I recommended AX73 for a sure proof solution due to its higher end 4x4 5G chip, though I still think $140 is overpriced relatively speaking (vs market options and what you can have for a little more or less). The recommendation is based on TPlink's lineup as you made it clear you don't want to branch outside of this brand.
AX55 @ $99 USD is likely better than the older entry BCM 6755 SoC solutions such as AX21 (currently $70 USD), but obviously weaker than AX73 with its dedicated BCM43684 4x4 chip + amps. How much better? I can't tell you, but 2x2 penetration is worse in general, hence why higher end designs exist. Both AX21 and AX55 are 2x2. (AX55 supports 160mhz bonding and DFS)
The 4x4 hardware will help with heavy congestion/walls/objects, though if you're only 5 FT away from the router, they perform within max hardware throughput limitation up to port speed. 2x2 vs 4x4 MIMO won't matter as much with 2x2 client at close range. Hope that makes sense? Higher end MIMO exist for penetration more than client connectivity.
There have been plenty of alternative solutions with a similar level of 2x2 hardware that have sold for $50 USD via other brands.. such as Walmart selling RAX35 V2 for $49.99 back in August. Which funny enough has the same BCM6750 + BCM43684 combo as AX73, but with the main 5G radio half disabled into 2x2 mode (Tried it for fun, didn't come close to my GT-AC2900 at the time). RAX35 V1 was the same defunct intel platform that the outdated Wirecutter "review" recommends as a top pick (TPLINK AX50).
Again.. buy every router in your budget. Return the worse performing models for your situation. We cannot help you until you do.
I would agree with
@L&LD and try the AX68U even though its a 3x3 5G config as I'm biased to ASUS hardware after using every other brand and messing with more recent models. Firmware/SW is usually a step above Netgear and TP-LINK. Upgrade pick is AX86S.. Which is same HW as AX68U, but with a better 5G chip. $40 USD price difference currently.. (
You can trade in an old router to Best Buy and get the price of AX86S down to $153 USD pre tax)
I would even go as far as to recommend GT-AC2900/AC86U if sub $100 USD <, but this is my bias in my environment. Every 2x2 AX solution ive used sucks in my home (1700 SQFT, moderate congestion). Again YMMV.
