TP-Link Deco X90 mesh router review: elite performance at a premium price
TP-Link’s Deco X90 mesh system stands out as a premium, high-performance Wi‑Fi 6 solution designed for larger homes. It combines tri‑band speed with mesh networking to blanket spaces with reliable coverage, but it comes at a price. The Deco X90 kit we tested includes two nodes and is marketed to deliver robust performance across sizable floor plans. While its speed and features are compelling, the higher cost and certain hardware limitations invite buyers to weigh the value against competing options in the mesh router market.
Overview and market context
Mesh networking has evolved from a niche convenience to a practical necessity for many households. The promise is simple: instead of a single router struggling to reach every corner of a multi-story home, you deploy multiple nodes that collaborate to extend coverage while maintaining a seamless Wi‑Fi experience. The Deco X90 enters this space as a premium, tri‑band Wi‑Fi 6 (AX6600) mesh system. It’s designed to provide strong performance in homes with thick walls, multiple floors, and a growing number of smart devices that demand steady, low-latency connections.
The market context is important here. Several major players—Eero, Google, and others—have popularized mesh systems with easy setups and strong real-world performance. The Deco X90 distinguishes itself by offering substantial speed, a larger footprint design, and a feature-rich app that extends beyond simple network management. It is positioned as a high-end option for power users who want the best possible mesh performance in exchange for a higher price tag. At its core, the Deco X90 is a tri‑band system that aims to deliver high throughput across a home environment, reducing dead zones and enabling reliable connections for bandwidth-intensive tasks such as 4K streaming, online gaming, and smart home automation.
The official prospect for most buyers is straightforward: a two‑pack kit that promises broad coverage—up to about 6,000 square feet—with the expectation that you’ll spread multiple Deco X90 nodes across your residence to eliminate weak spots. The kit’s price point is a clear differentiator in the market. It sits above some popular rivals, which can impact purchase decisions for households that are budget-conscious or that don’t need the peak performance. In other words, the Deco X90 targets a specific segment of users who require strong, consistent wireless performance across larger living spaces and who are willing to pay a premium for that capability.
From a product strategy perspective, TP‑Link is betting on two core advantages: engineering performance and a robust software ecosystem. The AX6600 rating signals tri‑band Wi‑Fi 6 with a dedicated 2.4 GHz band plus two separate 5 GHz bands, which helps with network efficiency and backhaul under heavy load. Six internal antennas per node are designed to support multiple simultaneous streams and technologies such as MU‑MIMO and beamforming to direct signals toward clients. With these capabilities, the Deco X90 is positioned not only as a fast router but as a resilient hub for a modern smart home that relies on stable wireless connectivity for a wide array of devices.
In the broader sense, the Deco X90 reflects the ongoing evolution of home networking toward higher-performance, more capable devices that are also easy to manage. Consumers who value simple installation, strong coverage, and feature-rich software will find the Deco X90 appealing. Those who are more price-sensitive or who have minimal floor space demands may explore other options in the same ecosystem or from competing brands. Regardless of where you land on price, the X90’s combination of tri‑band speeds, mesh scalability, and a thorough app experience makes it a meaningful contender within the high-end segment of the market.
Design, hardware, and build
The Deco X90 does not conform to the small, sleek silhouette that many modern routers emphasize. Instead, it adopts a form factor that is closer in scale to the original Amazon Echo in height, a deliberate design choice that makes it prominent in living spaces. This larger footprint makes it less discreet than some compact routers, and it may not be ideal for crowded media cabinets or tight shelves. Yet, the size also signals a certain robustness and the capacity to house multiple antennas and ample hardware inside, which TP‑Link leverages to support strong signal propagation and network stability.
Constructed from hard white plastic, the device carries the TP‑Link branding on the top surface and features Ethernet ports along the rear. The power input is located on the bottom, a design cue that helps keep the device clean and uncluttered from a top‑down perspective. Each Deco X90 node includes an Ethernet input and an Ethernet output. The practical implication of this layout is that while you can connect wired devices through the node, there is effectively only one outbound wired path per node. In real-world deployments where multiple wired devices are needed—such as a gaming console, desktop PC, or smart home hubs—the single wired output can feel limited. Prospective buyers who rely heavily on wired backhaul or extensive wired device placement may wish to budget for additional Ethernet-ready networking gear or consider how they’ll position wired connections within the mesh.
The visual design is not just about aesthetics; it interacts with placement strategy. The Deco X90’s large size means it often demands visibility in the living area or a central closet with good ventilation. If space is at a premium or if you need a discreet setup, you may find the X90 less forgiving than smaller mesh nodes. Nevertheless, the design is purposeful: it communicates a premium build quality and a capability to distribute strong wireless signals through its internal architecture.
Internally, each Deco X90 node is equipped with six antennas and is engineered to manage multiple data streams efficiently. The hardware foundation underpins MU‑MIMO support and direct‑to‑client beamforming, two technologies that TP‑Link emphasizes as essential for maximizing throughput and reducing interference in busy households. While the theoretical speeds are impressive on paper, real-world performance is influenced by layout, interference, and the materials used in home construction. The hardware is designed to be resilient under typical home conditions, and the tri‑band setup helps balance traffic by keeping a dedicated path for client devices while maintaining backhaul efficiency between nodes.
When it comes to ports and expandability, the Deco X90 presents a limited but adequate set for many users. The standard package includes two nodes, which is often enough to establish a robust mesh in mid-sized to large homes. However, the router’s port configuration is a point of consideration for users with specific wired‑network needs. The presence of a single Ethernet output on each node means that connecting multiple wired devices across the mesh may require strategic placement or the use of a small switch to expand wired connectivity. This is an important nuance for households that rely heavily on wired backhaul for stability and speed, particularly in gaming setups or power-user home offices.
LED indicators on the unit provide status cues that help users quickly assess connectivity, activity, and potential issues at a glance. The LED color shifts and patterns are designed to convey the device’s mood—from normal operation to network activity or error states. For many users, these indicators afford a few seconds of situational clarity without delving into the app, though the app remains the central control hub for most network management tasks.
Overall design and hardware choices position the Deco X90 as a high-end, visually assertive mesh system with serious internal capability. It prioritizes performance and a strong feature set, even if the physical footprint and port layout necessitate careful planning and a willingness to adapt to its hardware profile. For households that value speed, coverage, and a polished software experience—and that don’t mind a slightly larger chassis—the Deco X90 delivers a compelling package.
Software, app experience, and smart features
A central strength of the Deco X90 lies in its software ecosystem, anchored by the TP‑Link Deco app. The app is designed to be navigable and practical for everyday users, with a layout that segments network management into digestible components. The interface is organized into four primary tabs: Overview, Smart Actions, HomeShield, and More. This structure is intended to give users a clear path from basic network visibility to more advanced automation and security controls.
Within the Overview section, you’ll see a real‑time snapshot of which devices are connected to your network. This live view helps you monitor the guest devices, identify bandwidth hogs, and quickly react to any unfamiliar connections. The device roster also informs you about connection quality, signal strength, and the current status of each client. This is particularly valuable in a mesh deployment, where the goal is to maintain visibility across multiple nodes and ensure devices consistently connect to the best available link.
Smart Actions is where automation begins to take shape. This feature enables you to create automations that trigger based on specific events or device states within the network. For example, you can configure rules that cause certain devices to turn on or off when another device connects or disconnects from the network. This capability supports routine smart‑home scenarios—such as powering off lights or pausing certain devices when you leave the house or when a smart hub indicates a transition in occupancy. The automation framework within Smart Actions is designed to be approachable for non‑technical users while still offering meaningful depth for power users who want to tailor their home network to their daily routines.
The HomeShield section provides access to TP‑Link’s home security offering. HomeShield is a subscription service that augments network protection with advanced security features designed to detect cyber threats and suspicious activity. The pricing is set at $5.99 per month or $54.99 per year for HomeShield Pro. The service aims to deliver proactive protection by monitoring network traffic and offering enhanced threat detection. The free tier, meanwhile, grants access to a subset of security capabilities and other smart features, including device prioritization and network scanning. This tiered approach allows users to trial some of the security benefits with no immediate cost, while providing an upgrade path for those who want more comprehensive protection.
The More tab services as a hub for additional settings, preferences, and extended features. While the exact options can evolve with firmware updates, this section generally includes configuration options, device management, parental controls, guest networks, firmware updates, and other advanced controls. The app is designed to offer straightforward navigation for typical home users, but it also includes enough depth to satisfy tech enthusiasts who want to fine‑tune their network environment.
In terms of usability, the Deco app is generally intuitive and well‑designed. It presents essential information in a clean layout and provides a logical path to more advanced capabilities. Notifications are a notable feature, with alerts about new devices connecting to the network, which is valuable for maintaining visibility in a busy, device‑dense home. The combination of a clear overview, automation capabilities, security features, and a broad set of settings makes the Deco app a robust control center for managing the mesh network.
From a practical perspective, the software experience complements the hardware by enabling a streamlined setup process. Setting up two Deco X90 nodes to establish an initial mesh network is straightforward, with guided prompts and automatic optimization for coverage and performance. The app’s automation and security capabilities provide tangible benefits for daily use, particularly in homes that rely on a broad ecosystem of smart devices. The Free HomeShield tier keeps essential security features accessible, while HomeShield Pro adds more advanced protections for users who want a more comprehensive security posture.
As with many consumer networking products, firmware updates and feature refinements can influence long‑term experience. TP‑Link typically rolls out updates that improve stability, add features, or enhance security. Regularly applying updates through the Deco app helps ensure the mesh retains peak performance, compatibility with new devices, and resilience against evolving security threats. The combination of a robust app and a feature‑rich security stack makes the Deco X90 more than just a router; it becomes a centralized interface for managing a growing home network.
Performance, testing, and real-world use
Performance is the core reason many buyers consider a high‑end mesh system like the Deco X90. The device is marketed as a tri‑band AX6600 system, designed to deliver strong throughput across multiple devices and to maintain reliable coverage for homes up to about 6,000 square feet when using two nodes. The tri‑band configuration—one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands—helps distribute traffic efficiently, attempting to preserve speed for high‑bandwidth tasks even as more devices connect to the network. The device also relies on a multi‑antenna design, with six internal antennas per node, and supports features like MU‑MIMO and beamforming to enhance signal delivery to individual clients.
In practical terms, the Deco X90 demonstrates strong performance in real‑world environments. In a typical two‑story home, installation of the second node—placed upstairs—tends to yield measurable improvements in speed and latency across rooms that are farther from the primary unit. The performance gains are often noticeable when devices are tested at intermediate distances from the main node, such as around 30 feet away, where speeds remain high but can show a modest drop compared to being right next to the router. The two‑node configuration provides consistent download speeds across different rooms, with minimal latency, and it helps stabilize connections for devices that require sustained data transfer.
The Wireless experience is particularly favorable for households that use multiple streaming devices, gaming consoles, laptops, and a growing collection of smart devices. The X90’s tri‑band approach helps the system dedicate traffic to different streams, reducing the risk that a single congestion point throttles performance. In practice, the coverage claim of up to 6,000 square feet with two nodes is plausible under typical home layouts, though actual results depend on flooring materials, wall thickness, furniture arrangements, and interference from neighboring networks or devices. Users with particularly challenging floor plans or dense construction materials may observe differences in coverage and speed, and may need to place nodes strategically to maximize performance.
Latency is another important aspect of the performance story. In many real‑world tests, the Deco X90 maintains low latency across the network, which is essential for online gaming, video conferencing, and real‑time collaboration. The mesh design helps ensure that devices maintain a stable link to the nearest optimal node, rather than sticking to a single point of failure or an overloaded router. However, as with any consumer networking system, latency can increase if multiple devices compete for the same backhaul path or if a large number of clients are actively transferring data at once. A well‑planned node placement strategy, along with the mesh’s built‑in optimizations, helps minimize these downfalls and maintain a high‑quality user experience.
Compared to other high‑end tri‑band mesh routers, the Deco X90’s performance stands out in two primary respects: raw throughput and the reliability of coverage across larger spaces. In environments where speed is paramount—such as households with multiple 4K streams, high‑resolution gaming, and a heavy IoT footprint—the X90 can deliver a robust experience. For users who want to maximize value, it’s also important to remember that the two‑pack kit price influences the overall cost of ownership. When price is a major consideration, evaluating the competition’s performance per dollar helps to frame whether the X90’s top‑tier capabilities justify the investment.
Battery life, power consumption, and thermal behavior are also considerations for any high‑end router used in a busy network. The Deco X90 is designed for continuous operation and tends to run cool under normal loads, thanks to efficient hardware and software management. In real‑world use, power consumption remains reasonable for a mesh system of this class, though it is still higher than smaller, single‑unit routers due to the number of nodes and the processing required to manage multiple simultaneous connections. For households that plan to operate the system for long hours during peak activity times, this is a point worth noting in the broader energy and cost considerations.
Reliability across firmware updates is another facet of performance. As Deco devices get updated, performance enhancements, bug fixes, and new features can alter the user experience over time. The X90 benefits from TP‑Link’s ongoing software support, which means users can expect continued improvements in stability, security, and functionality with firmware updates. A key part of measuring long‑term performance is how well the system maintains high throughput and low latency after updates, and how the app’s automation features adapt to new devices or services introduced into the home network.
In summary, the Deco X90 delivers strong performance and a feature‑rich software experience that is well suited to larger homes and demanding use cases. It excels in delivering fast throughput and reliable coverage with a sleek app that makes automation, security, and device management approachable for both casual users and power users. The main caveats are the higher price, and the fact that each node provides only one outbound Ethernet port, which can influence wired networking strategies in spaces that rely on wired backhaul or extensive wired device connections. For households that want a premium mesh system capable of delivering top‑tier speed and a broad feature set, the Deco X90 is a compelling option worth serious consideration.
Comparisons, value, and buying guidance
When evaluating the Deco X90, it’s essential to place it in the context of competing tri‑band mesh systems that target similar use cases. Two obvious peers in this space are the Eero Pro 6 and Google Nest WiFi, both of which offer reliable mesh performance, straightforward setups, and competitive pricing. The Eero Pro 6 and similar offerings tend to be more affordable upfront, which makes them attractive for households that prioritize price/performance balance. The Deco X90, by contrast, emphasizes top‑tier performance and a richer feature set, including a more expansive app experience, advanced security options with HomeShield, and robust coverage that can serve larger homes without introducing dead zones.
For buyers who primarily seek maximum performance and are less concerned about upfront cost, the X90 can be a strong candidate. It provides a high ceiling for throughput, a comprehensive management interface, and an integrated security stack designed to help protect a busy home network. The triangulation of tri‑band Wi‑Fi 6 speed, multiple antennas, and a mesh backbone across two nodes supports demanding workloads. If your home includes a substantial number of 4K streams, a large gaming setup, or many smart devices that require reliable connections, the Deco X90’s capabilities may translate into meaningful real‑world benefits.
On the other hand, households with more modest Wi‑Fi needs or tighter budgets may find that competing solutions from Eero, Google, or other brands deliver sufficient performance at a lower price point. Those options often come with attractive bundled hardware and simpler day‑to‑day management, which appeals to users who want a “set it and forget it” experience without extensive customization. In such cases, you may trade off some performance headroom or advanced features in exchange for savings and a more compact hardware footprint.
Pricing remains a critical factor. The Deco X90 two‑pack is positioned as a premium offering, and its cost reflects its ambition to provide top‑tier wireless performance and a broad feature set through the Deco app and HomeShield security. If you anticipate needing the strongest possible mesh performance across a larger home, the investment can be justified by potential improvements in speed, coverage consistency, and the convenience of centralized management. If your network needs are more modest, a mid‑range or budget tri‑band mesh system may deliver a more favorable price‑to‑performance ratio.
For those who decide TP‑Link is the right fit, there are practical buying considerations to keep in mind. The size and weight of the Deco X90 make it a visually bold choice, so consider your space and whether you’re comfortable with a larger device in your living area or a dedicated network cabinet. The single outbound Ethernet port per node can influence how you structure your wired connections, particularly if you’re planning to connect multiple wired devices or hubs across the mesh. If you require more ports, you might incorporate a small switch or reallocate devices to secondaries to accommodate wired needs without sacrificing wireless performance.
Another factor is future‑proofing. While Wi‑Fi 6 remains highly capable for most current devices, buyers should consider how long they plan to rely on the same system and whether future upgrades (such as Wi‑Fi 7 as it becomes mainstream) could influence their decision. The Deco X90 is well‑positioned for today’s devices and workloads, with robust support for modern Wi‑Fi 6 features, but buyers should plan for the longer horizon and potential upgrades if they anticipate evolving network demands in the coming years.
Finally, the software story matters. The Deco app’s balance of simplicity and depth means you can start with basic network monitoring and gradually unlock automation and security features as your needs grow. The HomeShield tiered model allows users to test basic security features at no immediate cost and upgrade for more comprehensive protection as desired. This approach makes the X90 accessible to users who want to explore smart security features without an upfront commitment, while still delivering the option to expand protection for households with higher security requirements.
Bottom line: the Deco X90 is a premium, capable mesh router system that delivers impressive performance and a rich feature set with an easy-to-use app. It’s best suited for households that require broad coverage across a larger living space, want advanced automation and security features, and are prepared to invest in a top‑tier solution. If price is a primary constraint, or if your home demands less aggressive performance, there are compelling alternatives that may deliver more favorable value without sacrificing essential mesh functionality. The decision ultimately comes down to balancing the desire for peak performance, feature depth, and coverage with the willingness to pay a premium for those benefits.
Should I buy the TP-Link Deco X90 mesh router?
Yes. If you’re seeking a high‑end router that delivers very strong performance and a capable, feature‑rich ecosystem, the TP‑Link Deco X90 is an excellent option. Its tri‑band Wi‑Fi 6 technology, robust mesh capabilities, and the breadth of functionality available through the Deco app—including automation, device management, and HomeShield security—make it a compelling choice for power users and large homes. The two‑node kit provides substantial coverage and a stable backbone for a modern, device‑dense environment, and the included features can scale with your needs through software enhancements and optional security provisions.
That said, prospective buyers should be mindful of the price—and the fact that the hardware design prioritizes performance and coverage over a compact footprint. If your home is smaller, or if you have a tighter budget, you may want to compare other tri‑band mesh options that fit your layout and price expectations more closely. The Deco X90’s strength lies in delivering consistently high performance across larger homes and a feature-rich management suite that benefits users who want more than just basic network control.
In short, the Deco X90 stands as a top‑tier mesh router system for users who demand reliability, speed, and a comprehensive feature set. It’s well‑suited to homes with multiple stories, a large number of smart devices, heavy streaming and gaming use, and a desire for a centralized, automated network experience. If those criteria align with your needs, the Deco X90 is a solid investment that can pay dividends in improved coverage, performance, and control.
Conclusion
The TP-Link Deco X90 represents a peak offering in today’s mesh router market, combining tri‑band Wi‑Fi 6 performance with a mature, feature‑rich software platform. Its two‑node kit is designed to blanket large homes with reliable coverage, delivering strong throughput and low latency across spaces that challenged traditional single‑router setups. The design communicates its premium status, and the hardware—while not the most compact—tolerates a range of placement options and environments.
The software experience is a clear strength, with the Deco app delivering intuitive network visibility, automation, and security controls through a straightforward interface. HomeShield adds a security layer, even in the free tier, while the Pro tier offers enhanced threat detection and protection for households that want deeper network protection. The primary trade‑offs are its price and the limited number of wired ports per node, which can influence how wired devices are connected in a large, device‑dense home.
If you’re prioritizing top‑tier performance, broad coverage, and a robust feature set for a large residence—and you’re comfortable with the price—the Deco X90 is a compelling option worth strong consideration. For those with smaller spaces, tighter budgets, or a more minimalist approach to home networking, several competing options may offer a better balance of price and performance while still delivering reliable mesh capabilities. The decision ultimately hinges on your space, your device load, and how much you value the combination of speed, coverage, and security that the Deco X90 brings to a modern connected home.