TP-Link Deco X50 vs X55: Choosing the Right Mesh Wi-Fi System for Your Home

Modified on 2 September 2024

Are you tired of dead zones and spotty Wi-Fi in your home? Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system can be a great solution, but with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be confusing. Two popular choices from TP-Link are the Deco X50 and Deco X55. Both offer whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, but there are some key differences to consider.

Let’s break down the similarities and differences between the Deco X50 and X55.

Similarities:

Wi-Fi 6: Both the X50 and X55 support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds, improved efficiency, and better handling of multiple devices compared to older Wi-Fi standards.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Both systems offer a combined AX3000 wireless bandwidth (up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band) to handle demanding tasks like streaming and gaming.
Mesh Technology: Both Deco systems utilize TP-Link’s mesh technology, creating a seamless and unified Wi-Fi network throughout your home, eliminating dead zones.
Easy Setup: Both systems are known for their user-friendly setup process through a mobile app.
Parental Controls and Guest Network: Both offer features like parental controls to manage internet access and a guest network for visitors.
Ethernet Ports: Both feature 3 Gigabit ports with LAN/WAN sensing

TP-Link Deco X50 vs X55 Specs

Feature	TP-Link Deco X50	TP-Link Deco X55
Standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wireless Bands	Dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)	Dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
Total Wireless Speeds	AX3000 (Up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz band + 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)	AX3000 (Up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz band + 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)
Ports	3 Gigabit Ethernet ports (per unit)	3 Gigabit Ethernet ports (per unit)
Mesh Technology	TP-Link Mesh	TP-Link Mesh
Backhaul	Wireless or Optional Ethernet Backhaul	Wireless or Ethernet Backhaul
Coverage Area	Up to 5,500 sq ft / 510 m²	Up to 6,000 sq ft / 560 m²
Features	WPA3 encryption, Parental Controls, Guest Network, Voice Assistant Support Learn why WPA3 is important	WPA3 encryption, Parental Controls, Guest Network, Voice Assistant Support, QoS (Quality of Service) Learn why WPA3 is important
OFDMA	Yes – Learn more about OFDMA	Yes – Learn more about OFDMA
MU-MIMO	2×2 (Learn more about MU-MIMO)	2×2 (Learn more about MU-MIMO)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	4.33 x 4.33 x 4.49 in (110 x 110 x 114 mm)	4.33 x 4.33 x 4.49 in (110 x 110 x 114 mm)

Differences:

Yes, they look different. That is the only difference.

Remember that Deco units work with any and all deco units, so you can have one Deco X55 and one Deco X50 and they will work exactly the same as two of the same units. This can make a difference if only one of the two units is on sale or if you have a specific aesthetic that you want to stick to. Seeing as the specs of the two units is exactly the same, that is the only reasons to choose between the two.

Use Cases:

Deco X50: This is a good option for smaller homes or apartments where you only need to cover a limited area. The individual unit option allows for flexibility in how many units you purchase. The lack of PoE might be a drawback if you don’t have easily accessible ethernet ports for backhaul connections (where Deco units connect to each other wired for a stronger signal).
Deco X55: This is a better choice for larger homes where you need to cover a wider area and eliminate dead zones. The 3-pack configuration ensures you have enough units to blanket your entire home with Wi-Fi. PoE support on the LAN port allows for a more flexible wired backhaul setup, especially if some of your Deco units are located away from ethernet outlets.

Conclusion:

Both the TP-Link Deco X50 and X55 offer excellent Wi-Fi 6 mesh networking solutions. The X50 is a good choice for smaller homes with its individual unit purchase option and focus on affordability. The X55 is ideal for larger homes with its wider coverage, 3-pack configuration, and PoE support for a more robust wired backhaul setup. Consider the size of your home, your need for wired backhaul, and your budget when making your decision.

Visit the official website for: TP-Link Deco X50 | TP-Link Deco X55