TP-Link Archer BE550, Tested and Reviewed

Hitting shelves months before Wi-Fi 7 even made its official debut, the TP-Link Archer BE550 was one of the first Wi-Fi 7 routers on the market to create a lot of buzz. Many of us were curious about the newest Wi-Fi standard’s potential for lightning-fast speeds and powerful tri-band connectivity on the homestead. As someone who has reviewed a few TP-Link products, it made me wonder if the Archer BE550 is worth the upgrade, especially for single households. So, I took the Archer BE550 for a spin, breaking down its specs, ease of setup, price, performance and overall value.

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Our TP-Link Archer BE550 Video Review

Don’t feel like reading the review? No worries! Check out our video review of the TP-Link Archer BE550 below:

Walking Through Our TP-Link Archer BE550 Experience

1. TP-Link Archer BE550 Specs
2. TP-Link Archer BE550 at First Glance: Engineered for Tomorrow
3. TP-Link Archer BE550 Installation: Easy Peasy With Minor Hiccups
4. TP-Link Archer BE550 Performance: Beam Me Up Scotty With That Beamforming Tech
5. Our Verdict: Doesn’t Look Like a UFO but Acts Like One

TP-Link Archer BE550 Specs

TP-Link Archer BE550 at First Glance: Engineered for Tomorrow

When I first unboxed the Archer BE550, I was surprised by its sleek design. It shares the same aesthetic as its more powerful siblings, the Archer BE800 and BE900, but with one notable difference: It’s smaller. While it’s larger than the Google Nest Wifi Pro, its vertical build (think miniature Isengard, for my “Lord of the Rings” fans) gives it a sturdy stance and plenty of placement options in my condo — a benefit if you have furry friends that get overly curious about new objects. It’s hard to miss in my entertainment center; those bright, glowing power indicators on the front really make it stand out. If you prefer your tech to blend into the background, this might be something to consider.

With TP-Link’s proprietary Wi-Fi optimization and those cleverly positioned internal antennas (say goodbye to alien tech ware), the Archer BE550’s positive design aspect is that it doesn’t look like a miniature UFO compared to routers such as the Archer AX55. This might seem like a small thing, but for people who care about how their tech looks in their home (me), it’s a huge plus.

While Wi-Fi 6E routers have dropped in price over the past few years, Wi-Fi 7 brings a host of game-changing improvements. We’re talking blazing-fast speeds, wider data channels and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which lets devices send and receive data simultaneously across multiple bands and channels. It’s the most significant leap forward in home networking since mesh Wi-Fi systems took over. One standout feature of the Archer BE550 is its compatibility with EasyMesh routers and range extenders, creating a seamless mesh network that eliminates dead zones and reduces lag, even as you switch between signals.

The Archer BE550 promises serious power, especially with its ability to fully utilize the 6 GHz band alongside the usual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This means delivering blazing-fast speeds perfect for seamless 4K or 8K streaming, immersive AR/VR gaming and lightning-quick downloads. I was also intrigued by its MLO capability, which boosts throughput and cuts down on latency — exactly what you want for a smooth, high-performance experience. Plus, the 4K-QAM technology packs 20 percent more data than Wi-Fi 6, hinting at even higher speeds, which definitely caught my attention.

TP-Link Archer BE550 Installation: Easy Peasy With Minor Hiccups

I’ll be honest — I had some jitters about setting up the Archer BE550 after my rocky experience with the Archer AX55. But I have to hand it to TP-Link’s Tether app; it made the whole setup surprisingly smooth and easy to follow, even for those who might break a sweat over tech installations. The app walks you through it all step by step. The installation manual actually lines up perfectly with the app, offering a couple of hassle-free ways to get the Archer BE550 up and running. It was refreshingly user-friendly, and I didn’t even have to dig through the box for a backup plan!

Unboxing and Initial Setup

For years, the best Wi-Fi routers have followed a familiar design: typically flat and designed to sit on a table or shelf. However, with the launch of their Wi-Fi 7 lineup, TP-Link has completely reimagined the router’s look, and the Archer BE550 reflects that. It’s larger than anticipated and definitely stands out in my living space. But the tall, modern design helps the Archer BE550’s EasyMesh compatibility to do its job and do it well — no more dead zones or buffer periods when you’re moving about your home. I was excited to put this to the test.

Another thing that stood out was the five 2.5 Gbps ports — one WAN and four LAN — that will smash through the 1 Gbps barrier. Breaking through this bottleneck means this router isn’t just handling today’s speed standards, it’s also equipped to future-proof your home network for years to come. The Archer BE550 presents itself as a powerhouse designed to keep up with evolving tech, making it an appealing choice for those looking to stay ahead of the game. Unlike the Google Nest Wifi Pro, the Archer BE550 also comes with a USB 3.0 port, which makes connecting external devices an option.

Powering up the Archer BE550 felt like prepping a Starfleet ship for launch — those dotted lights down the center lit up one by one in dramatic fashion until the router was fully powered and ready to engage. It was cool at first, but after a while, it became a distraction — especially during Netflix marathons. Thankfully, there’s a setting to dial down the light show for those of us who are light-sensitive. Although, let’s be honest, if you’re in need of a night-light, this router’s got you covered!

As for setup, I did hit a couple of bumps. Getting the Archer BE550 to connect to my modem and network wasn’t exactly warp speed. I followed the TP-Link Tether app’s step-by-step installation process and even performed a hard reset on the router ahead of time, just to avoid any connectivity hiccups. I also disabled auto-connect to avoid the Archer BE550 pulling the same stunt as the Archer AX55, which liked to latch onto my Xfinity Wi-Fi without asking.

Despite all that preparation, the Archer BE550 initially struggled to connect to my internet. But, thanks to the app’s built-in troubleshooting and diagnostics, I was able to get it up and running. Once I was in the clear, I set up my network (shoutout to “The Condo”) and connected all of my devices — smart TV, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, Dell desktop and Apple Watch. In the end, it was a painless process, and I was off to the races!

Navigating the Mobile App

From the get-go, the Tether app is all about simplicity and ease of use. The home screen puts everything you need front and center — your connected router, current network status and a quick count of how many devices are hanging out online. The bottom navigation bar is a lifesaver, with icons clearly labeled for things like network and security, so you can quickly jump in and handle any surprise outages or security alerts. While the app has real-time security monitoring to keep your network in check, some of the more advanced features are paywalled behind a subscription, which is a bummer for those hoping to get all the bells and whistles without reaching for their wallets.

On the other hand, parents, rejoice! The app’s parental controls are a godsend, packed with enough options to customize settings for any age group or screen-time preference. The “More” menu is where you’ll find the rest of the goodies, such as setup options, network optimization tools and system updates. Sure, there’s a learning curve as you dig through all the features, but the app’s design makes it easy to get the hang of it. A standout for me? The Quality of Service (QoS) feature. It lets you prioritize certain devices — an absolute must when my roommate and I both need reliable Wi-Fi to survive working from home.

On the left, you’ll find the drop-down menu with all your account details, access to live support and extra app settings. A fun bonus is the Tether Lab, where you can check out experimental features that are still in the works. All in all, the Tether app nails it with its thoughtful design and user-friendly interface, making managing my network a breeze.

TP-Link Archer BE550 Performance: Beam Me Up, Scotty With That Beamforming Tech

When it comes to testing a router, speed is where the rubber meets the road — or in this case, the Wi-Fi. That’s exactly what I was looking to dig into with the Archer BE550. Living in a three-level condo, I was curious to see how it would handle different distances and obstacles, from sitting right next to it to the farthest, most Wi-Fi–unfriendly corner of my third-floor bedroom. With a house full of gadgets and plenty of streaming going on, I needed to make sure this router could handle the daily grind, whether I was binging a show in the living room or tackling emails two floors above.

Testing the Router

With the Archer BE550’s MLO and Wi-Fi 7 on board, I was eager to see if the promised speed boosts, lower latency and fast performance held up. I put this router through its paces, testing speeds in both calm and chaotic environments using Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 devices.

First, I gave the router a warmup in a relaxed setting. Sitting right next to it, I clocked impressive download speeds: 736 Mbps on Wi-Fi 6 and 904 Mbps on Wi-Fi 7. Moving to the kitchen — about 15 feet and a wall away — download speeds dropped 10 percent to 658 Mbps (Wi-Fi 6) and 14.9 percent to 769 Mbps (Wi-Fi 7). Then, I headed to the farthest corner of my bedroom on the third floor. While download speeds dropped by another 20 percent to 526 Mbps (Wi-Fi 6) and just under 1 percent to 763 Mbps (Wi-Fi 7), the connection was solid.

Next, it was time for the real stress test: a busy environment with 4K streaming on two TVs, a game download on my desktop, Peacock streaming on my iPhone and a podcast playing on my Mac. Even with all of that going on, the Archer BE550 delivered. Standing next to the router, I got 585 Mbps (Wi-Fi 6) and 914 Mbps (Wi-Fi 7) download speeds. In the kitchen, download speeds held strong with improved speeds at 625 Mbps (Wi-Fi 6) and a slight drop of 14 percent to 785 Mbps (Wi-Fi 7). Even in the internet–dead-zone bedroom, speeds were solid at 466 Mbps (Wi-Fi 6) and 675 Mbps (Wi-Fi 7). Only a 25 percent and 14 percent drop, respectively, which wasn’t bad at all.

Overall, the Archer BE550 handled both relaxed and chaotic environments like a champ. If you’re juggling multiple devices and streams, this router will keep things running smoothly, even when the whole household is online.

Comparing to Competitors

The TP-Link Archer BE550 is a capable entry-level Wi-Fi 7 router, offering solid speeds and EasyMesh support for flexible network expansion. While it performs better in range, its 2.5 Gbps WAN port limits its maximum speeds compared to pricier models like the ASUS RT-BE96U. The ASUS RT-BE96U boasts multigigabit ports and higher throughput, which is ideal for gamers and heavy streamers. Similarly, the eero Max 7 excels with mesh coverage and smart-home integration but requires a subscription for advanced features like network security. This makes it better suited for those who value simplicity and coverage over raw speed.

Other competitors include the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, a strong Wi-Fi 6E option with broad coverage and fast speeds, though it lacks Wi-Fi 7. For more budget-conscious users, the Google Nest Wifi Pro offers great mesh capabilities and easy setup, though it can’t match the Archer BE550’s speeds. Overall, the Archer BE550 strikes a nice balance between performance, price and flexibility, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable Wi-Fi 7 without splurging on high-end features.

Our Verdict: Doesn’t Look Like a UFO but Acts Like One

The TP-Link Archer BE550 is an excellent choice for those living in multilevel homes, offering strong top speeds and a reliable range, making it ideal for large file downloads or streaming across floors. While it’s not a mesh system, it has EasyMesh compatibility, so a mesh setup is definitely an option if your home is exceptionally large. With all network ports supporting 2.5 Gbps, it’s ideal for users with multigigabit internet looking to future-proof their network for high-speed devices. I enjoyed my time with the Archer BE550 and definitely prefer it over the Archer AX55 because I don’t have to fidget with any antennas. It’s setting my expectations high for future Wi-Fi 7 routers that I’ll review, but if you’re like me — someone who has never owned a Wi-Fi 7 router — it’s the best first-time choice.

How We Assess Routers

When reviewing routers, we follow a consistent, detailed methodology to ensure a thorough evaluation. Our team of tech specialists focuses on several key factors to guide each review.

• Specifications: We analyze a router’s technical features, such as wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, along with the CPU and RAM. This in-depth analysis allows us to verify whether a router meets current standards and effectively compare it with other models.
• Setup: Today’s routers, unlike older models, are designed to be easy to install and user-friendly. A fast, hassle-free setup is a key factor, so we evaluate the time it takes to install each router and how intuitive the process is. We also test the accompanying apps for ease of use and their ability to enhance the overall router experience.
• Cost: Cost is always a factor, with routers ranging from $50 to upwards of $500. In addition to the initial cost, we consider any additional expenses required to unlock the router’s full capabilities. We also compare prices between various brands and models, noting any deals or discounts.
• Performance: The best routers maximize your internet speed and can accommodate different home sizes, activities and multiple devices. Our hands-on tests measure the router’s performance at different distances and with various devices to assess its real-world effectiveness.
• Overall Value: We assess a router’s value by balancing cost, performance, ease of setup and technology. Higher-end routers are expected to deliver top-notch performance, while more budget-friendly options may not excel in all areas but can still offer good functionality. Our top picks provide a solid combination of performance and price, delivering an excellent overall user experience.