TP-Link Deco M9 vs M5 – A Mesh WiFi Router Comparison

Choosing the right mesh Wi-Fi system can be daunting, especially with TP-Link’s Deco lineup offering various options. Today, we’ll be pitting two popular contenders against each other–the Deco M9 Plus and the Deco M5. That’s the reason that the TP-Link’s Deco line of mesh routers has become a popular choice for those seeking seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout their homes. But with two strong contenders in the Deco M9 and M5, choosing the right one can be tricky at times. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the key specs and features of both routers to help you decide which one reigns supreme for your home network.

#1 Comparison Table

Deco Routers

TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 5800 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Routers and Extenders(3-Pack, 6 Ethernet Ports in total, supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul)

TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System(Deco M5) –Up to 5,500 sq. ft. Whole Home Coverage and 100+ Devices,WiFi Router/Extender Replacement, Anitivirus, 3-pack

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Current Price

$159.99

$129.99

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Deco Routers

TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 5800 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Routers and Extenders(3-Pack, 6 Ethernet Ports in total, supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul)

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Current Price

$159.99

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Deco Routers

TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System(Deco M5) –Up to 5,500 sq. ft. Whole Home Coverage and 100+ Devices,WiFi Router/Extender Replacement, Anitivirus, 3-pack

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$129.99

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#2 Coverage of the Two

While both systems can handle medium-sized homes, the M9 Plus again shines with its superior range. Each unit covers up to 6000 sq ft, allowing you to blanket even larger spaces with seamless Wi-Fi. The M5’s 2800 sq ft per unit coverage is still respectable but might require more units for expansive homes.

#3 Some More Features

Both Deco systems share essential features like TP-Link’s HomeCare™ security suite, MU-MIMO for efficient multi-device communication, Beamforming for improved signal direction, and parental controls. However, the M9 Plus boasts a few extras, including a dedicated Alexa built-in smart speaker in each unit and support for Zigbee smart home devices:

I) Mesh Technology

Both systems use TP-Link’s Deco Mesh technology, which seamlessly hands off devices between Deco units as you move around your home.

II) Ease of Use

Both systems are known for their user-friendly setup and management through the TP-Link Deco app.

III) Aesthetics

Both systems come in a sleek, minimalist design that blends seamlessly into most home environments.
Remember, the best Wi-Fi system is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. So, weigh your options carefully and choose the TP-Link Deco that’s perfect for your connected home:

• Both routers are designed to create a seamless mesh Wi-Fi network that covers your whole home. They use TP-Link Mesh Technology and optional Ethernet backhaul to link the Deco units together. They also support router and access point modes, and have HomeCare features that provide antivirus, parental controls, and QoS
• The main difference between the two routers is their Wi-Fi speed and capacity. The Deco M9 is a tri-band router that delivers up to AC2200 speeds, while the Deco M5 is a dual-band router that delivers up to AC1300 speeds. The Deco M9 also has 4×4 MU-MIMO, which means it can communicate with more devices simultaneously than the Deco M5, which has 2×2 MU-MIMO
• Another difference is that the Deco M9 has Bluetooth 4.2 and ZigBee HA 1.2, which allow it to act as a smart hub for compatible smart devices. The Deco M5 does not have these features, so you would need a separate hub if you want to control your smart home devices with the Deco app.
• The Deco M9 also has more antennas (8) than the Deco M5 (4), which means it can form a stronger and more stable signal. The Deco M9 also has a larger coverage area (4-6+ bedroom houses) than the Deco M5 (3-5 bedroom houses).
• The Deco M9 is more expensive than the Deco M5, but it also offers more performance and functionality. The Deco M5 is more affordable and still provides reliable and secure Wi-Fi for your home.

#4 How To Setup TP-Link Deco Router

To set up a mesh network with Deco routers, you need to follow these steps:

• Download and install the Deco app on your smartphone or tablet.
• Connect one Deco unit to your modem or router using an Ethernet cable, and plug it into a power outlet. This will be your main Deco unit.
• Launch the Deco app and follow the instructions to create a TP-Link ID and add your main Deco unit. You can choose between router mode or access point mode, depending on your network configuration.
• Place the other Deco units in different rooms or areas where you need Wi-Fi coverage. Make sure they are within the range of the main Deco unit or another Deco unit. You can also use Ethernet cables to connect them if you prefer.
• Use the Deco app to add the other Deco units to your network. The app will guide you through the process and help you find the best locations for optimal performance.
• Once all the Deco units are added, you can customize your network settings, such as the network name, password, guest network, parental controls, antivirus, QoS, etc. You can also check the network status and speed, and manage your connected devices.

You have successfully set up a mesh network with Deco routers. You can enjoy seamless and secure Wi-Fi throughout your home.

The Deco M9 takes the clear lead in terms of sheer performance. Its Wi-Fi 6 technology offers significantly faster speeds, better handling of multiple devices, and improved range compared to the M5’s Wi-Fi 5. The tri-band design also dedicates a separate band for backhaul traffic, further reducing congestion and lag.

The TP-Link Deco M9 Plus emerges as the clear winner for power users and large homes. Its Wi-Fi 6 speeds, tri-band design, superior range, and additional features like built-in smart speakers make it a future-proof and versatile option. However, the Deco M5 shouldn’t be discounted. Its Wi-Fi 5 capabilities, affordable price tag, and smaller footprint make it a compelling choice for smaller homes or budget-conscious users who don’t need bleeding-edge performance. So, the best choice depends on your needs and budget. Consider the size of your home, the number of devices you connect, and your future needs for smart home integration or Wi-Fi 6 compatibility. With this breakdown, you can confidently choose the TP-Link Deco system that’s right for you and we hope this in-depth comparison helps you make an informed decision!

SaleBestseller No. 1

TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X55) - Covers up to 6500 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Router and Extender, 3 Gigabit ports per unit, supports Ethernet Backhaul (3-pack)

• Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi - Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 whole home mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi for good(2×2/HE160 2402 Mbps plus 2×2 574 Mbps)
• Whole Home WiFi Coverage - Covers up to 6500 square feet with seamless high-performance Wi-Fi 6 and eliminate dead zones and buffering. Better than traditional WiFi booster and Range Extenders
• Connect More Devices - Deco X55(3-pack) is strong enough to connect up to 150 devices with strong and reliable Wi-Fi
• More Gigabit Ports - Each Deco X55 has 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports(9 in total for a 3-pack) and supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul for better speeds. Any of them can work as a Wi-Fi Router
• AI-Driven Mesh - Intelligently learns the network environment to provide ideal WiFi unique to your home

$169.99

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SaleBestseller No. 2

TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) – Up to 5,500 Sq.ft. Coverage, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, Gigabit Ports, Works with Alexa, 3-pack

• A New Way to WiFi: Deco Mesh technology gives you a better WiFi experience in all directions with faster WiFi speeds and strong WiFi signal to cover your whole home.
• Bettern Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: Deco S4 three units work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh network that can cover homes up to 5, 500 square feet. No dead zone anymore.
• Seamless and Stable WiFi Mesh: Rather than wifi range extender that need multiple network names and passwords, Deco S4 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network name and password.
• Incredibly fast AC1200 speeds makes the deco capable of providing connectivity for up to 100 devices.
• With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds

$114.99

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SaleBestseller No. 3

TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System(Deco M5) –Up to 5,500 sq. ft. Whole Home Coverage and 100+ Devices,WiFi Router/Extender Replacement, Anitivirus, 3-pack

• 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
• Seamless and Stable Wi-Fi: Rather than Wi-Fi range extender that need multiple network names and passwords, Deco M5 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network name and password
• TP-Link unique Adaptive routing technology automatically chooses the fastest path for every device and allows for more flexible placement than a satellite system
• Secure Wi-Fi Mesh Network: Protect your network and connected devices with a free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare­ featuring Next-level Antivirus, Robust Parental Controls, and QoS

$129.99

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Bestseller No. 4

TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System – Wi-Fi up to 7200 Sq.Ft, Engadget Rated Best Mesh For Most People, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, AI-Driven Mesh New 6GHz Band, 3-Pack(Deco XE75)

• WiFi 6E Tri-Band Mesh WiFi – Cover up to 7,200 Sq.Ft with next-gen seamless WiFi and make dead zones and buffering a thing of the past¹ ²
• Brand-New 6 GHz Band – Experience the latest frequency of WiFi, eliminating interference from all legacy devices. The 6 GHz band works as the powerful dedicated backhaul to ensure stable connections between nodes by default. You can switch it to Wi-Fi Network mode and connect your WiFi 6E-compatible devices to 6GHz Network³
• True Tri-Band Speed – All three WiFi bands work together to unleash your network’s total speeds up to 5,400 Mbps for 200 devices(6 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);5 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps)¹ ³
• Unlock the Full Potential of WiFi 6 - Opening the 6 GHz band will change the game for WiFi 6. WiFi 6 brings about upgraded performance in network efficiency and capacity. Whereas the advantages of WiFi 6 are not fully realized while competing with transmissions from WiFi 5 (or other radios). The 6 GHz band is available only for WiFi 6 traffic, allowing WiFi 6 to meet its intended potential
• AI-Driven Mesh - Deco XE75 delivers smart WiFi that follows you wherever you are, without interruption. It automatically learns your network environment, client quality, and user behaviors

$352.26

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SaleBestseller No. 5

TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System(Deco XE75 Pro) - 2.5G WAN/LAN Port, Covers up to 5500 Sq.Ft, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, AI-Driven Mesh, New 6GHz Band, 2-Pack

• WiFi 6E Tri-Band Mesh WiFi – Cover up to 5,500 Sq.Ft with next-gen seamless WiFi and make dead zones and buffering a thing of the past¹ ²
• Beyond the Speed of Gigabit - A 2.5 Gbps port and 2 Gigabit ports per unit allow you to take full advantage of your Multi-Gig broadband speed (Ideal for gigabit+ internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps). Plug your PCs, smart TVs, or game consoles into the ports for blazing-fast wired connections
• Brand-New 6 GHz Band – Experience the latest frequency of WiFi, eliminating interference from all legacy devices. The 6 GHz band works as the powerful dedicated backhaul to ensure stable connections between nodes by default. You can switch it to Wi-Fi Network mode and connect your WiFi 6E-compatible devices to 6GHz Network³
• True Tri-Band Speed – All three WiFi bands work together to unleash your network’s total speeds up to 5,400 Mbps for 200 devices (6 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);5 GHz: 2402 Mbps (HE160);2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps)¹ ³
• AI-Driven Mesh - Deco XE75 Pro delivers smart WiFi that follows you wherever you are, without interruption. It automatically learns your network environment, client quality, and user behaviors

$229.99

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SaleBestseller No. 6

TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh WiFi System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 2200 Sq.Ft, Replaces Wireless Internet Routers and Extenders, 1-Pack, White

• 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 2,200 square feet with seamless high-performance Wi-Fi 6 and eliminate dead zones and buffering, better than traditional wifi booster, add more Deco X20 for more coverage
• Connect More Devices - OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology quadruple capacity to enable simultaneous transmission to more devices
• Peace of Mind with Parental Controls - Manage limit and monitor internet use with profiles that let you customize Wi-Fi access for every person and device in your home
• Universally Compatible - Backward compatible with all Wi-Fi generations ideal for any internet plan up to 1 Gbps and works with any internet service provider (ISP) modem and all Deco Mesh Wi-Fi

$80.57

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Bestseller No. 7

TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System– Up to 5,500 Sq.ft. Coverage, WiFi Router/Extender Replacement, Gigabit Ports,Seamless Roaming, Parental Controls, Works with Alexa(Deco S4 3-Pack) (Renewed)

• A New Way to WiFi: Deco Mesh technology gives you a better WiFi experience in all directions with faster WiFi speeds and strong WiFi signal to cover your whole home.
• Bettern Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: Deco S4 three units work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh network that can cover homes up to 5, 500 sq. ft. No Dead Zone anymore.
• Seamless and Stable WiFi Mesh: Rather than wifi range extender that need multiple network names and passwords, Deco S4 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network name and password.
• Incredibly fast AC1200 speeds makes the deco capable of providing connectivity for up to 100 devices.
• With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds

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Bestseller No. 8

TP-Link Deco-W2400 AC1200 Wireless Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack - Certified Refurbished

• Deco uses a system of units to achieve seamless whole-home Wi-Fi coverage — eliminate weak signal areas once and for all!
• With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds.*
• A Deco W2400 two-pack delivers Wi-Fi to an area of up to 3,000 square feet. And if that’s not enough, simply add more Decos to the network anytime to increase coverage.*
• Deco W2400 provides fast and stable connections with speeds of up to 1167 Mbps and works with the major internet service provider (ISP) and modem.**
• Deco can handle traffic from even the busiest of networks, providing lag-free connections for up to 100 devices.*

$49.99

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