Wireless routers

We've tested 12 store-bought routers and 10 ISP-supplied models to assess their WiFi performance and security, plus how easy they are to set up.

February 2019

TP-Link

Archer C60

Price

$127

Score

Poor

Why is this free?

This report is free thanks to a donation from CHORUS provided to support consumer broadband education.

Consumer NZ is non-profit. To help us get a fairer deal for all New Zealand consumers you can become a Consumer member or make a donation. We’ll use your contribution to investigate consumer issues and work for positive change.

Donate

While it may seem like a bargain we don't recommend you pick up this TP-Link router. All of the performance scores are very poor and and its 5GHz suffers noticeably from obstruction interference.

Test results

18
WiFi performance
62
Ease of use and setup
70
Security

Good points

Easy to use.
Good for security.
Very good for channel switching.

Bad points

Very poor WiFi performance.
Very poor 2.4GHz WiFi performance.
Very poor 5GHz WiFi performance.
Very poor fibre speed.
Very noticeable interference on 5GHz signal.

Model

Avg price
$127

Speed test results

Fibre
1.6/10
WiFi performance 2.4GHz
2.5/10
WiFi performance 5GHz
1.0/10
Obstruction 2.4GHz
Noticeable interference from obstruction
Obstruction 5GHz
Very noticeable interference from obstruction
Channel switching ability
Very good at channel switching

Specifications

Fibre
Yes
WiFi bands (GHz)
2.4 & 5
Antennas
5
Antenna placement
Three on rear, one on each side, can fold 90° and rotates 180°, unremovable
Dimensions (WxDxH) [mm]
230 x 144 x 37
Weight (g)
320