The United States 'bans' TP-Link routers

TP-Link controls 65% of the US Wi-Fi router market – but could face a nationwide ban. So if things get worse, here are the best alternatives to TP-Link routers.

Why did the US ban TP-Link routers?

First, it's worth noting that there is currently no ban on TP-Link routers. However, according to Malwarebytes, the government suspects that TP-Link routers are being exploited by China in cyberattacks, and multiple federal agencies have launched investigations. While an outright ban on the products is not a sure thing, it is a possibility.

The fact that the Departments of Justice, Defense, and Commerce are all investigating the Chinese manufacturer is a testament to how seriously the US government is taking this issue. The TP-Link router ban is unlikely to go into effect until 2026, giving users a chance to consider alternatives.

Alternative router brands to TP-Link

Some people have always been fans of TP-Link routers and have owned multiple of them. However, there are many other brands that are just as good, if not better. Often, people will choose TP-Link simply because they know the brand.

Other router brands that are trusted by many people are:

1. Netgear : Netgear is another popular brand. Netgear routers are a reliable choice for both home and business use. Models like the Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6 router offer great performance for streaming and gaming.
2. Asus : Asus routers often include advanced features like AiMesh for seamless whole-home coverage and built-in security tools like AiProtection. A high-performing product in the Asus line is the RT-BE92U Tri-Band WiFi 7 router, which includes a free network security service.
3. Linksys : Linksys offers a wide range of models to suit every need, from basic internet browsing to high-performance gaming. A good, inexpensive model is the Hydra Pro Mesh WiFi 6E router, which is ideal for larger homes where multiple connected devices are the norm.
4. eero (Amazon) : As a mesh system, eero routers are perfect for larger homes with lots of devices. While more expensive, models like the Amazon eero Max 7 Mesh Wi-Fi router offer great coverage and support over 200 connected devices.
5. Google Nest Wi-Fi : Google Nest is a series of Nest Wi-Fi routers and access points that can be used to set up a mesh network. The Google Wi-Fi AC 1200 Mesh Router comes with guest mode, parental controls, and internet security as standard.

While not an exhaustive list, it does provide a decent range of options. From basic home networking to complex business solutions, you'll find an option that fits your needs among the many options.

Should you worry about router security?

It would be silly to say that you should never worry about security. However, while the TP-Link controversy may seem alarming, there's no need to panic. Router security is important regardless of brand. Following some basic guidelines can help minimize the risk. Good practices include keeping your firmware up to date, changing the default username and password, enabling WPA3, and even disabling remote management features.

For TP-Link users, the best advice is to keep an eye on the news for further developments, but also make sure you stay up to date on any firmware updates that are released. It's unlikely that a company of this size and stature would just abandon the US market, so there's a distinct possibility that they'll try to smooth things over with updates designed to address potential security issues.

David Pac

Update 03 February 2025