Want Wi Fi 7 without paying flagship money This is where TP Link’s Archer BE3600 makes sense It brings a next gen radio, a simple app setup, and two 2.5 Gbps ports at a price most homes can reach It is not a speed monster, and there is no 6 GHz band Still, for a one or two bedroom home on gigabit internet, it might be the right call
Key Specs at a Glance
- Wi Fi standard Wi Fi 7 dual band 2.4 and 5 GHz total up to 3.6 Gbps
- Radio design 2 by 2 on both bands 2.4 up to 688 Mbps and 5 up to 2,882 Mbps
- Ports one 2.5 Gbps WAN, one 2.5 Gbps LAN, three 1 Gbps LAN, one USB 3.0
- Features Multi Link Operation MLO, 4K QAM, EasyMesh, TP Link HomeShield feature set
- Setup TP Link Tether app on iOS and Android
Who should buy Archer BE3600
Buy it if you want an affordable Wi Fi 7 router for a small to mid size home, plan to wire one desktop or NAS at 2.5 Gbps, and do not own many 6 GHz devices Skip it if you need top end multi gig Wi Fi or want 6 GHz for congestion relief
Performance and thermals methodology
We have not tested this unit in house For context, reputable labs use throughput and latency runs at short and long range, 5 and 2.4 GHz, plus file copy and web tests Method choice matters because a 2 by 2 radio cannot match tri band routers with 6 GHz access Test notes from RTINGS and Tom’s show that BE3600 class hardware is fine for typical homes but loses to tri band Wi Fi 7 when you push many clients or big channels
Real world use cases
- One or two bedroom apartment Place the router central and raised Expect smooth 4K streams and low delay calls on a handful of devices
- Gigabit fiber household Use the 2.5 Gbps WAN to avoid bottlenecks and keep one 2.5 Gbps LAN for a desktop or NAS
- Light gaming and VR 5 GHz is fine within a room or two For whole home low delay or crowded apartments, consider 6 GHz on a higher tier model
- Renters and dorms Easy app setup, small footprint, and EasyMesh to add coverage later
Wi Fi 7 features
- MLO Multi Link Operation lets a device use both bands at once to reduce delay and dropouts when supported by the client
- 4K QAM packs more bits into each signal for higher peak rates when signal is clean
- Multi RU improves how the router divides airtime across many devices
This model lacks a 6 GHz band That lowers max real throughput in busy spaces but keeps price low
Ports and wired layout
Two 2.5 Gbps ports at this price are the star You can feed a multi gig internet plan on WAN and still wire a creator PC, gaming rig, or NAS at 2.5 Gbps Three extra 1 Gbps ports handle consoles and TVs If you need more 2.5 Gbps ports, add a small multi gig switch later
Software and setup
The Tether app walks you through naming the network, setting a password, and updating firmware Expect the standard HomeShield options for basic family controls and IoT device lists For mode support, BE3600 operates as a router or access point EasyMesh can extend coverage with other TP Link mesh units, but note that pure wireless uplink for the BE3600 itself depends on the companion device and network design
Serviceability and updates
Routers are sealed appliances You will not upgrade RAM or radios Focus on placement, firmware updates, and channel selection TP Link’s download page shows active firmware and setup videos in mid 2025 which is a good sign for ongoing support
Best configuration to buy
- Single unit BE3600 for small homes on gigabit or below
- Step up to BE550 if you want 6 GHz for less congestion and higher nearby speeds
- Consider mesh if your home is multi floor or long, mix a BE3600 with EasyMesh nodes or choose a mesh kit outright
Rivals compared in one line
- Archer BE550 tri band with 6 GHz, faster nearby speeds, higher price pick for busy homes or many laptops with Wi Fi 7
- Asus RT BE58U class often adds strong firmware and USB features, similar price band, check port mix and 6 GHz support on the exact model page
- Netgear RS200 entry level Wi Fi 7, two point five gig ports, no 6 GHz similar positioning to BE3600 but with Netgear software stack
Pricing and availability
Street prices move with promos In late 2024 and through 2025 we have seen BE3600 near the entry tier of Wi Fi 7, often around or a little above one hundred US dollars, which undercuts many tri band options Check local listings and bundles in your region
Archer BE3600 is a practical Wi Fi 7 starter for small homes It lacks 6 GHz but brings two 2.5 Gbps ports and an easy app If you have many new phones and laptops that support 6 GHz or you live in a crowded building, jump to BE550 or a tri band mesh
Buying checklist
- Internet plan speed and modem support
- Home size and wall materials
- Client device support for Wi Fi 7 and MLO
- Need for 6 GHz today or later
- Port needs two point five gig for desktop or NAS
- Mesh plan now or later
Featured Snippet boxes
Does Archer BE3600 have 6 GHz
Four Echo devices purpose-built for Alexa+: Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. They add new AZ3/AZ3 Pro chips, better microphones, and Omnisense sensors for more proactive, personalized responses. Prices start at $99.99.
How many 2.5 Gbps ports are on BE3600
Two one for WAN and one for LAN plus three 1 Gbps LAN and one USB 3.0 for storage features
Is BE3600 good for gigabit fiber
Yes the 2.5 Gbps WAN avoids a choke point and the second 2.5 Gbps LAN lets a desktop or NAS run faster than 1 Gbps
Can BE3600 work as access point or with EasyMesh
Yes it supports AP mode and EasyMesh Behavior depends on the other nodes and network plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Archer BE3600 in one line
A Wi Fi 7 dual band router rated up to 3.6 Gbps with two 2.5 Gbps ports and Tether app setup.
Does it have a 6 GHz band
No, it works on 2.4 and 5 GHz only. If you want 6 GHz, look at BE550 or higher.
Who is it best for
Small to mid size homes on up to gigabit internet, apartments and condos, and buyers who want next gen features at a low price.
How many 2.5 Gbps ports are there and what can I do with them
Two in total, one WAN and one LAN. Use them to take full advantage of a multi gig capable modem and to wire a desktop or NAS at 2.5 Gbps.
Does it support EasyMesh and access point mode
Yes. It is listed for EasyMesh, and TP Link confirms access point mode in support notes.
How do I set it up
Use the TP Link Tether app to name your network, set a password, and update firmware. Support files and guides are on the download page.
Is it good for gigabit fiber
Yes. The 2.5 Gbps WAN avoids a 1 Gbps bottleneck, and the second 2.5 Gbps LAN lets one wired device run above gigabit.
How fast is it in real rooms
Independent testing shows strong short range results and solid mid range speeds for the price, though it trails higher tier 6 GHz models at distance.
What are the key Wi Fi 7 features here
Multi Link Operation and 4K QAM for better peak rates and responsiveness on supported clients, plus DFS on 5 GHz.
What am I giving up versus BE550
You lose the 6 GHz band and its congestion relief and close range speed. BE550 is tri band and better for homes with many new Wi Fi 6E or 7 devices.
Typical price range
Recent reviews place it around one hundred US dollars, often below that during promos.
Where do I get firmware and manuals
Grab them from the Archer BE3600 support download page.