TP Link vs. D Link- Choosing the best Wi-Fi router system

Beyond broad Wi-Fi coverage, there are many features that stand out for a specific router. This article analyzes TP-Link and D-Link to find which of the two is best suited to meet all your connectivity requirements.

TP Link and D Link are two formidable products in the Wi-Fi router market. They are both high performance and developed with latest technology. TP-Link for example, recently revved up to Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) which is recent in the market. It is also able to keep up with 4K streaming on smart devices and other intensive tasks as well. D-Link on the other hand is lauded for its stable connection over expansive areas as well.

This guide is then carefully tailored to help you choose between these two. It does a comparison overview as well as their key features. Narrowing down to your best pick ultimately depends on your needs and budget as well.

What are the differences between TP-Link and D-Link?

TP Link vs. D Link- How do they compare?

Over the years, TP-Link has released many quality products in its brand. One example is TP-Link X90 which easily leads the bandwagon. It boasts of collective speeds of more than 6,000 Mbps (574+1201+4804) on its tri-band frequencies. N450 is also another quality product that comes at a reasonably priced.

For D Link, it has also released well-rated devices. Some include DL 3900 and AC1200. DL 3900 offers simultaneous dual band frequency with wide coverage of up to 6,000 square feet. AC1200 on the other hand is reputable and well-reviewed.

This guide has narrowed down to two products of each; TP Link AC1750 and D Link AC1200.

Speeds

TP-Link is a fast speed router that makes no compromise to its signal strength and reliability. For instance, the TP-Link AC1750 supports speeds of up to 1750Mbps. The first 2.4GHz frequency can deliver up to 450Mbps and the second 5GHz band up to 1300Mbps. This ensures minimal lag times and buffering even for resource intensive tasks like 4K streaming and online gaming of the latest games.

D-Link on the other hand, has fast HD/3D speeds. It being a dual band, the 2.4GHz band can support speeds of up to 500Mbps and the 5GHz band 867Mbps giving total speeds of up to 1,367Mbps. This is enough to ensure simultaneous Wi-Fi streaming for multiple connected devices at the same time. AC1200, for example, is able to easily handle one user streaming HD media while another is surfing the web.

Performance in speed tests

When put to the practical test, TP Link AC1750 has the throughput speed of 92.6Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 500Mbps on the 5GHz band. This is when tested at close proximity. For the D Link AC1200, it can deliver on its theoretical speed of 300Mbps.

Coverage

TP-Link and more specifically, Archer A7 (AC1750) offers exceptional coverage. With just three high gain antennas, this router offers coverage of up to 2,500 square feet. Depending on the size of your home, this router is able to offer a stable connection on all floors from the attic to basement. The added amplifiers also ensure that each connected device no matter how far it is from the router, receives connection. Practically, TP-Link can send Wi-Fi signals from your backyard all the way to your living room.

D-Link is also lauded for its wide coverage. Its manufacturers broadly state that the routers can comfortably provide coverage for medium-large houses. It is also able to do this with minimal signal degradation and lags because of its MU-MIMO technology.

Additional accessories

For TP-Link, it makes many processes easier through the Tether app. For example, you can remotely manage your Wi-Fi network easily on your smartphone or tablet. The app also makes the installation and set-up process easy. They also offer parental control features and guest access options. Through the TP-Link app, you can monitor your children’s activities as well as set online time limits. This comes in handy in case you want your family to enjoy mealtimes without internet interruptions. You can easily pause and restart the Wi-Fi to your preferences.

To add, TP-Link comes with a 2 year warranty. Its warranty particulars are often considered the leading ones in the industry. You also get 24/7 technical support in case of any mishaps. This customer care is at no cost to you, unlike with other Wi-Fi router companies that charge a fee for technical assistance.

For D-Link, it also comes with the D-Link app that offers you a wide range of customization settings. Using the app, you can also easily check in remotely for cloud management and do the entire installation process. D-Link also has parental control options. For example, you can block certain unwanted content as well as schedule breaks for the router. This allows you to rein in your children and protect them as well from age-inappropriate content in the internet.

Capacity

TP-Links are also well-known for its high capacity. The Archer A7, for instance, can comfortably handle more than 50 devices connected on its Wi-Fi system. This is made possible by its powerful quad-core processor that is able to keep up with resource intense tasks. Not only does it keep up, but the TP-Link utilizes its hardware and software features to ensure high speeds no matter the number of devices connected. It is also able to handle the demands of all the devices because of bandwidth prioritization and other advanced technology that enhances the solid hardware.

D-Link on the other hand is also well-able to handle many requirements. Its 1367Mbps speed is fast enough and is complimented by the Ethernet ports that ensure stable Wi-Fi performance on wired devices as well. You can therefore connect your smart TV’s, consoles and other network storage devices without unnecessary lags.

Security

To keep your system and connected users safe, these routers have their own measures. For TP-Link devices, secure connection is a priority. You can be assured your entire family is safe with the advanced WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption standards.

For D-Link, it is easy to secure your router through the app. For instance, you can create a guest network to give internet access to visitors specifically. This in turn protects you from many cyber threats in the long run.

Alexa and IFTTT Compatibility

Another trademark feature of modern Wi-Fi routers is their compatibility to Alexa and IFTTT. With the simple setting up through the app, you can turn on the router using Alexa voice control. On the flipside, you can use IFTTT to prompt your router to act every time a device connects or disconnects from your network. This is how it works with TP-Link and D-Link devices as well.

TP Link vs D Link – Overview and Key features

TP Link

TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control, QoS

• OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
• Router for wireless internet, works with Alexa, compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, 802.11ac and older

Check Price

TP-Link has been in the tech industry for quite some time. It is also well-rated in the market. In fact, it won the JD Power Award in 2017 and 2019 for ranking highest in customer satisfaction.

To showcase the stellar features of this router brand, this article has narrowed down to TP-Link AC1750 as it broadly shares features of all other TP-Link models. First, it is a dual-band router that is able to deliver on fast speeds for minimal lag times and buffering. Specifically, it upgrades to a combined speed of 1750Mbps with (450Mbps for the 2.4GHz band + 1300Mbps for the 5GHz band). Secondly, for wider coverage and longer range, TP-Link is fitted with 4 Gigabit LAN ports and 3 external antennas.

To add, TP Link AC1750 makes the cut because it works with Alexa. You can therefore remotely manage your Wi-Fi router. It is also compatible with all Wi-Fi devices with any network standard from 802.11ac to older. Because of this fast network protocol and the already stated 4 Gigabit LAN ports and high speed bands , TP-Link is even more suited as a gaming router. It is able to keep up with online playing of ultra-HD games as well.

Finally, weighing 0.65lbs and measuring 6 x 8.9 x 7.25 inches, TP-Link is compact-sized enough to be placed in any room without being too imposing.

However, one shortcoming with TP-Link is that it does not include Zigbee in its system. This can be a let-down if you are all out for a smart hub in your home.

Pros

• Supports many connected devices with minimal interruptions
• Fast enough for 4K streaming and seamless online gaming
• Easy set-up through the app
• Highly compatible with new and existing Wi-Fi devices

Cons

• Lacks Zigbee technology

View Price on Amazon

D-Link AC1200

D-Link WiFi Router AC1200 Smart Dual Band Gigabit MU-MIMO Wide Coverage Easy Setup Parental Controls (DIR-842), Black (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

• Simultaneous dual band Wi-Fi: Browse the web on one band while streaming media on the other
• High gain antennas: 4 high powered antennas and amplifiers provide wider coverage throughout your home

Check Price

For ease, this guide has also narrowed down to D-Link AC1200 as one of the well-rated D-Link devices. It also has premium quality features that are shared with all D-Link products. For instance, they come in a sleek, all black design. They are also minimalistic and small-enough to fit in anywhere.

Secondly, it supports DIR-842 which enhances the Wi-Fi coverage you experience with this router. With strategic positioning of this unit, you can experience strong signals throughout your room. Another feature that enhances its coverage is the high gain antennas it is fitted with. With these 4 high-gain antennas, D-Link AC1200 is guaranteed to offer wide coverage that is reliable and fast as well. It also has 4 LAN Ethernet ports and 1 WAN Ethernet port. Together, they deliver fast speeds for wired devices.

Thirdly, D-Link AC1200 is designed with the Intuitive User Interface which gives you advanced control. For example, you can easily manage your network remotely.

This router is also dual-band. While tri-band is the most recent frequency band, AC1200 is able to keep up with the stable yet fast speeds that come with tri-bands in the market. More specifically, the first 2.4GHz band delivers speeds of 300Mbps and the second 5GHz band 867Mbps. Together, you get to enjoy speeds of more than 1100Mbps that come in handy for HD streaming of movies and online gaming.

The already stated DIR-842 also ensures fast file transfer, video chatting and reliable Wi-Fi coverage.

View Price on Amazon

Conclusion

This article has analyzed TP-Link and D-Link which have longstanding names in the market. For TP-Link, it has fast speeds (both short and long range) as well as wide coverage. They also have additional accessories like smart parental controls and cyber-security features. D-Link on the other hand, has high gain antennas for wide coverage as well as Ethernet ports for wired devices as well. The DIR-842 technology specifically enhances the Wi-Fi coverage of these routers.

Ultimately, another feature that stands out in these routers is their price tag. They are both reasonably priced but if you are on a budget, you might need to narrow down according to your pocket.

Verdict: So, which between TP-Link and D-Link is better?

While TP-Link and D-Link are very popular and well-rated brands in the Wi-Fi router market, settling on one can be quite easy. TP-Link wins out because of a number of reasons. First, it offers fast speeds and wide coverage that is stable and reliable. To add on to all that, TP-Link is also sold at an affordable. This is quite perfect mix of high performance while still being sold at a reasonable price. TP-Link also sails through for its minimalistic yet stylish design that makes these routers a good fit for all kinds of homes.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do a high number of antennas like that in D-Link highly matter in signal strength?

Not necessarily. Beyond having high-gain antennas there are also other factors that determine the strength of a signal. Other internal settings also weigh in.

2. How does intelligent QoS work in these routers?

Quality of Service (QoS) refers to a router tracking the network traffic to know which application deserves the highest priority.