Tested: TP-Link Deco M5 WiFi Mesh

Working from home? Turning your home into a smart home? Struggling with WiFi speed and reliability? You’ll need a WiFi mesh system, and the TP-Link Deco M5 kit might just be the best value option out there.

Like us, many of you will have been working from home this year, and just like us, many of you will have found some of the inherent issues that come with it. The biggest problem we had has been WiFi reliability and stability. Often, we have to disconnect and reconnect just to get a device to work properly. That is not the case anymore; I installed a WiFi mesh system.

What is a WiFi mesh system? The functionality is far simpler than the technology that powers it so I’ll focus on that. Put simply, a mesh system paints your home with WiFi. The wireless router that comes with your broadband package probably works well when you’re close to it, but do you struggle the further you get away from it? A mesh system solves this by placing additional wireless hubs around the home/office that act as a single network. As you move around, the system seamlessly connects you to the strongest signal. The M5 kit we are using includes three hubs and will cover an area greater than 500 square metres — more than enough for a large home or three-storey townhouse.

In my home, I run several computers, a couple of smart TVs, dozens of smart bulbs and smart tech, iPads, iPhones, games consoles and much more! Since installing the Deco M5 kit, I haven’t seen a single dropout. My download speed seems a touch faster, too, as the quality and speed of the WiFi signal are much better than the cheap router I got from my broadband supplier.

It was so easy to set up. Using the Deco app, installation and set-up is easy. I was up and running in just a few minutes and adding each hub is even easier. Once connected, the app will notify you every time a new device is added to the network, ensuring no unwanted users steal your bandwidth. You can also monitor all the devices actively using the network directly from the app.

The Deco system also provides additional security options such as real-time anti-virus protection, advanced encryption, parental controls and malicious website blocking. It offers far more protection for your entire home than a traditional wireless router.

In short, this purchase was a no-brainer for me. I was constantly frustrated by varying speeds, connection dropouts and poor signal strength. All that disappeared in an instant. The Deco M5 kit was easy to use and allowed me to continue working from home without any hassle. If you work from home or simply want more reliability and security, you need a WiFi mesh system, and I have no issue recommending the TP-Link Deco M5. Plus, it’s currently on offer at Amazon for just £149.