TP Link Deco M5 Vs Google Mesh – Which router is faster?
Choosing the best Wi-Fi router for your home or office can be a tough task depending on your online internet needs. In this article, we are going to look and compare the three top Wi-Fi routers in the market today that include; Google Wi-Fi Mesh and TP Link Deco M5, and see which the best one for you is.
There should be a number of things you consider when buying a router such as the layout of your house, the number of stories, the range of the router, among others. We always want out Wi-Fi connection to be strong wherever we are in the house. Some of the best routers in the market today are the three routers we are going to look at in this article: Google Mesh and the TP Link M5 router. They are known as mesh routers because of how they work. They use satellite devices that are placed around the house. These satellite devices can easily spread strong Wi-Fi signals in all rooms comfortably. This is the reason they are a bit pricier than regular routers. However, as more and more options come from different companies, the price continues to reduce.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the TP Link M5 and Google WIFI Mesh?
Model |
TP Link Deco M5 |
Google Mesh |
Radio Freq. Support |
Tri-band radios at 2.4GHz and 5Ghz (x2) |
Dual 2.5GHz/5Ghz |
Processor |
Quad core CPU |
1.4 GHz Quadcore |
Speed |
2.4GHz – 400Mbps
5GHz – 867Mbps |
2.4GHz – 400Mbps
5GHz –600 Mbps |
Flash Memory |
4 GB |
4 GB |
RAM |
512 MB |
1 GB |
Ports |
Two Gigabit ports per unit, One USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 4.2 |
Two Gigabit ports per unit, One USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 4.2 |
Availability |
TP Link Deco M5 Vs Google Mesh – How do they compare?
The TP Link Deco and Google Mesh systems are two of the most popular dual band WIFI systems used in homes today. In the following section, we are going to see how they compare in terms of the features they have.
Design and structures
Both the TP Link M5 and Google Mesh systems have amazing attractive designs that are stylish and perfect for the modern home aesthetic. Their exterior designs are almost identical. It is clear that the TP Link M5 (which was released after Google Mesh) heavily borrowed from the design of the Google Mesh system. They are both white in color with the respective company logos inscribed in small fonts in a light grey color. The external material is made from tough hardened plastic. The material is covered in matte finish so as to not retain ay fingerprints. These mesh routers are both round and shaped like a cylinder. The unique designs ensure that you do not mistake them for any other system. However, many users have praised Google Mesh’s design for looking much better and more modern. The only major difference in exterior design is the swirling top of the TP Link M5 that resembles a seashell.
In size, the TP Link Décor M5 is larger than theGoogle Mesh system. The M5 measures 5.7 x 1.8 inches while Google Mesh router measures 4.17 x 2.70 inches. The Google Mesh weighs 12 ounces (about 340g) while the TP Link weighs just over 16 ounces. Both routers are fitted with an indicator LED light with different colors to indicate different functionalities or errors.
Hardware Capacity
To power this powerful system, the TP Link Deco M5 is fitted with a powerful quad-core chipset CPU. This CPU comes with 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of flash memory. The system supports Multi-user Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) data streaming to allow many different users to use the network at high speeds consistently. It also enables data to be transmitted simultaneously rather than sequentially which would be slower. And allows beamforming capability which helps in sending data to clients simultaneously instead of over a broad spectrum. Other features include Zigbee and Bluetooth features hat both help in connecting the system to smart devices in your home such as smart locks and smart lights.
The Google Mesh system on the other hand comes with a Quad-core ARM CPU with up to 710MHz. This CPU comes with 512 MB of RAM with a flash memory of 4 GB. This system also features beamforming abilities over radio bands of 2.4 and 5GHz. These allow data to be transmitted simultaneously rather than sequentially which would be slower. Other hardware abilities include Bluetooth Smart that allows you to connect the system with smart devices in your house.
Speed and performance
The speed and performance of any mesh systems is quite relative to the package size, your internet service provider WIFI speed or strength and the amount of obstructions and corners in the house or office. Extending WIFI signals also causes a loss in signal strength and speed and should always be considered. The general rule of thumb is the more the nodes or units used, the higher the network loss. When the TP Link was tested in a real world environment, it reached a data link speed of 400 Mbps while running on 2.4GHz band and reached 867 Mbps when running on the 5 GHz band. The 5 GHz backhaul channel is great and ensures that performance is consistent.
The Google Mesh system also has an impressive performance. It also comes with the two bands: 2.4GHz band and 5 GHz band. When tested in a real world environment with a 100 Mbps WIFI package service, this system was able to hold up well and deliver strong signals to all rooms and even the basement. The users were able to stream 4K video from the basement and play games online on the console.
Ports
Ports are essential when it comes to routers and network connectivity. The TP Link M5 contains two gigabit local area network (LAN) ports for each node. One of these two ports acts as the World Area Network (WAN) connection to the main node. There is also a USB 2.0 port, a reset button and a power jack. For some, the ports are quite limited and could use some more for more physical connections. However, the TP Link is small in design and cannot fit any more ports unless they expand the router size. On the other end, the Google Mesh system has two gigabit Ethernet ports: one WAN and one LAN just like the TP Link M5. There is a USB port in the Google Mesh routers. Other than these two ports, there’s a power jack and that’s about it.
Area of coverage
The TP Link M5 has a wide range that is guaranteed to reach every corner of your house. It has an amazing all-direction coverage of up to 75 meters. This value may however vary depending on the size and amount of obstructions. Many users have however said that this system is quite accurate when it comes to the coverage area stated by the company. The speed even at the farthest point on the router stays high and consistent, losing very few megabytes of data. Google Mesh system also has impressive connectivity over large distances. The range however depends on the package size. With a large package size with many nodes and points, the range can go even further.
The largest package consisting of a router and three nodes has a range of up to 170 meters. This impressive feature is what makes the Google Mesh system one of the best for large houses and spaces. You can also connect up to three hundred devices on the maximum package stated above. If you’re looking for something with a superior range, the Google Mesh system would be the best choice for you.
Package Size
The TP Link Deco M5 comes as a one pack system and a two pack system. The two pack system contains two nodes and a router and covers an area of up to 4500 sq. feet. It can be expanded to larger packs by adding new identical nodes into the system. Each additional node adds another 2000 sq. feet of area to be covered. When it comes to the Google Mesh system, it is almost similar in its working with the Deco M5. It comes in the following packs: single unit, two pack and a three pack size. The price increases as the size of the pack increases. The three pack contains one WIFI modem or router that you connect to your current router, and two secondary nodes placed in other points of the house. The maximum pack size covers up to 4500 sq. feet.
The TP Link M5 vs Google WIFI Mesh – A comparison review
TP Link Deco M5
The TP Link Deco M5 system is not a mesh network system but can do the same functions as a mesh system such as Google Wifi. It works similarly by extending and spreading your wifi network using satellite units. The satellites are only connected to the base and not each other. The TP Link Deco M5 supports Wi-Fi 6 and uses a second 5 GHz band that serves as a backhaul connection. When tested in a real world setting, the TP Link Deco M5 is a powerful beast that has a connection speed of 300 Mbps. The speed only drops to 95% at the farthest said distance. This is quite impressive and there has been no other mesh router that comes close.
The TP Link Deco M5 uses a three band system that allows for high fast speeds from anywhere in the house.
Pros
- The TP Link M5 is easy and quick to install
- It supports both mobile app support systems
- It comes with an inbuilt security feature known as Lifetime Security
- It has a powerful connection at medium range
- It has amazing parental controls
- The firmware receives regularly updates with new useful features and functionalities
Cons
- It does not have web based support system
- There is no dedicated channel band control
Google MeshMesh Router
- 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 Mesh is not as fast as other routers on this list but would still be a great addition to your household. A standout feature of the Google Mesh however is the amazing mobile app it has. The app is advanced and offers a lot of advanced level functionalities that may not be found on other mesh systems. It is also known to be easy to setupand user friendly.
The Google Mesh does not have a triband system which makes it susceptible to networks loss. With that said, the following are the pros and cons.
Pros
- There is no limit to the amount of beacons you can use
- The beacons have a wonderful design and look amazing
- It is very easy to setup and install
- It receives constant regular updates that improve performance and functionalities
- It is quite easy to set up
- It can be expanded using Nest Wifi points
Cons
- It has limited functionalities and settings
Conclusion
Google Mesh and TP Link Deco M5 are some of the best systems you can install in your home. They offer versatility as well as great value for money since they are budget friendly. If you’re looking for an affordable option, we recommend Google Wi-Fi Mesh system.
Verdict: So which is better? The TP Link M5 or Google WIFI?
All factors considered, the TP Link M5 takes the lead when it comes to selecting the best mesh router system in your house. This may be partly due to the fact that it is a recent release than it the Google Wi-Fi Mesh.
FAQs
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Does the TP Link M5 feature a ventilation system?
Yes. The M5 has perforarted holes on the sides that allow cool air from the outside to cool the system
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Does Google WiFiMesh slowdown in relation to strength?
Unfortunately, yes. As range continues to increase beyond the recommended distances, the router signal becomes weaker and weaker. However, the speed is still fast enough for majority of the tasks.
