I try never to advise specific router models, although I am very often asked about this in the comments. In general, I think that all these tests, comparisons, ratings, determining the best devices, etc., are complete nonsense. If only for the reason that the same router can show itself in different ways in different conditions, with different devices, settings, etc. Everyone has different tasks, requirements and expectations. As for the appearance, design, materials, then as they say: taste and color ...
But as an experiment, I decided to try to compare the 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 cannot decide on the choice between these devices. Many questions from the series appear: "Which one is better", "And this router will suit me", "Which router is more reliable", etc. Perhaps my comparative review will help someone with a choice. 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 set them up many times, reviewed them, and now I have Archer C20 and MiRouter 3 on my desk. In order not only to talk about the characteristics and my impressions of these devices, but also to compare their appearance and the control panel (web interface).
I think let's start with the appearance and equipment. Let's look at buttons, ports, and other elements. Everything that we see immediately after unpacking the router.
Comparison of appearance and controls
In terms of configuration, everything is standard. But only Xiaomi decided that a network cable is not needed, so it is not included with Mi Router 3. I don't really understand this approach. Very often there are devices in the house that cannot connect to Wi-Fi. For example, stationary computers, some models of televisions, set-top boxes, etc. It turns out that the network cable must be purchased separately, or made by yourself. I understand that this applies to all routers from Xiaomi, since I also have a Xiaomi Mini and there is no cable in the kit either.
I will not evaluate the design. Here everyone decides for himself which router he likes best. If you hold both devices in your hands, then TP-Link Archer C20 is more massive. There, as it seemed to me, thicker and better quality plastic. It is more collected, reliable and practical. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 looks more stylish. It gives the impression of such a delicate and glamorous device. Perhaps because it is white.
Xiaomi Router 3 has one indicator that can light up in different colors, depending on the state of the router. The Archer C20 makes everything more practical. There are separate indicators that show the activity of Wi-Fi networks, LAN, WAN connections and WPS functions. Well, the power indicator.
Ports and Buttons: of course, each router has 1 WAN port. As for LAN ports, there are 4 of them on TP-Link, and only 2 on a router from Xiaomi. 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. However, the setting is not as simple as we would like. Once connected, the drive is not easy to access. I'm on a younger model, which mini could not figure out. There it seems as soon as through the application you can get access to the drive. And the settings are in Chinese. Well, in the best case in English, if you have an international version, or you have requested it. Or flash it with Padavan firmware. But if you hardly understand even the usual settings of the router, then this will not be easy.
There is no USB on the TP-Link Archer C20, but there is a button to turn off the power and a trimmed button that performs two functions: activating WPS and turning off 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 are 802.11ac compliant. But the box with Xiaomi says AC1200, and the box with TP-Link says AC750. This is the maximum total speed over Wi-Fi in dual bands. According to the idea, the speed over Wi-Fi via Mi Router 3 should be slightly higher. But do not forget that this is the maximum theoretically possible speed, not the real one. In real conditions, everything can be the other way around.
For iron TP-Link Archer C20 is more powerful. It runs on an MTK7628 processor. 64 MB of RAM, 64 MB of permanent memory. The Xiaomi router has an MTK7620 processor. It has more RAM - 128 MB, as well as permanent memory - 128 MB.
Appearance is a moot point. The presence of USB in Xiaomi and a larger number of LAN ports and separate buttons on the TP-Link are not yet an argument in favor of a particular model. And in terms of their performance, these routers are very similar, and an ordinary user is unlikely to notice any difference. But in the process of setting up and managing, as well as in the manufacturer's warranty and support, there are differences.
Ease of configuration and management
Personally, in Xiaomi routers, the most annoying thing for me is the control panel in Chinese. If in English, that's still good. But 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. But it is precisely the absence of the Russian and Ukrainian languages, some kind of incomprehensible for me and complicated USB setup that is a big minus. I will introduce ordinary users, for whom a router is generally a difficult thing, and then there are such surprises. If you are well versed in these devices, you can easily flash it, understand all the intricacies, then you may even like to tinker with setting up the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3.
In the case of TP-Link Archer C20, everything is somehow simpler. A simple and intuitive control panel, and most importantly, there is a Russian language. There is a help with a description of the settings for each section. It is immediately clear what and where to look. Although, maybe this is just for me. If desired, the Archer C20 can also be flashed with an alternative firmware.
Archer C20, like Xiaomi Mi Router 3, can be configured and controlled from a smartphone through a proprietary application: TP-LINK Tether and Mi WiFi.
Warranty and support
As far as I know, Xiaomi routers are not officially sold in Ukraine. I don't know how it is in Russia. This means that they most likely did not pass certification. There is no support service. 1 year warranty, but not from the manufacturer, but from the company that exported this router to our country.
We have known TP-Link for a long time, all devices are sold officially, are certified and receive all the necessary documents. Specifically, TP-Link Archer C20 has a 2-year warranty. Well, keep the service always in touch. Phone number, E-mail and website are indicated on the box. I have more trust in TP-Link, that's for sure.
Conclusions
At first glance, Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 looks more attractive than its competitor. There is an interesting design in white, and a USB port for the same money, or even cheaper if you order it from China. The router is nice and interesting. And also a USB port, which the Archer C20 does not have. But before buying, few people understand how to configure access to files through this USB there. Yes, it can be done, but whether you will understand this and use these is already a question.
When you start comparing them, looking from the side of an ordinary user, then TP-Link Archer C20 has more advantages: Russian control panel, support, warranty, more LAN ports, separate buttons for power management, WPS and Wi-Fi, more informative indicators, network cable included, etc.
The Archer C20 and Xiaomi Mi Router 3 are perfect as a home router. And there you can see which one you like best in design and web-interface. Which one is more suitable in terms of characteristics.
I'd love to hear your feedback on these routers. Which one would you choose? Write in the comments!
