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Add to SafariWhen comparing TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) vs Plume WiFi, the Slant community recommends TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) for most people. In the question“What are the best wireless routers?” TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) is ranked 3rd while Plume WiFi is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose TP-LINK Archer C7 (V2) is:
The TP-Link Archer V2 offers great value for the money for most people who are looking to buy a wireless router. It is faster and covers the same area faster than routers that cost twice or three times as much, While it's not the best performant router under all circumstances, the jump in price to get the best router for a certain scenario would not be proportional to the added performance. At short range (around 11 ft) it provides 200Mbps-160Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, etc. While on long range (around 43 ft) it provides 175Mbps-72Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, materials the walls are made, etc.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Best performance for the price for both large and small houses
The TP-Link Archer V2 offers great value for the money for most people who are looking to buy a wireless router. It is faster and covers the same area faster than routers that cost twice or three times as much, While it's not the best performant router under all circumstances, the jump in price to get the best router for a certain scenario would not be proportional to the added performance.
At short range (around 11 ft) it provides 200Mbps-160Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, etc. While on long range (around 43 ft) it provides 175Mbps-72Mbps depending on the line of vision, thickness of walls, materials the walls are made, etc.
Pro Great for appartments with lots of WiFi interference from neightbours
The Archer C7 allows you to access both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands, which has the benefit of improving performance but also makes it easier to escape any interference from any neighbours' WiFi.
Pro Provides a good assortment of basic features
It has four Gigabit ethernet ports, supports USB file sharing and media streaming through two USB 2.0 ports, has parental controls for an increased degree of control, and has support for guest networks.
Pro Good degree of control over the guest network
The Archer C7 allows you to use one guest network per WiFi band. You can choose when these guest networks are activated and you can also configure the maximum amount of bandwidth that guests can use.
Pro Compact design
Plume WiFi system consists of hexagonal pods. Compared to most routers, Plume pods are very tiny and one can easily fit in the palm of a hand. They're just 2.5 inches across and 1.5 inches deep.
Pro Self improving, adaptive network
Plume WiFi uses cloud-based technology to figure out how you’re using the internet. It checks for interference from other devices and what devices are connected to each pod. It uses this information and over time optimizes its network to achieve the best possible performance.
Pro Fits in with a variety of decors
Pods are available in three colors - champagne, silver, and onyx. This gives you the option to match routers with your interior.
Cons
Con Is missing some more advanced features found in other routers
It does not have some advanced features such as Quality of Service controls, iTunes server, jumbo frames or VPN server.
Con Parental controls might be somewhat confusing
For those who are less tech-savvy, setting up parental controls may be tricky, since they use the MAC addresses of the network's computers (both those use by adults and children).
Con Poor range
With six pods, the system can cover a home of 1,800 square feet. Range of a single pod, with clear line of sight, is about 20 to 30 feet. If there are any obstacles, range decreases to about 15 feet. Beyond 15 feet you might lose connectivity.
You’ll need a separate pod for every room and for each pod you'll need a separate outlet. If you have a bigger living room, you might even need two pods.
Con Lacking performance
Plume WiFi is capable of a theoretical combined throughput of 1.2 Gbps. Realistically at a close range of 5 feet and a clear line of sight, the router registers throughput of 230 Mbps. When the distance is increased and there is no clear line of sight, throughput drops to 60 Mbps.
Con Lacks additional features
The Plume Pods lack additional features that are common in other WiFi systems, such as manual bandwidth prioritisation, manually assigning a device to a pod, or measuring the bandwidth usage of Ethernet devices.
