TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Wi-Fi Review
9/10 (Expert Score)
- If you're looking to ditch your traditional router extender setup for a whole Home Wi-Fi system, put the TP-Link Deco M5 Wi-Fi system on your short list PC mag said
- Better coverage than traditional Wi-Fi routers: Deco M5 uses 3 units working seamlessly to create a mesh network that can cover homes up to 5,500 square feet. No dead zone anymore
$139.99
Description
TP-Link Deco Mesh routers are designed to provide high-bandwidth performance and seamless mesh networking for homes and small businesses. The routers use the latest Wi-Fi 5GHz technology, which offers a greater range and faster speeds than previous iterations of Wi-Fi. TP-Link has also included a variety of features that make Deco Mesh routers easy to use, including a one-touch dashboard that allows users to quickly set up and manage their network.
TP-Link Deco M5 Design
Each of the 3 TP-Link Deco nodes is 5 inches in diameter and an inch and a half high. They are low profile and sleek in design and their matte white finish will complement any decor. Each node includes 2 Ethernet ports for external devices and a USB-C power connector.
The single LED light pulses blue before setup and blinks blue during setup. It’s solid green when everything is connected properly. A red light means the node is having connectivity issues. Your original purchase includes 3 nodes. Additional nodes are 129.99 (MSRP) each. The TP-Link Deco system will support up to 10 nodes.
Features
The TP-Link Deco M5 system delivers 400Mbps on the 2.4GHZ band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. Each Deco node is powered by a quad-core processor and 4 internal antennas. It supports all the bells and whistles you would expect from a high-end wireless router including MU-MIMO, Beamforming, QoS, and Parental Controls. MU-MIMO and Beamforming work together to send focused, simultaneous connections to each of your devices.
QoS and Parental Controls are implemented with the use of profiles and preset in the mobile app. Simply tapping on a node on the app allows you to change its priority in terms of QoS. The QoS presets are Standard, Gaming, Streaming, Surfing, Chatting, and customizable presets. You can change the profile setting for each of your family members to filter out or allow adult content. The profile settings are Child, Pre-Teen, Teen, and Adult. You can even use the mobile app to run speed tests from each node.
While many wireless routers and mesh systems only offer malware and antivirus protection as an add-on subscription service TP-Links anti-virus and malware protection is built-in. The mobile app has easy-to-use controls for Malicious Content filtering, Intrusion Protection, and Device Quarantine for infected devices.
Performance
The TP-Link Deco is not at the top of any list performance-wise but hung in there with the likes of The Eero Mesh and Luma Home WiFi System. At close proximity is scored just slightly below both the Eero and Luma but significantly below the Linksys Velop. At 30 feet the Deco actually topped the Linksys Velops performance as well as the Eero Mesh which was a very close third. Throughput was good enough to top the Luma and the Eero Mesh system but not the Linksys Velop.
TP-Link Deco M5 Installation
If you have 15-20 minutes to spare and can follow simple instructions you can set up your TP-Link Deco system with no outside help and be surfing and gaming online with no problems. Once the app is downloaded simply follow the on-screen instructions on your phone to connect the first node to your modem. The LED indicator light will pulse blue until a connection is established. This should only take 20-30 seconds. Once your first node is a steady green simply repeat the process with your other nodes.
Parental Controls, QoS, and Antivirus are self-explanatory and easy to configure by simply clicking on a node or profile in the mobile app. The TP-Link Deco M5 is such a fantastic value I did a video and wrote an article on it. See Affordable Mesh Networking With The TP-Link Deco M5.
TP-Link Deco M5 – Video
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Conclusion
For about the same price as a high-end wireless router, you can have a whole-home WiFi solution with MU-MIMO, Beamforming, QoS, and Parental Controls with a coverage range of up to 5,500 square feet and 100+ devices. The well-developed mobile app and easy setup make it a snap to set up and configure. As if that wasn’t enough TP-Link puts the cherry on top by with built-in Antivirus and Malware protection. If you are looking for great value you simply won’t do much better than the TP-Link Deco M5.
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TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Wi-Fi Review Prices
Price History
| Price history for TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System –Up to 5,500 sq. ft. Whole Home Coverage and 100+ Devices,WiFi Router/Extender Replacement, Parental Controls/Anitivirus, Seamless Roaming(Deco M5 3-Pack) | |
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