When comparing TP-LINK Archer C5 vs Asus RT-AC3200, the Slant community recommends Asus RT-AC3200 for most people. In the question“What are the best wireless routers?” Asus RT-AC3200 is ranked 2nd while TP-LINK Archer C5 is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose Asus RT-AC3200 is:
The RT-AC3200 is theoretically capable of 3.2 Gbps throughput over its three bands. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet the RT-AC3200 averages around 510 Mbps. At a distance of 100 feet it averages around 290 Mbps.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Good performance
This dual-band router has a combined throughput of up to 1.2 Gbps over its both bands. Realistically, its average throughput at short distance is 315 Mbps. So you’ll have enough throughput to stream HD movies, as well as play online games and browse websites without any problems.
Pro Four Gigabit Ethernet ports for faster network
With one Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, you can connect up to four devices with Ethernet cables for the fastest network speed possible.
Pro Two USB 2.0 ports for file sharing and storage
The two USB 2.0 ports makes it easier for you to share printers, files, and media with other devices trough your home network or via the ftp server while away from home.
Pro Intuitive mobile interface via its Tether app
Pro Great performance
The RT-AC3200 is theoretically capable of 3.2 Gbps throughput over its three bands. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet the RT-AC3200 averages around 510 Mbps. At a distance of 100 feet it averages around 290 Mbps.
Pro Uses security software for safer browsing
The RT-AC3200 uses state-of-the-art built-in security software called AiProtection. It detects infected devices and prevents any information getting stolen from those devices. It also blocks malicious websites and provides constant security check-ups.
Pro Great for an office space
You can create up to nine simultaneous guest WiFi networks so visitors of your office can browse the internet without being able to access your files and printers.
Pro Two simultaneous internet service provider connections for redundancy and load-balancing
You can turn one of routers LAN ports into a second WAN port and have two separate internet service provider connections. You can use the second connection for redundancy, or if you’re using up all of bandwidth, it can be divided between both connections.
Pro Can be used as cloud storage
You can connect a flash drive or a hard disk drive to this router and access its files from your phone using Asus AiCloud app or via web browser.
Cons
Con Expensive
At $220 the RT-AC3200 is an expensive router. Unless you have a lot of devices performing demanding tasks, this router might be overkill.
Con There’s no app for remote management
The only way to access router settings and customization features is through a web browser. When compared to other routers in this price range you would get an app for easier network management.
Con Hard to configure for most people
Even though it's one of the most customizable routers on the market, or maybe because of this fact, it's also quite hard to configure even for normal use.