TPLink Deco M9 Vs Linksys Velop – Which router is most suitable for you?
Choosing the right mesh router system for a large space is not an easy task. In this article, we are going to review the TP Link Deco M9 and the Linksys Velop which are the top routers in the market today. we will compare them and see which the best one for you is.
Mesh systems in general aim to eliminate dead zones. This is because traditional routers are not built for large areas and spaces. The router signal is also not strong enough to go through corners and objects, therefore if you have a house with many corners, you may experience a lot of signal loss. In the past few years, all major networking companies have released their own mesh WIFI systems. These include: Linksys, Eero and Netgear.
TP Link Deco M9 and Linksys Velop 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. As similar as they are in terms of functionalities, these mesh routers differ in a number of aspects as seen below
What are the differences between TPLink Deco M9 and Linksys Velop?
| Model | TP Link Deco M9 | Linksys Velop | |
| Radio Freq. Support | Tri-band radios at 2.4GHz and 5Ghz (x2) | 2000, 4000, 6000 sq.ft (depending on kit) |
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| Processor | 712 MHz Quadcore | 716 Quad core CPU | |
| Speed | 2000 Mbps (combined bands) |
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| Flash Memory | 4 GB | 4 GB | |
| RAM | 512 MB | 512 MB | |
| Accesibility | Mobile app + Web Browser | Mobile App + web browser | |
| Availability | Check price | Check price |
TP Link Deco M9 Vs Linksys Velop 2019 – How do they compare?
The NetgearOrbi and Linksys are both amazing and recommendable mesh WIFI systems. However, they differ in some of their functionalities, performance and other aspects. The following shows how they compare.
Fixed Antennas
The antenna is important component of a mesh router or any other network device for that matter. It sends and receives signals and helps to achieve a smooth flowing working signal. However, it is important to note that more antennas doesn’t necessarily mean a better signal since other factors affect the strength of a signal. The TP Link M9 has eight powerful antennas which is an upgrade from the four in its predecessor the M5. These antennas are omnidirectional and are internal. Though the antennas in both the Linksys Velop and Netgear’sOrbi accommodate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bandwidths which are fairly suitable for residential needs, the nature of their installation means that they cannot be modified. The fact that they can’t be detached means that you can’t upgrade this sector when looking to increase the strength of your signal. If you want to enhance your bandwidth in this manner, you’re just going to have to acquire another option in the market. However, this is not a big issue as most people opting for this router will probably not be thinking of implementing strange or unique alterations to the device
Performance and range
The performance of a mesh router is basically the speed at which the router accesses the internet at different bands. Both the TP Link M9 and the Linksys Velop Mesh Router come with dual bands that cannot be manually selected individually. The band channels are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
The TP Link M9 was tested and found to have some of the best performance. It can cover up to 6500 sq. feet of area meaning it is the ideal choice for large houses. This router can also be connected to more than 100 devices and is built to keep the all running at high speed. On the other hand, the Linksys Velop uses a mesh network approach. In fact, it was one of the first systems to use the mesh technology among other such as Eero and Google. And since the Linksys is a triband 2 x 2 router, it almost always performs better than other dual band systems. It provides a powerful signal of up to 2200 Mbps over a long range of 2000, 4000, 6000 square feet depending on kit.
Design and structure
When it comes to design, the two devices differ quite a lot. The TP Link M9 keeps the simplistic design of its predecessor, the M5, with the major difference being the overall finishing and size. The M9 is bigger than its predecessor but keeps the cylindrical seashell exterior design. It is shell white in color and has a plastic body. 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.
The Linksys Velop is slightly larger and heavier in weight than the TP Link M9. They are also quite different in shape with the Velop taking a cuboid shape. It measures 3.1 x 3.1 x 7.3 inches and weighs just 1.08 lbs. The Linksys has small punctured holes on each sides that act as ventilation systems for the router. This is an amazing feature as these devices usually need constant airflow to cool the always-on parts of the system. This is a common feature even in other Linksys devices. The TP Link M9 has no visible ventilation system.When mounting on a wall or any other stationary object, the TP Link is easy to mount due to its design, shape and size. The Velop is a tower cuboid that can be only placed vertically.
Hardware Capacity
To power this powerful system, the TP Link Deco M9 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 Linksys Velop 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.
Mobile Apps and accessibility
Almost all mesh router systems feature a mobile app for installing and managing the system. Both the TP Link M9 and the Linksys Velop Router have mobile apps that are compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems.
The TP Link M9 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. On the other hand, the Linksys Velop does have an app for both android and iOS users. However, the app is laborious to use and many users have complained of the tedious setup process it takes them through during first time installation. Later in 2017, Linksys released a browser based admin interface for Velop users. This was an extra boost to their app’s bad reputation. Through the web browser, you are able to access you router’s settings even without internet connection. All you need to do is connect it using an Ethernet cable.
The TP Links Deco M9 vs Linksys Velop – A comparison review
Linksys Velop 2019
- Apple HomeKit-Enabled
- Ideal for large, 5plus bedroom multi-story homes (up to 6,000 square feet)
The Velop is a mesh wireless device that provides amazing connection throughout the house and fast speeds. It is a true mesh system in that it uses its nodes to communicate directly with other nodes in the network. All you have to do is hook up one of the nodes to you ISP router.
The Linksys has an area coverage of up to 6000 square feet and a speed of up to 2200 Mbps. But perhaps the most outstanding feature of this system is its ability to communicate with smart home devices. It works amazingly well with Alexa. The mobile app is also very versatile and has many functionalities such as speed test, guest access and parental control.
Pros
- It has superior area coverage
- The design is stylish and beautiful
- It is easy to setup and manage using the mobile app
- The mobile app is very versatile and has many functionalities such as speed test, guest access and parental control
- It offers very stable connectivity
Cons
- There is only one LAN port for wired connections
- It cannot be mounted on a wall or ceiling
The TP Link Deco M9 Plus
- Whole home coverage – cover up to 6, 500 sq. Ft. With seamless, high-performance Wi-Fi and eliminate...
- Aster tri-band speed for more devices – three Wi-Fi bands with dynamic backhaul by TP-Link one mesh...
The TP Link Deco M9 Plus is a fast and powerful mesh router with robust security and easy installation. It is a strong tri band 802.11 mesh router that comes with two bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The two bands cannot be separated and instead, the 5 GHz is meant to provide a backhaul for communications between the Deco Hubs. Like most mesh router, the M9 Plus comes as a default pack with three units inside. All the units are identical and features similar design to other Deco routers. It is also cylinder in shape like the M9 and M5, with a swirly top and LED light at the tip of the swirl. It is however a bit more expensive than its predecessors.
As a midrange mesh router, this router does a great job in speed and coverage, better than top level mesh systems. Other than this, it comes with amazing features such as the highly rated parental control system in the Deco app. The three units provide a coverage of 420 square meters. This is enough for medium to large two story homes.
Pros
- The Deco app is the one of the best mesh router apps and works seamlessly
- The M9 is very easy to install, configure and manage
- The M9 comes with a powerful dedicated 5 GHz backhaul dedicated band
- It is compatible with Alexa smart hubs meaning it can be voice controlled
- The app has a robust parental control system that ensures the children are protected from harmful sites
- The routers come with an inbuilt security system for protection against viruses and hacks
- It supports beamforming for multiple data streams
Cons
- The Deco M9 is quite expensive
Conclusion
The better router for you depends on what you’re looking for. The TP Link M9 is an expensive but superb mesh router that will provide smooth internet connection from any corner of your house. Linksys Velop is great for smaller and averaged sized houses
Verdict: So which is better? The TP Link M9 or Linksys Velop?
When all factors are taken into consideration, the TP Link M9 is far miles ahead of the Linksys Velop when it comes to performance and accessibility. The TP Link is faster, features a better app with smooth functionality and provides more range per unit.
FAQs
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Does the Linksys Velop come with a web based access feature?
Yes. The Linksys has a buggy mobile app, therefore web browser accessibility was made available
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Does the TP Link M9 have a smart hub?
Yes. Unlike many mesh routers, the M9 comes with a smart hub that is compatible with Alexa. You can use it to easily control and communicate with smart devices in home.
