIR-825 AC1200 vs. TP Link Archer C1200 – which AC1200 router should I choose?
While a good router will act as a guarantee of good internet access and ability to do so many things on the internet, not all routers are the best for you. If you do not require one that has hundreds of features or comes at an expensive price, there are budget-friendly options you can pick; like the TP Link Archer C1200 and D-Link DIR-825.
You might not need a router that comes with high-speed features, yet you do not use it daily. We struggled with the question of whether budget routers were worth it; you may have thought of this as well, especially because the consumer minded is ‘more expensive=better’. However, this philosophy does not always apply, as you can spend so much money on an item, only to find you do not use it that much.
Enter the D-Link DIR-825 and TP Link Archer C1200, both budget-friendly routers, and both are AC1200 routers. This means they have potential speeds of up to 1200 Mbps. However, their actual performance does not always match up to the expectation, as we eventually learnt, so the choice you make depends on what you need from your router usage.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the D-Link DIR-825 and TP Link Archer C1200?
D-Link DIR-825 |
TP Link Archer C1200 (Winner) |
|
Dimensions (inches) |
7.6 x 4.6 x 1.2 (smaller and more portable) |
9.6 x 6.4 x 1.3 (much larger) |
Wireless communication standard |
802.11n/g/b/a |
802.11ac |
Ethernet ports |
5 |
1 |
Throughput speeds in close proximity |
70 Mbps (2.4GHz), 108 Mbps (5GHz) |
84 Mbps (2.4GHz), 224 Mbps (5GHz) |
Upload speeds |
50-70 Mbps |
160 Mbps |
Download speeds |
100 Mbps |
200 Mbps |
D-Link DIR-825 vs. TP Link Archer C1200 – How they compare
Design
The size of the DIR-825 is average, neither too big nor too small – it measures 7.6 x 4.6 x 11.2. However, the design is bulky, despite the deceptively small dimensions, and the design is actually outdated compared to the current design that routers have today. Its outer surface has a black band, and has two antennas attached to its back.
In the case of the TP Link AC1200, the design is similar to most routers, with a black enclosure and a series of LED indicators at its front. It runs on a Broadcom 900 MHz processor, with a storage space of 16 MB and RAM of 128 MB. Even though it primarily supports 802.11ac standards of connection, it also has backward compatibility with the 802.11a, n, g, and b.
Unlike the D-Link DIR-825, it has three antennas that are non-detachable, and its bottom has some slots that prove useful when you mount it on walls. Its overall size is not as large as the measurements seem, although it is larger than the DIR-825, measuring 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches.
We pick the TP Link AC1200 because of the modern take on the router design, even though it is bulky – it does a much better job compared to the DIR-825.
Performance
The average of the DIR-825 speeds during testing were 108 Mbps in the 5GHz and 70 Mbps for the 2.4GHz band(both in close proximity). As is the case with most routers, the speed also reduces as you move farther away, and this is due to the low signal strength that the two antennas have. The speed reduction is very drastic, with a 15-foot distance reducing the strength of the 2.4GHz band to only 68 Mbps.
The mixed-mode score is probably the most disappointing aspect here. Note that we only did this test on the 2.4GHz band, as there is no mixed mode for the 5GHz band. The score we got was a paltry 39 Mbps, which is the slowest we have seen in N routers, while the range of coverage is not much, only averaging about 250 feet, while most routers will have a minimum range of 300 feet.
When it comes to the Archer C1200, it is important to note that it is an AC router, so its performance is expected to be higher than the DIR-825, which uses the N-connection standard. When comparing it to other AC1200 routers though, we find that the TP Link Archer C1200 is not the fastest, even though it still performs well.
In close proximity, the 2.4GHz band gives a speed of 84 Mbps, while the 5GHz band has a speed of 224 Mbps. at 30 feet, the speed in the 2.4GHz band reduces to 77 Mbps, while the 5GHz band drops slightly to 219 Mbps.
The AC1200 is the winner here. Even if it is not the fastest AC router we have seen, it still does a fine job in its standard, especially when you compare it to the N-standard that the DIR-825 uses.
Features
The coolest thing we have seen about the DIR-825 is its SharePort function, which we have not seen in most routers. This technology allows you to use network peripherals – like storagedrives and printers – through the USB port of the router. This allows anyone in your house to print using the network connection, although it will only work for one user at a time.You will need to have a separate utility to use the SharePort feature, but the good news is that setup only takes a few minutes, and it works very smoothly.
The TP Link Archer C1200 setup is not difficult, since you do it primarily through the web console. The package includes a start guide, which details the instructions you need when setting up the connection. The Help section has a number of languages, which is helpful to some extent – although it is not as comprehensive as other routers.
Everything else that is here is similar to other routers, and it lacks the SharePort feature – although the USB connectivity is enough to make up for that.Another interesting aspect here is that the C1200 actually delivers the Ethernet connection of 1Gbps, which is what it states in its connection; and that makes it worth consideration.
We choose the AC1200 because of its USB port, as well as the easy setup – both aspects that are missing in the DIR-825.
D-Link DIR-825 vs. TP Link Archer C1200 – A comparison review
D-Link DIR-825 – Overview
- Intelligent QoS technology prioritizes Internet traffic as well as wired and wireless network traffic
- Xtreme N technology allows for farther home coverage
In many respects, the DIR-825 is among the last routers in the market to use the N standard of connectivity, before the 802.11ac became popular. Even if it uses an older standard that has been phased out as time continued, it has simultaneous support for both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies, and offers you a useful USB port to connect storage devices or printers across a network.
Along with these, it also has the quality of service technology, which places high priority on high definition videos and media – in many ways, this helps you reduce your energy bill. The main drawbacks though are the out-of-date design, and the fact that it does not give you the best range the way an AC router does. In fact, its range is even poorer than what you get from other N-routers, including other D-Link units.
Pros
- Good dual band performance
- Little to no buffering in gaming and media streaming
- Includes green power monitoring
- Easy sharing of printers and USB storage drives
Cons
- Bland design
- Does not have the longest range or fastest throughput
TP Link Archer C1200 – Overview
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet(300Mbps for 2.4 Gigahertz + 900Mbps for 5...
- Gigabit Ethernet ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
We consider the Archer C1200 as the option for an entry-level user, making it an appropriate choice for a medium or small apartment and office space. It will also work well for users that do not need as many advanced features, as its setup is simple and takes a short time. We also see it as the natural successor to the TP Link Archer C7, and offer you all the basics you require for a stable internet connection.
It will give you the advantages of wireless networking in modern standards, all at good speeds and quality of connection, and comes at an affordable price.
Pros
- Is quite affordable
- You can mount it on a wall
- The modern hardware will give you quality Wi-Fi
- Its speeds on the 5GHz band are some of the best you will get, especially considering the price range
- Comes with all the basics, including smartphone app for management
Cons
- The design is a magnet for dust and fingerprint smears
- You can only use the smartphone app when you are connected to the Wi-Fi signal the router broadcasts
Verdict: So which is better? The D-Link DIR-825 or TP Link Archer C1200?
It was not a very difficult choice picking between these two, with the TP Link Archer C1200 becoming our winner for this review. This is because of the updates to both its firmware and software, as well as the vast improvements in range compared to the DIR-825 – while still coming at an affordable price.
FAQs
Will I need a computer to set up the TP Link Archer C1200?
No, you can also do the setup process from a smartphone or tablet. In this case, you will use the TP Link Tether app, or opt for the web browser interface.
What dBi gain can I expect from the D-Link DIR-825 antennas?
You can expect an antenna gain of 2dBi from both the 5 and 2.4GHz antennas.
