TP-Link Deco X80 vs Deco X80-5G: A Comprehensive Comparison

When choosing a mesh Wi-Fi system, two models that stand out from TP-Link’s lineup are the Deco X80 and Deco X80-5G. Both are high-performance units equipped with WiFi 6, but they have some key differences that can make one more suitable for your specific needs. This blog post will break down these two units in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re not a technical expert.

Read our full articles on TP-Link Deco X80 | TP-Link Deco X80-5G

What is Mesh Networking?

Mesh networking is a system that uses multiple devices (called nodes or satellites) to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Instead of relying on one router to handle everything, mesh systems place multiple units around your home to create a “mesh” of Wi-Fi signals. This helps eliminate dead zones and weak spots, ensuring strong internet access wherever you are.

How It Works:

A central unit connects directly to your modem.
Additional units, called nodes, are placed around your home.
The units communicate with each other to create a strong, consistent Wi-Fi signal.
Devices automatically connect to the nearest and strongest node, giving you uninterrupted service as you move around your home.

Benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi:

Seamless coverage: No more dead zones or weak spots.
Ease of use: Easy to set up and manage via an app.
Scalability: Add more nodes as needed to extend your network.
Self-healing: If one node goes offline, others take over to maintain connectivity.

What is Wi-Fi 6, and Why is It Great?

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology. It’s faster, more efficient, and better suited to handle the growing number of devices in modern homes.

How Wi-Fi 6 Works: Wi-Fi 6 improves the way data is transmitted to and from your devices. It uses advanced techniques like MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) to allow more devices to connect to the network simultaneously without sacrificing speed or reliability.

Key Advantages of Wi-Fi 6:

Faster speeds: Up to 9.6 Gbps, which is nearly 3x faster than Wi-Fi 5.
Increased capacity: Handles more devices efficiently.
Reduced latency: Better for gaming, video streaming, and video calls.
Better range: Wi-Fi 6 signals can penetrate walls better.
Improved battery life: Devices conserve battery with Wi-Fi 6 thanks to a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT).

Differences Between Wi-Fi 6 and Previous Generations:

Feature	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Max Speed	Up to 9.6 Gbps	Up to 3.5 Gbps	Up to 600 Mbps
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz & 5 GHz	5 GHz only	2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Device Capacity	Higher	Moderate	Lower
Latency	Low	Medium	High
Battery Efficiency	Yes (TWT)	No	No

Common Specs Between the Deco X80 and Deco X80-5G

Both the TP-Link Deco X80 and Deco X80-5G offer powerful Wi-Fi 6 coverage with similar core features:

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast and efficient Wi-Fi.
Dual-band frequency (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz).
Coverage per unit or pack of units stays the same.
MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies for better multi-device support.
Smart Connect: Automatically selects the best band for each device.
TP-Link HomeCare: Provides security features like antivirus protection and parental controls.
Support for up to 200 devices simultaneously.

Differences Between Deco X80 and Deco X80-5G

Feature	Deco X80	Deco X80-5G
Connectivity	Wired (Ethernet)	5G Mobile Network + Wired
Backhaul	Wired Ethernet	Wired Ethernet + 5G
Antennas	4x High Gain Internal	8× LTE/5G internal antennas 8× Wi-Fi internal antennas 2× external SMA-F antenna interface
Use of 5G	Not applicable	Can use 5G as primary or backup internet
Speed	Up to 6 Gbps (Wi-Fi)	Up to 6 Gbps (Wi-Fi) + 5G speeds (varies by network)
Ports	1 x 2.5Gbps Port 2 x 1Gbps Port	1 x 2.5Gbps Port 1 x 1Gbps Port
Streams	8	12
Price	Generally lower	Slightly higher due to 5G capability

Use Cases for Each Unit

TP-Link Deco X80:

Homes with wired internet: If you rely on a fiber or DSL connection and want to enhance your Wi-Fi coverage, the Deco X80 is an ideal solution.
Great for large homes: With coverage up to 6,000 square feet, it’s perfect for eliminating dead zones.
Ideal for households with many devices: Handles multiple devices, such as smart TVs, phones, and laptops, with ease.

TP-Link Deco X80-5G:

Homes with unreliable wired internet: If your home internet frequently drops or is slow, the Deco X80-5G’s 5G capability can serve as a backup connection or even a primary source of internet in areas with strong 5G networks.
Rural areas: If wired connections aren’t available, the Deco X80-5G can use 5G to provide high-speed internet.
Great for mobile home users or RVs: You can take the Deco X80-5G with you and use 5G networks while on the go.

TP-Link Deco X80-5G - Speed — TP-Link Deco X80-5G – Speed

Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?

Both the Deco X80 and Deco X80-5G provide excellent Wi-Fi 6 performance with advanced features to support a modern, connected home. However, they cater to slightly different needs:

Choose the Deco X80 if you have reliable wired internet and need to extend your Wi-Fi coverage across a large home with many devices.
Choose the Deco X80-5G if you need 5G connectivity, whether as a backup for unreliable wired internet or as a primary internet source in rural or mobile environments.

Each system provides top-tier Wi-Fi 6 technology, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll be getting a fast, efficient, and reliable network.

Visit the official website for TP-Link Deco X80 | TP-Link Deco X80-5G