WiFi routers and mesh networks

Boost your internet performance by choosing a new router using our comprehensive test results and buying guide.

November 2024

TP-Link

Deco X55

Price

$414

Score

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On balance, this mesh system is the networking solution we'd recommend to the most people. It provides quick WiFi, especially through walls and around corners, and impressive Ethernet speeds too. It comes in a 2-pack, so you can set one up as a satellite to extend your coverage. And, best of all, it's fairly affordable. We think it's a great first mesh system for consumers looking to make the jump.

Test results

90
WiFi performance
70
Setup and ease of use
71
Security

Good points

Easy to set up.
Very easy to customise.
Good security.
Good multi-device performance.
Good performance through a concrete wall.
Excellent wired performance.
Good long-distance performance.
Supports WPA3 encryption.

Bad points

No obvious bad points.

Model

Provided by internet company

-
Cost when provided by internet company

-
Mesh system
Number of units in pack

2
Compatible with fibre
Compatible with ADSL/VDSL
Compatible with 4G/5G

More performance scores

Multi-device performance

73
Obstructed performance

88
Long-range performance

77
Wired performance

94

Specifications

Highest WiFi version

WiFi 6
Weight of main unit

460g
Ethernet LAN ports

2
USB port

No
Physical power button
Other buttons/switches

Reset
Aerials

Internal only
Wall mountable
Quick start guide included
Ethernet cables included

3 (1 per device)

Features

Can create guest networks

Yes
WPS available
Supports WPA3 encryption
Firewall
Quality of service (QoS)

Yes
Parental controls

Yes
USB drive sharing

No

Member reviews

1 Member review

Outstanding performance

Pros

I needed a router to replace my venerable Spark-supplied Huawei HG6306, which simply wasn't giving the speed I was paying for. My Spark Fibre Essential plan promised 311 Mbps up and 109 Mbps down, but the Huawei was only giving me 90 up and 67 down. After switching to this Consumer-recommended Deco pair, I'm now getting 360 down and 87 up, in my upstairs office, with the satellite unit on the ground floor giving me 300 down and 41 up. - a HUGE improvement. Thanks, Consumer!

Cons

Setup was a somewhat fraught experience, and required a factory reset and restarting from scratch - thanks to the outdated Spark setup advice for non-Spark modems, which asked me to adjust the VLAN setting to 10 - but I found no such setting. Instead, on my second attempt to install, I found an unmentioned 'Mode' selection; I selected 'New Zealand UFB' (the only one that seemed relevant) and the Deco was then happy to get an internet connection and complete the LAN setup.