Really struggling with choosing which Deco is right for me. Help!
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Hi,
I'm really struggling to work out which Deco product would be most suitable for me.
I'm in UK and have TalkTalk fibre (70Mb down, 20Mb up) - this is unlikely to get faster anytime soon. TalkTalk router does 2.4GHz (802.11 b,g,n) and 5GHz (802.11 n,ac)
I'm in a 3 bedroom apartment, so all on one level. File transfers are rare, so its mostly internet usage on the WiFi.
Probably about 25 -30 devices in total that need a wifi connection.
If I compare these 3:
https://www.tp-link.com/uk/compare/?typeId=5700&productIds=43272%2C41975%2C35608
M9 Plus = £312
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deco-M9-Plus-coverage-Antivirus/dp/B07WRDR22H/?th=1
Deco P9 = £144
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deco-P9-Powerline-coverage-Parental/dp/B07XSBGP7G/?th=1
Deco X60 = £340
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-Deco-X60-3-pack-Extenders/dp/B08759W2P7/?th=1
They all seem largely the same functionality-wise, will the WiFi 6 on the X60 benefit me?
Soo confused....
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Deco M5 is a good choice. I have two M5s (in addition to two M9s) and M5 will do just fine for your needs. In my tests, on my gigabit Internet, Main Deco M5 which is connected to Ethernet delivers up to 475Mbps, Satellite Deco M5 connected wirelessly to Main Deco delivers up to 225Mbps.
Also, TP-Link seem to favor M5, as it is often the first of different Deco models to get newest updates in firmware.
One caveat: due to compact size of M5, heat dissipation could be a problem if unit is not placed properly. Deco M5 shouldn't overheat from a regular household type of usage, like yours, but make sure you place M5 where its vents are not obstructed and where is enough space around the Deco unit. Flat desk or TV stand is a good place, thick carpet is not.
By the way, if you would like to mount Deco M5 on the wall, you can get wall mount holder. Like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/HOLACA-Outlet-TP-Link-System-Bracket/dp/B08NVN7BFW
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For your apartment and Internet speeds you have, I recommend you consider Deco M4:
M4 = £99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-Deco-M4-Seamless-Replacement/dp/B07NH1J543
Deco M4 does not support WiFi6, but having WiFi6 will not benefit you. Only when Internet is faster than 500Mbps, having WiFi6 capability makes the difference.
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Yes, M4 is less capable that M9, but these capabilities that you mentioned come to light with faster Internet speeds. You can try M9, of course, I have two and like them very much, but they are more expensive and might not deliver any benefits to you.
With WiFi mesh, you never know how it'll work at someone's place (i.e., yours) until you try. Get Deco set from retailer with return policy, and check if they charge return shipping fees. I just got hit by those at Amazon, while sending back some electronics, never had that charge before.
I suggest you either start with three M4, or three M5 - whatever is more to your liking, and see how it works for your apartment. If results are not satisfactory, you may need to settle for more expensive type of Deco units such as three-pack M9 Plus.
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Thanks for the advice. I'm tempted with the M5 as the seem much more compact and also the spec seems a bit better - no. of antennas etc..
They seem to cost slightly more than the M4 (£99 for 2) but maybe a 2 pack will be ok. If not, I could buy 1 extra.
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Deco M5 is a good choice. I have two M5s (in addition to two M9s) and M5 will do just fine for your needs. In my tests, on my gigabit Internet, Main Deco M5 which is connected to Ethernet delivers up to 475Mbps, Satellite Deco M5 connected wirelessly to Main Deco delivers up to 225Mbps.
Also, TP-Link seem to favor M5, as it is often the first of different Deco models to get newest updates in firmware.
One caveat: due to compact size of M5, heat dissipation could be a problem if unit is not placed properly. Deco M5 shouldn't overheat from a regular household type of usage, like yours, but make sure you place M5 where its vents are not obstructed and where is enough space around the Deco unit. Flat desk or TV stand is a good place, thick carpet is not.
By the way, if you would like to mount Deco M5 on the wall, you can get wall mount holder. Like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/HOLACA-Outlet-TP-Link-System-Bracket/dp/B08NVN7BFW
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Sounds good, I think I will go for M5.
One other query - my router/modem uit cannot go into bridge mode.
So perhaps if I set the M5 to be AP it would be best?
Other than losing some of the wifi features of M5 I dont see the downside as setting them in AP mode - keeping the config in the router seems easier?
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This is exactly what I've done at my house: configured Deco mesh, turned off WiFi on ISP Router and switched Deco mesh to Access Point mode.
With Deco in Access Point mode you'll get maximum WiFi performance and minimum configuration headaches.
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