A mesh Wi-Fi is a complete home system that eliminates the need for multiple routers and wireless extenders. It provides Wi-Fi throughout your home without any dead zones.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems boost the capability of your smartphones, tablets, laptops etc in your network with faster speeds and greater coverage.
TP-Link, a very popular vendor of home networking devices (and of many other products) is a great choice when you want to get a reliable and budget-friendly WiFi router.
Moreover, just like other well-known vendors, they launched in the market several notable mesh WiFi models, which support the newest WiFi 6 technology or can work as smarthome hub controllers as we will discuss in this article.
Quick Recommendation
- I recommend the TP-Link Deco X20 or Deco X60 to take full advantage of the newest WiFi 6 technology (better speed, capacity, coverage etc).
- I recommend the TP-Link M9 Plus if you want a great WiFi mesh system AND you have smarthome devices in your home network (the M9 plus can manage and control smarthome IoT devices).
Wi-Fi 6, the next generation Wi-Fi standard, is backwards compatible with previous Wi-Fi generations and is supported by X20 and X60 models.
TP-Link’s mesh networking kit is one step ahead of single router setup. A central hub working with one or more satellite nodes expand Wi-Fi signals to every nook and corner of your home.
In this article we will discuss and review TP-Link’s X20, X60, and M9 Plus mesh Wi-Fi systems to help you select the right model for your home.
TP-Link Deco X20 and X60 Brief Review
The latest Wi-Fi 6 technology delivers a massive boost in speed, coverage, and capacity to the TP-Link Deco X20 (AX1800) or X60 (AX3000).
- Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi - Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 whole home mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi for good
- Whole Home Wi-Fi Coverage - Cover up to 5800 square feet with seamless high-performance Wi-Fi 6 and eliminate dead zones and buffering Better than traditional wifi booster
- Connect More Devices - With Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Deco X20(3-pack) is strong enough to connect up to 150 devices with strong and reliable WiFi.Smartphone/Tablet Requirements:iOS 9.0 or later Android 4.4 or later
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 05:36 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 5 GHz, 2.40 GHz - MIMO Technology - 2 x Network (RJ-45) - Gigabit Ethernet - Desktop - 3 Pack
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 05:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 1024-QAM and higher symbol rates combine to deliver lightning speeds. The 802.11ax (WiFi 6) with 10 bits/symbol packs 25 percent more data than the current 802.11ac (WiFi 5) standard which works using 8 bits/symbol.
Wi-Fi6 provides MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and 4 times more capacity to handle more devices. Moreover, it doubles the channel width from 80 MHz to 160 MHz to support 8k movies without buffering.
Both Deco X20 and X60 are designed for the newest WiFi 6 technology.
Let’s see below some of the main features of the Deco X20/X60:
FeaturesÂ
Wi-Fi 6 Coverage – The next-generation Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) powered X20 covers up to 5,800 sq.ft. at 1,800 Mbps max speed and eliminates dead zones and buffering.
The Deco X60 goes a little further and covers up to 7,000 sq.ft. at speeds of up to 3,000 Mbps, perfect for 4K/8K streaming and video-intensive online gaming.
Easy Setup and Control from Anywhere – Covers your entire home in strong and reliable Wi-Fi in three easy steps. The Deco App sets up your network in a few minutes under clear, visual step-by-step guidance. You can manage your Wi-Fi network from anywhere.
Parental Control – Parents have peace of mind with no worries about watching kids all the time. Custom user profiles define access for every person and device at home and limit internet time, block content, and monitor usage.
Guest Network – Share your Wi-Fi network with friends and guests. If you prefer voice commands, use Alexa to turn on/off Guest Wi-Fi.
Connect More Devices – The system reliably connects up to 150 devices with strong Wi-Fi signals. Smartphones and tablets need to run iOS 9.0 or above and Android 4.4 or above versions.
Compatibility – Compatible with previous Wi-Fi generations and works with any internet service provider (ISP) modem.
Security –TP-Link’s HomeCare, with a powerful antivirus, robust parental controls, and advanced QoS (Quality of Service), protects your network with a free lifetime subscription. QoS prioritizes devices and applications that need the fastest internet speeds. The system supports the latest WPA3 wifi security.
Technical Specs
– Wi-Fi coverage up to 5,800 sq.ft. for X20 and 7,000 sqft. for X60 (for 3 unit kits).
– Â Speed up to 1,800 Mbps on X20 and 3,000 Mbps on X60
– Â 4 internal antennas
– Â 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN
– Â Mesh Technology includes Smart Connect (Band Steering), Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, TWT, BSS Color, AP Mode, IPTV, IPv6, Guest Network, LED Control, Port Forwarding, Dynamic DNS (TP-Link DDNS), VPN Pass-Through, Cloud Management, WPA3
– Software support includes parental control, QoS (QoS by Device & Application), antivirus, access control
– The TP-Link Deco Mobile App supports guided setup, local and remote network management, user management, and parental control
– Support a maximum of 150 devices
Pros
The setup is simple and begins with downloading the TP-Link Deco App and walking through a step-by-step process to get online. It even suggests the locations for the nodes to extract maximum coverage.
The dual-band TP-Link Deco X20 is a budget-friendly system with a price-tag at the low-end of other similar mesh devices.
The Deco X60 is a little more costly, however it is still one of the cheapest options for a WiFi 6 mesh product.
Both come in 2, and 3-unit sets and prices vary slightly depending upon the unit.
The power consumption for devices is reduced with this system due to Target Wake Time (TMT) that allows devices to decide when to wake up and send and receive data.
Gaming enthusiasts will love the responsive gaming sessions, and video chatting is seamless, even with multiple devices transmitting data simultaneously.
Cons
The look-and-feel is a little wanting, with chubby plastic cylinders displaying minimal style. Users accustomed to the traditional flat or circular design will find the cylinders a bit odd in shape and size.
It would have been nice to add a few additional status indicators to the individual units.
The 3-unit systems, particularly the X60, are pricey.
TP-Link Deco M9 Plus Brief Review
- Whole home coverage – cover up to 6, 500 sq. Ft. With seamless, high-performance Wi-Fi and eliminate dead zones and buffering
- Aster tri-band speed for more devices – three Wi-Fi bands with dynamic backhaul by TP-Link one mesh support 100-plus devices and keeps all of them running at top speed
- Intelligent Wi-Fi network – Deco M9 Plus unites your home under a single Wi-Fi name and password while delivering the best connections as you walk from room to room
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 05:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The TP-Link Deco M9 Plus is an AC 2200 Smart Home Mesh Wi-Fi system in a 2 or 3-unit pack. It excels with its robust features and serves as a home automation system for multiple devices supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.
The major difference of Deco M9 vs the Deco X20/X60 discussed above is that the M9 works with the 802.11AC (WiFi 5) standard whereas the Deco X20/X60 support the newest WiFi 6.
Below are the features of the Deco M9 Plus:
Features
Reliable and robust Wi-Fi Coverage – The Wi-Fi (802.11 ac) powered Deco M9 Plus covers up to 6.500 sq.ft. at 2,200 Mbps speed that eliminates weak signals.
Smart Hub – The unique selling point of the Deco M9 Plus lies in its ability to work as an IoT hub that sets automation for interaction between your smart devices. Therefore, it can be used as a control and management point for smart home devices that support Zigbee, Bluetooth and WiFi communication.
Easy Setup and Control from Anywhere – The Deco App sets up your network quickly and manages it from anywhere. The auto connection feature helps find suitable locations for the installation of the nodes. It is a breeze to update the latest firmware, even for beginners.
Parental Control – You can create custom user profiles for every person in the family, set daily limits for internet access, block content, monitor usage, and suspend a member’s net access. The four levels of content filtering cater to specific age groups.
Connect More Devices – The system reliably connects up to 100 devices with strong Wi-Fi signals. Smartphones and tablets need to run iOS 9.0 or above and Android 4.4 or above versions.
Security – TP-Link’s HomeCare, with a powerful antivirus, robust parental controls, and advanced QoS, protects your network. QoS prioritizes devices and applications that need the fastest internet speeds.
Reporting – The system reports time spent online, the highest speed, connected devices, and blocks malicious attacks.Â
Technical Specs
–Â Tri-band with Signal Rate and Wi-Fi Frequency of 400 Mbps on 2.4GHz, 867 Mbps on 5GHz(1), and 867 Mbps on 5GHz(2)
– Supports IEEE 802.11 ac/n/a 5 GHz, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 4.2, ZigBee HA1.2
– Wi-Fi coverage up to 6,500 sqft.
–Â WiFi Speed up to 2,200 Mbps
–Â 8 internal antennas
–Â 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN Ethernet Ports
–Â Mesh Wi-Fi system that supports MU-MIMO, Auto Path Selection, Self-Healing, AP Steering, Band Steering, Beamforming
– Software support includes parental control, 3-year free antivirus, QoS, access control, reporting, Alexa support, and automation for smart home devices
– Supports a maximum of 100 devices
– The TP-Link Deco Mobile App supports guided setup, local and remote network management, user management, and parental control
– Supports wireless security protocols WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
– Work on Android 4.4 or later, iOS 9.0 or later, and most Windows, Mac, and UNIX versions
Pros
The easy setup and the management through the TP-Link Deco App ensure that even beginners with no networking knowledge can easily use the system.
Can also work as IoT management hub supporting Zigbee smarthome communication protocol.
The 2-unit, tri-band TP-Link Deco M9 Plus is a budget-item for moderate-sized houses, while the 3-unit Deco M9 is a bit costly but perfect for large-sized homes.
The power consumption is low as it allows devices to decide when to wake up and send and receive data.
The circular size and lightweight make it easy to fit in any part of the house.
Multiple devices can transmit data simultaneously without significant degradation of response, typically in graphics-intensive gaming, video calls, and web conferences.
Cons
The devices are managed only from the Deco App (using a smartphone or tablet).
It would have been nice to have a few status indicators on the device’s top rather than the side.
It would have been more complete as smarthome hub if it supported also Z-wave.
Comparison of TP-Link Deco X20/X60 vs. Deco M9 Plus
The TP-Link Deco systems bring several useful features, including a wide coverage area and fast Wi-Fi speeds.
The Deco’s are among the top choices available in the market as whole-home Wi-Fi systems with lower budget prices.
Consumers should look at the similarities and differences between the three mesh Wi-Fi systems below to make an informed choice.
Similarities
All three systems come with TP-Link’s HomeCare consisting of powerful antivirus, robust parental controls, and advanced QoS that protect your network with a free lifetime subscription.
TP-Link’s mesh Wi-Fi technology is a common denominator with features, such as MU-MIMO, auto path selection, AP steering, band steering, self-healing, and beamforming.
The systems have a similar number of WAN/LAN and power ports, reset buttons, and status indicators. The power consumption of the units is almost identical.
The TP-Link Deco Mobile App provides the local and remote network management, user management, and parental control functions for all the systems.
All Deco systems must be managed by the TP-Link Deco app (on a smartphone or tablet).
Differences
The Deco X20/X60 systems are ahead of the M9 Plus with support from Wi-Fi6. The 802.11ax packs 25 percent more data than the 802.11ac.
However, the M9 Plus performs better than the X20 but is slightly behind the X60.
The M9 Plus supports the standard wireless security protocols WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, while the X20/X60 additionally adhere to WPA3-PSK.
The coverage area of M9 Plus at 6,500 sq.ft. is between X20’s 5,800 and X60’s 7,000 sq.ft. The speed of the M9 Plus at 2,200 Mbps is near to the X20’s 1,800 Mbps than the X60’s 3,000 Mbps.
The M9 Plus units are more conveniently shaped and smaller in size compared to the X20/X60.
The M9 Plus costs more than X20/X60 due to its additional ability as a smart home automation system.
Conclusion
TP-Link’s mesh Wi-Fi systems are robust and provide seamless coverage for large-sized homes.
The TP-Link Deco X20/X60 mesh Wi-Fi systems offer the newest advantages of WiFi 6 technology but keep in mind that these advantages can be realized only if you have a client device (smartphone, laptop etc) that supports WiFi 6.
The TP-Link Deco M9 Plus provides excellent speeds and a large coverage area. The Deco M9 Plus doubles up as a smart home system and is especially attractive to people searching for a home automation system for multiple devices. Consequently, the total area of the house, budget, and features will drive a consumer’s choice.
Final Verdict:
If you have smart home devices in your home network (e.g smart thermostats, smart locks, cameras etc) then buy the Deco M9 Plus in order to manage all these devices in addition to providing excellent WiFi coverage.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of the newest WiFi6 standard and you don’t care much about controlling smart-home IoT clients, then get the Deco X20 or X60 models.
Excellent article, thanks so much.
Excellent article, was struggling to choose between X60 & M9 because of the price difference. Didn’t even realise X20 existed so getting that instead coz it costs nearly the same as the M9 but I’d prefer a wifi6 system. Thanks so much.
Thanks a lot Omar for your kind word. I’m glad you liked my article.
Harris
MUY BUEN ARTICULO, MI PREGUNTA ES EN Q IMPLICA PONER 6 DECOS M4 A 3 DECOS M9, CONSIDERANDO Q EN MI OGAR HAY MUCHOS CUARTOS Y PAREDES Y UN DECO DENTRO DE UN CUARTO PERDERIA BASTANTE SEÑAL POR Q LOS MUROS SON DE CONCRETO, CUAL SERIA SU RECOMENDACION.