TP-Link Deco X90 vs. X95: A Wi-Fi 6 Showdown

When it comes to creating a seamless, high-speed internet experience throughout your home, TP-Link’s Deco X90 and Deco X95 are two top-performing Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems from TP-Link. In this post, we’ll explore how these units work, the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 (as well as the shortcomings compared to Wi-Fi 6E and 7), and which model might be best for different needs, and if it is a worth-it upgrade.

What is Mesh Networking?

We have multiple articles on mesh networks as well as networking in general. Feel free to read more on mesh networks should you need an in depth explanation, but let’s lay the foundation on how it works so we can better understand the differences between the two units. Mesh networking is a modern solution for achieving strong Wi-Fi coverage across a large area, which is especially helpful in homes or offices where standard Wi-Fi routers struggle to reach every corner. A mesh system consists of multiple units (often called nodes) that communicate with each other to extend Wi-Fi coverage evenly.

How Does It Work?

In a mesh network, the main router connects to your modem, and additional nodes are placed in different locations to spread the Wi-Fi signal throughout your space. This setup creates a “web” of connections, allowing devices to seamlessly switch between nodes without losing connection or speed. This means you can move from room to room without interruptions in your connection.

Benefits of Mesh Networking

Eliminates Dead Zones: Mesh systems cover every inch of your home, even areas that are usually hard to reach.
Seamless Connectivity: With mesh, you don’t need to switch networks; your device automatically connects to the strongest signal.
Expandable: Need more coverage? Just add another node, and it integrates smoothly into your system.

Understanding Wi-Fi 6: What It Is and Why It Matters

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering improvements in speed, range, and capacity over previous versions. It’s especially beneficial for homes with many connected devices.

Key Benefits of Wi-Fi 6

Higher Speeds: Wi-Fi 6 can support speeds up to 9.6 Gbps, making it ideal for HD streaming, gaming, and handling multiple devices.
Better Performance in Crowded Environments: Wi-Fi 6 manages multiple devices more efficiently, so everyone can enjoy high speeds even in busy networks.
Improved Battery Life for Devices: Wi-Fi 6 reduces battery drain on compatible devices, helping them last longer on a single charge.

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Previous Generations

Feature	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Maximum Speed	600 Mbps	3.5 Gbps	9.6 Gbps
Device Management	Basic	Moderate	Optimized for many devices
Range	Moderate	Improved	Best for multiple devices
Efficiency in Busy Areas	Limited	Improved	Significantly better

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7: A Quick Comparison

While Wi-Fi 6 is a significant improvement over previous generations, newer standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 offer even more advanced features:

Wi-Fi 6E: Expands the Wi-Fi spectrum into the 6 GHz band, reducing interference and increasing capacity.
Wi-Fi 7: Offers even higher speeds, lower latency, and improved efficiency, making it ideal for demanding applications like 8K streaming and virtual reality.

However, Wi-Fi 6E and 7 devices are still relatively new and more expensive. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi system at a reasonable price, Wi-Fi 6 is an excellent choice.

TP-Link Deco X95 - Rear — TP-Link Deco X95 – Rear

TP-Link Deco X90 vs. Deco X95: Specifications and Features

Shared Features

Both Deco X90 and Deco X95 offer several high-performance specifications that make them competitive choices for Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems:

Wi-Fi Standard: Both units support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
Tri-Band Support: Includes 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands for enhanced speed and range.
Coverage: Each unit can cover large areas, ideal for homes of multiple rooms or floors.
Parental Controls: TP-Link’s app includes parental controls, allowing you to manage internet access.
Security: Both models support WPA3 encryption (Learn why WPA is important), offering enhanced network security.
Smart Features: Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Easy Setup: Both units offer a user-friendly setup through the TP-Link Deco app.
Antennas: Both units feature 4x High-gain internal antennas with 2x Smart Antennas.
Features: Both units feature OFDMA, 4×4 MU-MIMO and Beamforming with 8 streams each.

Key Differences Between Deco X90 and Deco X95

Feature	TP-Link Deco X90	TP-Link Deco X95
Maximum Speed	Up to 6600 Mbps 5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps 5 GHz (2): 1201 Mbps 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps	Up to 7800 Mbps 5 GHz (1): 4804 Mbps 5 GHz (2): 2402 Mbps 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps
Ports	1 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet	1 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet

Use Cases for Deco X90 and Deco X95

TP-Link Deco X90

Ideal for Smaller Homes and Moderate Device Loads: While the Deco X90 can cover up to 6,000 sq. ft., it’s best suited for small to medium-sized homes with a moderate number of connected devices.
Great for High-Speed Internet Needs: With speeds up to 6600 Mbps, the Deco X90 can handle HD streaming, gaming, and other high-demand applications.

TP-Link Deco X95

Best for Large Homes and Multiple Devices: With a coverage of up to 7,200 sq. ft. and enhanced antenna design, the Deco X95 is ideal for larger homes or homes with more devices.
Top Choice for High-Speed and Heavy Traffic: The Deco X95 can manage busy networks with ease, making it a fit for families with many users and devices connected simultaneously.

Considerations for Choosing Wi-Fi 6 Over Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7

While Wi-Fi 6 is a powerful technology, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 bring new benefits, particularly with the addition of a 6 GHz band in Wi-Fi 6E and even faster speeds in Wi-Fi 7.

Compatibility: Wi-Fi 6 is compatible with a wider range of devices, as many current gadgets support it, whereas Wi-Fi 6E and 7 are still emerging and may not be supported by all devices.
Cost: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 equipment can be significantly more expensive, so choosing Wi-Fi 6 might be more budget-friendly while still delivering excellent performance.
Simplicity: For most homes, Wi-Fi 6 offers more than enough speed and range, making it a practical choice without paying a premium for the latest technology.

Conclusion: Which Unit is Right for You?

The TP-Link Deco X90 and Deco X95 are both exceptional choices in the Wi-Fi 6 mesh category, each with specific strengths:

Choose the Deco X90 if you’re in a smaller to medium-sized home, don’t have an exceptionally high device load, and are looking for reliable high-speed internet at a lower price.
Opt for the Deco X95 if you need top-tier performance, extended coverage, and can benefit from the additional Ethernet port and enhanced antenna power, making it ideal for larger homes with heavy device traffic.

Both the Deco X90 and X95 offer dependable, high-speed Wi-Fi 6 connectivity that will future-proof your home network, so whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy a fast, reliable, and seamless Wi-Fi experience.

Visit the official website for TP-Link Deco X90 | TP-Link Deco X95