TP-Link Deco X55 is a dual-band whole home mesh Wi-Fi 6 system. Its 2-pack variant is capable of covering large houses and brings some of the latest features to act for a smart home. With a speed capacity of 3000 Mbps, efficient hardware, and multiple ethernet ports, the AI-driven mesh system is put together in a compact, eye-pleasing simplistic design.
All this sounds promising, but is it good enough to deliver the requirements of a modern household? Let's find that out in this detailed review of the Deco X55.
TP-Link Deco X55 Specs
Does reading technical specs bore you? Jump to the practical review!
| Wireless Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Aggregated Speed | AX3000 (3000 Mbps) |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band |
| 2.4GHz Speed | 574 Mbps |
| 5GHz Speed | 2402 Mbps |
| WiFi Range | Up to 4,500 Sq Ft with 2-Pack Up to 6,500 Sq Ft with 3-Pack |
| Maximum Device Capacity | 150 |
| Ports | Primary Unit: 2 x Gig LAN + 1 x Gig WAN Satellite Units: 3 x Gig LAN |
| App Support | Yes |
| QoS Prioritization | Yes |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| OFDMA | Yes |
| Security Standard | WPA2 / WPA3 |
| Processor | 1 GHz Dual-Core Qualcomm IPQ0518 |
| RAM | Not Specified |
| NAND Storage | Not Specified |
| Dimensions | 4.33 x 4.33 x 4.49 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 Pounds Per Unit |
| Release Date | February 2021 |
TP-Link Deco X55 Review: After 3 Weeks
I paired the TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 to the ARRIS S33 cable modem, which had access to the Comcast Gigabit internet. I used this setup for my primary internet usage in a test lab. I conducted different types of tests to check the performance of this mesh system across several parameters. I'm happy to report that this mesh WiFi checks most boxes.
Now enjoy my Deco X55 review separated into different aspects!
1. Wireless Speeds & Suitability
Sporting the latest wireless standard, TP-Link Deco X55 speed aggregates to 3 Gbps over two bands operating simultaneously. It gets further divided into:
| 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps | 5 GHz: 2400 Mbps |
Any internet package over 500 Mbps will bring the latest features into play, but if you run a smart home with a bunch of security cameras, the 1 Gbps plan works pretty well with this Gigabit-capable mesh WiFi.
Upon testing it with Comcast's Gig internet plan, I could get the most out of my plan with no hassles. Near the primary unit, I raked up over 819 Mbps in download and maxed out on capped upload speed of 41 Mbps.
The 4K streaming on the first floor was pretty smooth. The efficiency of the TP-Link Deco AX3000 was visible as it kept my video calls and meetings seamless as I moved back and forth within the house.
2. WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Every unit has 2 internal beamforming antennas that peg the 2-Pack Deco X55 WiFi's range at 4500 Sq Ft. While TP-Link caps the total device limit to 150, which would practically include all your smart gadgets, I'd take a bit conservative approach with the number.
Geared with the latest features MU-MIMO and OFDMA, I had no trouble using 40 devices at once. Beyond 30 devices, one could notice the strain on the system.
The lags were hardly noticeable even when devices were hogging down the internet with video calls and music. I could get stronger signals at pretty much every corner of my two-tier home, spanning over 3,700 Sq Ft.
3. Design & Wired Connectivity
TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 mesh sticks to its standard minimalist design with a white cylindrical body and a groovy black top that offers great ventilation. The units measure 4.33 x 4.33 x 4.49 inches, weighing a little over 1 pound and they will seamlessly fit into any household you put them in.
Three Gig Ethernet ports on each Deco unit are a gift to hardcore gamers and streamers. It's one of the few mesh systems to support Ethernet backhaul which keeps your speeds up even at the furthest end of your house. I wired my Xbox to the router, and the average download speed bumped to 910 Mbps.
4. Security Features
The Deco X55 mesh router comes with a free version of the HomeShield security suite. With it, you get access to basic parental control, a home network scanner, QoS, and weekly/monthly network usage report.
On the other hand, the Pro version can take your home network security to a whole new level, albeit, it will cost you approximately $5.5 a month. Overall, it is a worthy addition if you have a bunch of smart gadgets at home and need robust protection.
With the latest WPA3 encryption, guest network, a built-in SPI firewall, and access control, you'll be irrespective of the paid subscription. And the good thing is you get a one-month free trial to decide if it's worth it for your mesh network.
5. TP-Link Deco X55 Setup
Even if you are a network novice, you will have no trouble whatsoever setting up Deco X55. You could use the app to set up and later switch to the portal to manage. All you have to do is plug in the cable from the modem, power up, and wait till the LED turns solid blue.
Open the Deco App, connect to the WiFi and follow the guided instructions, you will be done and dusted in less than 15 mins.
6. Hardware & Other Features
TP-Link goes with a Qualcomm-based processor. The IPQ0518 chipset has a Dual-Core unit that can clock at 1GHz. TP-Link has a bunch of deco systems with stronger hardware, and this choice remains a mystery when you look at the price. The limits of the memory unit are apparent during multiplayer gaming sessions and streaming.
But the device fared well for video/voice calling, surfing, streaming music, and video on mobile gadgets. The QoS gives you excellent control over prioritizing limited resources. The plethora of reports come in handy when you have kids using the internet.
TP-Link Deco X55: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- AI-Driven mesh
- Ethernet Backhaul support
- HomeShield security
- Easy to setup & remote management
Cons
- An additional 5 GHz band could be better
- Limited hardware capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
The Deco X55 can be installed through the Deco App. Power up the primary unit and connect it to the modem via the Ethernet cable. You’ll notice the light blinking in blue. Once the light turns solid blue, download the deco app to your iOS/Android app and follow the on-screen instructions.
Your deco unit is a mesh router. The Ethernet port connects the router to the internet. Depending on the service provider, this could either be a modem or an ONT terminal.
While deco X55 and X60 have similar bandwidth, X60 has a better processor and more internal antennas per unit. Deco X55 has 3 Ethernet ports and is cheaper compared to X60. If you don’t indulge in data-intensive activities like online multiplayer gaming and twitch streaming, X55 would be the better fit at a lesser price.
TP-Link suggests 10 deco units if you are using ethernet backhaul to connect every unit. If your network is going to be completely wireless, it's not recommended to connect over three nodes, as every additional wireless hop will cause a loss of capacity.
Yes, Deco X55 supports ethernet backhaul. Every node comes with 3 LAN ports, which allow you to connect the nodes to the primary unit and use the other ports for primary devices like PC/Desktop/TV/Gaming consoles.
Conclusion
The seamless roaming and AI-driven mesh will keep you well-connected. Unless you are a hardcore gamer or a twitch streamer, the hardware capacity won't be the limiting factor. With a free Homeshield subscription, ease of installation, and management, you'd find excellent value for money if you grab it at a discount.
TP-Link Deco X55 Review $169.99
Summary
The Deco X55 mesh router has got a lot of things right, while the hardware unit and pricing seem a bit of a mystery with the plethora of products available in the price range.
Below are the overall ratings for Deco X55:
- Speeds & Throughput: 4.2 / 5
- Ports & Connectivity: 4.5 / 5
- WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity: 4.0 / 5
- Ease of Setup & Use: 4.5 / 5
- Security Features: 4.0 / 5
- Hardware & Performance: 3.5 / 5
- Price to Value Ratio: 4 / 5
