These two are solving different problems, and that's worth being upfront about. The GL.iNet Slate AX is a travel router that also works at home — it runs OpenWrt, has a built-in VPN client, and fits in your laptop bag. The TP-Link Archer AX73 is a mid-range home router that happens to be a solid performer for its $100 price. The overlap is: someone shopping for an affordable, capable WiFi 6 router without a subscription.
TP-Link Archer AX73
If you travel and want a single device that works both on the road and at home, the Slate AX is genuinely excellent. For a dedicated home router with better range and higher throughput, the Archer AX73 is the pick.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) | TP-Link Archer AX73 |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 AX1800 | WiFi 6 AX5400 |
| Processor | IPQ6000 quad-core 1 GHz | MediaTek MT7986 quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| VPN Client | Yes (WireGuard, OpenVPN, Tor) | No |
| Firmware | OpenWrt-based | Closed TP-Link |
| Travel-ready | Yes (USB-C power) | No |
| Price | ~$100 | ~$80 |
Performance
The Archer AX73 uses a quad-core processor and is rated at AX5400 — 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 4804 Mbps on 5 GHz. In SmallNetBuilder tests, it delivers around 750 Mbps at 15 feet on 5 GHz, which is competitive in its class.
The Slate AX is rated at AX1800. It's genuinely quick for a travel router — throughput of around 600 Mbps at close range — but it's smaller, has shorter antennas, and range is noticeably shorter than the Archer AX73.
VPN and OpenWrt
The Slate AX runs a customized OpenWrt build. You can install OpenVPN, WireGuard, or Tor in minutes from the GL.iNet UI. The built-in VPN client mode is genuinely useful for hotel WiFi, conference networks, and travel — you connect one device to the hotel network and all your devices get VPN protection.
The Archer AX73 has VPN passthrough but no built-in VPN client or server. You'd need to run a separate VPN server on your home network to match the Slate AX's capabilities.
Design and Portability
The Slate AX weighs under 200g and has a foldable antenna design. It has a USB-C power input that works with most laptop chargers. That's a genuinely useful travel package.
The Archer AX73 is a standard-size home router with six fixed antennas. It's not going anywhere. It does have a USB 3.0 port for network storage, which the Slate AX lacks at home deployment.
Security and Updates
GL.iNet's OpenWrt-based firmware gets updates frequently. The community around OpenWrt means security patches often arrive faster than on closed-firmware routers. AdGuard Home integration is one-click in the GL.iNet plugin manager.
TP-Link's Archer AX73 firmware is closed but updated regularly. AiProtection isn't included on this model — it's a mid-range router without the security suite. Users who want ad blocking on the AX73 need a Pi-hole or similar on the network.
GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) Strengths
- Travel-sized, USB-C powered
- Full OpenWrt with VPN client built-in
- Excellent VPN performance (WireGuard ~430 Mbps)
- Runs on hotel/public WiFi as a VPN gateway
TP-Link Archer AX73 Strengths
- Significantly better range and throughput
- AX5400 vs AX1800
- USB 3.0 port for network-attached storage
- Lower price (~$80 vs ~$100)
GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) Weaknesses
- Limited range compared to full-size home routers
- No USB port for NAS at home
- Overkill complexity for users who don't need VPN
TP-Link Archer AX73 Weaknesses
- No VPN client or server capability
- Closed firmware, no OpenWrt
- TP-Link regulatory scrutiny concerns
Best For
- a: Frequent travelers, remote workers, privacy-conscious users who want VPN on every device
- b: Home users who want solid mid-range WiFi 6 performance at a budget price
FAQ
Can the GL.iNet Slate AX replace a home router?
It can, but it's not ideal for large homes. Range is the limiting factor. It works well in apartments and smaller homes, especially if you're also using it for travel.
Does the Slate AX support AdGuard or Pi-hole?
Yes. AdGuard Home can be installed directly via the GL.iNet plugin system. It's one of the Slate AX's best home-use features.