In this article, we are going to take a look at TP-Link’s Archer A7 and Archer C7. These routers are affordable, reliable, and far-reaching. The comparison table below gives you an overview of their similarities and differences. After going through each similarity and difference, we will give you what we liked and didn’t like about each device in the pros and cons section. Finally, we will tell you which is better the TP-Link Archer A7 or the TP-Link Archer C7 in our conclusion.
TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Router Archer A7 vs TP-LINK AC1750 WiFi Router Archer C7 – Full Comparison
Let’s review the TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router Archer A7 and the TP-LINK WiFi Router AC1750 Archer C7 specs in a side by side chart.
| Name |
TP-LINK Archer A7 |
TP-LINK Archer C7 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Recommended Internet Plan Speed | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps |
| Alexa Compatible | Yes | No |
| TP-Link OneMesh Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| VPN Server | OpenVPN, PPTP | OpenVPN, PPTP |
| Wireless Technology | 802.11ac (AC1750 up to 1750 Mbps) | 802.11ac (AC1750 up to 1750 Mbps) |
| Dual-band Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Coverage | 2,500 sq. ft. | 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Max. Connected Devices | 50+ Devices | 50+ Devices |
| Antennas | 3 External Antennas | 3 External Antennas |
| Ports and Interface | 4 x Ethernet LAN ports, Gigabit WAN port, USB 2.0 port | 4 x Ethernet LAN ports, Gigabit WAN port, USB 2.0 port |
| Wireless Security Protocols | WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK | WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK |
| Other Features | Easy Setup and Management, Parental Controls, Guest Network, IPv6, Cloud Firmware Upgrade | Easy Setup and Management, Parental Controls, Guest Network, IPv6, Cloud Firmware Upgrade |
| Item Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.59 x 6.32 x 1.29 inches | 9.57 x 6.32 x 1.28 inches |
| Item Weight | 14.9 ounces | 14.9 ounces |
| What’s included | Wi-Fi Router Archer A7, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide | Wi-Fi Router Archer A7, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
TP-LINK Archer A7 vs Archer C7 – Differences
Based on the comparison chart, the TP-Link Archer A7 and Archer C7 are identical wireless routers. They have the same speed, coverage, ports, etc. The only feature they differ from is the Alexa-support. The TP-Link Archer A7 is compatible with all Alexa-enabled devices. Thus, you can ask Alexa to turn off the guest network when needed to. I need to mention that the Archer A7 has won the J.D. Power 2019 award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Wireless Routers.” Other than that, both are similar.
TP-LINK Archer A7 vs Archer C7 – Similarities
Since the TP-Link Archer A7 and Archer C7 are the same routers, let’s talk in detail about what both routers are capable of doing.
Recommended Internet Speed Plan
TP-Link recommends that you use both the Archer A7 and Archer C7 with an internet speed plan of 300 Mbps. Moreover, both routers have the AC1750 technology which has a large bandwidth of 1750 Mbps. With their dual-band technology, users can enjoy a cumulative bandwidth of 450 Mbps in the 2.4GHz band plus 1300 Mbps in the 5GHz band. Furthermore, wireless devices within certain proximity can enjoy the reliability and faster internet speed with the 5GHz band.
TP-Link OneMesh Compatible
The Archer A7 and Archer C7 have a maximum Wi-Fi coverage of 2500 square feet. This far-reaching range is enough to cover up to 3 large bedrooms. If this range is not enough for your larger house, both the A7 and C7 are compatible with TP-Link’s OneMesh Technology. You can buy TP-Link’s Wi-Fi repeaters to amplify the Wi-Fi coverage. Note that TP-Link extenders are sold separately.
VPN Server
Access your home network remotely and securely with TP-Link’s VPN Server feature. If you want to set up your own VPN, you’ll need to choose a protocol. You can choose between two VPN protocols – OpenVPN or PPTP. Both protocols are easy to set up and secure. However, I recommend using OpenVPN over the PPTP as it is newer and more secure. Lastly, both wireless routers come with standard wireless security protocols.
Maximum Connected Devices
Another advantage that both devices’ dual-band technology is its maximum connected devices. Due to the dual-band nature of these routers, it also has twice the capacity of devices it can connect to. TP-Link promises more than 50 devices can connect to both wireless routers.
Ports
The ports included at the back of the router is important depending on the users’ internet usage. The more ports one router has, the better. Both TP-Link routers have 4 Ethernet LAN ports so devices can connect directly to the internet. Moreover, both have a single Gigabit WAN port which is used to connect the routers to your internet source. This Gigabit WAN port makes your router future-proof whenever you intend to upgrade to cable or optic fiber modems. Additionally, both have a lone USB 2.0 port at the back. You can share a printer, NAS, or external storage using this USB port. Note that some TP-Link C7 models have dual USB ports.
Other Essential Features
There are a lot more features that both the Archer A7 and Archer C7 offer such as easy setup and management, parental controls, guest network, etc. You can easily set both wireless routers up and running with the help of TP-Link’s app called Tether. You can also manage everything that happens in your network with this app such as monitoring those who are connected to the router. The TP-Link Tether app is available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Monitoring and restricting your children’s internet activity is also possible with the app. Furthermore, when guests come over to your house, you can create a separate internet SSID for them.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router Archer A7 and the TP-LINK WiFi Router AC1750 Archer C7 will help us to determine are this routers a good choice.
TP-LINK Archer A7 and Archer C7
Pros:
- The TP-Link Archer A7 and Archer C7 support fast internet plans up to 300 Mbps.
- 5GHz devices can connect to the faster internet because both are dual-band routers.
- Both have the AC1750 technology which offers 450 Mbps in the 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps in the 5GHz.
- A medium-sized house can benefit from its wide Wi-Fi coverage of 2500 square feet.
- A family with multiple wireless devices will be happy with its 50+ connected devices capacity.
- The Archer A7 is Alexa-compatible.
Cons:
- Since both are routers, they still need a modem via the Gigabit WAN port to connect to the internet.
The Final Verdict
I would like to point out that both the Archer A7 and Archer C7 are routers. Thus, both require a modem to connect to the internet. There are a lot of benefits when using a separate router such as upgradability and flexibility. You cannot do this with router/modem combos since you have to replace it completely to upgrade. If you know how to use both A7 and C7, they are great options for a wireless router. The Archer A7 is slightly cheaper than the C7 since its price is subsidized by Amazon for placing Alexa inside it. If you are already using Alexa, the TP-Link Archer A7 is best suited for you. And even if you are not, the A7 is still the better option since it is cheaper, yet these routers are identical. The TP-Link Archer A7 has a better value proposition in this comparison.