In short, the TP-Link Deco M5 is a worthy entry to the low end of the mesh networking market, and it includes network-based antivirus and excellent parental controls. We prefer Google Wifi's app and the way it can proactively change channels to improve wireless performance and avoid interference,...

If you are looking for an easy way to have WiFi-coverage in your entire house, mesh is definitely a solution you should consider. Without having to drill in the walls you can easily build a network that covers the entire house.

The Deco M5 Whole-Home Wi-Fi System is definitely an appealing option for those looking to get setup with a Wi-Fi mesh network. It is easy to setup, provides uniform coverage over the area it claims to, and is rather attractively priced.

» Easy setup; » Provides reliable and consistent Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home; » HomeCare anti-virus and other security measures are welcome features; » Parental controls are very thorough and easy to setup; » Access point mode now available for those that don't want to replace existing...

» As a router; the features are rather limited; » Advanced configuration options are lacking; » No USB ports and very limited LAN ports; » In access point mode; most of the advanced features are disabled; ; ; » Advertised as AC1300; which isn't all that fast these days; » Wi-Fi tested slower than...

TP-Link's new Deco M5 mesh networking kit targets simplicity, but it's half-baked.

Unique circular design; Support for Ethernet-based Deco-to-Deco communication

Unstable Bluetooth mobile setup process; No web-based backend; Wireless AC devices have a 433Mbps limit; Shallow "advanced" features

Good wireless coverage, a great price and a strong selection of features, especially for parents

TP-Link has regularly topped the list of our favourite wireless routers at Expert Reviews in the past few years, but with mesh networking gaining ground over traditional methods of strengthening your home Wi-Fi coverage, it's having to change tack.

Great parental controls; Three-year antivirus built in; Strong wireless coverage

Slightly slow at close range; Pricier than BT Whole Home Wi-Fi

While many people are excited about Google WiFi , there's another name out there that is doing the same thing, and it's actually a bit cheaper. And that's the TP-Link Deco M5. Now TP-Link has been producing routers and other networking products for many years, so it arguably has more experience in...

The Deco M5 is TP-Link's take on the increasing popular whole home Wi-Fi (mesh) product category. These little discs contain a total of four radios each, that act as a combination of Wi-Fi backhaul and client access.

Final Thoughts For their first entry into the whole-home WiFi market I think TP-Link has a very strong contender in the Deco M5 system. This is our first time taking a look at a system like this so we cannot compare it to others, but comparing it to typical routers we can definitely see some areas...

– Easy setup; – Better overall WiFi coverage than a normal router; – Small profile; – TPLink HomeCare included; – Great unboxing experience

– Not as many configuration options as a normal router; – Will need to buy a switch if you need multiple Ethernet ports

Yet another whole-home wireless mesh system gets tested, this time the Deco M5 AC1300 kit from TP-Link. Is it a buy? Let's find out.