GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) vs TP-Link Archer AX73
Verdict: 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.
How we scored it
Spec verificationOwner sentimentLive pricing (4h refresh)Editorial review
Our methodology
Winner: TP-Link Archer AX73
GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800): 7.3/10
TP-Link Archer AX73: 8/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| 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 |
GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800)
What works
- Travel-sized, USB-C powered
- Full OpenWrt with VPN client built-in
- Excellent VPN performance (WireGuard ~430 Mbps)
What doesn't
- 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
What works
- Significantly better range and throughput
- AX5400 vs AX1800
- USB 3.0 port for network-attached storage
What doesn't
- No VPN client or server capability
- Closed firmware, no OpenWrt
- TP-Link regulatory scrutiny concerns
Bottom line
Our pick: TP-Link Archer AX73.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
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