← Back to articles

TP-Link AXE5400 Range Extender Review

January 2, 2026

TechRadar Verdict

The TP-Link AXE5400 is a sizeable, somewhat bulky device, but it's notably quick and offers excellent value. Its tri-band Wi-Fi 6E capabilities provide performance that can rival some Wi-Fi 7 extenders, making it a competitive choice for home Wi-Fi enhancement.

  • Pros:

    • Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E performance
    • Competitive pricing
    • User-friendly setup and management

  • Cons:

    • Large, bulky design
    • App contains intrusive ads

Why Trust TechRadar

We dedicate hours to rigorously testing every product we review to ensure you are making the best purchasing decision. Learn more about our testing process.

One-Minute Overview

The TP-Link AXE5400 (model RE815XE) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6E range extender, boasting tri-band capabilities and a peak speed of 5.4Gbps. It is an attractive option compared to newer Wi-Fi 7 extenders, especially considering its price point.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
  • Max Speed: 5.4 Gbps
  • Ports: 1x Gigabit Ethernet
  • Antennae: 4 external
  • Dimensions: 348 x 106 x 80mm

Wi-Fi 6E introduces the 6.0GHz band, promising high speeds and low latency, but its adoption has lagged behind Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, making devices supporting it somewhat niche. Nonetheless, this extender leverages Wi-Fi 6E to deliver fast, reliable coverage.

Price & Availability

  • Cost: $139.99 / £119.14
  • Availability: Now
  • Where to buy: US and UK stores

The AXE5400 is priced slightly lower than some Wi-Fi 7 options, yet offers superior or comparable performance due to its tri-band design. It's currently not available in Australia, where TP-Link seems to have skipped Wi-Fi 6E in favor of newer models.

Design

Size and Build

The AXE5400 is notable for its large, prominent external antennas. Fully extended, it measures 348mm high, 106mm wide, and 80mm deep — a footprint that can easily block a power socket. Its bulky form is functional, as the antennas help extend Wi-Fi range effectively.

simple query (Representative image of large antennae and size)

Practical Considerations

In setup, its size can obstruct adjacent outlets, and front status lights, while useful, occupy space and could add to the device's footprint. The antenna array aids in delivering extensive Wi-Fi coverage, minimizing dead spots.

Features

  • Installation: Easy with the TP-Link Tether app
  • Indicators: Useful status lights
  • Inbuilt Ethernet: Yes, for wired connections
  • Compatibility: Supports TP-Link’s OneMesh system
  • Roaming: Adaptive path selection for seamless device handoff

The app provides guided setup, allowing you to use the same network credentials as your main router or create new ones specifically for the extender. A built-in signal test helps pinpoint optimal placement.

Performance

Benchmarks and Testing

In a typical office environment with dead zones, the AXE5400 quickly provided robust Wi-Fi across all bands:

  • 2.4GHz: ~140Mbps
  • 5.0GHz: ~150Mbps
  • 6.0GHz: ~150Mbps

Speed tests confirm that the 6.0GHz band maintains high throughput, suitable for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming and gaming.

simple query (Speed test result illustration)

Summary of Performance

The tri-band setup ensures comprehensive coverage and speeds suitable for most home networks, outperforming some dual-band Wi-Fi 7 extenders in speed.

Final Recommendations

Should You Buy?

Ideal for:

  • Users needing high-speed Wi-Fi with support for the high-frequency 6.0GHz band
  • Those with existing Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E compatible devices
  • Anyone seeking an affordable yet powerful extender

Not recommended if:

  • Budget is tightly constrained
  • You have only older Wi-Fi devices supporting 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz
  • You prefer a less obtrusive device

Comparison with Other Options

| Model | Price | Wi-Fi | Max Speed | Antennae | Dimensions | |---------|--------|---------|--------------|--------------|--------------| | TP-Link AXE5400 | $139.99 / £119.14 | Wi-Fi 6E | 5.4Gbps | 4 external | 348 x 106 x 80mm | | Asus RP-AX58 | $99.99 / £79.99 | Wi-Fi 6 | 3.6Gbps | 2 internal | 150 x 72 x 87mm | | TP-Link RE700X | $119.99 / £56.99 | Wi-Fi 6 | 3.0Gbps | 2 internal | 149 x 78 x 36mm |

If you specifically want Wi-Fi 7 support, the Asus RP-AX58 is an affordable alternative, though it offers lower speeds.

About the Reviewer

Cliff Joseph, a veteran tech journalist with over 30 years of experience, has written extensively about Macs, Windows, networking, and digital entertainment. His background includes magazine editing and a lasting passion for technology, making his reviews well-informed and practical.

Note: Sign up for tech insights, deals, and updates directly in your inbox.