TP-Link Deco BE85 Review: Tri-Band Mesh System

I've got my hands on the TP-Link Deco BE85, a tri-band mesh system that promises to deliver lightning-fast speeds and seamless whole-home coverage. After putting it to the test, I'm impressed with its performance – achieving speeds of 1.25Gbps next to the router and 1Gbps in various locations. The Deco app simplifies setup, and the compact, modern design is a plus. With strong signal strength and coverage up to 9,600 Sq.Ft, this system is perfect for large homes. Want to know more about its features and performance? Let's explore what makes this mesh system stand out.

Key Takeaways

• The TP-Link Deco BE85 achieves fast internet speeds up to 11520 Mbps with its tri-band design and handles interference well.
• It provides whole-home coverage of up to 9,600 Sq.Ft, making it suitable for large homes with multiple devices.
• The Deco app simplifies setup and offers advanced customization options, parental controls, and security features.
• The system features two 10G WAN/LAN ports for lightning-fast wired backhaul and compact, modern design with a matte white finish.
• The TP-Link Deco BE85 offers a seamless user experience with stable connection, consistent coverage, and reliable signal strength.

High-Gain Antennas Matter

As I set up the TP-Link Deco BE85, I was impressed by the 8 high-gain antennas that came with it. These antennas played a significant role in ensuring a strong and reliable connection throughout my home.

Now, let's take a closer look at what I liked about them and where they could be improved.

What We Liked

I was impressed by the Deco BE85's 8 high-gain antennas, which played a significant role in maintaining strong signal strength throughout my testing environment. These antennas worked in tandem with the tri-band channel to provide a seamless and reliable connection.

I experienced consistent speeds, even in areas with obstacles like walls and interference. The Deco BE85's ability to maintain a strong signal was evident in my real-world testing, where I achieved speeds of 1.25Gbps next to the router and 1Gbps in different locations.

The high-gain antennas were a key factor in these impressive results, making them a standout feature of the Deco BE85.

What Can Be Improved

One notable area for improvement lies within the Deco BE85's physical design. The high-gain antennas, although exceptional in performance, could be more discreetly integrated into the router's overall aesthetic. While the antennas do provide excellent coverage and speeds, their prominence mightn't appeal to those who prioritize a sleeker look. I'd like to see a more streamlined design that balances functionality with visual appeal.

Another area for improvement is the lack of a full web GUI for advanced configuration. As it stands, the Deco app is user-friendly, but it's limited concerning customization options. Adding a web-based interface would cater to power users who want more control over their network settings.

Quick Verdict

The TP-Link Deco BE85's impressive performance, extensive feature set, and user-friendly setup make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end whole-home mesh Wi-Fi system. With its tri-band design, it can handle a massive number of devices and provide blistering speeds. The Deco App makes setup and management a breeze, even for those who aren't tech-savvy.

Here's a summary of what you can expect from the Deco BE85:

Deco App Simplifies Setup

Setting up the Deco BE85 is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive Deco App that walks me through a hassle-free installation process. I simply download the app, create an account, and follow the prompts to get started.

The app guides me through the entire process, from connecting the units to configuring the network settings. I'm impressed by how seamlessly it handles the setup, making it easy for me to get my mesh network up and running in no time.

The app's user-friendly interface and clear instructions make it accessible to users of all skill levels. Overall, the Deco App simplifies the setup process, allowing me to focus on enjoying my high-speed WiFi connection.

Compact, Modern, and Stylish Design

I'm pleased to find that the Deco BE85's sleek, compact design complements my home's modern aesthetic, making it a stylish addition to any room.

The matte white finish and subtle curves give it a sophisticated look that blends seamlessly with my furniture.

The device's compact size is also a bonus, allowing me to place it discreetly on a shelf or in a corner.

Despite its small footprint, the Deco BE85 packs a punch with its impressive specs and performance.

Overall, I'm impressed with the design, which strikes a perfect balance between form and function.

The Deco BE85 is a stylish and modern addition to my home network that doesn't compromise on performance.

X 10G Wan/Lan Ports

As I dug into the Deco BE85's specs, I was impressed to find not one, but two 10G WAN/LAN ports, which can be used as either WAN or LAN connections.

The documentation and user guide clearly outline the capabilities of these ports, including the option to use them as a fiber and copper combo.

This flexibility is a huge plus, especially for those who want to future-proof their setup.

Specifications

I appreciate the robust connectivity options provided by the Deco BE85, particularly the two 10G WAN/LAN ports, which enable lightning-fast wired backhaul and future-proofing with flexible fiber and copper connections.

Here are the key specifications that caught my attention:

• Tri-band channel: Equipped with 8 high-performance antennas for excellent WiFi performance
• WAN/LAN ports: 2x 10G WAN/LAN ports (RJ45 and SFP+ Fiber/RJ45 combo) for wired backhaul
• Additional ports: 2x 2.5G ports, 1x USB 3.0 port for expanded connectivity
• Future-proofing: Supports flexible fiber and copper connections for future upgrades

Documentation and User Guide

The Deco BE85's documentation and user guide are detailed, making it easy to take advantage of the router's advanced features, including the 10G WAN/LAN ports, which require careful configuration for best performance.

I found the user manual to be well-organized and concise, with clear explanations of each feature and setting. The Deco app is also a great resource, providing an intuitive interface for setup and management.

While I'd have liked a more in-depth web GUI for advanced configuration, the app covers the basics well. Overall, I was impressed with the documentation and user guide, which made it easy for me to get the most out of my Deco BE85.

Features – What We Found

Eight high-gain antennas, tri-band WiFi 7 capabilities, and advanced features like AI-Roaming and 4×4 MU-MIMO make the Deco BE85 a powerhouse of a whole home mesh system. I was impressed by its ability to connect over 200 devices and cover up to 9,600 square feet.

The wired backhaul options, including 2x 10G WAN/LAN ports and 2x 2.5G ports, provide flexibility and future-proofing. The Deco BE85 also supports VPN clients and servers, and its HomeShield security service adds an extra layer of protection.

With features like multi-link operation, multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM, this router is designed to deliver fast and reliable WiFi performance. Overall, the Deco BE85's features make it an attractive option for those seeking a robust whole home mesh system. Additionally, the Deco BE85 offers easy setup and management through the Deco app, making it a user-friendly option for homeowners. With its strong performance and user-friendly features, the Deco BE85 has received positive feedback from many consumers. If you’re interested in learning more about the Deco BE85 and how it can improve your home network, be sure to check out the Viewsonic x1004k projector review for an in-depth analysis.

Strong Signal Through Walls

Walls, interference, and noise didn't stand a chance against the Deco BE85's signal strength, which consistently delivered impressive WiFi performance in my real-world testing. I was impressed by the router's ability to maintain a strong signal even when I moved to different rooms and floors.

The 8 high-gain antennas and tri-band technology worked together seamlessly to guarantee a reliable connection. I didn't experience any dropped calls or buffering, even when multiple devices were connected. The Deco BE85's performance in the presence of obstacles was a significant improvement over my previous router.

It's clear that TP-Link's focus on WiFi 7 technology and AI-driven seamless roaming has paid off.

Rating

Given its impressive performance in real-world scenarios, I'd rate the TP-Link Deco BE85 as one of the top-tier mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market.

With its ability to maintain 1Gbps throughput over 6GHz WiFi even in the presence of walls, interference, and noise, it's clear that this system is built for speed and reliability.

The Deco App makes setup and management a breeze, and the lack of a full web GUI for advanced configuration is a minor drawback.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the TP-Link Deco BE85 has left a lasting impression on me with its exceptional performance, robust feature set, and user-friendly interface, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system.

I've been thoroughly impressed with its ability to deliver fast and reliable connectivity throughout my home, even in the presence of interference and physical barriers. The Deco App makes it easy to set up and manage the system, although I do wish for a more detailed web GUI for advanced customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use the Deco BE85 With My Existing Router?

"Yes, I can use the Deco BE85 with my existing router. I'll need to set it up in access point mode or use the Deco app to configure it as a mesh system."

Is the Deco BE85 Compatible With Older Wifi Devices?

Yeah, I've got an older WiFi device, and I'm wondering if it'll work with the Deco BE85. Thankfully, the answer is yes – it's backward compatible, so I can connect my older devices without any issues.

How Many Devices Can Be Connected at the Same Time?

I was amazed to find that the Deco BE85 can cover an whopping 9,600 Sq.Ft area. To answer your question, this mesh system can connect over 200 devices at the same time, making it perfect for large households or offices.

Can I Customize the Wifi Network Name and Password?

Yeah, I can totally customize my WiFi network name and password using the Deco App – it's super easy to set up and manage my network, and I love the flexibility it offers

Is the Deco BE85 Compatible With Fiber Optic Internet Connections?

"A million thanks for asking I can confidently say the Deco BE85 is fiber optic internet connection-ready, thanks to its 2x 10G WAN/LAN ports, including an SFP+ Fiber/RJ45 combo, making it a future-proof champ!"

Conclusion

As I wrapped up my testing, I coincidentally glanced at my smart home's devices, all humming along seamlessly. The TP-Link Deco BE85 had proven itself, delivering blistering speeds and reliable coverage. Its tri-band WiFi 7 capabilities and high-gain antennas had tamed my WiFi wilderness, bringing order to my chaotic smart home.

In the end, it was a perfect storm of performance and design, and I was left wondering how I ever lived without it.