Comparison of Wi-Fi Routers: TP-Link Archer C20 and Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3

I try never to recommend specific router models, although I am often asked to do so in comments. I generally believe that all these tests, comparisons, ratings, determining the best devices, etc., are complete nonsense. – are a complete nonsense. If only for the reason that one and the same router can show itself differently in different conditions, with different devices, settings, etc. Everyone has different tasks, requirements and expectations. And as for the appearance, design, materials, then as they say: to taste and color….

But as an experiment, I decided to try to compare two routers. These are TP-Link Archer C20 and Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3. The price of these routers is almost the same. Both models are quite popular. This means that buyers very often can not decide between these devices. There are a lot of questions from the series: “Which one is better”, “Will this router suit me”, “Which router is more reliable”, etc. Perhaps my comparative review will help someone to choose. I think it can be applied to all routers from TP-Link and Xiaomi, which are from the same price category.

I am quite familiar with routers from TP-Link and Xiaomi. I have configured them many times, made reviews, and now I have Archer C20 and MiRouter 3 on my desk. To not only tell you about the characteristics and my impressions of these devices, but also to compare their appearance and control panel (web-interface).

I think, let’s start with the appearance and equipment. Let’s look at the buttons, ports and other elements. All the things we see right after unpacking the router.

Comparison of appearance and controls

As far as the bundling is concerned, everything is standard. But only Xiaomi decided that the network cable is not needed, so the Mi Router 3 doesn’t come with it. I don’t really understand this approach. Very often in the house there are devices that can not connect to wi-fi. For example, desktop computers, some models of TVs, set-top boxes and so on. It turns out that the network cable must be bought separately, or made yourself. I understand that this applies to all routers from Xiaomi, because I have another Xiaomi Mini and there is no cable in the kit too.

I will not evaluate the design. Here everyone decides for himself, which router he likes better. If you hold both devices in your hands, TP-Link Archer C20 is more massive. There, as it seemed to me, thicker and higher quality plastic. It is more assembled, reliable and practical. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 looks more stylish. It gives the impression of such a delicate and glamorous device. This is probably because it is in white color.

The Xiaomi Router 3 has a single indicator light that can light up in different colors, depending on the status of the router. On the Archer C20 everything is done in a more practical way. There are separate indicators that show the activity of Wi-Fi networks, LAN connection, WAN and WPS function. And a power indicator.

Ports and buttons: each router has 1 WAN-port, of course. As for LAN ports, on TP-Link there are 4 of them, while on the router from Xiaomi there are only 2. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected via cable, then pay attention to this.

But the Mi3 is equipped with a USB port. True, there with the customization is not as easy as we would like. Once the drive is plugged in, it’s not easy to access it. I couldn’t figure it out on the younger model, which is mini. It’s like the only way to access the drive is through the app. And the settings are in Chinese. Well, at best in English, if you have the international version, or you flash it. Or you can flash it with Padavan firmware. But if you have a hard time understanding even the usual router settings, it will not be easy to do this.

TP-Link Archer C20 doesn’t have USB, but there is a button for power off and a trimmed button that performs two functions: activation of WPS and disabling wi-fi. Which is very convenient.

Specifications, management, warranty and support

TP-Link Archer C20 and Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 are dual-band routers. Both with support for the 802.11ac standard. Except that the Xiaomi box says AC1200, while the TP-Link box says AC750. That’s the maximum, total speed over Wi-Fi on the two bands. Ideally, the Wi-Fi speed through the Mi Router 3 should be a bit higher. But keep in mind that this is the maximum theoretically possible speed, not the actual speed. In real-life conditions, it could be the other way around.

In terms of hardware, the TP-Link Archer C20 is more powerful. It runs on the MTK7628 processor. RAM is 64 MB, permanent memory is also 64 MB. The Xiaomi router has a MTK7620 processor. It has more RAM – 128 MB, as well as permanent memory – 128 MB.

Appearance is a debatable point. The presence of USB in Xiaomi and a greater number of LAN-ports and separate buttons on TP-Link – this is not an argument in favor of a particular model. And in terms of performance these routers are very similar, and the average user is unlikely to notice any difference. But there are differences in the process of configuration and management, as well as in the manufacturer’s warranty and support.

Convenience of configuration and management

Personally, in Xiaomi routers I am most stressed by the control panel in Chinese. If it’s in English, it’s still good. But this is if you buy the international version in our stores, I do not order from China. The control panel there is not complicated, you can control it through the application. If you are well versed in these devices, can easily flash it, understand all the subtleties, then maybe you will even enjoy fiddling with the configuration of Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3.

In case of TP-Link Archer C20 everything is somehow simpler. The control panel is simple and clear. There is a help with the description of settings for each section. It is immediately clear what and where to look for. Though, maybe it’s only for me. If you want, Archer C20can also be flashed with an alternative firmware.

Archer C20, as well as Xiaomi Mi Router 3, can be configured and controlled from a smartphone via a proprietary application: TP-LINK Tether and Mi wi-fi.

Warranty and support

As far as I know, Xiaomi routers are not officially sold in many countries. This means that they are most likely not certified. There is no support service. The warranty is 1 year, but not from the manufacturer, but from the company that exported this router to the country.

We have known TP-Link for a long time, all devices are sold officially, are certified and receive all the necessary documents. Specifically on TP-Link Archer C20 warranty 2 years. Well and service hold always in touch. Phone number, E-mail and website are on the box. I have more confidence in the company TP-Link, this is unequivocal.

Conclusions

At first glance, Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 looks more attractive against its competitor. There and an interesting design in white color, and the presence of a USB port for the same money, or even cheaper if you order it from China. The router is good and interesting. And it has a USB-port, which Archer C20 doesn’t have. But few people before buying it understand how to set up access to files via this USB. Yes, it can be done, but whether you will understand it and use it is a question.

When you start comparing them, looking from the side of an ordinary user, TP-Link Archer C20 has more advantages: simple control panel, support, warranty, more LAN ports, separate buttons for power management, WPS and wi-fi, more informative indicators, network cable in the kit, etc.

Archer C20 and Xiaomi Mi Router 3 will be perfect as a home router. And there you can see which one you like better in terms of design and web-interface. Which one suits you better in terms of features.

I will be glad to see your opinion about these routers. Which one would you choose? Write in the comments!