The U.S. government is weighing a potential nationwide ban on TP-Link routers amid escalating national security concerns tied to the company’s Chinese ownership. According to sources, the Department of Commerce is leading the proposal, with support from the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defence. Officials argue that TP-Link’s links to Chinese operations could pose cybersecurity risks. If enacted, the ban could reshape the U.S. home networking market, particularly affecting budget-conscious consumers who depend on TP-Link’s affordable routers and Wi-Fi devices.
Key Highlights
- U.S. Commerce Department Proposal: The Commerce Department is considering a potential ban on TP-Link routers in the U.S., citing national security risks linked to the company’s Chinese ownership.
- Cybersecurity Concerns: Reports from Microsoft and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) indicate that some TP-Link routers were exploited by state-sponsored Chinese hackers, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in U.S. networks.
- Market Dominance: TP-Link currently holds roughly 65% of the U.S. router market, primarily through its affordable home and small-business networking products. A ban could significantly impact budget-conscious consumers and reshape the entry-level router market.
- Company Response: TP-Link Systems USA denies all allegations, emphasizing that it separated from its Chinese parent company in 2022 and now manufactures routers in Vietnam. The company maintains that its products meet U.S. cybersecurity and trade standards.
- Political Context: The timing of the proposed ban is influenced by policies from the Trump administration, which aimed to limit Chinese technology influence in the U.S. Negotiations among the Commerce Department, national security agencies, and political leaders are ongoing, and no final decision has been made.
Main Update
As of late October 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce is reviewing a proposal to ban TP-Link routers from sale in the United States. The move follows investigations by Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Defense, citing potential threats from TP-Link’s connections to mainland China.
Concerns focus on China’s National Security Law, which could compel companies headquartered in China to share sensitive data with intelligence agencies. Because TP-Link’s parent company is based in Shenzhen, officials fear user information or network access could be exposed.
Additionally, Microsoft and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) found that routers from TP-Link had been exploited by the Chinese hacking group “Volt Typhoon” as part of a large-scale botnet targeting U.S. critical infrastructure. Although TP-Link has patched several vulnerabilities, experts argue that the company’s slow response left users exposed.
TP-Link’s Response
TP-Link’s official statement to Tom’s Hardware reads:
“No official action or confirmation has been made by any agency or the White House regarding these allegations. The article reported that Commerce may still decide not to issue the ban, or could reach an agreement with TP-Link for a different resolution of its concerns.
TP-Link Systems vigorously disputes any allegation that its products present national security risks to the United States. The company remains as committed as ever to supplying secure and high-quality products to the U.S. market. As we told the Washington Post, any concerns the government may have about TP-Link are fully resolvable by a common-sense mix of measures like onshoring development functions, investing in cybersecurity, and being transparent.
TP-Link will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Commerce to ensure we understand and can respond to any concerns the government has. We also reserve all our legal rights as a U.S. company to challenge any proposed adverse action that lacks a basis in fact or treats TP-Link unfairly. TP-Link fully expects to continue its business as usual with no interruption to its sales in the U.S. market.”
Market Impact
- TP-Link dominates the U.S. router market, offering affordable models like the Archer AX21 and Deco XE75 Mesh.
- A ban could leave millions of American households and small businesses without their preferred budget networking devices, forcing them to switch to brands like Netgear, ASUS, or Linksys.
- The Justice Department is also reviewing TP-Link for alleged predatory pricing, raising concerns about both national security and market fairness.
- Analysts warn the ban could increase prices and reduce competition in the entry-level router segment.
What Happens Next?
The proposed ban follows a two-phase review process. TP-Link would have 30 days to respond to allegations, after which the Department of Commerce reviews objections for another 30 days.
Currently, TP-Link routers remain available in U.S. stores and online. If the ban is enacted, future software updates and support may be affected. Political context under the Trump administration, including recent trade negotiations with China, could influence timing and enforcement.
Conclusion
The potential U.S. ban on TP-Link routers underscores the deepening tension between cybersecurity concerns, U.S.–China relations, and consumer technology policy. As Washington weighs new restrictions on Chinese-owned tech companies, millions of American households that depend on TP-Link’s affordable Wi-Fi routers and smart home devices could face major changes in the home networking market. If implemented, the ban may drive users toward alternative router brands and reshape competition in the entry-level networking segment. The case reflects how national security priorities increasingly intersect with everyday consumer tech choices. Tech Searchers will continue to monitor this developing story and provide timely updates on the TP-Link router ban and its broader impact on U.S. cybersecurity and technology markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is the U.S. government considering a ban on TP-Link routers?
The proposed ban stems from national security concerns. Reports indicate that some TP-Link routers were previously exploited by state-sponsored Chinese hackers, raising fears of potential cybersecurity risks linked to the company’s Chinese ownership.
Q2: Will existing TP-Link routers stop working if the ban is approved?
No. Current TP-Link devices will continue to operate normally, but future software updates, security patches, and official support in the U.S. may become limited or unavailable.
Q3: What alternatives can U.S. users consider for home networking?
Consumers seeking secure and compliant routers can consider alternatives such as Netgear, ASUS, or Linksys, which meet U.S. cybersecurity standards and provide reliable home and small-business networking solutions.
