What do you choose when you’re presented with an Eero Vs. Deco mesh WiFi system to boost your coverage?
It is challenging when both systems are equally good options. Still, you can only choose one.
While both mesh systems are WiFi 6-compatible and backward compatible with WiFi5, the Eero is capable of faster speeds and has a simpler setup.
However, the Deco is better suited with wider coverage up to 7000 square feet for a 3-pack Deco mesh system.
The Eero is sleeker in compact design, but the Deco has more ports available for wired connections.
Let’s break down what makes one mesh system more preferable over another between Deco vs. Eero.
What Is a Mesh System?
A mesh WiFi system covers every area of your home.
Eero and Deco are mesh WiFi systems. If you are unfamiliar with the terms, a mesh WiFi system is a whole-home system that connects wirelessly to the main router and provides WiFi coverage over a large area of the house using independent nodes.
A good mesh WiFi system will retain the service provider’s speeds in all the areas where you place the mesh nodes.
Eero Mesh WiFi System
Amazon’s Eero is a small, sleek mesh device that provides WiFi whole-house coverage. Most users prefer the Eero for its easy setup.
Also, the small 3.8”x 2.36” compact design makes it easy to blend with interior home decor and use in tight corner spaces.
The Eero 6, Pro 6, Beacon, and Secure fall under the same Eero mesh devices category.
Setting up Eero devices needs a working router and the phone app.
The app provides a placement suggestion guide that lets you know whether the mesh will work as you set it up.
Deco Mesh WiFi System
TP-Link’s Deco Mesh WiFi system provides whole-home WiFi coverage around dead zones and uncovered rooms.
However, it is a bigger 4.72” x 4.72” x 1.34” device that performs well with straining primary ISP speeds.
It would be the ideal setup if you had thick walls and a sketchy WiFi connection.
Like the Eero, it features a sleek design that helps it blend into any room without sticking out and messing with your aesthetic.
Similarities Between Eero And Deco
Eero and Deco mesh systems use smartphone apps to set up and configure. While both apps are arguably easy to navigate, Eero has a gentler learning curve for a first-time user.
They both need you to create an account. Also, they have a list of recommendations on the best spots for node placement.
Both systems support 2.4 and 5 GHz band frequency. That makes every Deco and Eero release WiFi6-compatible.
Also, it makes them both backward compatible with older WiFi5-compatible devices.
Eero and Deco have two ports each. However, you’d have to avoid the Eero 6 if you want Ethernet ports.
Still, newer versions of the Eero 6, such as the Pro, have two ports to help you set up a wired backhaul.
Deco and Eero mesh systems have 2×2 MU-MIMO.
MU-MIMO technology enables both devices to connect to different devices at different speeds.
The 2×2 MU-MIMO capability means both Eero and Deco are limited to connecting to two devices at a time.
Also, both devices come with beamforming technology. Beamforming allows direct signal targeting towards connected devices. It ensures minimal signal strength loss.
In a huge house, you need to issue commands to your devices without moving to the exact location of a device.
Deco and Eero are compatible with Alexa voice control. Additionally, they’re both compatible with Zigbee Smart Home Hub.
Deco and Eero devices make it easy to run a smart home.
Besides the setup and dual-band similarities, the price difference is visible in their differences.
Deco vs. Eero Differences
Total Area Coverage
Deco tops the Eero in coverage. While the Eero 2-pack can cover a decent 3000 square feet and 6000 sq. ft for a 3-pack Eero 6, a 2-pack Deco covers 3800 square feet and 7000 for a 3-pack.
You could cover a huge area with a Deco mesh system and a strong, fast internet connection.
However, you must check the coverage capacity of each device before buying.
Speed
If you prioritize speed over everything, Eero is a better option than Deco.
Eero 6 supports WiFi6, a faster generation of WiFi standards.
While Deco also supports the same WiFi standard, the Eero 6 delivers up to 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps for its upgrades Pro 6.
Comparatively, Deco delivers a decent 300 Mbps only.
However, note that WiFi speeds are only limited to the speeds of the internet service provider and frequency band.
For example, a Deco M5 might give you 400 Mbps on its 2.4GHz band and 800 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
Conversely, you might get faster speeds on a tri-band Eero device like the Pro 6.
Connected Nodes
Mesh systems need to support multiple devices at good speeds. And in this category, Eero outperforms Deco.
Deco devices can support about 100 devices in one home, while an Eero router will support 128 connected devices.
However, the number of connected devices affects overall speed and data quality.
Bandwidth-hungry functions such as 4K streaming and gaming could limit multi-device support to about 30 for Eero and less than 30 for Deco routers.
You can connect more devices using the two Ethernet ports on each device.
Security Features
Both devices come with extra features that safeguard your online activity and traffic.
Similar security features include parental controls, fortified network security, and QoS.
Deco features these add-ons in HomeCare. Some TP-Link Deco devices, such as the M5, have background anti-malware and anti-virus protection.
On the other hand, Eero has two security tiers, Secure and Secure+. Secure+ gives you a 1Password, Encrypt. Ma e VPN and Malwarebytes subscription.
However, unlike Deco, which provides its security features at zero cost, Eero Secure and Secure+ cost $30 and $100 per year, respectively.
Cost
Whereas you can find Eero mesh nodes for $299 for the 3-pack Eero 6 and $699 for a 3-pack Eero Pro 6E, a Deco M5 will set you back about $200 for a 3-pack.
A 2-pack Deco XE75 costs about $300, and $450 for a 3-pack of the same unit.
You don’t need to break the bank, though. You can still get the entry-level Eero 6 for about $90.
A similar entry-level Deco mesh device, such as the Deco X20, will cost about $160.
Is Deco Or Eero Better?
Design-wise, Eero looks better than the Deco devices. The smaller build, curved smoothed-out edges, and minimal look make the Eero aesthetically better.
The Eero is also better in speed. Eero compatibility also makes it such a great value product.
However, you are guaranteed better performance in a thick-walled house with Deco. And with Deco covering more space than Eero, you have a better mesh WiFi product.
Sure, both have security features. But Deco provides virtually the same features at no extra cost, unlike Eero’s Secure and Secure+.
Is Eero Compatible With Deco Mesh?
Eero is not compatible with TP-Link Deco. However, Eero devices have better compatibility with older Eero models.
On the other hand, you might experience speed downgrades or total incompatibility when you pair Deco devices with older models.
Still, the best solution is to pair Eero routers with Eero mesh nodes and TP-Link Deco routers with Deco mesh nodes. That way, you maintain WiFi 5 or 6 speeds and maximum area coverage.
Conclusion
A huge house will likely have internet dead spots even when you have the best ISP. That’s why you need a reliable mesh system that covers these home dead zones.
Your entire family can use the internet in any room without depreciated service. Eero and Deco have numerous options ranging from entry-level to business-level devices.