As a mesh router, the TP-Link Deco M9 can't touch the Orbi RBK50, and Netgear remains the only game in town if you want a legit outdoor node. But the Deco outperformed the tri-band Linksys Velop in three of the four indoor test locations, and it did the same in the outdoor locations.

If there's one thing that every user of the Internet dreads, it's the network dropout. And since just about everyone uses the Internet, including everyone reading this review, there's a lot of anguish to go around.

Easy to use; incredible speed and range; HomeCare suite offers fantastic options for parents

No USB device support; Zigbee-based Smart Home feature is clearly at a beta stage

The Internet used to be easy. If you're only watching low-resolution videos and checking your email, then you don't need that much bandwidth from your Wi-Fi connection. But these days, we have much greater expectations.

Over the years, I have reviewed several networking products, including powerline and wireless extender solutions. For Mesh Wi-Fi systems , I have reviewed Google Wifi , ASUS Lyra , Aztech AON Mesh. I am very satisfied with TP-Link Deco M5 and has been using it since September 2017.

With a rank of #5 out of 15 Wi-Fi systems tested, the Deco M9 Plus lands right at the bottom of the top third of products. The good news is that its subranks are good for benchmarks that count, i.e. system, capacity and 5 GHz RvR.

There's a lot to like about the Deco M9 Plus Mesh Wi-Fi System. It delivered some of the highest scores we've seen from a mesh system on our throughput performance tests, and its mobile app offers a wealth of management features, including strong anti-malware and antivirus tools, rich parental...

Easy to install; Solid throughput in testing; Dedicated backhaul band; Built-in malware and virus protection; Robust parental controls; Controls numerous smart home devices; Alexa and IFTTT compatible

Expensive; Lacks Z-Wave support; Cannot separate radio bands

Ever since the WiFi mesh systems entered into the mainstream, the development of new consumer-friendly networking technologies seems to have slowed down a bit and some manufacturers started focusing more towards polishing their already existing devices, while others aimed at diversifying their...

Using the right WiFi adapter, the TP-Link Deco M9 is able to offer a fantastic wireless performance and the backhaul traffic handling is done better than on most of its direct competitors.

Great Wireless Performance, Built-In Antivirus Protection, ZigBee, Bluetooth, IFTTT and Alexa Support, Can Create A Mesh Network, Small Form Factor Design

You Can't Separate The Two Radio Bands, No Web-Based Interface, No In-Depth Configuration Available

The Deco M9 Plus offers better performance than its predecessor, and integrates support for IoT devices, but does cost more.

Strong coverage and performance; Easy to setup and configure; Parental controls and antivirus included

A little on the pricey side; Not all smart-home devices are supported (yet

Wi-Fi is common as a microwave in home these days. When there is Wi-Fi at a home, having more than once device connected to it is common. One downside

Supports up to 4,500 sqft; Seamless Wi-Fi experience; Supports Zigbee or IoT devices

Price might deter some people; No web-based UI