The U.S. government is reportedly considering banning TP-Link routers, potentially leading to a major shift in the networking market. While nothing is set in stone, the situation echoes Huawei’s 2019 ban. Unlike Huawei, however, TP-Link’s removal could be a significant challenge for consumers, as its routers are among the most popular and affordable in the U.S.

Why TP-Link Is Under Scrutiny

TP-Link Systems Inc. is a leading provider of networking products, including routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems. The brand’s competitive pricing, with Wi-Fi 7 models starting as low as $107, has made it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

However, the company is now under investigation by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Defense, and Commerce. This scrutiny includes a subpoena from the Commerce Department, reportedly linked to concerns about potential ties to China-backed cyberattacks. These attacks are alleged to have targeted government organizations, their suppliers, and unrelated private entities.

While there’s no definitive evidence that TP-Link routers are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than those from other brands, the concerns appear to stem from the company’s corporate ties rather than specific hardware or software flaws.

TP-Link’s Defense

TP-Link Systems has strongly denied any allegations of insecurity in its routers. In a statement to Digital Trends, the company emphasized that:

Its vulnerability rate per product is lower than other leading brands, according to sources like CVE Details and VulDB.
TP-Link addresses vulnerabilities promptly and maintains an average CVSS score (a metric for severity) in line with competitors.

Thomas Pace, CEO of cybersecurity firm NetRise, echoed these sentiments. He noted that Chinese-manufactured devices don’t inherently have more vulnerabilities than others, with the primary concerns often tied to corporate structure rather than technical issues.

The Potential Impact

If TP-Link routers are banned, it could disrupt the market significantly. While The Wall Street Journal claims TP-Link accounted for 65% of router sales in 2024, the company disputes this, citing a 12% market share in U.S. home routers.

TP-Link also clarified its corporate structure, highlighting that TP-Link Systems Inc., based in Irvine, California, operates independently of TP-Link Technologies in China. Additionally, many of its routers sold in the U.S. are manufactured in Vietnam, not China.

Should You Replace Your TP-Link Router?

As the situation develops, there’s no immediate need to replace your existing TP-Link router. However, if a ban occurs, many consumers may need to seek alternatives.

Router Brands to Consider

If you’re exploring other options, here are three reliable alternatives:

Asus: Known for robust performance and premium features.
Netgear: Offers a wide range of routers for various needs, from basic setups to high-performance gaming models.
Eero: Specializes in mesh Wi-Fi systems with easy setup and seamless connectivity.

While TP-Link’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, keeping an eye on the situation and considering alternatives could be a wise move for anyone planning to upgrade their networking equipment.

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