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Currently on sale for $129.99 (regular price $189.99), the TP-Link Deco M5 is a three-piece mesh system that provides enhanced wireless coverage for an area up to 5,500 square feet. No need to switch or reconnect networks as you move around your home. You can also set up wired using the two Gigabit Ethernet ports on each Deco M5 unit. It’s also important to note that mesh technology doesn’t just make your internet faster, it distributes the speed of your existing network evenly throughout your home. Setup is easy; just download the TP-Link Deco app, plug in your units, and follow the guided instructions. Plus, it’s Alexa-enabled, so if you’re into smart home gadgets, you’ll have one more thing you can control with your voice.
The system comes with built-in virus protection, content filtering, and parental controls for enhanced network security, as well as various Quality of Service (QoS) settings that prioritize selected apps and devices for faster performance. For example, you can prioritize your work laptop over your smart refrigerator during video calls. Additionally, you can customize family member profiles, monitor internet usage, and set time limits for online activity. This feature is useful if you have kids and want to limit their screen time or keep them offline after bedtime. Read PCMag’s review for more details.
The Deco M5 has decent coverage, but actual speeds depend heavily on your internet plan. Larger homes with thick walls may experience slowdowns at the very ends of a 5,500-square-foot range and require additional nodes (at extra cost). And while it supports up to 100 devices, QoS throttling may be required to handle heavy-duty activities like 4K streaming and gaming at the same time. By comparison, the Linksys Velop AC2200, which costs $366.65 more, offers more stable speeds and handles heavy use better, while the Eero Mesh WiFi System, which sells for $169.99 (list price $214.96), delivers smoother performance.
