Mesh WiFi systems have become increasingly popular as a way to provide complete and reliable WiFi coverage throughout the home.
Two popular options are the TP-Link Deco X20 and AX3000 systems. But which one is better for your needs? This comprehensive comparison examines the key features and differences to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Deco X20 | AX3000 |
| WiFi Generation | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Speed | AX1800 (up to 1.8Gbps) | AX3000 (up to 3Gbps) |
| Coverage | 5,500 sq. ft. | 5,500 sq. ft. |
| Number of Bands | Dual-band | Tri-band |
| Number of LAN Ports | 2 per unit | 2 per unit |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Antenna Design | Internal antennas | External antennas |
| Security | WPA3 encryption | WPA3 encryption |
| Advanced Features | OFDMA, Beamforming, MU-MIMO, QoS | OFDMA, Beamforming, MU-MIMO, QoS |
| Ease of Setup | TP-Link Deco app, simple | TP-Link Deco app, simple |
| Number of Units | 3 pack | 3 pack |
| Price | $259.99 | $399.99 |
Overview of the TP-Link Deco X20
The TP-Link Deco X20 is a dual-band mesh WiFi system that uses WiFi 6 technology. Key features include:
- Speeds up to 1.8Gbps – With an AX1800 router and two satellite units, the X20 can provide total speeds up to 1.8Gbps over the network.
- Dual-band connectivity – The X20 operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands for better performance and range.
- Covers up to 5,500 sq. ft. – TP-Link estimates the X20 can cover a large home up to 5,500 square feet with a strong mesh connection.
- Internal antennas – Each X20 unit has internal antennas that intelligently optimize connections rather than external antenna structures.
- 2 Gigabit LAN ports per unit – Provides wired connectivity for devices if needed.
- WiFi 6 technology – Takes advantage of newest WiFi protocol for faster speeds, increased capacity, and better efficiency.
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO – Supports OFDMA for less network congestion and MU-MIMO for multiple data streams.
- Beamforming – Focuses WiFi signals towards connected devices for stronger more reliable connections.
- Simple setup – The Deco app on iOS and Android walks you through getting the mesh system up and running.
- Parental controls – Allows filtering of content and setting screen time limits for kids’ devices.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant – Can use voice commands to control the X20 system.
- 3-year warranty – Comes with a 3-year warranty and 90-day money back guarantee from TP-Link.
Overview of the TP-Link Deco AX3000
The TP-Link Deco AX3000 is a tri-band WiFi 6 mesh system with ultra-fast speeds. Key aspects include:
- Speeds up to 3Gbps – With a powerful AX3000 router unit, the system can deliver combined speeds up to 3Gbps.
- Tri-band with dedicated 5GHz band – Has one 2.4GHz band for range and two 5GHz bands, with one dedicated 5GHz band for router-to-satellite connection.
- Same 5,500 sq. ft. coverage – Matches the X20 with ability to cover large homes up to 5,500 square feet.
- External antennas – Each AX3000 unit has 4 external antennnas to focus and optimize signal strength.
- 2 Gigabit LAN ports per unit – Like the X20, provides 2 wired ports for connecting devices if desired.
- OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming – Also has OFDMA to reduce congestion and MU-MIMO, Beamforming for better performance.
- Simple setup with Deco app – Uses the same Deco app for iOS and Android for straightforward installation.
- Powerful quad-core CPU – Has a fast 1.5GHz quad-core processor in each unit for high-performance mesh connections.
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible – Works with leading voice assistants to control WiFi with voice commands.
- Advanced security with WPA3 – Uses the latest WPA3 encryption protocol for protecting home network traffic and data.
- 3-year warranty – Also comes with 3-year warranty and 90-day money back guarantee from TP-Link.
Also Read: Is Eero Better Than Gryphon Wifi System?
Key Differences Between the Deco X20 and AX3000
While the X20 and AX3000 share some specs and features, there are important differences to note:
- Speed and bandwidth
The AX3000 offers faster maximum speeds up to 3Gbps vs 1.8Gbps on the X20. This is thanks to its tri-band system with a dedicated 5GHz band between the router and satellites. So the AX3000 is the better choice if you need ultra-high WiFi speeds.
- Antenna design
The X20 uses internal antennas while the AX3000 utilizes external antenna structures. The external antennas on the AX3000 can focus and optimize signals in specific directions for best coverage. But the X20’s discreet internal antennas some may find more attractive in home decor.
- Processor
The quad-core CPU on the AX3000 units give it more processing power and intelligence for data handling compared to the unspecified chips on the X20. So the AX3000 has a performance edge.
- Bands
With its tri-band platform, the AX3000 can dedicate one of its 5GHz bands solely for router-to-satellite connections. The X20 is dual-band, which can lead to more congestion between bands.
- Price
The AX3000 has an MSRP around $140 more than the X20. So the X20 provides greater value if your budget is tight. But the AX3000 justifies its higher cost with faster speeds and tri-band versatility.
- Expandability
Both systems can support adding more satellite units beyond the three included to expand coverage. However, the AX3000 can add satellites from the Deco X90 line, while the X20 is limited to its own X20 satellites.
- Setup
They use the same Deco app for installation and management, so the setup process is equally straightforward for both options. But the AX3000’s tri-band design may require some extra steps when adding satellites.
- Voice control integration
No major differences here – both systems can work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for handy voice control of the WiFi network.
- Security
The X20 and AX3000 are on par when it comes to wireless security, as both support the latest WPA3 encryption protocol to keep home networks safe.
Also Read: Comparison Between TP-Link Deco and Google WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
The X20 is a better system than the older M5, mainly due to its faster WiFi 6 technology vs the WiFi 5 on the M5. The X20 has faster potential speeds up to 1.8Gbps, while the M5 maxes out at 1.5Gbps. The X20 also adds useful features like OFDMA.
The AX3000 can provide combined wireless speeds up to 3Gbps across its network. Its tri-band design with dedicated 5GHz backhaul allows for ultra-fast WiFi connections. Real-world speeds will depend on factors like distance and interference. But the AX3000 delivers extremely fast speeds for a mesh system.
The Deco X60 is a slightly faster and more advanced version of the X20. The X60 can reach speeds up to 1.9Gbps vs 1.8Gbps on the X20. It also adds a third 5GHz band for increased backhaul performance. But for many homes, the more affordable X20 will provide very similar coverage and speeds.
Yes, the Deco X55 is a higher-tier system than the X20. It supports faster WiFi 6 speeds up to 2.4Gbps. The X55 also has tri-band connectivity and a dedicated wireless backhaul band between nodes for reduced congestion. But the X20 still provides impressive AX1800 speeds at a lower price point.
Also Read: Comparison Between Deco M5 and AX3000
Final Thoughts
The TP-Link Deco X20 and AX3000 are both excellent mesh WiFi options. The X20 provides faster WiFi 6 performance and wide coverage at a reasonable price point.
For those wanting ultra-fast tri-band speeds up to 3Gbps, the AX3000 is a top choice albeit at a higher cost. You can’t go wrong with either system.
But the X20 strikes the best balance of speed, coverage, and value for most smart homes. Carefully consider your needs and budget to determine which TP-Link Deco model fits best.