TP-Link Deco M5 C1300 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System covers 5500 square feet and 100 Devices

After a decade of waiting for fibre optic broadband, I finally received a 1Gbps connection to my home. However, the initial experience was underwhelming. Despite the upgrade, I was only achieving around 70Mbps in my third-floor room, located on the opposite side of the house from the modem. Given that my PC supports Wi-Fi 7, there were clearly no limitations on the device end. The issue appeared to be the standard modem provided by Sky, which performed poorly.I began researching mesh systems and initially considered the Deco XE50, but decided against it due to its Wi-Fi 6 limitation, the same as my existing Sky modem. I instead opted for the Deco XE75 Pro, which supports Wi-Fi 6E. Although it cost approximately £120 more at the time, I deemed it a worthwhile investment given the performance gap and future-proofingThe improvement was immediate and significant. In the same room that couldn't even reach 100Mbps, I now consistently receive speeds exceeding 600Mbps, occasionally peaking at 800Mbps (via Ethernet connection to the wireless hub). The range of the XE75 Pro is exceptional, especially considering the physical distance from the main pod. I purchased the three-pack version, which ensures seamless handover between pods for mobile devices and always connects to the fastest and most stable node.The accompanying Deco app is intuitive and offers a solid range of functions, including device prioritisation, firmware updates, security protocol options, guest network creation, and even VPN support (VPN is an add-on for a monthly subscription).Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Deco XE75 Pro. It delivers on performance, range, stability, and features. If you’re paying for high-speed internet, it only makes sense to invest in hardware that allows you to benefit from it. In my view, this device is worth every penny.

I've been a long-time user of the TP-Link Deco system, and the Deco XE75 Pro has solidified my trust in their products. It offers an outstanding balance between performance and price, making it a perfect upgrade for anyone seeking improved network performance without breaking the bank.Why I UpgradedI chose this model to enhance my internal backhaul speeds, especially for data movement to my home NAS. While I considered the newer 7G systems, this option provided a significant performance boost at a fraction of the cost. It also saved me from the hassle and expense of installing Ethernet cabling throughout my home—a win for both my budget and convenience.Performance and CoverageThe improvement in speed and reliability has been remarkable. The mesh system effortlessly covers my 12+ room house, ensuring no dead spots and consistently strong connections. Internal data transfer speeds are incredibly fast, making tasks like NAS backups a breeze. The system integrates seamlessly with my existing Deco devices, creating a unified and efficient network.App and FeaturesThe TP-Link app is straightforward and functional, handling essential tasks like setup and device management with ease. However, it could benefit from more advanced controls, such as manually assigning devices to specific nodes. While this lack of customization can be mildly frustrating, it doesn’t overshadow the product’s overall reliability and bulletproof performance.VerdictThe TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro delivers excellent coverage, fast internal speeds, and reliable operation, all at a price that feels more than fair. If you're looking to upgrade your home network without venturing into the premium price bracket, this is a fantastic choice. Despite some app limitations, the product excels where it matters most, making it a worthy investment for any connected household.Rating: 5/5

As someone who regularly tests network hardware, I was genuinely looking forward to putting the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro (2-pack) through its paces—and for the most part, it lived up to expectations.Setup was seamless. The Deco app made the process incredibly straightforward. It took me under 10 minutes from unboxing to having the main unit up and running. The app itself is one of the better ones I’ve used—clean UI, responsive, and packed with helpful features like device prioritisation, parental controls, and network diagnostics. TP-Link has clearly put time into making the app intuitive, even for less technical users.In terms of performance, this mesh system delivered where it counts. The AXE5400 tri-band setup, especially with the inclusion of the 6 GHz band, gave me consistently fast speeds across the entire home—whether it was on my laptop, phone, or smart TV. Even in historically weak spots, the signal held up well. I clocked very solid results in speed tests, and things like 4K streaming, Zoom calls, and gaming all ran flawlessly.The 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port is a great addition. If you’re on a high-speed plan or using a NAS or wired backhaul, this gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your setup. It’s a future-proof inclusion, and I appreciated that both units come with multiple Ethernet ports—not just the base.Now for the one issue I had—the second node. It kept dropping out intermittently. I repositioned it, made sure it wasn’t in a dead zone, updated the firmware, and even tried giving it a full reset. The problem persisted. It’s hard to say if this was just a one-off faulty unit, but it did affect the overall experience. If the connection had remained stable, I’d have no hesitation giving this five stars.That said, when it worked, it worked brilliantly. Coverage was strong, the speeds were consistently excellent, and the 6 GHz band offers a real performance boost on compatible devices. The app experience is best-in-class, and I really liked the level of control I had without it ever feeling complicated.Final verdict?The Deco XE75 Pro is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade to a fast, reliable, and future-ready mesh Wi-Fi system. Just keep an eye on the second unit if you go for the 2-pack, as my experience suggests there might be some variability in hardware reliability. Still, for the price and performance, it’s a very strong offering from TP-Link.