It would make sense to update to a mesh router that supports the new Wi-Fi 6 routers standard, but the tri-band ones with their own dedicated backhaul channel that truly feel like an upgrade are typically pricey (like, a couple of car payments expensive). In 2020, I praised Asus and Eero for lowering the price of fully functional, tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers to roughly $400. This was a positive step forward, but it was still too expensive for the majority of people.
TP-Link Deco M3 review: Design and specs
The TP-Link Deco M3 employs a Deco M4R router as its base connected to a pair of plug-in M3W extenders rather than identical units that are configured during configuration. The satellites can be readily hidden thanks to a similar design to the MeshForce M3, however they must be placed close to an electrical outlet. The plug-in extenders are 4.9 x 2.7 x 1.3 inches in size, while the cylindrical and tower-shaped router is 7.4 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches. M3W nodes can be installed upside down or right side up to avoid blocking an adjacent outlet. Both devices are made of white plastic, with the exception of the router tower’s black top. Although mounting gear is not offered by TP-Link, Aobelieve sells little plastic shelves for the tower for $16 apiece. They are not needed by the extenders.
TP-Link Deco M3 review: Ports
TP-Deco Link’s M3 can compete with the finest by outperforming other products in its class, even though it may not have all the bells and whistles of the most recent Wi-Fi equipment. With a two-year warranty, it occasionally provides quicker throughput and wider range compared to mesh kits that cost twice as much or more. The system’s two antenna architecture and absence of wired networking connectors on its nodes limit the system’s performance. However, its Wi-Fi Optimization procedure can make a network run more smoothly in a crowded setting. The TP-Link Deco M3 isn’t ideal, but if you’re looking for a cheap solution to transmit moderate amounts of data across the house, it delivers. It’s the top networking gadget you can get today for $100. You can buy this router from its official website
TP-Link Deco M3 review: Performance
Putting aside criticisms of the aesthetics and the exaggerated speed rating, the W7200 actually shines when it comes to performance. The graph above displays the typical download speeds for each room of my house using a 300Mbps fiber network. In every room I tested, the Deco W7200 (red) outperformed that figure, and it came in second place to the Netgear Orbi AX6000, our top mesh router to date (blue). More than three times as much as the Deco W7200 is spent on that system. Additionally, the Deco outperformed the Eero Pro 6 and the Arris Surfboard Max AX6600 versions of two other tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers that cost more. The price of each of those exceeds what TP-Link is asking by at least $150. The W7200 also outperforms the majority of dual-band systems without a dedicated backhaul thanks to its tri-band design, including the original Eero 6 and TP-own Link’s Deco X20.
TP-Link Deco M3 review: Features
The majority of those speed tests on a laptop, or computer with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, but I also make sure to run several sets of tests on a Wi-Fi 5 device. The W7200 and other Wi-Fi 6 routers like it can still connect with older devices because Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible, but those devices won’t be able to benefit from the new capabilities that make Wi-Fi 6 faster and more effective. This can result in speeds from a Wi-Fi 6 router to your Wi-Fi 5 devices being up to 30% slower than the rates you’ll experience on a Wi-Fi 6 device in some circumstances. But there wasn’t much of a change with the W7200. With a Wi-Fi 6 device, my overall average was 351 Mbps as opposed to 337 Mbps with a Wi-Fi 5 device. That barely slows things down by 4%.
Pricing and availability
The performance of the satellite node is just average, while the router node is quick and has good range. Additionally, this system does not come with the anti-malware utilities that other Deco systems have. However, its $180 cost will appeal to consumers on a tight budget who want to cover wifi dead zones. Check out our Choice, the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus, if you need a Wi-Fi system that uses discrete components and offers class-leading performance. A two-piece kit that covers homes up to 4,500 square feet and costs about $120 more is available. It features a tri-band system that also works as a multi-radio home automation hub and provides malware and virus protection.
TP-Link Deco M3 review: Conclusion
Mesh routers guarantee a quick, dependable connection throughout most of, if not all of, your house. The TP-Link Deco W7200 fulfills that promise with performance that is about as reliable as I’ve seen from a mesh router by fully utilizing Wi-Fi 6 and a tri-band design. It is a fantastic value at $229 for a two-pack. The only router I’ve tested that completely outperforms it is more than three times as expensive. If your home is fortunate enough to have a dedicated fiber connection that can deliver rates of up to a gigabit, the W7200 is a fantastic system. However, if your download speeds are currently at or below 100Mbps, the W7200 is probably more than you need. However, the W7200 really isn’t that much more expensive than the low-cost systems you would think about using in its stead, so it’s simple to recommend it to just about everyone.
