TP-Link Deco Vs. Google WiFi: Which Mesh WiFi System Is Better?

Mesh WiFi systems like TP-Link Deco and Google WiFi have become increasingly popular ways to provide seamless WiFi coverage throughout homes.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose between them? This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between TP-Link Deco and Google WiFi to help you decide which is the best mesh system for your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	TP-Link Deco	Google WiFi
Coverage	Up to 5,500 sq. ft.	Up to 4,500 sq. ft.
Speed	AC1300/AC2200/AC2600	AC1200
Number of Bands	Dual or Tri band	Dual band only
Ethernet Ports per Node	2	1
MU-MIMO Support	Yes	No
Built-in Security	Yes	Yes
Parental Controls	Robust	Basic
VPN Server	Yes	No
QoS	Yes	Yes
Alexa Support	Yes	No
Expandability	Add nodes as needed	3-pack system only
Mobile App	Deco app	Google Home app
Subscription	None	None

Overview of TP-Link Deco

TP-Link Deco offers whole home mesh WiFi using Deco access points that work together to create a unified network. Key features include:

Seamless coverage: Creates a mesh network that blankets homes up to 5,500 sq. ft. with fast, reliable WiFi. Supports 100+ connected devices.
Easy setup: Just plug in the main Deco unit, place additional units around your home, and use the Deco app to complete setup in minutes.
Tri-band WiFi: Deco M9 Plus uses one 2.4GHz band for legacy devices and two 5GHz bands for faster speeds up to 2.2Gbps. Lower models are dual-band.

Expandable: Add Deco units as needed to expand coverage. Supports pairing routers and extenders too.
Wired connectivity: Deco units have two Gigabit Ethernet ports to connect wired devices.
Robust controls: Use the Deco app to set up a guest network, parental controls, QoS, and more.

Built-in security: Deco combines WPA3 encryption, a firewall, and AI-based malicious site blocking to protect your network.
Works with Alexa: Control your Deco network using Amazon Alexa voice commands.
Affordable pricing: Deco units range from $70 for a single access point up to $290 for a 3-pack depending on speed.

Overview of Google WiFi

Google WiFi utilizes a 3-pack mesh system to provide whole home coverage. Key features include:

Simple setup: Just download the Google Home app, plug in the primary point, place the other two nodes, and follow the prompts to setup the network.
Dual-band AC1200: Provides maximum speeds up to 1200Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

Covers up to 4,500 sq. ft.: A 3-pack Google WiFi system can cover homes up to 4,500 sq. ft based on layout.
One Ethernet port: Each WiFi point has a single Gigabit Ethernet port to connect wired devices.
Network Assist: Uses cloud computing to optimize connectivity and provide real-time network insights.

Basic parental controls: Allows you to pause the WiFi network or pause internet on specific devices.
Automatic updates: Google WiFi automatically updates to latest firmware for new features and security patches.
Compact design: Small, unassuming white cylinders blend into any home decor.

Set 3-pack pricing: $259 makes it an affordable mesh option. Each additional point is $149.

Also Read: Comparison Between Eero 6 And Nest Wifi.

Key Differences Between TP-Link Deco and Google WiFi

While TP-Link Deco and Google WiFi both provide mesh WiFi coverage, there are some notable differences between the two systems:

Coverage and Capacity

Larger coverage areas: TP-Link Deco can cover up to 5,500 square feet compared to 4,500 square feet for Google WiFi with a 3-pack. Deco supports over 100 connected devices vs Google’s limit of 100-200.
More speed options: Deco offers AC1300, AC2200, and AC2600 models while Google WiFi maxes out at AC1200 speeds.

Tri-band vs dual-band: Deco’s tri-band models improve performance by preventing congestion on the bands. Google WiFi is dual-band only.

Expandability

Modular vs fixed: Deco allows expanding coverage by adding more units. Google WiFi is a fixed 3-pack system with limited expandability.

Flexibility: Deco lets you use Ethernet backhaul and mix router/extender/access point modes. Google WiFi has fixed points.
Wired connectivity: Deco units have two Ethernet ports each for more wired expansion. Google points only have one port.

Features and Functionality

Advanced features: Deco has a VPN server, robust parental controls, and Alexa support. Google WiFi lacks these extras.
QoS support: Both systems allow prioritizing devices, but Deco uses Smart Queue while Google relies on cloud assist.
Security: Deco and Google WiFi encrypt traffic and block threats, but Deco offers added protection with Trend Micro security.

Ease of management: The Deco app provides more configuration options compared to the simple Google Home app.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setup: Both are quick and easy to set up in under 10 minutes. Deco lets you use Bluetooth; Google requires the app.

Status visibility: Deco gives you more insight into connected devices, speeds, and usage. Google shows basic status only.
Troubleshooting: Deco has built-in speed tests and tools to identify problem areas. Google WiFi relies on cloud assist.

Pricing and Value

Upfront cost: Google WiFi’s $259 3-pack is cheaper upfront than a Deco 3-pack at $290+.
Long term value: Deco offers more advanced features and better expandability for your money over time.
Flexibility: With Deco you only need to buy as many units as you need vs being locked into a 3-pack like Google WiFi.

Also Read: Comparison Between AXE5300 and AXE5400

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Deco better than Google WiFi?

In most cases, yes – TP-Link Deco provides faster tri-band speeds, larger coverage areas, better expandability, more advanced features like a VPN server and Alexa support, and more robust controls compared to Google WiFi. The modular Deco system also provides more long-term value.

Is Google mesh better than TP-Link?

No, TP-Link Deco is better than Google WiFi in many respects. Deco provides faster maximum speeds up to 2600Mbps vs 1200Mbps for Google WiFi. Deco also has larger coverage up to 5500 sq. ft., tri-band performance, and better expandability than the fixed 3-pack Google WiFi system.

Is Deco M9 Plus better than Nest WiFi?

Yes, the tri-band TP-Link Deco M9 Plus is generally better than the dual-band Google Nest Wifi. The M9 Plus is faster at 2200Mbps, has a wider range, more Ethernet ports, and advanced extras like Antivirus, QoS, and Alexa support. Nest WiFi is easier to use out of the box but less configurable.

What is the fastest speed of TP-Link Deco?

The fastest TP-Link Deco mesh system is the Deco X96 which offers tri-band AX6600 speeds up to 6,600 Mbps. Other fast Deco models include: Deco X90 – AX6000 speeds up to 6,000 Mbps, Deco X68 – AX3600 speeds up to 3,600 Mbps, Deco X57 – AX3000 speeds up to 3,000 Mbps, Deco X20 – AX1800 speeds up to 1,800 Mbps. So in summary, the fastest Deco systems use WiFi 6 technology to deliver wireless speeds ranging from 1,800 Mbps on the low end up to a blazing fast 6,600 Mbps.

Also Watch This Review Video:

Final Thoughts

When comparing TP-Link Deco vs Google WiFi, both deliver solid mesh WiFi coverage that is easy to set up. However, TP-Link Deco pulls ahead for larger homes thanks to faster speeds, bigger coverage areas, tri-band support, better expandability, and bonus features lacking in Google WiFi.

Unless you need a super simple mesh system, Deco gives you more for your money both today and as your needs grow down the road.

Also Read: Comparison Between Deco M5 and AX3000

Deco’s modular design and range of speed/price options also allows for more flexibility. For these reasons, TP-Link Deco is our overall pick between these two popular mesh WiFi solutions.