TP-Link

TP-Link Archer C7

Expert rating6.5 / 10

WiFi Standard:: WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Speed Class:: AC1750
Bands:: Dual-band
Ethernet Ports:: 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN
Firmware Support:: Stock, DD-WRT, OpenWrt

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Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Manufacturer: TP-Link Last updated: September 11, 2026

TP-Link Archer C7 Review

The Archer C7 has been on sale in one revision or another since 2014, and remains one of the most searched router model names on the internet thanks to its long DD-WRT and OpenWrt support history and rock-bottom clearance pricing.

Few routers have as long or well-documented a track record with DD-WRT and OpenWrt as the Archer C7, making it a perennial recommendation in enthusiast forums even a decade after launch.

An Open-Source Firmware Legend

Few routers have as long or well-documented a track record with DD-WRT and OpenWrt as the Archer C7, making it a perennial recommendation in enthusiast forums even a decade after launch.

AC1750 Is Plenty for Many Homes

Dual-band AC1750 speeds are dated by current standards, but remain entirely adequate for typical broadband plans and light device counts, which keeps the C7 in steady demand as a budget or backup router.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against the TP-Link Archer AX55 already on this site, the C7 uses the older WiFi 5 standard and lacks OFDMA, but costs a fraction of the price and retains open-source firmware support the newer model doesn't match as thoroughly. Against the Banana Pi OpenWrt One already on this site, the C7 is community-flashed OpenWrt on repurposed consumer hardware rather than purpose-built reference hardware.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating6.5 / 10

The most proven open-firmware router available, at a fraction of current-generation pricing.

Best for

Budget buyers and OpenWrt/DD-WRT enthusiasts who want the most proven open-firmware router available.

Not for

Larger households or anyone who needs WiFi 6 features.

Specifications

What these specs mean

Wireless

WiFi Standard	WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Band Configuration	Dual-Band

Identity

Brand	TP-Link
Model Number	Archer C7

Form and topology

Device Type	Standalone Router

Wireless standard

Supports 6GHz	No
Aggregate WiFi Speed	1750 Mbps
Speed Class	AC1750

Wired networking

WAN Port Speed	1GbE
Max LAN Port Speed	1GbE
LAN Port Count	4 ports
USB Ports	1 ports

Coverage and capacity

External Antennas	3 antennas

Security and software

WPA3 Support	No
VPN Server	Yes
VLAN Support	Yes

Management

Third-Party Firmware	Yes

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the TP-Link Archer C7 (WiFi 5/Standalone Router/AC1750/Classic Open-Firmware Favorite)?

The TP-Link Archer C7 (WiFi 5/Standalone Router/AC1750/Classic Open-Firmware Favorite) is a router from TP-Link. Key specs: WiFi Standard WiFi 5 (802.11ac), Speed Class AC1750, Bands Dual-band, Ethernet Ports 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN, Firmware Support Stock, DD-WRT, OpenWrt.

Will the TP-Link Archer C7 (WiFi 5/Standalone Router/AC1750/Classic Open-Firmware Favorite) work with my current setup?

The TP-Link Archer C7 (WiFi 5/Standalone Router/AC1750/Classic Open-Firmware Favorite) lists WiFi Standard is WiFi 5 (802.11ac). Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the TP-Link Archer C7 (WiFi 5/Standalone Router/AC1750/Classic Open-Firmware Favorite) best suited to?

Best suited to: Budget buyers and OpenWrt/DD-WRT enthusiasts who want the most proven open-firmware router available.

What are the drawbacks of the TP-Link Archer C7 (WiFi 5/Standalone Router/AC1750/Classic Open-Firmware Favorite)?

Not the best fit for: Larger households or anyone who needs WiFi 6 features.