TP Link Deco BE65 vs Deco BE65 Pro – A Comprehensive Comparison

Modified on 6 June 2024

Understanding Mesh Wi-Fi

Mesh Wi-Fi systems have revolutionized home networking by providing a robust solution to the common issue of dead zones and weak signals. Unlike traditional routers, which rely on a single point of access, mesh Wi-Fi systems use multiple nodes that work together to blanket your entire home in strong, consistent Wi-Fi. Each node communicates with the others, ensuring seamless coverage and improved performance, especially in larger homes or areas with challenging layouts. This technology is great for several reasons:

1. Seamless Coverage: Eliminates dead zones by providing consistent coverage throughout your home.
2. Easy Management: Centralized control through a mobile app for easy setup and monitoring.
3. Scalability: Easily expandable by adding more nodes as needed.
4. Enhanced Performance: Ensures better speeds and reliability compared to traditional single-router setups.

Introduction to Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7, the latest iteration of Wi-Fi technology, brings significant advancements over its predecessors. This new standard, officially known as 802.11be, offers several benefits:

1. Higher Speeds: Delivers up to 30 Gbps, which is 3 times faster than Wi-Fi 6.
2. Lower Latency: Improves responsiveness for applications like gaming and video conferencing.
3. Increased Capacity: Handles more simultaneous connections efficiently, ideal for smart homes with numerous devices.
4. Better Spectrum Utilization: Utilizes the 6 GHz band, along with the existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, reducing congestion and interference.

Similarities Between Deco BE65 and BE65 Pro:

Both the Deco BE65 and BE65 Pro offer:

• Whole-home Wi-Fi 7: Experience the blazing-fast speeds and reduced lag of Wi-Fi 7.
• Extensive coverage: Eliminate dead zones and ensure a strong signal in homes up to 4,600 sq. ft. / 430 m² (with compatible devices).
• Easy setup and management: Get your network up and running in minutes with the user-friendly Deco app.
• TP-Link HomeShield: Built-in security features help protect your connected devices from online threats.
• Robust Security: Includes advanced WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and parental controls. (Learn why WPA3 is important)
• Support for over 200 devices: Connect all your smart home devices, laptops, phones, and more without worrying about overloading the network.
• Tri-Band Wi-Fi: Each unit operates on three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) for optimal distribution of traffic.
• Capacity: 4x High gain antennas with 2×2 MU-MIMO and 6 streams
• Backhaul: Both units offer Wired, Wireless or Combination backhaul options (Learn more about backhaul options in Mesh Wi-Fi)

Key Differences:

Feature	Deco BE65	Deco BE65 Pro
Maximum Wi-Fi Speed	Up to 9214 Mbps 6 GHz: 5760 Mbps (802.11be) 5 GHz: 2880 Mbps (802.11be) 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax)	Up to 11 Gbps 6 GHz: 5764 Mbps (802.11be) 5 GHz: 4324 Mbps (802.11be) 2.4 GHz: 688 Mbps (802.11be)
Wired Ports	4x 2.5 Gbps	1x 2.5 Gbps + 2x 5 Gbps

Besides the change in ports, the main difference is the speed increase, small on 2.4GHz and fairly substantial on the 5 GHz channel. Seeing as only Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6E clients will be able to utilize the 6GHz channel, it might be worth looking into the BE65 Pro for older devices as they will connect faster than on the BE65. If your devices are Wi-Fi 7 compatible, the difference in speed will (theoretically) not be noticed.

Use Cases for Each Unit

TP-Link Deco BE65

• General Home Use: Ideal for average-sized homes needing reliable Wi-Fi for browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Great for those who want Wi-Fi 7 technology without breaking the bank.
• Smart Home Beginners: Suitable for homes with a moderate number of smart devices.

TP-Link Deco BE65 Pro

• Large Homes: Perfect for larger homes or properties with complex layouts that need extensive coverage.
• High-Performance Needs: Best for households with heavy internet usage, including 4K/8K streaming, online gaming, and multiple simultaneous users.
• Advanced Smart Homes: Ideal for smart homes with a large number of connected devices and IoT systems.

Choosing Your Champion:

Consider your internet plan speed, the number of devices you connect, and your budget. If you have a gigabit internet plan and a home filled with gamers and streamers, the Deco BE65 Pro is the way to go. However, for most users, the Deco BE65 offers fantastic value and future-proofs your home Wi-Fi for years to come.

Visit the official site for TP Link Deco BE65
Visit the official site for TP Link Deco BE65 Pro