Tp-Link Deco M5 Vs Google Wi-Fi-Finding the best home-Wi-Fi device
The best Wi-Fi devices are easy to set up, allows users autonomous control, offers wide coverage with the best internet speeds and can be operated from different locations and even better is that all the above are consolidated into one mobile application.
Getting an effective Wi-Fi device for your expansive home can be a challenge, simply because they all have different setup modes, some will offer the best speeds and coverage even beyond obstacles for as long as you have the required number of nodes. While others need to be within a straight line range to offer good speeds and coverage, we will, therefore, look at the Tp-Link Deco and the Google Wi-Fi and see the one that offers the best coverage.
What are the differences between TP Link M5 and Google wi-fi?
Model |
TP Link Deco M5 |
Google Wi-Fi |
Coverage |
5,500 Sq. Ft. |
4,500 Sq. Ft. |
Speeds |
867mbps-Download speeds at 5 GHz
400mbps-Upload speeds at 2.4 GHz |
101.41mbps- Download Speeds at 5GHz
96.72mbps-Upload Speeds at 2.4Ghz |
Warranty |
Offers 2 years |
Offers Hardware limited Warranty |
Tp-Link Deco Vs Google Wi-Fi- How do they compare?
Capacity
A good home Wi-Fi device should offer you a wide capacity in terms of the devices that can connect to it without experiencing slow internet speeds and downtimes. To which end the Tp-Link does outdo the Google Wi-Fi by supporting up to 250 devices. Whereas Google Wi-Fi can only connect up to 18 devices on each of its nodes which is too low and even when consolidated you will only be able to cater to 54 devices, which is a quarter of the total devices accommodated by Tp-Link.
The Tp Link Deco M5 can provide coverage of an area of up to 5,000 square feet, but this is not common across the board because the other devices of the same brand offer different coverage range. So when compared to the Google Wi-Fi we find each of the nodes covers up to 1500 so when consolidated the three nodes can cover up to 4,500 Sq. Ft.
If you, therefore, opt to go with the Google home Wi-Fi device there are size considerations to be adhered to, for example, if your home is 500-1500 sq. ft. then you will just use one Google Wi-Fi node, and for individuals with expansive homes of 3000-4500 sq. ft. three nodes will be required to comfortably cater to all the devices within the home.
And for individuals interested in the Tp-Link Deco then you don’t have to worry about the size of your homes just invest in the mesh Wi-Fi device and all the devices will be appropriately catered to.
Positioning in relation to signal strength
Achieving the best position and signal strength when using the Wi-Fi devices can be a tricky situation but worry not because each of them comes with recommendations, to enable you to get the best signal strength. For the Google Wi-Fi, you will have to place the nodes with a difference of two rooms, away from each other.
Also, Google Wi-Fi devices work best when placed in a higher position, so in your home, you could place them on top of the shelf and ensure that there are no obstructions such as books and don’t place them inside a cabinet. Another important factor with the Google Wi-Fi device is that the larger your home is the more Wi-Fi devices you are going to have to adopt.
Google also offers recommendations on how best you can improve coverage, once your Wi-Fi devices are up and running ensure to perform a mesh test, to check the connections of your nodes and in case one of them has a poor connection then you will have to ensure that all the points can see each other. The Wi-Fi devices also don’t work well when they have to contend with obstructions.
You, therefore, have to ensure that you place them in areas with minimal or no obstructions, also, remember that all the Google Wi-Fi points have to work together for you to achieve the respective coverage, so in case you are not able to get the best coverage then you will have to move the nodes so that they are in-sync.
Tp-Link offers users different options from Google Wi-Fi in terms of positioning and achieving the best signal strength, there are however two similar things, which is to position the nodes in an open space and on an elevated area. But in case you are having problems with signal strength then you will have to change your wireless channel or update your Wi-Fi devices firmware.
Users are also advised to keep their devices away from electrical devices that are known to radiate a lot of noise on the 2.4GHz band. However, the Tp-link utilizes the adaptive link technology which seeks to isolate the fastest path for all the devices that have been connected to the network. Google Wi-Fi also offers an almost similar service via the Network Assist Technology only that it is mandatory for you to be provided with power of up to 16.4v.
Application and other support systems
The Tp Link Deco home Wi-Fi device is operated using an application that you can download from the Google app; the above allows you to access all the control functions right from your Smartphone or tablet. Other support systems that come with the application are such as the antivirus protection feature, the parental controls, the automatic updates, and the guest network.
Users will, therefore, be able to restrict access to certain websites, control when certain devices access the Wi-Fi and pick which activity and devices get Wi-Fi priority.
Range
As regards the range of the two Wi-Fi devices the Tp-Link Deco can cover a superior range of up to 10,000 sq. ft. which, therefore, means that users can enjoy the best Wi-Fi signal strengths from their back yards to the garage, front yard and in all the rooms, as it does not have restrictions on layout.
For the Google Wi-Fi, to get the best Wi-Fi signals in different ranges then you will have to utilize additional nodes. The only problem with the latter is that you will not be able to fully enjoy more returns, for example, if you are using more than 3 nodes, it will reach a point where they are unable to co-ordinate thus interfere with each other instead of providing more coverage.
Structure and Design
The Tp Link Deco and The Google Wi-Fi have the same structural design only that the TP-Link deco seems to have a small extension at the top and has an oval shape. The rather round structure is to make the nodes easy to be incorporated into different spaces. Remember that for you to attain full coverage with the right signal strengths then you will have to place the nodes around your home in different rooms.
And with the simple cylindrical designs, it will be fairly easy for you to install the nodes on the elevated places without them becoming too cumbersome. Tp-Link features a rather sophisticated look when compared to the Google Wifi that is just round with the led light at the top used to indicate its functionality features.
At the back of the Tp-Link, you have been provided with two Ethernet ports and a port for you to insert the USB cable. The above makes it easy for one to position the Wi-Fi device with the Ethernet cables hanging from the back. The structure of the Google Wi-Fi is a bit different and here you will have to access the Ethernet cables from the underside of the unit, and just like Tp Links you will get two Ethernet ports and one USB cable Port.
The Tp Link Deco vs. The Google Wi-Fi- A comparison overview
The Tp Link Deco
- If you're looking to ditch your traditional router extender setup for a whole Home Wi-Fi system, put the...
- Better coverage than traditional Wi-Fi routers: Deco M5 uses 3 units working seamlessly to create a mesh...
There is no better way to upgrade your home Wi-Fi other than using the Tp-Link Deco. This unit is a game-changer given that it obliterates the need for a Wi-Fi range extender; the above will then bug you with endless passwords and network names. Tp-Link, therefore, gives users a single network and a single operating password.
Your data is also kept safe at no extra cost with the antivirus protection feature and the parental controls that help keep your kids on check. The performance of this unit is exceptional because users won’t have to struggle to get the units arranged in one line for them to get the best strength signals and range. With Tp-Link, all you need is to set it up and achieve a mesh network, besides the three nodes collaborate from their different locations to offer coverage of up to 5,500 sq. ft.
Pros
- Easy to set up using the Tp-Link Deco Application
- Offers users a secure Wi-Fi mesh network
- users can access 24/7 technical support
- Enables the prioritization of devices.
Cons
- Nodes fail to connect occasionally
- Cannot be set up using an IOS phone
The 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 does feature a high price point given its functionality features; for starters, there is the logistics of having to place the routers in a place where they see each other, for you to be able to achieve coverage. Therefore, if your home layout does not support this type of arrangement, you might want to look at other options.
Besides, each node gives good coverage of up to 1,500 sq. ft. so you can add more to fit your home. The only problem with the above is that when you integrate too many nodes into one network then at some point they might develop communication problems.
On the bright side is that users will be able to enjoy faster speeds facilitated by the incorporated Network Assist Technology. The above ensures that users can access the clearest channel and the fastest band, and to properly benefit from the Google Wi-Fi device it is best to know the size of your home so that you can get the proper nodes that will offer comprehensive coverage. For example, homes that are up to 3,000 sq. ft can adopt two nodes.
Pros
- Users can manage the Wi-Fi device from their phones
- Can be connected and offer coverage to the Attic and basement
- Obliterates the need for a router
- Get rids of buffering and dead zones
Cons
- Users have to manually switch from one network to another
- The mesh network constantly goes offline
Conclusion
The Google Wi-Fi and the Tp-Link Deco are best utilized in different settings because while the Tp-Link will offer seamless coverage without needing the devices to see each other, the Google Wi-Fi works with a specific layout so it might be hard for it to be used in expansive rooms given that users have also been advised to use them with a difference of two rooms.
They are however very handy Wi-Fi devices with each of them incorporating technology that ensures all the devices connected to the network get good signal strengths. Tp-Link features a much more advanced technology that enables it to work with Alexa, so for those who want to set up their smart homes and only shout commands to switch their Wi-Fi on/off then Tp-Link is your go-to Wi-Fi device.
Verdict: so which is better? the Tp Link Deco M5 or the Google Wifi
There is a very big difference between these two devices and the one thing that is very clear is that the Tp-Link has incorporated advanced features that make it effective. Tp-Link therefore, takes the cup in this challenge, first because it offers wider coverage when compared to Google Wi-Fi and doesn’t have placing logistics.
The Google Wi-Fi offers wider coverage by increasing the number of nodes in a home, but for the Tp-Link all you need to do is create a mesh network by placing the nodes in different rooms and your Wi-Fi is up and running.
FAQs
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Can I use my Google Wi-Fi with a router?
Your Google Wi-Fi device works like a router and you can, therefore, connect other devices to it, such as the smart appliances and even the printers
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Can I use more than one Tp-Link?
To achieve the best signal strengths complete with flowing traffic, it is best that you use about 8 adapters.
