ASUS RT-BE55 Dual-Band WiFi 7 (802.11be) Smart AiMesh Extendable Router, 3600 Mbps, 2.5G Port, Up to 3 SSIDs for IoT Devices, Parental Controls & VPNs, Advanced Network Security vs TP-Link Dual-Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX55 | Wireless Gigabit Internet Router for Home | EasyMesh Compatible | VPN Clients & Server | HomeShield, OFDMA, MU-MIMO | USB 3.0 | Secure by Design

Performance and Speed

ASUS RT-BE55 delivers faster speeds with dual-band Wi-Fi 7, reaching up to 3600 Mbps using MLO and 4K-QAM technology. TP-Link Archer AX55 offers Wi-Fi 6 speeds of 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The RT-BE55’s support for next-generation standards like 802.11be gives it a clear advantage in raw throughput and future-proofing. While both routers handle multiple devices, the RT-BE55’s higher peak speed is better suited for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K streaming or large file transfers across many connected devices.

Network Coverage and Range

ASUS RT-BE55 uses AI-powered Smart AiMesh to boost coverage up to 2000 ft² and enables seamless extendibility with compatible ASUS routers. TP-Link Archer AX55 features four high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology to extend strong, reliable Wi-Fi throughout homes. Both routers aim to eliminate dead zones, but the RT-BE55’s AI-driven mesh system provides more intelligent and scalable coverage expansion. The Archer AX55 relies on physical antenna design and signal shaping, which may be effective but lacks the adaptive intelligence of Smart AiMesh.

Advanced Features and Security

ASUS RT-BE55 includes commercial-grade AiProtection and advanced VPNs for 24/7 end-to-end network security. It also supports up to three SSIDs for parental controls and IoT device separation via Smart Home Master Network. TP-Link Archer AX55 comes with TP-Link HomeShield, offering basic network security, IoT device identification, parental controls, and quality of service. While both provide solid security layers, the RT-BE55’s inclusion of advanced VPNs and dedicated IoT segmentation gives it a stronger edge in privacy and network management.

Mesh Expandability and Compatibility

ASUS RT-BE55 is designed as a Smart AiMesh extendable router, allowing easy integration with other compatible ASUS routers for whole-home coverage. This creates a unified, secure network without complex setup. TP-Link Archer AX55 is EasyMesh compatible, meaning it can work with other EasyMesh-certified routers, but only if they are from the same ecosystem. The RT-BE55’s native Smart AiMesh integration offers deeper control and smoother performance within an ASUS-only mesh network, while the Archer AX55’s compatibility is broader but less seamless across brands.

Internet Connectivity and Ports

ASUS RT-BE55 features a 2.5G Ethernet WAN port, enabling robust wired backhaul and faster internet speeds when connected to a fiber or gigabit-capable ISP. TP-Link Archer AX55 has a standard Gigabit Ethernet port, limiting wired speeds to 1 Gbps. The 2.5G port on the RT-BE55 ensures future-ready connectivity, especially beneficial for users with high-speed internet plans. The Archer AX55’s standard port is sufficient for most home users but may bottleneck faster connections.

Price and Value Comparison

ASUS RT-BE55 is priced at $129.99, while TP-Link Archer AX55 costs $65.98—about 49% cheaper. The RT-BE55’s price is significantly higher than the Archer AX55, but it offers Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G port, and advanced mesh capabilities not found in the older Wi-Fi 6 model. The Archer AX55 averages $75.33 over the past 90 days, making its current price of $65.98 a strong deal. For budget-conscious buyers, the Archer AX55 represents excellent value, though it lacks cutting-edge features.

Which should you buy?

Choose the ASUS RT-BE55 if you want the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, future-proof performance, and advanced networking features like 2.5G ports and multi-SSID support for IoT devices. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users with high-speed internet who prioritize long-term reliability and smart mesh scalability. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, reliable Wi-Fi 6 router with solid security and decent range, the TP-Link Archer AX55 is a compelling choice—especially given its bestseller rank of 9 and current price of $65.98, which is about 49% lower than the RT-BE55. For most households seeking dependable performance without premium pricing, the Archer AX55 delivers exceptional value.