TP-Link Deco X68 vs. Deco X75: A Mesh Networking Showdown

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are becoming increasingly popular as they offer strong, seamless internet coverage across your home. In this post, we’ll compare two popular TP-Link models explaining their differences, similarities, and which one might be the right fit for you. This is a showdown of two fantastic mesh Wi-Fi units, the TP-Link Deco X68 vs. Deco X75.

What is Mesh Networking?

Mesh networking is a technology that connects multiple Wi-Fi devices (often called nodes) to create a single, large Wi-Fi network that covers your entire home. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, which uses a single router, mesh systems allow multiple devices (nodes) to work together to spread the Wi-Fi signal evenly.

Think of it like a team of people passing a ball around, ensuring it reaches all corners of a room, rather than just one person trying to throw it everywhere. Each node communicates with the others, providing a seamless connection as you move around your house. With mesh networks, there’s no need to switch between different Wi-Fi signals, and areas that usually have poor Wi-Fi coverage (like basements or far rooms) will have a stronger connection.

The Benefits of Mesh Networking

• Seamless Coverage: Eliminates dead zones and weak signals in hard-to-reach areas.
• Single Network Name: No more juggling between different Wi-Fi names for different areas.
• Scalability: Easily expand the system by adding more nodes for larger homes.
• Self-Healing Network: If one node fails, the system automatically reroutes your connection to other nodes.

What is Wi-Fi 6 and Why is It Important?

Wi-Fi 6 (also known as 802.11ax) is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, and it brings several important upgrades over previous versions like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).

Key Features of Wi-Fi 6:

• Faster Speeds: Offers up to 40% faster data transfer than Wi-Fi 5, making it ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming 4K video, online gaming, and downloading large files.
• Better Performance in Crowded Areas: Wi-Fi 6 is designed to handle multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed or quality. This makes it perfect for smart homes where many devices are connected to the internet.
• Improved Battery Life: Wi-Fi 6 introduces a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT), which allows devices to plan when they will wake up to send or receive data, reducing battery usage.
• Increased Range: Offers better performance at greater distances compared to older Wi-Fi standards.

Differences Between Wi-Fi 6 and Previous Generations:

Feature	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Speed	Up to 9.6 Gbps	Up to 3.5 Gbps	Up to 600 Mbps
Device Support	Handles more devices efficiently	Limited to fewer devices	Handles fewer devices
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz	5 GHz only	2.4 GHz only
Battery Efficiency	Yes (Target Wake Time)	No	No
Range	Longer range with faster speeds	Shorter range, slower speeds	Even shorter range

Specs the TP-Link Deco X68 and X75 Have in Common

Both the Deco X68 and Deco X75 share several high-quality features:

• Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Both models use Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds, better coverage, and improved performance for multiple devices.
• Tri-Band Wi-Fi: Each system uses three separate Wi-Fi bands (one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz) to balance traffic and ensure maximum performance.
• Coverage: Both models cover homes up to 7,200 ft² / 670 m² with a 3-pack setup.
• Seamless Roaming: You only need one Wi-Fi name for the whole house, and the system automatically connects you to the best node as you move around.
• App Control: Manage your network via the TP-Link Deco app, which is user-friendly and allows easy setup, parental controls, and guest network management.
• Security: Both models offer robust security features, including WPA3 encryption and TP-Link’s HomeCare package with antivirus protection. (Learn why WPA3 is important)
• Wi-Fi Bands: Both units offer tri-band Wi-Fi with 2 channels on the 5 GHz range
• OFDMA: Both units sport OFDMA, Learn more about OFDMA

Key Differences Between the TP-Link Deco X68 and Deco X75

Feature	Deco X68	Deco X75
Maximum Speed	Up to 3,600 Mbps 5 GHz (1): 1802 Mbps 5 GHz (2): 1201 Mbps 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps	Up to 5,400 Mbps 5 GHz (1): 2402 Mbps 5 GHz (2): 2402 Mbps 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps
Ethernet Ports	2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit	3 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit
Streams	7	6
MU-MIMO	3×3 MU-MIMO	2×2 MU-MIMO with 6 GHz support
Devices	Up to 150	Up to 200
Price	Typically lower	Slightly higher

Use Cases for Each Unit

Deco X68:

• Small to Medium-Sized Homes: If your home is about 2,000-4,000 square feet and you want reliable Wi-Fi in every corner, the Deco X68 is a great fit.
• Budget-Friendly Option: If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi 6 system with solid performance at a lower price point, the X68 offers excellent value.
• Standard Smart Homes: Ideal for homes with a moderate number of connected devices, like smart TVs, phones, and smart speakers.

Deco X75:

• Large Homes with Multiple Floors: The extra speed per band on the Deco X75 makes it perfect for larger homes, offering faster speeds even in rooms far from the nodes where the signal strength has deteriorated.
• Busy Households with Many Devices: The X75 handles heavy traffic from multiple devices (like phones, tablets, smart home gadgets, and gaming consoles) better than the X68.
• Faster Network Speed: Houses where network speed can affect usage, like homes with a media server or NAS device will benefit from the faster speeds of the X75.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

The TP-Link Deco X68 is a strong contender if you have a smaller home or want to stick to a budget without sacrificing Wi-Fi 6 performance. It’s perfect for general use in moderately-sized homes and provides excellent value for money.

On the other hand, the TP-Link Deco X75 is the better option if you need maximum performance, live in a large home, or have many devices that connect to your network.

Both units are excellent choices, but the decision will come down to your specific needs: the Deco X68 for affordability and reliable coverage, or the Deco X75 for top-tier performance.

Visit the official website for the TP-Link Deco X68 | TP-Link Deco X75.