The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 47 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Setup ease, Signal strength
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Exceptional good router with 10GB Ethernet
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Easy to setup, keep away from floors for best signal strength like all other WiFi routers, and avoid sending signals going through brick walls. 14000gbit/s is fairly theoretical, I get 6-8gbit/s TCP und 9 on UCP with my Mac Studio connected to another unit on 10gbit/s Ethernet. No fan and noiseless operation is great. I measured power consumption of about 10W per unit which is also acceptable. The bandwidth drops significantly when QoS is enabled, so I’ll leave it off.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Works Great! Easy to Set Up.
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Our Orbi died after five years. I bought this to cover a 3,400 s.f. two-story house. It was easy to set up, and the phone app gave clear instructions throughout the process. We are enjoying fast WiFi throughout the house.
Although we use the LAN for our TVs, we use WiFi for several laptops or tablets, security cameras, Smart devices, and a couple of Kindle readers. After experimenting to find the optimal locations for the two satellites, the only problem I had was reaching the control panel for the solar energy system in the garage. That was probably due to large metal beams in between the mesh router and the control panel. It was easy to add a fourth mesh router at a location that was line of sight to both the primary router and the solar control panel.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Connectivity, Coverage, Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Offer Stable signal and simple to setup and use.
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Review of TP-Link Deco BE68 WiFI 7 BE1400
At glance:
1. 3 Pack, Mesh WiFi 7 System, and Tri-Band (6GHz, 5GHz, 2.4GHz)
2. Includes latest 6GHz WiFI Band as of 04/30/2025
3. Each router has 1 Wan/Lan Port 10Gbps, 2 Ports 2.5Gbps, 1 USB 3.0
4. Up to 14 Gbps WiFi Speed
5. 8,100 sq ft
6. Up to 200 connected devices.
7. Backward compatible, BE, AX, AC, N
8. Multi-Link Operation (ML) support
9. 320 Mhz Bandwidth
Addition to the above listed specifications, on installation and setup aspect the process is straightforward. For non technical and common users, it is a matter of plugin one of router’s ethernet cable from the cable modem or exterior facing main connector. Then placing the additional two depending on the area of need.
In between, it requires to have the TP-Link Deco application to setup the router, but as soon as each router is powered on after the main first one, it automatically would detect them.
Specific note for installation on hardware aspect:
If the second and third router are connected via ethernet cable, which ethernet itself is connected from the cable modem’s additional port, the TP-Link Deco will connect the router each other via Wireless Mode as main connection.
By connecting directly to the main TP-Link Deco, then it will recognize as main connection via ethernet.
From the application, TP-Link Deco shows easy to understand interface and help to navigate through issues variety of options and control.
Ih the main screen as the application is opened, it shows all the router with name and if it is connected, the speed, and sort of status message “Everything looks good”,
The application offers controls close to professional usage. Has option to Device Isolation, Wi-Fi Access control, add Camera Control although require additional steps based on what ioT devices have installed, then separate control for iOT itself. Then for instance, tapping each of router icon, it will show all the device names connected to it, And this repeat as view each router. And in the list will show the same device I am looking at it and if it is connected to which router’s,
In respect to the signal across the home, it is fairly good. It has been stable across the home size of 2800, and outside as walk away a bit, the signal has maintained strong. The only thing is sporadically noticed two things:
1. Devices connection dropping off but after looking at it several time, it looked like disconnect - connect back issue that first was not noticeable without paying attention.
2. The signal icon time to time appears inconsistent between the connected device and signal shown in the TP-Link Deco application. For instance, from TP-Link Deco app would see medium level of signal to the connected device. But from the connected device showing Strong.
What most I liked:
1. Signal coverage. Despite of some little downside between corners and during the usage, it is delivering stable and good coverage through the house.
2 Status Dashboard of connected router. It shows in the node tree connectivity icon with animated connection between main and rest of router.
3. Able to tap the icon of router and see all the connected devices in clean way.
4. Easy way to change router as Main. By just selecting one of them, the application offer the option to choose as main.
What I wish it does better:
1. It doesn’t come with ethernet cable for 10Gbps. Considering it is made for 10 Gbps capability, didn’t make sense.
2. More ports 2.5Gbps at least for the main. Due to its limitation, can’t place in a same spot for instance NAS Hardrives.
3. Light. It is located at the bottom and edge of the router. It is very slight lighting and hard to notice. Would be more effective on the top or front upper part of the body.
4. The button WPS is located at the rear side, making it non practical.
5. Ethernet ports doesn’t have light indicator as would see in other devices that include it to tell if ethernet is connected and passing data through.
6. Doesn’t have power on/off.
7. Application’s connected icons in the dashboard. As soon as tap on one of router icon, it open second screen of the same connected node information. It is preferred that upon tap first time it takes directly to the router individual information.
8. Parental Control is paid service, and doest offer out of box mode to perform different settings as parent.
9. Security monitoring and VPN as being paid service require additional login setting, moreover the VPN service is through recommended third party main.
To conclude, it is not perfect 100%, but close to for users that are not techncial and doesn't need for professional usage. It is stable and includes decent control for everyday usage.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Worth the investment
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Upgraded my modem and router as they werent providing the speeds i was paying for. Consistently getting 1.5gbps and 41.9mbps.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
App usability, Coverage, Setup ease
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Yes, mesh really DOES make a noticeable difference
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This BE68 (BE14000) system is now the third TP-Link mesh router package we have in our house, and although it is arguably the least powerful of the three models we own (the others are BE95s and BE16000s), the improvement in network coverage and throughput was more than just a little noticeable. Whether you are expanding an existing Deco mesh network or you’re going to use this set by its lonesome, the BE68 is an uber-simple way to “paint your home with WiFi.”
When you open the box, you are greeted with a very limited amount of hardware to contend with; just three cylindrical Deco units, three power supplies, a short Ethernet cable to run between your existing modem and the main Deco unit, and a reset tool (think paperclip) used to press the small do-over button on the bottom of one of the mesh nodes when it starts misbehaving. The units themselves are fairly nondescript with a stylized “7” across the front and a single VERY low-mounted (though thankfully defeatable) LED status indicator.
From there, you’ll need to haul out your phone and download the TP-Link app to get your network up and running. Calling the setup process “simple” would be an understatement as the app literally holds your hand through initial setup of the main network node and all attached mesh nodes with easy-to-understand and informative graphics that outline the VERY simple setup procedures. The LED status indicator at the bottom is equally simplistic with just a few different colors to keep track of (orange: turning on/resetting; blue: ready to connect/connecting; green: connected/firmware updating; red: disconnected from main unit/hardware issue). Once the network is established, you also have an intuitive and easy-to-manage network map that indicates in real time which nodes are on and offline, which clients are connected to which nodes, and which frequency bands on those nodes each client is using. From those screens, you can easily change the name of the clients for better management and visibility of who/what is on your network, as well as adjust that device’s connection priority, device isolation, turn on/off mesh roaming, and even block the device—all in a very simple, nearly idiot-proof interface.
Unfortunately, that interface simplicity may also translate into frustration for anyone who may be a bit more IT/network-savvy, especially if they are accustomed to OCD-levels of granular network control and detailed network settings. For example, there are some common router features that are locked behind a paywall such as additional security options, parental controls, and whole home VPN.
The user-friendly app also takes typical WiFi broadcast controls out of the user’s hands. For example, network optimization routines will only tell you if there are better channels available and which ones were automatically chosen; you cannot assign specific channels to specific frequency bands yourself (or if you can, I certainly haven’t found a way to do so). QoS (quality of service) is also handled in a more rudimentary fashion as you can only set network priority by device (dad’s phone, kid’s PC, bedroom ROKU, etc.), but not by protocol so that, for example, gaming traffic can be prioritized over media streaming. Such issues can be remedied by applying a third-party firmware like DD-WRT, but I suspect most users who are attracted to the simplicity of the Deco mesh setup and maintenance probably won’t go down that rabbit hole on their own.
However, there are some reasons one might want to go spelunking into the “More” section of the Deco app. For one, default setup automatically uses the same SSID for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels; the idea being that you use the router’s onboard computing power; AI-flavored mesh routing, client, and traffic management; and all that awesome forward-looking WiFi-7 stuff under the hood to smartly and dynamically ensure that each client is registered on the fastest band achieving the best performance.
The trouble I experienced was that many of my 5GHz clients were still connecting to the slower 2.4GHz band, probably because it is typically carried on a stronger signal, especially the farther you get away from the router. So, if you’re used to having your network SSIDs named differently so you can tell which network you’re using (like HomeNetwork-2.4G, HomeNetwork-5G, etc.), and ensure that your 5GHz clients are indeed operating on the 5GHz network, you’ll need to head into the Deco app’s WiFi settings to break out the SSIDs between those two frequency bands.
On the other end of the spectrum, the default WiFi configuration also doesn’t give you a dedicated (and isolated) 2.4GHz network—at least not right away. This also created problems for some of my older devices because they weren’t connecting reliably to the consolidated SSID that covered both bands. If you need a separate 2.4GHz network, especially to support legacy wireless devices, you don’t make adjustments in the “WiFi settings” menu as you might expect. Instead, you must create a separate IoT (Internet of Things) network and specify it to operate only on the 2.4GHz band. It’s not incredibly difficult to do, but it’s also not entirely intuitive, especially if you’re used to having direct control over wireless settings on each band as is common in other routers’ more detailed admin pages.
In all fairness, these are the same issues I experienced when using the more expensive BE16000 and BE95 mesh routers, so they really have more to do with TP-Link's network engineering solutions than any sort of limitations of the hardware itself. But where these new Deco units DO flex their muscle over their larger BE16000 counterparts is that they have a dedicated 10Gbps wired port vs. only 2.5GHz ports on the BE16000. This means that if you intend to use the BE14000 as your primary mesh solution, you can connect to your ISP at speeds up to 10Gbps and the Deco’s wireless capabilities can theoretically match that throughput to compatible wireless clients. With the BE16000, even with higher speed 6GHz connections between nodes, I could still only surf at a maximum of 2.5Gbps because that’s all the wired connection to the modem could handle.
In practice, the benefits of a mesh configuration were instantly apparent. I have 1Gbps service from my ISP and was able to get close to that same speed even when 1 or 2 rooms away. But things really started to drop off in an upstairs bedroom that did not have line of sight to one of my other Deco nodes. Just by adding a Deco unit to that bedroom, my daughter’s Internet download speeds went from 736Mbps to 999Mbps (about the top speed I’m paying for), and upload speeds practically doubled from 452Mbps to 700Mbps. Same-floor performance did not improve as noticeably, though upload speeds did tend to improve by 100-200Mbps wherever I added a Deco node to the mesh network. Obviously, your in-home performance will vary depending on the size and complexity of the architecture in your house, but the increases we noted 2-3 rooms away were substantial enough to warrant the extra hardware...at least for a family as connected as ours and with nearly 120 smart devices (and counting) on our network.
While maybe not for everyone, the BE14000 really is a great way to jump into the WiFi-7-ready world for a high-speed and future-proofed home network without having to invest a lot of time and effort to manage that same network. The decor-friendly form factor is also a refreshing departure from the black, blinky, spidery mess antennas that came with routers of days past—definitely recommended!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Not compatible with Arlo Ultra 2 Security Cameras
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
So I guess I’ll be the first to give the bad review on this new system, but for good reason. As much as I agree with the majority of the positive reviews written thus far, my experience over the past week connecting to various smart home devices, most notably my Arlo security cameras has been nothing short of complete misery and a waste of countless hours spent troubleshooting.
I have been unable to connect my Arlo ultra 2 base station to the Arlo app with this router, but have no problems with my previous Orbi system. I’ve tried everything, and while the Deco app shows the device online, the Arlo app shows that it is off-line and thus, I am unable to add any cameras.
TP link customer service has escalated my case to their engineering team, which tells me more time is needed for bug fixes with this system and it being so new to the market. I’m sorry, but I refuse to be their guinea pig any longer.
I was also unable to add a Kasa smart switch (sister brand of its own) nor LED strip lights.
My guess is this has something to do with needing a VPN otherwise being unable to connect with certain external servers. Orbi and Eero have built in VPNs, which I think is why I had no problem connecting Arlo to those systems. I’m just not willing to set up a third-party VPN with this system.
Besides the failed connections, I find the app to run very slow with lags in loading time. I also think the Deco app could better explain all of the settings available for a better user experience.
I am returning this system this weekend and will be upgrading to another Orbi system actually worth the value it provides.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from TPLinkSupport
Posted .
Hello Nichole
I would very much like to review this situation before you return the product. If you can please email us at [email protected] with a copy of this review so we know which case it is able. I will need any case or Ticket number you have been provided by support. I will review, work with Engineering to figure out what is or isn't needed to resolve this concern and will get back to you as fast as humanly possible
Best Regards
TP-Link Systems Support.
Pros mentioned:
App usability, Setup ease
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Almost
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Overall, I'm actually impressed with these mesh routers. Speeds rival (and exceed) a much more expensive set of mesh routers I've been using. Setup was simple. There are a couple of drawbacks that I hope get resolved for more firmware updates, though. For the large majority of people who just want an easy to set up mesh network, though, this could be a very good option.
Setup, as stated was really quick and easy. Everything happens in the app and the app walks you through each step from plugging the routers in to power to plugging them into your modem and restarting it. It sets up your main router wifi network name and password and connects your phone to it. Then, it just instructs you to place your satellites where you want them and plug them in and they just connect automatically. It's a very smooth process for setting up a wireless mesh network. If you're lucky enough to have ethernet throughout your home, you can also wire up your satellites to use the ethernet as a backhaul connection.
The app is actually very full featured. And it needs to be. Because it's the only way you can set up your network. You can connect to your router via a web browser but it's essentially just a status page. There is no way to edit any settings on the web interface and that's the first big drawback for me. I've worked through network issues plenty of times and having a way to connect a computer directly to a router and configure things with a web interface is invaluable. I would love to see a more robust web interface at some point but posts going back to 2019 don't give me much hope of it being updated at this point. That rant aside, though, the app is very capable. It looks good and it's pretty easy to get to whatever settings you'd like.
Not a huge fan of the extra subscription services offered. Security+ feels mostly optional but extra security features would always be very welcome to just come standard with your not exactly cheap router device. Advanced Parental Controls feels ridiculous to need to pay extra for. They also have some VPNs offered through third party partners. I'm OK with TP-Link getting some extra money through affiliate links but it just sucks having features locked behind a paywall for a device you already purchased.
Speeds are very good and consistent. I was getting my full 1gbps down and 300mbps up from my internet speed tests everywhere. Wireless and wired. I don't have a network capable of using the 2.5 or 10gbps connections just yet but I'm excited to have them available when I need them. Wireless speeds impressed me the most as I was getting better speeds on this mesh (not even using the 6ghz band) than I get from my other, more expensive mesh network.
Some extras that are included (without needing to pay extra) are some really basic parental controls for pausing the internet or blocking specific websites or categories of websites. The more useful parental control features will cost you $18/yr. There are extra networks you can set up that keep your IoT devices in their own garden as well as some additional security for locking down your camera devices or just isolating specific devices. About as close to a VLAN as you can get on a consumer device. You can set up a VPN client as well as a VPN server. The feature set is actually pretty good on a device like this which is another reason it feels so bad to have a few extra features locked behind a paywall.
Pros:
- Sleak design
- 1, 2.5 and 10 Gbps ports
- Nice, responsive app for configuration
- Simple setup
- Good speeds
- Separate IoT network
- Isolate devices or cameras
- Guest network
- Channel scanning to avoid interference
- DDNS client
- Router mode or Access Point mode
- Static Routing
- IP Address Reservations
- USB 3 for external storage sharing
Cons:
- Subscriptions lock extra features behind a paywall
- Super basic parental controls almost force you to pay for the subscription
- No web interface for actual configuration (only status display)
- Only 3 ethernet ports
- Giant power plug
- Smart phone and app is required
Bottom line, I don't dislike this mesh. It works well and has a lot of options. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth that the mesh system costs as much as it does and still locks extra features behind a paywall. If you don't mind this bad taste, and this is in your budget, give it a look.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Connectivity, Coverage, Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
An excellent mix of value and future proofing tech
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
TP-Link is a Chinese network equipment company that has been around since 1996. They're known to toe the line between value and function, which has helped them succeed within the internet networking space. Obviously, there are other major brands out there. Still, with TP-Link, you can be assured that you're getting modern functionality without paying the outrageous prices that many top-tier brands cost. For $700, you get: 14 Gbps Tri-Band wifi 7, stronger wifi everywhere (up to 8,100 sq ft!), a router that can connect over 200 devices, Wifi-7 (the latest in wireless internet tech), 6 GHz performance, ultimate 10G connectivity (wired), multi-link operation (MLO), which allows 2.4 and 5Ghz simultaneously, AI-Driven roaming, which ensures smooth transitions between nodes automatically, Homeshield security (offering parental controls and IoT protection), and will work with smart home assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. That's a ton of features!
These nodes aren't obnoxiously big, so they'll blend in with your home decor easily. After unboxing, you'll first want to install the TP-Link Deco app, which will run you through a step-by-step process, ensuring an easy setup. There will be an update as you get things set up, and this is how you'll upgrade the firmware from here on out.
We've got over 90 devices hooked up to our wifi, ranging from smart lights, smoke detectors, appliances, and much more. We had an issue with the lights on our last router. I don't know if that's the router's fault or if we may need an additional hub for our lights, but there would be times when the smart light switches would take a few presses for lights to turn on or off. So far, with the TP-Link setup, we haven't dealt with that yet, so that's a great sign.
Regarding speeds, I got 1.1 Gbps down during the middle of the day when working from home. That's outstanding, mainly because my internet plan is one G. Anytime you can rock those speeds wirelessly, you can't ask for much more. Coverage is also a great surprise for me. No matter how far back I go towards the fence, I can go into the backyard and still get an excellent signal.
If you're looking for the latest Wifi-7 technology, you won't be disappointed with this unit. Sure, wifi 7 hasn't taken off yet, but with this router, you'll know you'll be ready when it hits primetime.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
App usability, Coverage
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
TP-Link Deco BE68: Fiber-Ready Whole-Home WiFi
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
TL;DR: TP-Link's Deco BE68 is a fiber-ready whole-home wifi system that has solid built-in security available through an additional (affordable) subscription. Setup took around an hour for a 3-node system. Downsides: no dedicated "ethernet in" which means the 10GB ethernet port is eaten by the incoming wired connection. The setup/install process is easy if slightly glitchy with the names of the nodes not sticking.
- Test Environment: 10GB symmetrical fiber, 3 floor home, 4 heavy users
My initial setup was a Netgear Orbi 770-series; it was also a tri-band router and had built-in security. Whole house coverage is a must, as is decent signal strength outside and around the house.
The TP-Link Deco BE68 definitely hit all the basic requirements. The footprint of the actual routers is pretty small. Size-wise, they are slightly shorter than the Orbis. The Netgear family has two things over the TP-Link routers: the different internet-in port and separate 10G ethernet port (that is: you can plug in a 10GB connection and still have a 10GB hardwire out) and a slight signal strength differential between floors. The Orbis were capable of a -35 to -44 dBm signal strength between floors with a wall in the way. The Decos seem more bothered by it at -55 dBm.
Overall, the speed differential is significant if you're thinking about upgrading your routers but don't want to pay more than a laptop to get there. TP-Link has a lot of effective options which will easily work for a home fiber connection. The signal strength and speed throughout the house is solid, even with walls and other devices in the way.
TP-Link's app interface is actually significantly more useful than the Netgear version; I found the security reports, the device segmentation and isolation features, and the guest network options a lot easier to get to. The details for connected devices and which router they're connected to are also cleaner.
The only real downside besides the lack of a separate 10GB ethernet port was some MINOR glitches during setup. Adding the second and third router nodes to the network, neither new node's name stuck and had to be renamed afterward. Adding the second node was a little wonky because I tested what would happen if you had to re-route the power cable during setup. Closing out the app and starting fresh and unplugging and replugging the node worked easily. There wasn't a ton of troubleshooting available in the app from what I could see, and minimal instructions included in the box... so, if you're the family IT, be prepared for a call during setup (or just save yourself a minor headache and do it yourself). If you're even marginally techy, you'll be just fine (turn it off and turn it back on again).
Overall, I've been really pleased with the TP-Link Deco BE68's performance and definitely recommend it as a budget-friendly upgrade to your home wifi, especially if you've recently upgraded your internet speeds.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
App usability, Signal strength
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
TP-Link Deco wireless router with 10Gbps support
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is not my first TP-Link mesh network. I installed a set of Deco S4 for my brother in law in the Philippines. I spent the summer there and needed good wi-fi coverage while staying with him. It was great. Their walls are not drywall but hollow cinder blocks. Wi-Fi signal was great.
I was excited about the Deco BE14000 because it can support up to 10Gbps speeds. I thought it was only one port for WAN and 1 port for LAN. This has three ports: 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, and 10Gbps. All ports support both WAN and LAN.
I have AT&T Fiber with 1Gbps speeds up and down. They also now offer faster speeds. I do not need anything faster but if I ever upgrade, this router is able to handle the faster speeds.
The Wi-Fi coverage is noticeably better than my previous wireless mesh router. My commutations closet is located the master bedroom upstairs. I notice a signal drop with my previous wireless network when I go downstairs to the kitchen. With the TP-Link, the signal will drop one bar as I go downstairs but when I get to the kitchen, it is full bar once again.
This device has multiple frequencies and if your device supports it, it can do MLO (multi-link operation). I do not have any Wi-Fi7 devices though. The app is another great thing about TP-Link Deco devices. It is easy to use and easy to learn how to use it.
I have the Apple Mac Studio M4 Max. It has Wi-Fi6e. I ran a fast.com speed test and got around 350Mbps download and 370 Mbps upload. If you want to take advantage of 10Gbps LAN speeds, make sure you at least use CAT6 cables, but it is distance limited. Cat6a will support the speed at up to 100 meters or just over 300 feet.
The app does support multiple networks. This kit has three satellites. It supports guest network and IOT network. The only VLAN it supports is for IPTV traffic. I did not see a separate option for VLAN. But it has all the usual features of any router.
I like this router for its features and easy to use app. Also, it can support up to 10Gbps LAN speeds.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Connectivity, Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
TP-Link is the way to go for Mesh Routers
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I was debating getting another node for my TP-Link Deco XE75 system with 2 nodes, when I saw that the WiFi 7 systems were available. I decided to upgrade and picked up the Deco BE68 Wi-Fi 7 BE14000 Whole Home Tri-Band Router Mesh as an upgrade into the new WiFi 7 and to add the 3rd node to my network.
Pros:
- 3 Nodes system with 8100 Sq Ft of coverage.
- 3 Ethernet Ports & 1 USB on the back of each node
- Simple App Setup and Management.
- Tri-Brand with multiple networks (Main, Guest, IoT, MLO).
Cons:
- Not many WiFi 7 supported devices yet.
- Error encountered when trying to swap networks.
My Mistake:
So, to start off, I messed up the transfer of my old Deco XE75 to the Deco BE68. There was an error during the main router transfer, which happens but the steps to resolve specifically say “unplug both routers, then plug back in and restart the transfer process”. Instead, I tried to delete the Deco BE68 from the network to start over, which resulted in my whole network getting deleted. Oops. So, my bad. So don’t be like me and just make sure to do as the steps say and be patient. If you do encounter an error during the network settings transfer, do not delete the new router. Follow the instructions and restart the transfer process.
Setup:
I swap out routers often, so I often that I expect to have to reset the whole network during the transfer of hardware even if I’m using the same WiFi settings. So, I went in with the expectations that I would have to start from a new network and reconnect each device to the network. When I was checking the settings on my TP-Link Deco XE75 network, to my surprise I noticed the “transfer router” option, so I decided to try that out. Ideally, this would have transferred all my network setting that were compatible over to the new Deco Router without me having to reset the whole network. Unfortunately, I encountered an error and made the mistake I mentioned above. So, I just reset and started as a new network.
The standard new network setup was simple and worked without any issue. It walks you through setup of the main node, then asks you to add the 2 other nodes after setting up the basic network settings. The default settings set the name and password of 2.4GHz and 5GHz to the same but breaks the 6GHz off with the network name + “_6GHz”. There are additional networks that can be added, I’ll talk about those later in more detail. Even just through the setup, the Deco BE68 has way more features than the XE75, which is a huge plus to the added WiFi 7 network speed and stability.
Deco App:
One of the reasons I often choose to run a TP-Link router in my home is for the App. The Deco app is simple and intuitive, yet very powerful. There’s no need to login to the router directly on the network or remember a password you only use once during setup. It’s all done via the Deco App which guides you through the basic setup, then prompts you if there seems to be any issues to resolve.
There is a lot you can dive into with the Deco App, TP-Link continues to add more features with each new update. From the initial Network tab, you can see the current network traffic, each node and the number of devices connected to the node along with the network strength. Additionally, if you enable the additional networks, you will see a split of the number of devices on each network. This is helpful if you know how many devices are supposed to be connected, you can quickly spot devices that shouldn’t be there and even block them.
Most of the advanced features are all under the More tab of the Deco App, where you can configure those additional networks, optimize the network, or even setup a VPN to share across the network. Just the way all the features are easy to find, and setup is hands down my favorite part about TP-Link. Below I’ll dive into the features I used more.
Performance:
The Speed and Coverage of the TP-Link Deco BE68 is amazing, to the point that my current internet provider can’t even come close to pushing the maximum limits. I’ve got a 600MBps down and 35MBps upload plan, but that translates to roughly 680+Mbps down and 40+Mbps upload in actual use. I was blown away when on the wireless I got better speed than through my wired network! I was able to pull as much as 691Mbps down to my Samsung S23+, which is only a WiFi 6 enabled device. The crazy part is the speed I was pulling anywhere on my network, if I was in my home. Even out in the yard, which isn’t huge but big for house in a metro city, I was able to pull 600+Mbps. Even the latency has me blown away, my wired computer is pinging about 14ms but I’ve been able to pull
This mesh router system uses the newest WiFi 7 standards across 3 bands of network frequencies: 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz. The speeds of each network vary, the claim of “14Gbps” is a bit misleading, as it is a total of the speeds of each network: 6GHz up to 8647 Mbps + 5GHz up to 4324 Mbps + 2.4GHz up to 688 Mbps. But if you leverage some of the advanced features like Multi-Link Operation, you can get lower latency and more stable connections even in congested areas like apartments or dense buildings. For a normal home, even one where there are 100+ IoT devices, the Deco BE68 will handle your WiFi needs with ease. TP-Link claims 200+ devices in laboratory tests, but this will depend on your use and the devices more than anything.
The only odd thing is that the choice for node connection on some devices is well odd, I’ve got a few devices that are literally in the same room as a node but choose to connect to the node on another floor. The devices work fine, so it’s not an issue but just odd behavior.
Connectivity:
The focus for this router is the wireless connectivity with the 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz, but also extends to wired networks with 3 Ethernet ports on the back of each node with 10Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, and 1Gbps. Plus 1 USB-A 3.0 port for connected devices. These extra ports also allow you to use the Nodes as access points for devices that don’t have their own internal WiFi or have slower connections via WiFi. I use one node in the basement to connect a desktop computer, so it has the fastest possible connection.
Additional Networks:
Beyond just the standard 6GHz and 5GHz & 2.4GHz networks, you can enable a Multi-Link Operation (MLO) network that allows your device to take advantage of all bands to reduce latency and ensure stable connection. This adds an MLO Network to your list of available networks, your network name+ “_MLO”. This doesn’t exactly combine the speed of each band, but it does ensure you’re always connected to the most stable network. But not all devices support this kind of network blending, so check if your device supports the feature first.
There’s the ability to create a Guest Network for each band as well. This is useful if you often have Guests or just want a separate network for people to join that isn’t the same network you normally use. I used to use this as my IoT network, as it was completely separate from my main network. I say used to, because TP-Link has added a feature that creates a separate IoT network for all the smart devices. The IoT network defaults to 2.4GHz only but the 5GHz can be added. I really like this as some smart devices can have security issues or lead to leaked data, which can be hugely impactful in this digital age not to mention the privacy concerns.
Backhaul:
Having a backhaul channel is extremely important for me, it’s one of the main features I look for in a mesh router. My old XE75 used the 6GHz channel as a dedicated backhaul which made the network always stable, since there was little to no interference on the 6GHz channels. With the Deco BE68, there is even the option to use a wired backhaul in combination with the wireless backhaul across all three bands. This basically means regardless of which node you’re connected to; you will receive the best possible signal. So far, my testing has confirmed that anywhere in my house I receive roughly the same speed while having full coverage. Not only is it the same speed, but the same latency.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for one of the fastest and most reliable home wireless experience, then the TP-Link Deco BE68 Wi-Fi 7 BE14000 Whole Home Tri-Band Router Mesh is a strong consideration. The simplicity of the App controls and setup alone makes me suggest TP-Link hands down, but the performance and consistency hands down make TP-Link my go to router name. I’ve got a new favorite router, even with my mess up, it’s still been a great experience plus crazy fast speed.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
App usability, Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Modern Stylish Design, Solid Overall Performance
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've not used TP-Link for any of my home network devices, until now. There are just so many brands to choose from, and you end up gravitating to your favorites; what works best for your needs. However, understanding that this brand is known for being a solid performer, I was willing to test it out and compare this router set to ones I've used over the last several years.
First off, this set of three TP-Link Deco routers looks super stylish and modern; sure to blend in and fit with whatever decor you have in your home. The round shape, and even the cool way the top looks, is simply an attractive design. The three units aren't overly huge either, but rather just the "right size," compared to the size of our current router set of a different brand.
As of now, our home WiFi network is still cable, but we do have GigaBlast. We also do plan on upgrading to either 2gb or Fiber as the area we live in does offer both. So anticipating our intent to upgrade in the near future, this TP-Link Deco router set will already be setup on our home network, and we should be good to go.
Unboxing was a delight, with all parts packaged nicely. Setup was straightforward and easy. Once you install the TP-Link Deco app, it takes you 'step-by-step' through the process. You will want to do the Firmware Update right away, just so you know that your new system is up-to-date.
Figuring out the best placement in your home for all three units is key. Take into consideration the size of your home (and property, such as for outdoor security devices), to make sure the WiFi network will be able to handle your coverage requirements.
Speed Tests showed that the performance of this TP-Link router set was 'on par' with that of the router this Deco is replacing. I did notice a slight improvement in responsiveness when scrolling through my streaming services, observable low latency, less lag or delay, how quickly videos began playing, and the overall video quality itself.
Our household has MANY devices making use of our WiFi all day long. This TP-Link Deco should have no issue handling our home network needs, for now and should we add even more devices. Another plus is that this system works with any ISP.
Final thoughts - this TP-Link Deco is reasonably priced, and these router units should continue to perform beautifully using the newest WiFi technology available for most consumer's household network necessities, from today and on into the foreseeable future.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
It's all about network stability and speed
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
First and foremost, I always struggle to find a router that can handle the demands of my home WiFi network, which has over 180 smart devices connected simultaneously. Over the years, I’ve replaced countless routers and always invested in high-end models regardless of cost but none of them truly gave me 80% peace of mind.
After researching the new WiFi 7 routers, I pulled trigger on the TP-Link Deco BE68 mesh system. It supports WiFi 7, essential features I rely on, and a sleek design that fits seamlessly with my home decor. Setup was quick and intuitive using the Deco app and in just a few steps, the network was up and running.
One standout feature is that any of the three nodes can act as the main router, which adds flexibility to the setup. It’s worth saying that “On Deco app, you can choose any node and enable it as main router”. My home is a single-story, 1,837 sqft, and I have Xfinity’s 1.2 TB plan due to my heavy usage mainly streaming and gaming. I don’t use Xfinity’s gateway as a router; I use it as a modem because I need a more capable device to handle my network load.
Initially, I only used one Deco node to allow the network to settle, then added the second, which connected effortlessly. After the system was running, I checked for firmware updates and there was one update, and I installed it. Post-update, I checked my devices and noticed some of them began disconnecting. To address that and improve network stability, I split the network into separate 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands and enabled the IoT network for small devices, which helped.
Later, I noticed additional instability, so I turned off the “Fast Roaming” feature, switching the wireless mode to “High Capacity.” I knew the 2.4GHz band was a common bottleneck, and this mode disables 2.4GHz backhaul, which improved my setup, though it resulted in an average connection between router and node. Still, it was more stable overall.
In the past, I used to manually select channels, but with this Deco BE68, I left everything on default settings. The router intelligently switches channels to avoid congestion, and so far, it’s worked flawlessly. I also appreciate being able to name each band individually. The Deco app is loaded with features, offering security tools and VPN support.
I chose not to add the third node because, based on my long experience, adding a third in a home of this size tends to create more problems than it solves particularly since MLO utilizes all three bands simultaneously to connect between all three nodes, which can lead to increased congestion on the 2.4GHz band.
Overall, my network is running smoothly. I’m seeing WiFi speeds of 923 Mbps down and 354 Mbps up with all devices connected, and there’s no lag or delay. For the price, this router is a reasonable and I’m very satisfied with its performance.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Connectivity, Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
TP Link Deco Mesh system
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The setup on this was very easy. It was pretty much plug and play. I downloaded the app on my phone and filled in some info. These units connected to each other by wifi as soon as they came on and went through their internal setup. If you dont want them connected by ethernet you are done.
I wanted to connect them all with ethernet. I connected one Deco unit to the modem with ethernet and ran another ethernet from that Deco unit to a TP Link ethernet switch. I ran two other ethernet cables from the switch to the other two Deco units. They recognized the ethernet connection as soon as I powered up the switch. Very easy.
I purchased these because of their coverage area. In my case there are three levels plus a garage and an attached workshop. I have all bars no matter where I go. I even have good connection in my yard.
I would have no problem recommending the TP Link Deco mesh system.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Signal strength
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Needed a new set
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My old WIFi Orbi Mesh system failed in under two years. Took it back to Best Buy and it could not be repaired. I let them keep it to recycle it. Later I see that Best Buy gives 15% off the purchase of a new system when you trade in an old one. Very upset and disappointed that the Best Buy employee didn’t tell me about the 15% off as I purchased this new Mesh system the same day. As for the review of this system it works great and it has great range and strong fast signal. The setup beyond easy and the app interface is simple to use.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
App usability, Setup ease
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Easy setup, solid performance
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This mesh system was very easy to setup and operate. The app is excellent and intuitive. The TP-Link system works as advertised and delivers the gig speed I am looking for. Docked one star because it doesn't seem to have as much range as the Netgear Orbi system it replaced, although the router and satellite units are smaller and better looking. Also, I'd like to be able to set up more than one guest network.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup ease, Signal strength
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Speed and reliability. Great Value
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Best Buy had only one of these in stock and it appeared to be one version older than the latest-and-greatest. I scanned all the QR codes of every suitable-spec'd Wifi 7 router in the store and read the reviews. This one had only 8 reviews, but 100% of them were 5-star. I told myself I'd have to come give it a 9th 5-star if I liked it, and I do really like it. Setup is pretty easy. The signal seems to carry fairly far, and my WiFi seems very stable.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Extender
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Easy setup right out of the box. Way better range than my previous system.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Connectivity
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Get This If You Already Use TP-Link!
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Made this my main mesh and use old TP-LINK M9s and M5s are pucks to put throughout the house and yard. I have 1 gig internet (though this future-proofs faster), and I'm getting a 940mbs about 100 ft away from my modem. Can stream HD video 250 feet from the main. Better deal on this system than any other in the same neighborhood of coverage.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Coverage
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great for my family’s needs
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My house is 3200 square feet. 3 levels, finished basement. Kids, work at home spouse, gaming systems, tablets, IOT devices. Unless you have your house wired for Ethernet or boosters everywhere, you need these. App works good with profiles for devices to limit usage you things like YouTube. There is a pay wall for additional security and parental controls. I will be using these as a quick all in one place to get internet throughout the house. As a casual user these are great.