Last Updated: April 20, 2020 (Refresh Now)
TP Link Smart Hub Whole Home WiFi Mesh System
Last Updated: April 20, 2020 (Refresh Now)
8.6
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
637
Old Reviews
12
Unverified
126
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Review Analysis - 499 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Network
301wifi, house, deco, mesh, tp link
+90%
-10%
" ... I replaced my five year old 1200 MB 2.4/5 Ghz router with the Deco M5 and it's better than I thought it would be. ... The coverage from just one of these Deco units could cover most of my house, but having three units assure complete coverage. ... My previous router had different SSID's for the two frequency bands. ... I like having a single SSID and letting the router automatically decide which band to use instead of manually setting it. ... "
" ... I worked upstairs at her house on an opposite corner of the house from the router. ... At her house, most devices were on the Deco. ... So it would seem your provider & primary router still have somewhat of a role in how your WiFi is going to perform. ... "
" ... Excellent product for hanging your Deco router on the wall out of the way of other electronics. ... "
" ... Excellent coverage and strong signal throughout the entire house. ... "
" ... I have the product connected to an Ethernet backbone for two of the three access points and we consistently have high speed throughout the entire house. ... "
" ... The Wi-Fi signal is very strong. ... "
" ... Had great service everywhere in a 3 story house. ... "
" ... This works a lot better then traditional routers. ... "
Setup
199easy, easy to install, app, easy to setup, set
+98%
-2%
" ... Super easy hook up. ... "
" ... Adding the second access point, which serves to extend the coverage, is just as easy - plug it in, add a new device in the app and it'll do its magic right in then and there. ... "
" ... It was so easy to set up with TP link software on iPhone it took 20 minutes for both units and i now have 200mbps constant WiFi signal running my smart tv and other devices! ... "
" ... Easy set up and complete coverage in my 4100 square foot home. ... "
" ... We setup 3 M5 Decos in about 5 minutes, literally. ... You setup a profile for each member of your family and assign devices to them. ... "
" ... Here is a tip: if you have an existing wireless network use the same SSID and password for the Deco system and everything will repopulate without having to reconnect each device. ... "
" ... I highly recommend this setup. ... "
" ... Easy to setup and I can see what's going on with my home network even when I'm not connected to it. ... "
Capacity
181coverage, wifi, throughout the house, story, sq ft
+98%
-2%
" ... We have a 3 level 4500 sq ft house. ... "
" ... Works as advertised and eliminated the dead spaces in my house. ... "
" ... our tv reception with mesh is great. ... "
" ... and 2) It had 3 units and I wanted to use 3 instead of 2 units to make sure my 2,100 sq ft. L-shaped (it is more like a Batwing B2 bomber, but we will go with the 'L') has really good coverage. ... "
" ... I now have better reception and reliability throughout the house. ... "
" ... Had intermittent problems with my DirecTV Now signal in my back bedroom. ... "
" ... Coveres my 1700sq ft house without a single dead spot. ... "
" ... I set up 3 in a pretty big house and got the wired backhaul working. ... "
Ease of Use
155setup, set, easy to set, easy to install, app
+98%
-2%
" ... It is easy to set up. ... "
" ... Easy to follow step by step on the app. ... "
" ... Easy to install and setup . ... "
" ... No more dead spots and easy setup ... "
" ... Mobile app for managing easy to use and has a great feature set. ... "
" ... I was finally able to find the extremely simple and easy fix to my problem a few hours afterwards, but the fact that they were so rude, dismissive, and unable to provide such a simple solution managed to tick me off pretty badly. ... "
" ... Easy to set up. ... "
" ... Easy to setup and it works ... "
Wifi
154mesh, coverage, wi fi, deco, house
+90%
-10%
" ... Was looking at adding another router and came across mesh wifi. ... "
" ... This system totally improved our WiFi range in our house. ... "
" ... Update (after having it for 5 days): The wifi works amazingly well, however, the big problem I have hit is my Brother HL2280-DL laser printer and scanner is having a lot of trouble connecting and working seamlessly. ... This is a real disappointment, especially when the wifi is so amazing. ... "
" ... I struggled for a long time in making this kind of investment for a home wifi system. ... So I decided to (bite the bullet) and purchase a whole home mesh wifi system. ... "
" ... You can add more units to it, and I was sure that I’d need to but our WiFi strength is now so strong that we connect to it about half a block from our house. ... "
" ... As it works just for the wi-fi - it's obviously less interesting (the computers the kids are using desktops that are physically connected so it won't work for them) - so not sure wha tthe value is and I don't want to set that up through my phone. ... "
" ... WiFi coverage in the home is solid without interruption. ... "
" ... This review is for TP -Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System ... The WiFi really fills your house. ... "
Software Platform
109deco, google, devices, setup, parental
+83%
-17%
" ... Has features just what i was looking for, Android App is decent. ... "
" ... Better than the Google Fiber access points at each TV. ... "
" ... The mesh access points work together so I only have one network which allows Alexa or Siri to work my smart devices including my security cameras on/in my house and shop. ... "
" ... Download app, follow simple directions or watch a YouTube, and done! ... Roku, Homepods, printers, etc. ... "
" ... Additional features on App is excellent and it is easy to use. ... "
" ... We can now stream Netflix/Hulu/Amazon/YouTube on multiple devices. ... "
" ... It was also definitely the easiest router I’ve ever installed — all it took was plugging it in, downloading the app (for iPhone & Android), following the app instructions (very easy to follow with full visuals) and you’re up and running. ... "
" ... It integrated seamlessly with Alexa and my other smart devices (light switches and plugs). ... "
Device Compatibility
83connected, smart, app, deco, hub
+86%
-14%
" ... So easy to use, but i dont like phone only interface, but who doesnt have a smart phone now. ... "
" ... I like how it updates itself and lets you know when new devices connect to it. ... "
" ... that part worked seamlessly. ... "
" ... I had no problems connecting devices, even older devices that only used 2.4 GHz. ... "
" ... I strongly recommend this product for anyone with connectivity issues in or around their home. ... "
" ... Needed that to set up a device. ... Most of my devices connected automatically to the 5g. ... "
" ... THIS COMES FROM A GUY WHO IS BARELY COMPUTER LITERATE BTW. ... "
" ... I can stream, be on the computer, have 2 smart phones, and absolutely no dead zone, dropping in wireless, and definitely no pausing during stream of any movie on NetFlix or Amazon Prime Video. ... "
Apps
67setup, deco, download the app, instructions, follow
+90%
-10%
" ... The app works fine and simple. ... "
" ... Download the app and away you go. ... "
" ... Easy install, Stylized App design. ... "
" ... The iPhone app made this the simplest network I ever installed. ... "
" ... It also sends you a notification through the app whenever a new device has connected to the network, so you can at least screen for any unfamiliar devices without having to check the device list periodically. ... "
" ... The APP is easy to use, it supports all the key features needed and I find that I like it a lot. ... "
" ... Easy To Us App ... "
" ... After you download an easy app it pretty much does the rest of the setup for you. ... "
ISP
55modem, internet, wifi, deco, mbps
+89%
-11%
" ... Speed I'm getting from Modem to the Deco (225 Mbps). ... Speed I'm getting from Deco to my phone (20 Mbps). ... "
" ... Very easy to set up and has performed extremely well with my internet provider. ... "
" ... After installing the first one, I had to reconfigure it to just an AP (access point), since I use the service provider's Router for DHCP and NAT (has to due with Xbox Ones). ... "
" ... I have had a TP-Link N750 router for years. ... I pay for 150 mbps of download with Xfinity and I am getting that or more now. ... I was lucky to get 70 mbps with my old router. ... "
" ... My roaming devices (e.g. ... "
" ... I have a 75Mbps upload/download speed broadband internet plan with Verizon. ... Their ActionTech router delivered about 60Mbps upload/download speed. ... "
" ... Installed 3 of deco to replace old tp-link router (c1900). ... "
" ... Ideal integration for residential based applications that sync with my WiFi provider, Greenlight ! ... "
Product Reliability
51working, month, weeks, units, worked
+73%
-27%
" ... I really hope second set last for many years. ... Will update after getting new units. ... Have had new set now for about 1 1/2 months and it is working outstanding. ... Hope units last for years. ... Just want it to last several years. ... "
" ... Worked great for about 2 months. ... "
" ... Running for a month without issue. ... "
" ... Working great after a few weeks now. ... "
" ... System has been running for three months without a single failure, so reliability appears to be very good. ... "
" ... So far I have had the Deco m5 for 3 months and they are great. ... In total I have a total of 20 devices connected in my network and that is certainly going to increase in the next couple months. ... "
" ... I've had the Deco for 2 weeks now, and I've been thrilled with the results. ... "
" ... Has not failed me yet. ... "
Overall performance
49speeds, performance, speed tests, increased, deco
+94%
-6%
" ... I haven't had any loss in connection speed, and actually get higher speeds than using extenders. ... "
" ... Speeds are extremely high upstairs and downstairs. ... "
" ... I cannot speak as to the speed performances as I can only get 50Mbps in my area but every test I performed was the same as standing next to the router before. ... "
" ... It has only been about 24 hours or so since I have it now, but my speeds increased from 10Mbps to 110Mbps by using this Mesh wifi system, through out my house. ... Great speed and connectivity. ... "
" ... Once I re-selected the new network in Settings - super fast speeds were back! ... "
" ... My total download speed is 400mbps and as you can see I’m getting 466mbps. ... "
" ... 4) It's fast. ... "
" ... The speed and the stability of the connections was increased. ... The speed of the connection is also more consistent regardless of where you are in the home. ... "
Ports
45connected, wired, modem, ethernet backhaul, deco
+84%
-16%
" ... Would like to see a 90 degree power cable plug. ... Plug out of unit shows more than I'd like in this attachment. ... "
" ... Supports Ethernet backhaul. ... "
" ... I have been trying to get a reliable signal in my shop, about 30’ from my home for years without running a CAT5 cable. ... "
" ... I use Ethernet switches connected to some of them to allow more wired connections in those locations, addresses come from the first Deco device which is connected to the modem. ... "
" ... Ethernet backhaul works great. ... "
" ... Advanced options such as parental controls, port forwarding, address reservations, etc. ... I was prepared to buy a $20 switch if needed, but the WIFI throughput is adequate for my needs, so the one spare port is enough. ... "
" ... We tried powerline extenders and even have some devices connected via Cat 6, too, and while they added a little umph, it just didn't result in remarkable change. ... "
" ... I have ethernet ran to 4 locations around the house. ... Would be nice if they added some features to easily show if ethernet backhaul is detected and functioning. ... "
Price
30money, worth every penny, well worth, waste, sale
+87%
-13%
" ... Very good value especially if you can find in on sale. ... "
" ... Other similar systems are likely as good, but the price make this a best value IMHO. ... "
" ... I even bought it just before it went on sale for Blac Friday and was able to get credited the difference from the sale price. ... "
" ... But the performance and easy setup of this product make it well worth the money. ... "
" ... This is a great buy at the $189 price point for three units vs. the M9 for two units at $289 The main difference between M5 and M9 is the M9 comes with tri-band wi-fi radios as opposed to the dual band with the M5. ... "
" ... Would recommend at this price, it's a very cost effective solution. ... "
" ... I researched and price compared. ... "
" ... There may be better solutions out there but I am very happy with the price, the product and the result. ... "
Firmware
21update, upgrade, firmware updates, deco, units
+52%
-48%
" ... All installed without issue and each obtained a firmware upgrade sequentially while being installed. ... "
" ... Add 4 minutes more for a firmware update and all was good. ... "
" ... By comparison, I don’t know what the higher priced products may deliver more than the Deco system, yet with integrated antivirus, automatic firmware updates, and being compatible with Alexa, there’s a ton of value I’m getting from the Deco M5. ... "
" ... Netgear did push numerous updates. ... "
" ... When I added the 1st device, I received a prompt to update the firmware, so I did. ... "
" ... Had to individually set up the other decos, connect to the web, upgrade their firmware, and then factory reset them. ... Only then could they be discovered and connect with the master deco unit which had the upgraded firmware. ... "
" ... I took an old router and loaded DD_WRT on it and set it up as a repeater bridge with a virtual SSID on the 2.4ghz and used the tp-link as the gateway. ... "
" ... did a firmware upgrade on all 3. no issues. ... "
Features
17feature, advanced, deco, security features, parental controls
+88%
-12%
" ... I am loving the parental control options as well. ... "
" ... With this I should be able to create a schedule to turn on and off the lights outside instead of manually flipping the light switch every night. ... "
" ... Time/parental control works very nice. ... "
" ... When the blue light turns green, the app will tell you everything is good to go. ... "
" ... I love the parental controls (for my 11 yr old) and security features that come with as well. ... "
" ... I have not seen any benefits in the "fast roaming" feature and have turn it off. ... "
" ... I haven't had a chance to test other features. ... "
" ... The features are limited but adequate for most home installations. ... "
Returns
13return, unfortunately, trying, returning, product
+23%
-77%
" ... I unplugged them and returned them thenext day. ... "
" ... It's too late to return, but maybe I can spare someone else from this frustration! ... "
" ... Unfortunately I faffed around so long trying to make this work that I can no longer return it. ... "
" ... Unfortunately my return window has closed and I am now stuck with them. ... "
" ... I'll be returning these. ... "
" ... I am now going to return the product. ... "
" ... I promptly returned this system. ... "
" ... UPDATE: I Returned it. ... "
Marketplace
12received, product, problem, happy, excellent
+83%
-17%
" ... very happy to date ... "
" ... The product is performing precisely as advertised. ... "
" ... Called Amazon support and they were excellent in resolving my problem. ... Amazon handled it like real professionals and I am real happy at this point in time ... Sent back to amazon and they replaced with no problem. ... "
" ... Purchased for $144.97 on Amazon’s black friday 2018 ... "
" ... With the $20 amazon coupon I picked up a set of 3 Deco M5 for $162. ... "
" ... Just as described. ... "
" ... I later received this email. ... "
" ... Works BETTER than advertised. ... "
Video Playback
10streaming, videos, youtube, hd, online
+90%
-10%
" ... And, most importantly, the video chat test- it was perfect. ... "
" ... I have a total of 4 devices streaming HD video all day because of my kids being at home all the time so a constant and reliable WiFi connection is important in my home. ... "
" ... In my household (of 6), it's not uncommon to have 2 or 3 online gaming sessions, streaming videos, streaming music, and web surfing all happening simultaneously. ... "
" ... I highly recommend watching the company's video before installing. ... "
" ... No more buffering when streaming videos on tv or youtube. ... "
" ... Everything seems to just work with no issues, even video streaming. ... "
" ... Finally the video streaming can begin. ... "
" ... With my old router, playing a 1080 HD video from it to my phone would sometimes pause and buffer. ... "
Lagging
8lag, video, restart, months, every
+88%
-13%
" ... I had to reboot one of the units once in about a month, but other than that, I've had no problems at all. ... "
" ... I have never needed to reboot the system. ... "
" ... No lag, no weird skipping or audio lagging behind video, no disconnects. ... "
" ... No more buffering or any issues. ... "
" ... Has been up for several months now and I have never had to reboot or restart it. ... "
" ... Even easier to restart it ... "
" ... For the first time, I was able to complete a video call witout lag or drop. ... "
Cables
8plug, unit, power cord, power, cord
+100%
" ... Each unit is small enough to sit atop its own plug held in place against the wall with a twist tie around cord and small piece of clear packing. ... "
" ... Plug in all of the wires and power supplies for everything. ... "
" ... By boosting our reception, we can work our way towards not having to rent equipment from the cable company. ... "
" ... That's just how they wired it when they brought the cable to my home. ... "
" ... Would like to see a 90 degree power cable plug. ... "
" ... I have been trying to get a reliable signal in my shop, about 30’ from my home for years without running a CAT5 cable. ... "
" ... Update: customer service finally replaced the cord. ... "
" ... Orbi is cable of deliver really fast speed. ... "
Bluetooth
8setup, connect, app, devices, via bluetooth
+75%
-25%
" ... Once detected and connected over bluetooth, the setup process is as smooth as installing the first 2 devices. ... "
" ... Easy to set up - connect node, automatically used Bluetooth when connection failed. ... "
" ... When starting the configuration, the smart phone app connects via Bluetooth, so there's already some support for it. ... "
" ... The setup was very simple and used bluetooth instead of the annoying WiFi swap that most apps make you do for setup. ... "
" ... Use Bluetooth to add additional units after setting the first one up. ... "
" ... Plug it in, use your phones bluetooth to connect and perform the setup. ... "
Gaming
6online, gaming, game, time, speeds
+100%
" ... This is a game changer! ... "
" ... As a matter of fact, "SIMPLE" is the name of the game here. ... "
" ... Two Xbox Ones online at the same time . ... "
" ... Our use is for streaming video, online gaming, browsing, etc. ... "
" ... No more lag time, download speeds are back up, no issues gaming or watching streaming tv. ... "
" ... In my household (of 6), it's not uncommon to have 2 or 3 online gaming sessions, streaming videos, streaming music, and web surfing all happening simultaneously. ... "
For Kids
6years, wife, old, home, adult
+100%
" ... Time seeing what are kids are doing… Priceless!! ... "
" ... I used to hear complaints from the wife and kids on a weekly basis. ... "
" ... My kids are 4 1/2 years apart, so this makes it much easier to have different restrictions as my kids get older. ... "
" ... I don't have that issue with any other phones (wife's / kids') or computers. ... "
" ... This system is a must have if you have children, no matter how old they are, without restricting adult usage. ... "
" ... I really noticed a difference for the better when the kids came home for the holidays. ... "
Build Quality
6sturdy, points, also, access, wall
+100%
" ... Each unit is small enough to sit atop its own plug held in place against the wall with a twist tie around cord and small piece of clear packing. ... "
" ... Finally decided to try a mesh system but didn't want to spend an arm and a leg, especially with little real expectation that it would work any better than the range extender. ... "
" ... When I open the sturdy box the two access points are perfectly aligned and secured. ... The access points feel sturdy and have weight to them - not heavy, just feels like they are well made. ... "
" ... Protection is out standing also. ... "
" ... Using this for 8 months now and still rock solid. ... "
" ... Construction technique makes it a challenge for wireless, but the Deco performs well. ... "
Controls
5controls, control, parental controls, feature, deco
+100%
" ... Time/parental control works very nice. ... "
" ... I am loving the parental control options as well. ... "
" ... The parental controls are great. ... "
" ... The parental controls are GREAT. ... "
" ... Parental Controls - Seems to work okay. ... "
Pedometer
5step, walks, steps, easy, app
+100%
" ... I had no issues with any of the steps. ... "
" ... Each step matched my action exactly. ... "
" ... The system has an easy set up and walks you through step by step. ... "
" ... Easy to follow step by step on the app. ... "
" ... The app walks you through step-by step ... its actually accomplished in only like 4 steps. ... "
Data reception
5internet, 4g, devices, 5
+60%
-40%
" ... From multiple phones, tablets, and laptops all the Internet Speed Tests are showing that I am getting full FiOS Up/Down speeds over WiFi. ... "
" ... We increased our phone and internet strength. ... "
" ... This boosted our newly purchased UbiFi 4G signal from 5 down/1 up to 30-40 down/5 up instantly! ... "
For Running
4month, minutes, home, 10, time
+100%
" ... Less than 10 minutes to up and running. ... "
" ... Running for a month without issue. ... "
" ... Its a home run. ... "
" ... I've had this running in our home for well over a month now. ... "
Resolution
4streaming, stream hd, enough, stream, speed
+100%
" ... We are also streaming 4K regularly with zero lag over wireless. ... "
" ... I can actually stream Ultra HD without buffering. ... "
" ... SInce setting up the Deco M5 system, I now have sufficient bandwidth in my shop, averaging about 10Mb/s, enough to stream HD video. ... "
Remote
4home, story, parental, network, house
+75%
-25%
" ... I have the remote Access Points wired into Ethernet and they are performing as expected. ... "
" ... The parental controls and remote accessibility makes it perfect for managing my network at home or on the go. ... "
" ... Reception is currently indeed better in the remote regions of the house (I have a 3 story home). ... "
Internet
4speed, download, verizon, using, upload
+75%
-25%
" ... We increased our phone and internet strength. ... "
" ... This product has a lot of options that I am not using because all I wanted was internet access on the other side of the house, but I am starting to explore the app. ... "
" ... I have a 75Mbps upload/download speed broadband internet plan with Verizon. ... "
Call quality
4time, talking, talk, phone, good
+75%
-25%
" ... no more lost calls, facetime is good now. ... "
" ... Talk bout waiting but I’m sure glad I did(even if it was 11yrs). ... Set-up time done 730am on a saturday morning, including phone call to spectrum approx took 20-25mins. ... "
" ... Especially since I can now read my magazines on my tablet in the loo, hear my music in the living room and, ok, answer calls by the pool. ... "
Design
4small, love, design, looks, lights
+100%
" ... First off, the actual Deco products are very stylish and have a low profile. ... "
" ... The "pods" are small and easily hidden -- the indicator lights are subtle. ... "
Comfort
4sturdy, points, longer, feel, access
+50%
-50%
" ... As soon as I can find the time, I'll rip this out and replace it with anything, even tin cans and string would make me happier at this point. ... "
Floors
3one, floor
+100%
" ... We have one placed on each floor. ... "
" ... It's up over 3 floors. ... "
" ... 20 minutes start to finish, three units on two floors. ... "
CD/DVD
3discs
+100%
" ... I'm going to, order another "disc" to expand it even further. ... "
" ... Have about 110MpBs speeds through out the house, and only using 2 discs so far. ... "
" ... Each of the three disc are identical in size. ... "
Product As Described
3+100%
" ... The product is performing precisely as advertised. ... "
" ... Works BETTER than advertised. ... "
" ... Just as described. ... "
Storage
3room, mesh
+67%
-33%
" ... All the mesh systems I have seen have many pros and cons as MESH is still an evolving space. ... "
" ... From room to room, from space to space, it was either blasting or whispering. ... "
Fit
3hold, unit, sturdy, small, points
+67%
-33%
" ... Each unit is small enough to sit atop its own plug held in place against the wall with a twist tie around cord and small piece of clear packing. ... "
" ... When I open the sturdy box the two access points are perfectly aligned and secured. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
WiFi: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Recommendations
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