TP-Link Deco X20 vs Deco X55: A Comparison Network Gear Review, March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 In today’s hyper-connected world, a reliable and fast Wi-Fi network is essential for seamless online experiences, whether you’re streaming, gaming, working from home, or managing a growing number of smart devices. TP-Link’s Deco series has garnered significant attention for its user-friendly mesh Wi-Fi systems, offering coverage and performance upgrades for modern homes. The Deco X20 and Deco X55, both featuring the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, are two popular options within the lineup. While they share some similarities, such as support for large coverage areas and device connectivity, they cater to different needs based on their performance capabilities, features, and price points. In this comparison, we’ll break down the differences between the Deco X20 and Deco X55 to help you choose the best option for your home. 1. TP-Link Deco X20 WiFi 6 Mesh System The TP-Link Deco X20 WiFi 6 Mesh System offers an impressive solution for large homes or areas with weak Wi-Fi signals. With a 3-pack of units covering up to 5800 sq. ft., it uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology to deliver faster speeds, greater device connectivity, and reliable performance throughout your home. The system’s ability to handle up to 150 devices at once without significant speed drops is particularly impressive, making it ideal for households with heavy internet usage, such as streaming or gaming. Setup is incredibly easy with the Deco app, and managing your network is a breeze, even when you’re not at home, especially with features like parental controls and Alexa integration. While the Deco X20 delivers on speed and coverage, there are some limitations. The system works well for most internet speeds but is best suited for households with plans under 1 Gbps. Additionally, the limited number of Ethernet ports—only two per unit—might be restrictive for users who need a lot of wired connections. Still, for those seeking a straightforward and robust mesh Wi-Fi solution, the Deco X20 offers a solid, future-proof investment, providing excellent performance and security features like TP-Link HomeShield. Key Features, Pros, and Cons Key Features: Wi-Fi 6 technology for improved speed and capacity. Covers up to 5800 sq. ft. with seamless Wi-Fi. Supports up to 150 connected devices. Simple setup and management via the Deco app. Wired Ethernet backhaul support for better speeds. Pros: Excellent coverage for large homes. Strong, reliable Wi-Fi even in dense environments. Easy to set up and manage through a user-friendly app. Works with a variety of ISPs. Advanced security features with TP-Link HomeShield. Cons: Only two Ethernet ports per unit. VIEW ON AMAZON 2. TP-Link Deco X55 WiFi 6 Mesh System The TP-Link Deco X55 WiFi 6 Mesh System is a high-performance solution that promises to deliver seamless and expansive Wi-Fi coverage throughout large homes or properties. With a range of up to 6500 sq. ft. (thanks to its 3-pack system), the Deco X55 is designed to eliminate dead zones, buffering, and weak signals. It’s equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology, ensuring faster speeds, higher capacity, and greater efficiency in managing multiple connected devices—up to 150 at once. The inclusion of three Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit adds flexibility for wired connections, and its Ethernet backhaul support enhances overall performance. Users have reported excellent and stable Wi-Fi coverage not just inside their homes but also in outdoor areas like yards or outbuildings. Additionally, the setup process is simple, thanks to the user-friendly Deco app, making the installation process far less complex than traditional routers. Despite its many benefits, there are some areas where the Deco X55 could be improved. While it supports speeds up to 1 Gbps, users with faster internet plans might not get the most out of this system. Some users may also find the 3-pack slightly overkill for smaller homes. While the system includes robust security features with TP-Link’s HomeShield, it lacks more advanced control features that might be useful for tech-savvy users. Additionally, while the app is praised for its ease of use, there is a slight limitation in terms of the range of customization options for advanced network management. Still, for most households seeking reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage across large spaces, the Deco X55 offers an excellent balance of performance, ease of use, and security. Key Features, Pros, and Cons Key Features: Wi-Fi 6 technology with AX3000 speeds for better performance. Covers up to 6500 sq. ft. with a 3-pack system. Three Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit and Ethernet backhaul support. Connects up to 150 devices without significant performance drops. Easy setup and management through the Deco app. Pros: Extensive coverage perfect for large homes and outdoor spaces. Supports high-speed internet plans up to 1 Gbps. Multiple Ethernet ports for wired device connections. User-friendly setup process via the Deco app. Robust security features with TP-Link HomeShield. Cons: Limited to speeds up to 1 Gbps, not ideal for ultra-fast plans. VIEW ON AMAZON TP-Link Deco X20 vs. Deco X55: A Comprehensive Comparison When it comes to mesh Wi-Fi systems, TP-Link offers a range of products designed to meet different home and connectivity needs. The Deco X20 and Deco X55 are both part of TP-Link’s popular Deco series, which features Wi-Fi 6 technology for improved speed, capacity, and coverage. However, these two models differ in performance, features, and price point. Coverage and Performance The Deco X20 and Deco X55 both offer impressive coverage, but the Deco X55 excels in terms of range and speed. Deco X20: With a 3-pack, the Deco X20 covers up to 5800 sq. ft., which is more than enough for most medium to large homes. It uses Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 speeds (1201 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz), making it a great choice for users who need consistent Wi-Fi throughout the home but don’t require ultra-high-speed connections. Deco X55: The Deco X55, on the other hand, extends coverage up to 6500 sq. ft., providing a stronger and more expansive coverage area. This system operates at Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 speeds (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz), offering faster speeds for users who engage in more demanding online activities like streaming 4K content or gaming across multiple devices. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their coverage and speeds: FeatureDeco X20Deco X55CoverageUp to 5800 sq. ft. (3-pack)Up to 6500 sq. ft. (3-pack)Wi-Fi SpeedsAX1800 (1201 Mbps 5 GHz, 574 Mbps 2.4 GHz)AX3000 (2402 Mbps 5 GHz, 574 Mbps 2.4 GHz)Ideal ForMedium to large homesLarge homes or multi-level homes The Deco X55 stands out with its higher maximum speed, making it a better choice for heavy internet users or homes with a lot of devices connected at once. Device Connectivity Both systems are capable of connecting multiple devices simultaneously, but the Deco X55 has a slight edge in terms of the number of devices it can support. Deco X20: This system can support up to 150 devices, which should be more than enough for the average household with several smart devices, laptops, phones, and more. Deco X55: It also supports up to 150 devices, but with its faster speeds and improved performance, it can handle these connections more efficiently, especially in homes with numerous high-demand devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices. Ethernet Ports and Backhaul Support Both models offer multiple Ethernet ports and support wired Ethernet backhaul, which can provide faster and more stable connections between mesh nodes. Deco X20: Each Deco unit has two Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing a total of six Ethernet ports in the 3-pack system. While this is sufficient for most homes, some users may need more wired connections for devices like desktop computers, gaming consoles, or streaming boxes. Deco X55: Each Deco unit is equipped with three Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing a total of nine Ethernet ports in the 3-pack system. This makes the Deco X55 a more versatile option for homes that require multiple wired connections. Additionally, it supports Ethernet backhaul for faster data transmission between nodes, improving the overall network performance. Setup and Management Both systems are designed for easy setup and management, making them accessible even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Deco X20: The Deco X20 uses the Deco app, which provides clear, step-by-step guidance for setting up the network. The app also allows users to manage the network remotely, including features like parental controls, guest networks, and device prioritization. Deco X55: The Deco X55 also comes with the Deco app for easy installation and management. In addition to the features of the Deco X20, the Deco X55 includes AI-driven mesh, which learns the network environment and optimizes performance based on usage patterns. Security Features Both models come with TP-Link’s HomeShield security service, but the Deco X55 has a more comprehensive security setup. Deco X20: Includes basic features like network security, IoT device identification, and parental controls, but lacks some advanced security functionalities. Deco X55: In addition to the basic security features, the Deco X55 includes premium HomeShield features, such as advanced network security, intrusion prevention, and quality of service. The Deco X55 also supports more granular control over security settings, making it a better choice for users who prioritize privacy and data protection. Price and Value Deco X20: Generally priced lower, making it a great option for users who need a reliable Wi-Fi system without the need for ultra-fast speeds or extensive coverage. Deco X55: While more expensive, the Deco X55 offers better performance, more Ethernet ports, and additional security features, making it a worthwhile investment for users who need higher speeds and more robust coverage. FAQ 1. What is the difference between the TP-Link Deco X20 and Deco X55? The main differences between the Deco X20 and Deco X55 lie in their coverage, speed, and features. The Deco X55 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds (AX3000 compared to AX1800) and covers a larger area (6500 sq. ft. vs. 5800 sq. ft.) with a 3-pack system. It also includes more Ethernet ports (three per unit versus two in the Deco X20), which is ideal for users who need more wired connections. Additionally, the Deco X55 supports AI-driven mesh for smarter performance and comes with enhanced security features via TP-Link’s HomeShield, offering more robust protection compared to the Deco X20. 2. Can the Deco X20 and Deco X55 handle 1 Gbps internet plans? Both the Deco X20 and Deco X55 are designed to support internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, making them ideal for most home internet plans. However, the Deco X55’s higher AX3000 speed and additional Ethernet ports make it more suitable for homes with multiple high-demand devices or users who require more bandwidth for activities like 4K streaming, gaming, or video conferencing. 3. How easy is it to set up the TP-Link Deco X20 and Deco X55? Both the Deco X20 and Deco X55 are designed to be easy to set up, even for non-technical users. TP-Link’s Deco app guides you through the setup process step-by-step, allowing you to get your mesh network up and running in just a few minutes. The app also lets you manage your network remotely, configure parental controls, and monitor connected devices. The setup process is virtually identical for both models, so you can expect a smooth and hassle-free experience regardless of which one you choose. 4. Do I need a modem to use the TP-Link Deco X20 or Deco X55? Yes, both the Deco X20 and Deco X55 require a modem to work with your internet service provider (ISP). While the Deco mesh systems provide the Wi-Fi coverage and routing functionality, the modem connects to your ISP to bring the internet signal into your home. You’ll need a compatible modem for the system to function properly, and both Deco systems work with a wide range of ISPs such as AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, and others. 5. How many devices can the Deco X20 and Deco X55 support? Both the Deco X20 and Deco X55 can support up to 150 devices simultaneously. This makes them well-suited for homes with many connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and IoT devices. However, the Deco X55’s higher performance speeds and additional features like AI-driven mesh and advanced security allow it to handle these devices more efficiently, especially in environments with high traffic and demanding applications. Conclusion Both the TP-Link Deco X20 and Deco X55 are excellent Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems, but they cater to different user needs. The Deco X20 is ideal for medium to large homes where high-speed internet is not a major priority. It offers good performance, solid coverage, and a lower price point. The Deco X55, however, is designed for larger homes or households with higher internet demands. With faster speeds, more Ethernet ports, and enhanced security features, it is better suited for users who need reliable performance for heavy internet usage or multiple devices. Ultimately, if you have a larger home, require faster speeds, or want more wired connections, the Deco X55 is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still provides good coverage and speed, the Deco X20 will serve you well. Enjoyed this guide of TP-Link Deco X20 vs Deco X55? Then be sured to check out our other network gear review. Best 8-Port Gigabit Network Switch Best 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Best 24-Port Gigabit Switch Best 48-Port Gigabit Switch Best Wi-Fi 7 Router Best Router for OpenWrt Best 10Gb Router Best 5-Port Ethernet Switch Network Gear Review Meshnetwork