TP-Link
TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router (Archer A5)
Bottom line: The TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router ($40.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 1200 Mbps total bandwidth: 867 Mbps on 5 GHz plus 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz; main trade-off: ethernet ports are 4 x 10/100 Mbps, so wired transfers cap below gigabit.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 1200 Mbps total bandwidth: 867 Mbps on 5 GHz plus 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz
- ✓ IPTV-ready: IGMP proxy/snooping, tag VLAN, AP Mode and Bridge Mode included
- ✓ Guest Network, Parental Controls, access control and bandwidth control built in
- ✓ 2-year warranty with 24/7 technical support, unusual at this price
Cons
- ✗ Ethernet ports are 4 x 10/100 Mbps, so wired transfers cap below gigabit
- ✗ Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) only, no Wi-Fi 6 or 6E client benefits
- ✗ Just 2 external antennas, so large or multi-floor homes may see dead zones
- ✗ No mesh support, so extending coverage means a separate extender or AP
Manufacturer description
The Archer A5 lets your PC or laptop enjoy connections 3x faster than wireless N with wireless AC technology With 300Mbps over the 2 4GHz band and 867Mbps over the The crystal clear 5GHz band the Archer A5 is the superior choice for seamless HD streaming online gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. TP-Link's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the TP-Link Archer A5?
It delivers 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, for 1200 Mbps of total available bandwidth. Its four Ethernet ports are 10/100 Mbps, so wired speeds cap at 100 Mbps per port.
Does the Archer A5 have gigabit Ethernet ports?
No. The Archer A5 has 4 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet ports. If you need gigabit wired throughput for a NAS or a fast internet plan, choose a router with gigabit LAN ports instead.
Can I use the Archer A5 as an access point instead of a router?
Yes. It supports Access Point Mode and Bridge Mode, so you can attach it to an existing router or gateway. It also supports IGMP Proxy/snooping and tag VLAN for IPTV streaming.
Does it have parental controls and a guest network?
Yes. The Archer A5 supports Parental Controls, Guest Network, access control, and bandwidth control. You manage all of it from the TP-Link Tether app on your phone.
What warranty comes with the Archer A5?
TP-Link lists a 2-year warranty with 24/7 technical support. Check the product listing for current warranty terms and regional coverage before you buy.
Key Features
- JD Power Award ---Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017, 2019 and 2020
- Supports 802.11AC Wi-Fi standard, Dual Band Wireless Router for home
- Simultaneous 2.4 GHz 300 Mbps and 5 GHz 867 Mbps connections for 1200 Mbps of total available bandwidth
- 2 external antennas provide stable wireless connections and optimal coverage
- Easy network management at your fingertips with the TP-Link Tether app
- Supports IGMP Proxy/snooping, AP Mode, Bridge and tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
Full Specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Color | black |
| Coverage | Optimal wireless coverage |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Model Name | TP-link AC1200 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Antenna Type | Fixed |
| Connectivity | Wireless, WiFi, 2.4GHz |
| Model Number | Archer A5 |
| Built-In Media | Router Body, Power Supply, Ethernet Cable |
| Control Method | App |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Mfr Part Number | Archer A5 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 5 |
| Special Feature | Access Point Mode, WPS |
| Antenna Location | Gaming, Home |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Security Protocol | WPA2-PSK |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Full listing title | TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router (Archer A5) - Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, 4 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports, Supports Guest WiFi, Access Point Mode, IPv6 and Parental Controls |
Ready to buy?
TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router (Archer A5) - Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, 4 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports, Supports Guest WiFi, Access Point Mode, IPv6 and Parental Controls is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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