TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 vs TP-Link Deco M5 – Choosing The Right Mesh Wi-Fi System for Parental Controls
A reliable and high-performance WiFi router these days is a must have and is very crucial for seamless connectivity and much more. TP-Link, a renowned name in the networking industry, offers a variety of routers to meet different needs. In this post, we would go into the comparison of two popular models: TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 and TP-Link Deco M5. We are going to explore their key features, performance, and especially focus on parenting controls, including how to set WiFi timings for kids. Just for the run-down we should understand that the Deco X55 AX3000 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster speeds, better performance, and more capacity than the older Wi-Fi 5 standard supported by the Deco and it also has a higher Wi-Fi speed and is suitable for larger homes with more than 4 bedrooms. On the other hand, the Deco M5 is more affordable and is suitable for smaller homes with 3-5 bedrooms.
In this guide we have clearly described both in comparison table and then head-to-head comparison which shows the pros and cons of the two popular routers
TP-Link Deco is a popular line of mesh Wi-Fi systems, offering seamless whole-home coverage and easy setup. But with different models available, choosing the right one can be confusing. Below we would compare the TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 and the standard TP-Link Deco M5, focusing on features important for families, like parental controls and Wi-Fi scheduling.
#1 Performance & Specs Comparison
Feature | TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 | TP-Link Deco M5 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000) | Wi-Fi 5 (AC1200 or AC2100) |
| Coverage per Unit | Up to 6,000 sq ft | Up to 2,000 sq ft |
| Ideal for Homes | Large homes with many devices | Smaller homes or apartments |
| Parental Controls | Yes, comprehensive through Deco app | Yes, comprehensive through Deco app |
| Features | Schedule screen time, filter websites, pause Internet, track activity | Same as above |
| Wi-Fi Scheduling | Yes, for devices and profiles | Yes, for devices and profiles |
| Additional Features | Sleek tower design, HomeShield Pro (advanced security, subscription required) | Wider range of models, more affordable |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
- i) TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 – Supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard with AX3000 speeds, ideal for homes with multiple devices streaming and gaming. Offers faster speeds, lower latency, and improved capacity compared to standard Deco M5
- ii) TP-Link Deco M5– Supports Wi-Fi 5 (AC1200 or AC2100, depending on model) sufficient for most households with moderate internet usage. More affordable than the X55 AX3000
#2 Coverage of Both
- TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 – Covers up to 6,000 sq ft per Deco unit, suitable for large homes
- TP-Link Deco M5 – Covers up to 2,000 sq ft per Deco unit, ideal for smaller homes or apartments
#3 Parental Controls
Now, let’s talk about the parental controls and Wi-Fi timings for kids. Both the Deco X55 AX3000 and the Deco M5 offer robust parental controls that allow you to manage your children’s internet access and set limits on their screen time. You can use the Deco app to create profiles for your kids, set up schedules for their devices, and block inappropriate content. You can also pause the internet on their devices during meal times, bedtime, or study time.
To set up Wi-Fi timings for kids, you can use the Deco app to create a schedule for their devices. You can set up different schedules for different days of the week and specify the start and end times for each schedule. You can also set up a time limit for each device and receive notifications when the limit is reached.
- Both models – Offer comprehensive parental controls through the Deco app
- Create profiles – Set individual online schedules, filter websites and apps, pause internet access, and track activity for each family member
- Time Limits – Schedule screen time for each device or profile, ensuring a healthy balance between online and offline activities
- Content Filtering – Block inappropriate websites and apps based on pre-defined categories or custom lists
- Pause Internet – Temporarily disconnect specific devices or profiles from the internet with a single tap
#3 Wi-Fi Scheduling
Both models: Allow scheduling Wi-Fi access for specific devices or profiles.
Set “bedtimes” for devices: Restrict internet access during sleep hours to promote healthy sleep habits.
Create custom schedules: Tailor internet access to your family’s routine, allowing focused study time or family dinners without distractions.
#4 Additional Features
I) TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000
Boasts a sleek, tower design and includes HomeShield Pro (subscription required) for advanced security features like antivirus and intrusion prevention.
II) TP-Link Deco M5
More affordable and offers a wider range of models to suit different needs and budgets.
- a) Choose TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 if: You have a large home with many devices, need the latest Wi-Fi 6 speeds, and want advanced security features
- b) Choose TP-Link Deco M5 if: You have a smaller home or moderate internet usage and prioritize affordability
#5 Setting Wi-Fi Timings for Kids
i) Open the Deco app
ii) Tap “Parental Controls”
iii) Select the child’s profile
iv) Tap “Schedule”
v) Toggle on “Internet Pause” for the desired times
vi) Optionally, set a “Time Limit” for daily internet usage
Parental controls are just one tool for managing your child’s online activity. Open communication and setting expectations are essential for healthy digital habits. I hope this detailed comparison helps you choose the right TP-Link Deco system for your family’s needs and navigate the powerful parental controls and Wi-Fi scheduling features.
- 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
- 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
- GIGABIT SPEEDS FOR LESS - Supports wifi speeds up to a gigabit, without the premium price tag. eero 6+ is our most affordable gigabit system ever. Backward-compatible with previous-generation eero devices.
- WI-FI 6 GETS A BANDWIDTH BOOST - eero 6+ supports additional wifi bandwidth on the 160 MHz radio channel (that’s just wifi talk for faster connectivity). With the eero 6+, there’s enough bandwidth for the whole family to work, stream, and video chat—all at the same time.
- CONNECTIVITY YOU CAN COUNT ON - eero 6+ gives you all the connectivity with all the reliability. So you can work from home with confidence—and say goodbye to dropped video calls. Or keep your smart home running, even when you’re away.
- EXPERIENCE THE EERO TRUEMESH DIFFERENCE - eero’s patented TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs and dead spots.
- SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere.
- Google Wifi is a scalable flexible mesh Wifi system that blankets your home in reliable coverage and keeps buffering at bay; 1 Google Wifi point replaces your router and additional points expand your network to keep the connection fast in every room[1]
- Google Wifi gives you whole home coverage; 1 Pack covers up to 1500 square feet and 3 Pack covers up to 4500 square feet; points work together to create a mesh network for more coverage
- Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wifi remains fast so you can stream with speed[2]
- Simple setup in a few steps; use the Google Home app to create your network and get online in minutes[3]
- Parental controls let you manage screen time, restrict certain kinds of adult content, and pause Wifi to specific devices on your mesh network whenever you want
- 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
- 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi. Smartphone/Tablet Requirements: iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.4 or later
- Easy Setup and Management - The Deco app helps you set up your network in minutes with clear visual guidance and keeps you in control even when you are not home; Works with Alexa as well Turn on or off Guest Wi-Fi by simple voice commands
- 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
- 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
- Maximum Range : 2200 Sq Ft
- This product includes one router unit.
- Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket your whole home in fast reliable Wi-Fi and eliminate buffering in every room with coverage up to 4400 square feet.[1]
- The Wi-Fi router plugs into your internet provider's modem to create your Wi-Fi network. For more coverage add Nest Wifi routers or points to your system.
- Nest Wifi routers are strong enough to handle up to 200 connected devices and fast enough to stream multiple 4K videos at a time.[2] Compatible with Google Wifi; Ethernet ports included on each router. 15W power adapter.
