Are there any alternatives?

There are plenty of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers and mesh networks from competing companies, but all of them cost significantly more than TP-Link’s Deco XE75. While the Deco XE75 may not be the fastest router or the one with the most robust specifications, it undercuts all challengers on cost, and that’s a huge win for consumers looking to upgrade aging Wi-Fi 5 systems to the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard.

　　Though the device’s performance trails behind the market-leading Orbi RBKE963 – a robust Wi-Fi 6E mesh network that costs $1,500 – the Deco XE75 is just one-fifth the cost of this competitor. The Deco XE75 also shares a similar tri-band system as the $1,000 Linksys Atlas Max 6E, but comes in at $700 less. The closest competitor to the Deco XE75 in performance and price would be the Eero Pro 6E, which is priced at a $200 premium.

　　

How long will it last?

An investment in the latest Wi-Fi 6E should last you for years to come. Most people don’t upgrade their routers anywhere near as frequently as they do their smartphones, tablets, or even laptops, so a new router or mesh network could last you at least between five and 10 years provided you receive regular security patches and software updates. Even though there are frequent discussions that Wi-Fi 7 will arrive on the market as early as next year, most home users won’t be able to take full advantage of all the features of this next-gen wireless technology. Wi-Fi 7 promises to deliver three times faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6E, but in reality, both Wi-Fi 6E and 7 will be limited by your home broadband plan.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes, anyone with a Wi-Fi 5 (or older) router should definitely consider the Deco XE75 given its performance and competitive price. TP-Link did a commendable job of democratizing the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E technology.