eero vs. TP-Link: Which mesh WiFi system should you choose?

If parts of your home still struggle with weak WiFi or inconsistent speeds, a mesh WiFi system can help. Mesh networks use multiple devices that work together to deliver even coverage across rooms, floors and hard-to-reach areas, solving a problem a single router often can’t.

Two of the most popular mesh families today are eero and TP-Link Deco. Both offer strong performance, user-friendly apps and whole-home coverage, but they differ in their hardware options, smart home ecosystems and long-term upgrade paths.

This guide compares eero vs. TP-Link across speed, coverage, setup, smart features and value, to help you decide which system best fits your home.

Mesh performance depends on wireless standards, backhaul flexibility, hardware limits and real-world layout. Here’s how eero and TP-Link compare in speed, range and connection stability.

Both eero and TP-Link offer mesh systems spanning WiFi 6, WiFi 6E and WiFi 7. These standards differ in bandwidth efficiency, supported channel widths, peak speeds and latency performance. Below is a detailed look at how each brand’s lineup maps to current-generation WiFi standards.

Coverage and throughput depend on the layout of a home, wall materials and the number of devices sharing the network, but each brand publishes general guidance to help estimate how many nodes you’ll need.

According to eero, a single eero 6+ covers up to 1,500 square feet, while the eero Pro 6e extends coverage to about 2,000 square feet per unit. The eero Max 7 increases range and throughput further, supporting multi-Gigabit speeds and up to 2,500 square feet per node, making it suitable for large or multi-level homes.

From TP-Link, coverage varies by Deco series. The Deco X-series (WiFi 6) advertises up to roughly 1,900 square feet per node. The Deco XE75 (WiFi 6E) covers up to about 2,400 square feet per node. TP-Link’s WiFi 7 model, the Deco BE65, lists up to ~2,600 square feet per node, with larger BE-series models supporting even more throughput depending on configuration.

Both eero and TP-Link use multi-band architectures to distribute traffic and maintain stable speeds between nodes. eero’s tri-band and WiFi 7 systems, like the eero Pro 6e, eero 7 and eero Max 7, are engineered to sustain higher throughput over distance, especially when paired with multi-Gig internet from Astound.

Most user feedback highlights eero’s smoother, faster set up and better performance at range. Multiple Deco users report recurring stability problems, especially on WiFi 6e and WiFi 7 units.

In one r/TpLink thread, a Deco XE75 Pro owner wrote that the system became “slow and unstable. Every few hours, they all drop WiFi and my devices lose connection”. Another user on TP-Link’s official forum noted that simply opening the Deco app caused the network to disconnect, stating, “Every time I open the Deco app, my internet disconnects”.

Issues are reported across earlier WiFi 6 units as well. A Deco X20 owner summarized their experience as repeated system failures: “It kept shutting down every 5–6 hours and I would have to reset all the other links”.

Overall, while many households find TP-Link Deco adequate for everyday streaming and browsing, user reports show more frequent stability or firmware-related issues on certain models.

How your mesh system moves data between its nodes, backhaul, plays a significant role in network speed and stability. Both brands support wireless backhaul and wired Ethernet backhaul, but differ in radio bands and maximum wired-port throughput.

eero

• Many models use dual-band or tri-band radios (e.g., one 2.4 GHz, one 5 GHz and sometimes 6 GHz) to separate device traffic from node-to-node communication.
• Wired backhaul ranges widely: early WiFi 6 models come with two 1 Gbps Ethernet ports; the eero Max 7 supports up to two 10 Gbps ports (plus two 2.5 Gbps ports) for multi-Gig connections.
• With these multi-Gig wired ports, eero systems work well for ISPs delivering 2 Gbps or higher internet tiers, like Astound.

TP-Link Deco

• Deco models span dual-band (WiFi 6 X-series) to tri-band (WiFi 6e XE-series) and even quad-band or high-end tri-band WiFi 7 (BE-series).
• Many high-end Deco models offer multi-Gig Ethernet ports (e.g., one 10 Gbps combo port + one 10 Gbps WAN/LAN + two 2.5 Gbps LAN).
• The wireless backhaul benefits from WiFi 6e’s 6 GHz band (for XE-series) or WiFi 7’s wider channels and Multi-Link Operation (for BE-series).

eero and TP-Link Deco both emphasize quick, app-based setup and management, but they differ in how they integrate with smart home ecosystems and expose advanced controls.

eero

The eero app walks users through connecting the main router, placing additional nodes, naming the network and verifying signal strength between units. Firmware updates are delivered automatically and the system adjusts network performance without requiring manual tuning. Within the app, users can run speed tests, view connected devices, create profiles and apply access controls from a single dashboard.

TP-Link Deco

TP-Link Deco systems are configured through the Deco app, which prompts users to plug in each unit, follow on-screen LEDs, assign locations and bring each node online. Once setup is complete, the app provides network status, a device list, guest network settings and parental controls.

eero

eero integrates with the Amazon ecosystem and supports Alexa voice control for actions such as pausing WiFi for a profile, checking network status or enabling a guest network. Many newer eero models include built-in support for Matter, Zigbee and Thread, allowing them to function as smart home hubs for compatible lights, locks and sensors without requiring separate bridges.

TP-Link Deco

TP-Link Deco systems work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands like turning the guest network on or off, checking the status of the connection or pausing internet access for specific devices. Deco networks also integrate with TP-Link’s Kasa and Tapo smart home product lines, so compatible plugs, bulbs and cameras can be managed alongside WiFi settings within TP-Link’s ecosystem of apps.

TP-Link Deco systems include built-in parental controls and basic security scanning managed through the Deco app. Users can set time limits, create profiles, block categories and monitor device usage without additional fees. For expanded protection, TP-Link offers HomeShield Pro.

According to TP-Link, HomeShield Pro adds:

• Advanced network security
• Advanced parental control reports, filters and time limits
• Device prioritization (QoS)
• Enhanced network analytics and reporting

HomeShield Pro is available as a monthly or annual subscription and covers the entire Deco network. VPN services, if needed, must be sourced separately, as Deco does not include a built-in VPN for client devices and only a basic router-level VPN passthrough, depending on model.

Pricing for mesh systems varies by model, generation and number of units.

For eero, pricing scales with WiFi standard and performance. A 3 pack of eero 6+ lists at $299.99 on eero.com, with higher tier systems like eero Pro 6e and eero 7 and eero Max 7 positioned as premium options with multi-Gig ports and larger per node coverage.

All current models are backward compatible, so you can add newer units to an existing eero network and upgrade high traffic rooms first while keeping older nodes in lighter use areas.

Can I rent eero before buying?
Astound customers can get Whole Home WiFi powered by eero without buying the hardware upfront. The eero system is available as an add-on to Astound’s Gig and multi-Gig internet plans, with equipment provided and kept up to date as newer WiFi standards are released.

eero Secure is included at no extra cost and customers can upgrade to eero Plus for additional protection if needed.

If you already have older eero devices, you can add eero 7 or eero Pro 6E to the same network, expanding coverage over time or upgrading only the busiest areas first. Since WiFi 8 isn’t projected to see widespread adoption until around 2029, choosing a WiFi 7 mesh system now provides several years of up-to-date performance while remaining compatible with current devices.

TP Link Deco covers a wider range of price points across its WiFi 6, WiFi 6e and WiFi 7 families. Deco X series kits are positioned as value-oriented WiFi 6 systems, while Deco XE series adds 6 GHz support for higher bandwidth backhaul and Deco BE series introduces WiFi 7 with significantly higher peak throughput and capacity.

TP Link sells these systems primarily as multi-packs and most Deco families support adding extra nodes later to extend coverage, although some advanced capabilities such as WiFi 7 speeds or 6 GHz links depend on using matching models and mixed networks operate to the level of the slowest unit.

If you live in a smaller space or need a budget-friendly mesh system and don’t require multi-Gig internet, many TP-Link Deco X- or XE-series kits can be sufficient. These systems are designed to provide whole-home coverage for everyday tasks like streaming, video calls and general smart home use at a lower entry cost than most WiFi 7 options.

For homes with more square footage, multiple floors or a high number of connected devices and if you subscribe to higher-speed internet tiers, the eero family (especially WiFi 6e and WiFi 7 models) is better aligned. Systems like eero Pro 6e, eero 7 and eero Max 7 support multi-Gig backhaul, higher throughput and are built for demanding use-cases such as online gaming, 4K/8K streaming or home offices that rely heavily on cloud services.

Your smart home platform is another factor. If you want tight integration with Alexa and built-in Matter/Thread/Zigbee support, eero is structured to act as a central hub for many devices. If you already use Kasa or Tapo smart plugs, bulbs or cameras and prefer managing networking and devices within TP-Link’s ecosystem, a Deco system may fit your preferences.

Stay with your current system if:

• Coverage and speeds meet your daily usage needs
• Video calls, streaming and smart devices run without noticeable slowdowns
• You don’t plan to increase your internet speed or device count significantly

Consider upgrading within the same brand if:

• You’ve raised your internet plan into the Gig or multi-Gig range
• You’ve moved to a larger or multi-level home
• You’ve added many smart home devices and started to see congestion or dead zones

For eero users, this could mean adding eero 7 or eero Max 7 nodes in high-traffic areas while keeping older units in less demanding rooms. For TP-Link users, it may mean moving from a Deco X-series to a Deco XE- or BE-series kit to take advantage of WiFi 6e or WiFi 7.

Consider switching ecosystems if:

• You’re standardizing around Amazon/Alexa and want eero’s smart home hub capabilities and integration with ISP offerings like Astound
• Or you’re consolidating around TP-Link’s Kasa/Tapo ecosystem and prefer Deco’s place within that device family