TP Link Deco M5 Vs Google Wi-Fi dual band– Which is the best router for you?
The search for a mesh router for your home can be a difficult task because of the many mesh systems available today. Among the top mesh router systems, the TP Link Deco M5 and Google WIFI are two of the most popular systems. In this article, we are going to look at each of them in depth and see which the better router for you is.
We have all experienced slow internet or no signal connection when you’re using the traditional internet service provider router. This is because traditional routers are slow and are not meant to send WIFI signals over far distances. If your house is large, then there are possibly rooms where the WIFI signal is weak or completely absent. This is where mesh routers come in. And among the most popular and used today are the TP Link Deco M5 and the Google Wi-Fi mesh routers. These routers usually come with three pieces or hubs that should be placed at different points of the house, preferably where the dead zones are. One of the hubs acts as the main node and is connected to your already existing ISP provided modem or router. The routers work as one unit, distributing the signal across all routers with minimal loss of bandwidth.
The TP Link M5 and Google Wi-Fi are quite similar in a lot of aspects. However in the following table, their main differences are compared and highlighted
Table of Contents
What are the differences between TP Link M5 and Google Wi-Fi?
Model |
TP Link M5 |
Google Wi-Fi |
Radio Freq. Support |
Tri-band radios at 2.4GHz and 5Ghz (x2) |
Dual band WiFi radios Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Beamforming |
Yes |
Yes |
Processor |
Quad core CPU |
710 MHz Quad core |
Speed |
2.4GHz – 400Mbps
5GHz – 867Mbps |
2.4GHz – 400Mbps
5GHz –600 Mbps |
Flash Memory |
4 GB |
4 GB |
RAM |
512 MB |
512 MB |
MU-MIMO |
No |
No |
Availability |
TP Link Deco M5 vs Google WIFI – How do they compare?
Performance and Capacity
The TP Link M5 on the other hand is an AC1200 processor with a triband 802.11 networking system that uses for independent data lanes. This is powered by a quad core processor of 638 MHz. This CPU processor is powerful and is able to transmit signals for very long range. The TP Link comes with a lot of memory of 512 MB and a flash memory of 4 GB. This is one of the best memory capacity in any router.
The TP Link M5 provides some of the best performance you will get in a home mesh router. First, it comes with a dual band channel of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each of these channels provides a different speed for the bandwidth. The first gives up to 400 Mbps while the latter band provides up to 867 Mbps. On top of this, the each router comes with multi user, multi input and multi output (MUMIMO) feature. The MUMIMO supports simultaneous communication among all the devices. In a real world environment over a service provider of 80 Mbps, the TP Link M5 was able to provide a bandwidth of 74 Mbps over a distance of 13 feet with obstructions over the 5 GHz band. This is top tier performance for any router.
Hardware and processor capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is when selecting a mesh router system is the processor capacity. The processor is the component that controls everything in the router and where all the instructions are stored.
The TP Link M5 is an AC1300 processor with a dual band 802.11 networking system that uses for independent data lanes. This is powered by a quad core processor CPU. This CPU processor is powerful and is able to transmit signals for very long range. The TP Link comes with a lot of memory of 512 MB RAM and a flash memory of 4 GB. This is one of the best memory capacity in any router, with the only the Google Wi-Fi beating this number.
Compared to the Google WIFI, this is a weaker system. The Google WIFI has powerful hardware. Its processor is a 710 MHz Quad Core chip. Each of these processors has two radio bands of 2.4 and 5 GHz. Both are also AC1200 mesh routers meaning their maximum data rate is similar at the different bands. The Google WIFI mesh router does not support MU-MIMO which is essential for high quality video and data streaming. The MU-MIMO feature also allows equal interaction with all the devices connected to the router. With it, the router equally distributes data so that all devices have equal speed and strength signal. Google WIFI claims that they do not the feature since their routers already run smoothly without it. We however recommend that you select a mesh router with this important feature.
Mobile app accessibility and other support systems
Majority, if not all, mesh network routers have mobile apps that are used to install and control various aspects and functions of the router.
The TP Link M5 features the Deco app that is known for its clear cut interface and the easy step by step installation process. The app is regularly updated with new features and functionalities that make working with the router a fun easy process. The firmware of the router also receives regular updates for better functionality. The TP Link M5 system has a mobile app that is available for both Android and iOS users. During first time installation, ensure you have the app downloaded on your phone. The app opens the WIFI page which detects all the routers and displays the locations on the virtual floor plan. The app also shows you all devices that have been connected and display your upload and download speeds. Swiping the screen left takes you to a page where you can see all connected TP Link M5 routers and shows their IP addresses.
Google Wi-Fi also has a mobile app. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. It is used during first time installations and managing the system after that. When launched, the app takes you to a home screen that display all the devices connected and your network name. It also shows a virtual map of your network, similar to the Luma app. Other functionalities include adjusting the LED indicator brightness, creating guest network accounts and parental control. There are not many complaints on the apps functionalities and working from users as they have both been optimized and work smoothly.
Design and structure
When it comes to design, the two devices differ quite a lot. The TP Link M5 keeps the simplistic design of its predecessor, the M9, with the major difference being size. It is shell white in color and has a plastic body The M9 is bigger than the M5 and keeps the cylindrical seashell exterior design. The design is modelled to fit into your home’s interior décor without looking out of place. There’s a single light LED on top of the router that acts as a status indicator. It measures 6.0 inches in diameter with a thickness of 1.5 inches. Google WIFI router on the other hand is also cylindrical in shape and measures 2.7 inches in height with a diameter of 4.1 inches. It is light and weights just about 0.74 lbs. This router can be placed anywhere in the room and can only be placed horizontally. It features an LED indicator light that runs through the circumference of the router. When it comes to mounting capability, both the M5 and the Google Wi-Fi can be mounted. This is because both are small in size, circular and can be placed either horizontally or vertically. They would also make for pretty home deco due to their unique circular shapes and LED lights.
The TP Link M5 comes with four internal antennas. These antennas are omnidirectional and are irremovable. Google WIFI mesh system has two high density antennas that are also not detachable. However, these antennas are relatively powerful compared to the Deco M5.
TP Link Deco M5 vs Google Wi-Fi – A comparison review
TP Link Deco M5
The TP Link M5 when bought comes as a default package with three router pieces inside the box. The three units to cover a space of 4500 sq. feet. The TP Link M5 is a dual band Wi-Fis router with MUMIMO capability. It is an amazing router that offers value for money from some of the default features it comes with. For instance, the router comes with an integrated anti-malware and antivirus software. Such security features go a long way in making the router safe from hacks and harmful internet malware. The software and other integrated firmware are constantly updated to match new malware and internet threats. As a plus, the Deco M5 is compatible with any Alexa smart hub.This means you can ask your hub to ‘turn on TP Link’, ‘turn off a specific router’, among other functionalities. The TP Link also joins the latest type C technology for charging and power.
The Deco M5 is a great improvement from its predecessor, the Deco M4.It is quite affordable and should be a top consideration when looking for a mesh router for your home. This coupled with the amazing features it has to give it great value for money.
Pros
- The Deco M5 features a white matte exterior finish to prevent fingerprints from getting stuck on to the frame
- First time installation and management of the system is easy and quick
- The Deco app comes with a strong parental control system to protect children from dangerous websites
- The M5 is small and stylish in design
Cons
- There is no dedicated backhaul support
Google Wi-Fi
- A new type of connected system for seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home, helping eliminate dead...
- Replaces your current router, and works your modem and internet service. It’s compatible with major...
The Google Wi-Fi router is one of the most recently released mesh router. Released in 2019, the router boasts a list of wonderful features and recent technology. It is now one of the most common routers and it’s easy to see why. The Google Nest Wi-Fi works like a modem but is not one. It has to be connected to a modem you already have to work. Google WIFI’s popularity has grown mainly due to the low prices that it offers for more mesh units. It also features very easy installation and management of the system through the mobile app. The App is also known to be smooth and seamless with many useful functionalities such as parental control.
The Google WIFI router is easy to identify as it features a very simple yet beautiful design. When bought, it comes with three pieces/hubs inside that are all identical both in exterior design and capabilities. The routers are white in color with a lovely matte finish that protects the surface from fingerprints and oil marks. It is cylindrical in design and small in size. Running across the circumference, is the LED light strip for status indication. Other than that, the routers support beamforming and MUMIMO for multiple data streaming and simultaneous connection among devices.
Pros
- The Google Wi-Fi is very beautiful and striking
- It is easy and quick to install and manage the routers
- It features a mobile that works smoothly and seamlessly
- It is quite affordable and offers great value for money
- It has a powerful parental control system that protects children from harmful and explicit content
Cons
- There is limited hardware control on the routers
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a low budget router with superb features that are almost like premium mesh systems, the Google Wi-Fi would be a great choice. If you want an overall great router, the TP Link M5 would be a better choice because it offers more range and has better performance.
Verdict: So which is better? The TP Link Deco M5 or Google WI-Fi.
The TP Link M5 takes the lead when it comes to choosing a reliable router for your home. This is because it offers faster speeds at both long and short range. The Google Wi-Fi Mesh Router is better for smaller and average sized homes, and for people on a budget.
FAQs
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Does the Google Wi-Fi router support MU-MIMO?
No. Google Wi-Fi authorities justified this by claiming that they do not the feature since their routers already run smoothly without it
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Can the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands be separated for the TP Link M5 Surround?
No. The TP Link Deco M5 does not separate the two bands.
