TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Privacy Matters | Dong Knows Tech (2024)

This TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200 matchup is a fight between two well-performing mesh systems. Sure, they look distinctive enough, but there is much more to them than meets the eye.

If you want to see how different TP-Link Deco is different from Netgear Orbi, or any other mesh brand for that matter, though, check out this post on popular home mesh brands.

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Privacy Matters | Dong Knows Tech (1)

Table of Contents

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Similarities

First of all, I consider each of these the best mesh system to date from the respective vendor. Neither is the best on the market as a whole, but compared to their cousins, they both sure have an edge, especially when you consider the cost.

The two are available in a 2-pack, and you can scale up the coverage by adding more units. Design-wise, they are good-looking in their own way—with identical-looking hardware units --, but both can topple fairly easily. You can't mount either unless you get some mounting accessories.

Both use a vendor-assisted mobile app for setup and ongoing management. Both also use tri-band hardware with a dynamic backhaul and share two bands of the same specs. They also work via a wired backhaul.

Finally, neither has a USB port—they can't work as a mini NAS server. And that's about it. Their similarities end there.

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs Netgear Orbi AX4200: Hardware specifications

FullNameTP-LinkDecoX5700AX5700
Whole-HomeMeshWi-FiRouter
Netgear OrbiAX4200WholeHome
Tri-bandMeshWi-Fi6System
(modelRBK752)
Hardware ModelDecoX5700Router/Satellite
RBR750 / RBS750
(Of same physical size)
MeshAvailabilityMultipleidenticalroutersRouter+Satellite(s)
Dimensions(eachunit)8.3×5.1×4.8in
(210.5×130×123mm)
9.1x7.2x2.8in
(23.11x18.28x7.11cm)
Weight(eachunit)1.6lbs(722g)1.9lbs(862g)
Wi-FiSpecsTri-bandX5700Tri-bandAX4200
5GHz-1BandAX:3x3,upto3843MbpsAX:4x4,upto2400Mbps
5GHz-2BandAX:2x2,upto1201MbpsAX:2x2,upto1201Mbps
2.4GHzBand2.4GHzAX:upto574Mbps2.4GHzAX:upto574Mbps
DedicatedBackhaulBandDynamic5GHz-2(Permanent)
WiredBackhaulSupportYesYes(5GHz-2stillnotavailabletoclients)
Processors1.5GHzQuad-CoreQuad-core1.4GHzprocessor
MemoryUndisclosed512MBNANDflashand1GBRAM
AP(bridgemode)SupportYes
(Singlerouterorasystem)
Yes
(Singlerouterorasystem)
ChannelWidthSupport20MHz,40MHz,80MHz,160MHz20MHz,40MHz,80MHz
BackwardCompatibility802.11b/g/n/ac802.11b/g/n/ac
MobileAppTP-LinkDeco(Forced)NetgearOrbi(optional)
WebInterfaceYes(limited)Yes
GigabitPort1xAuto-Sensing1xWAN,3xLAN/2xLAN
Multi-GigPort1x2.5GbpsAuto-SensingNone
LinkAggregationNoneWANonly(WAN+LAN1)
Price(atlaunch)$399.99(2-pack)$450(2-pack),
$515(3-pack)

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs Netgear Orbi AX4200: Differences

There are a lot of differences between these two.

As a mesh system, the Orbi comes in two types of hardware: A router and a satellite. The Deco, however, uses the same hardware—you get two identical routers.

The Deco has slightly more processing power, and one of its 5GHz bands has higher Wi-Fi specs. Most importantly, it comes with a 2.5Gbps auto-sensing port and supports the 160MHz channel bandwidth. It's slated to be faster, at least at the router unit.

The Orbi has more network ports and supports Link Aggregation on the WAN side. When working with a supported modem, you can combine its WAN port and LAN1 into a 2Gbps WAN connection.

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Privacy Matters | Dong Knows Tech (2)

On the inside, the Netgear is a more satisfying system. For one, it comes with a full web interface and therefore has a lot more options in network settings and features. You also can use it via local management completely independent of Netgear. The Orbi app is just an option—you don't have to use it.

The TP-Link, on the other hand, like all Deco hardware, requires the mobile app to work. You can't set up or manage your network without a live internet connection. As a result, it's more of a privacy risk.

The Deco does have a web interface, but it's purposely neutered to include just a few essential functions, such as status viewing or firmware update.

Both the Deco and Orbi come with add-on subscription-based online protection features called HomeShield Pro and Netgear Armor, which cost around $70 per year. That of the Netgear is much more comprehensive and also includes protection software for multiple devices.

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Performance and ratings

I tested both in a wireless setup.

Thanks to the multi-gig port and the 160MHz channel width support, the Deco proved to be much faster at the router unit. At the satellite, though, the two were very similar, with the Orbi having a bit of an edge in some instances.

TP-Link Deco X5700's Rating

8 out of 10

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Privacy Matters | Dong Knows Tech (3)

Pros

Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage

Tri-band with multi-gig port and 160MHz channel width support

User-friendly, comparatively affordable

Good-looking

Cons

Spartan Wi-Fi customization, network settings, and features

Only one Multi-Gig port per hardware unit

App and login account required -- privacy risks

HomeShield Pro requires a monthly subscription, a limited web interface, an impractical design

No USB or additional Gigabit network ports

Buy this Product

Buy it now on AmazonRead the in-depth review

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Privacy Matters | Dong Knows Tech (4)

Netgear Orbi RBK750 Series' Rating

8.5 out of 10

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Privacy Matters | Dong Knows Tech (5)

Performance

8.5 out of 10

Features

8 out of 10

Ease of Use

8.5 out of 10

Value

9 out of 10

Pros

Reliable Wi-Fi with extensive coverage

Relatively affordable

Practical, well-designed mobile app

Support WAN 2Gbps Link Aggregation

Full web interface with all standard settings and features

Cons

No 160MHz channel support, limited Wi-Fi customization

Incompatible with Wi-Fi 5 Orbi hardware

Few LAN ports; No Multi-Gig, Dual-WAN, LAN Link Aggregation, or USB port

The fast 5GHz band only works as backhaul, even in a wired setup

Buy this Product

Buy Orbi RBK50 series on AmazonRead the in-depth review

Which is a better choice?

Either of these two will make an excellent choice for a large of 4500 ft2(408 m2) or so, especially one where you can't run network cables.

So, if you feel a bit cavalier about your privacy and can live with forced cloud-based management, the TP-Link Deco X5700 is an excellent choice, especially considering its lower cost.

On the other hand, if you want more options in terms of settings and control of your home network, the Netgear Orbi AX4200 is totally worth the extra cost.

It's your call.

Looking to compare other Wi-Fi solutions? Check them all out here.

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: Privacy Matters | Dong Knows Tech (2024)

FAQs

Is Netgear better than TP-Link? ›

For larger homes, Netgear might be a better choice due to its focus on high-end routers with extended range and stronger signals. Are TP-Link routers good for gaming? While TP-Link offers some routers suitable for gaming, Netgear is generally more favored in the gaming community for its high-performance models.

What is the difference between Orbi and mesh? ›

Unlike competing dual-band mesh systems that transmit all data on only the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, Orbi features a third backhaul radio band for dedicated communication between the router and the satellites in the network.

Is it better to connect Deco to router or modem? ›

The Deco REPLACES your router. One Deco must be connected to your Internet Modem (not Router) via Ethernet. The other(s) can be anywhere in range, but work even better if they are connected via ethernet. Alternately you could have the Deco in Access point mode rather than Mesh Router mode.

Why is Orbi better? ›

Internet Speed

Orbi offers high-speed multi-gig 2.5 and 10 Gig internet WAN ports to allow for maximum transfer speeds between your modem and mesh router and mesh satellite access points.

Is TP-Link a Chinese company? ›

The company was established in 1996 in China, separated from Chinese TP-LINK in 2022, and has announced a corporate restructuring in May 2024. TP-Link has headquarters in Singapore and the United States, and 42 subsidiaries, selling products in over 170 countries and regions.

What is better than a mesh network? ›

However, if you're living on your own or care a lot about gaming or 4K content streaming and want the fastest speeds possible, there are still good reasons to consider a traditional network router instead. These routers tend to offer higher speeds and offer more heavy-duty specs than mesh systems do.

Is it better to mesh with Wi-Fi or router? ›

The main benefit of a mesh network is extended coverage. Investing in a mesh setup will remove annoyances, such as coverage blackspots or slow connections in larger properties with a lot of square feet. You're far less likely to have dead zones with a mesh system than you are with a single router access point.

Who is Orbi owned by? ›

Orbi Mesh WiFi For Reliable Home Coverage - NETGEAR.

Do I still need a router with TP-Link Deco? ›

Deco doesn't support Repeater mode, only Router and Access Point modes are available. In the Deco network, the main Deco must be wired to a modem, router, or an internet cable to get internet access. In other words, Deco cannot be set up to connect to an existing router wirelessly.

Does TP-Link Deco replace the modem? ›

No, Regardless of what mode you use, the main Deco must stay connected to your home modem/router via an Ethernet cable to act as a main unit.

Can you have too many mesh nodes? ›

Joel cautioned, however, that you shouldn't overdo it: There's such a thing as adding too many nodes/beacons, which can start to cause wireless problems. Two nodes should be sufficient for anyone living in an average-size home (about 2,300 square feet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau).

Is Netgear Orbi worth the cost? ›

The Netgear Orbi 970 is not for everyone, but if you already have ultra-high-speed Internet and a top-of-the-line network in your home or office, it may just be worth it. It's a great mesh network if you can afford it and you have the right gear to make the best of it.

Is Orbi good for smart homes? ›

The Orbi AX6000 (red) was a strong performer at the 5,800 square foot CNET Smart Home, as well -- but with speeds limited to 100Mbps, it wasn't able to set itself apart from other top-rated systems.

What Internet speeds can Orbi handle? ›

A tri-band AC3000 device, the Orbi router has six internal antennas and can deliver theoretical throughputs speeds of 1,266Mbps to clients (400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 866Mbps on the 5GHz band).

Is TP-Link the best WiFi? ›

Over the past five years, we've spent hundreds of hours testing and evaluating more than 100 routers, and we've determined that the best router for wirelessly connecting your laptops, your smart devices, and anything else your daily life depends on is the TP-Link Archer AX55.

Is Netgear WiFi worth it? ›

Conclusion: If you need good performance and fantastic range for your WiFi network and are willing to pay for it you can't go wrong with the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900.

Which WiFi is best? ›

The best Wi-Fi router for most people is the TP-Link Archer AX21. It has an entry-level price tag for high-level performance, with Wi-Fi 6 support, speeds up to 1.2Gbps and a well-designed app that makes setup simple.

Can I use Netgear with TP-Link? ›

The good news is, you can! Here's how to use your TP-Link and Netgear powerline adapters together. Make sure your TP-Link Powerline Adapters are Set and working. Open the software and click “Secure” in the side menu.

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