I Asked 4 Cybersecurity Experts If They Would Still Use a TP-Link Router

US Government Considers Ban on TP-Link Routers

More than six US government departments and agencies are supporting a proposal to ban TP-Link routers due to alleged connections to Chinese cyberattacks. TP-Link routers, a common choice for budget-conscious consumers, might no longer be available in 2026 if the ban is enacted.

Investigations and Allegations

In 2024, the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice began investigations into TP-Link routers over concerns about their ties to cyberattacks originating from China. Additionally, the Justice Department's antitrust division is examining whether TP-Link used predatory pricing—selling products below cost to undercut competitors.

Insights from Cybersecurity Experts

Experts noted that the potential ban focuses more on TP-Link’s connections to China rather than concrete security flaws found in their devices.

"A potential ban is more about the company’s links to China than specific security issues that have been publicly identified."

Market Position and Product Performance

Founded in 1996 by brothers Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Jiaxing in Shenzhen, China, TP-Link is one of the most popular router brands worldwide. It dominates the budget router category, often delivering solid value. In CNET’s Wi-Fi router tests, TP-Link models generally ranked mid-range in performance but were praised for their affordability.

Summary

This scrutiny reflects growing US concerns about cybersecurity risks linked to foreign companies and highlights the potential impact on widely used consumer technology.

Author's summary: US agencies push to ban TP-Link routers over China ties, with cybersecurity experts stressing concerns about origins rather than proven device flaws.

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CNET CNET — 2025-11-06

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