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This Linksys Velop MX4200 vs. TP-Link Deco X5700 matchup is basically about Linksys vs. TP-Link as two home networking brands. That’s because they deliver similar values, despite some noticeable differences.
(Note: Technically, the 2-pack Linksys has the model MX8400 number, and the 3-pack is MX12600, which I reviewed. But to avoid confusion, I’ll call the set that of a single unit: MX4200. Also, in my testing method, a 2-pack will deliver the same performance result as a 3-pack.)
Linksys Velop MX4200 vs. TP-Link Deco X57000: Similarities
These two mesh systems have a few things in common.
First, they share a similar up-standing design that can topple easily, and both use the same hardware units in a mesh setup. They are all a bunch of standalone-by-itself tri-band Wi-Fi 6 routers meshed together.
Both use a vendor-assisted approach via a mobile app, which you must use to set up and manage the network. And in a wireless setup, both use dynamic backhaul. The two also support wired backhaul.
And finally, their 2-pack share the exact pricing of around $400.
Linksys Velop MX4200 vs. TP-Link Deco X57000: Hardware specifications
| Full Name | TP-Link Deco X5700 AX5700 Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi Router | Linksys Velop Tri-Band AX4200 Whole-Home Mesh Router |
| Hardware | Deco X5700 | MX4200 |
| Mesh Availability | Multiple identical routers | Multiple identical routers |
| Dimensions (each unit) | 8.3 × 5.1 × 4.8 in (210.5 × 130 × 123 mm) | 4.5 x 4.5 x 9.6 inches (11.43 x 11.43 x 24.38 cm) |
| Weight (each unit) | 1.6 lbs (722 g) | 2.5 lbs (1.33 kg) |
| Wi-Fi Specs | Tri-band X5700 | AX4200 |
| 5GHz-1 Band | AX: 3×3, up to 3843Mbps | 2×2: Up to 1200Mbp |
| 5GHz-2 Band | AX: 2×2, up to 1201Mbps | 4×4: Up to 2400Mbps |
| 2.4GHz Band | 2×2: Up to 574Mbps | 2×2: Up to 574Mbps |
| Dedicated Backhaul Band | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wired Backhaul Support | Yes | Yes |
| Processors | 1.5GHz Quad-Core | Quad-core 1.4 GHz processor |
| Memory | Undisclosed | 512MB NAND flash and 1GB RAM |
| AP (bridge mode) Support | Yes (as a single router or a system) | Yes (as a single router or a system) |
| Channel Width Support | 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz | 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n/ac |
| Mobile App | TP-Link Deco (forced) | Linksys Velop (forced) |
| Web Interface | Yes (limited) | Yes |
| Ports (each unit) | 1x Auto-Sensing | 1x Gigabit WAN, 3x Gigabit LAN |
| Multi-Gig Port | 1x 2.5Gbps Auto-Sensing | None |
| Link Aggregation | None | None |
| Price (at launch) | $399.99 (2-pack) | $250 (1-pack), $399.99 (2-pack), $499.99 (3-pack) |
Linksys Velop MX4200 vs. TP-Link Deco X57000: Differences
The Velop MX4200 and Deco X5700 are more different than they are similar.
First of all, each Deco X5700 router comes with only two auto-sensing network ports, one of which is a 2.5Gbps multi-gig port—it can handle a multi-gig broadband connection. It has no USB port, so there’s no option for network storage.
The Velop MX4200, on the other hand, has one WAN port and three LAN ports, all gigabit. It also comes with a USB port to host a storage device. And it proved in my testing to be a decent mini NAS server.
The two share two standard bands that cap at 1200Mbps (5GHz) and 576Mbps (2.4GHz) in terms of Wi-Fi.
Their 2nd 5GHz band is different, however. That of the Linksys is a 4×4 and of the Deco is a 3×3. However, the Deco supports the 160MHz channel width while Linksys doesn’t. As a result, the Deco can deliver faster performance.
Linksys is a bit more flexible in terms of setup and management since it has a full web interface—you do need to know a few tricks to get that to work. Still, it’s better than Deco, which requires the mobile app at all times.
The Linksys also comes with more settings and features right out of the box. The Deco requires a $6/month subscription to deliver what Linksys has, plus a protection feature that Linksys doesn’t. The difference on this front is not earth-shattering, however.
Linksys Velop MX4200 vs. TP-Link Deco X57000: Performance and ratings
Thanks to the multi-gig port and, most importantly, the support for 160MHz channel width, the Deco edged out the Linksys as a single router. Its satellites also did better overall.
But either will be able to deliver a sub-Gigabit broadband connection in a large property. When used with multiple devices, they performed similarly in my trial.
The Linksys was also fast as a mini NAS server, as shown here, and you can connect a portable drive to each of the hardware units in a mesh setup.
Linksys Velop MX12600's Rating
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi with excellent coverage
Helpful mobile app, full web interface
Fast NAS speeds when hosting external drives
Comparatively affordable
Cons
No support for 160MHz channel bandwidth
Mobile app (and login account) required for initial mesh setup
Spartan Wi-Fi settings, modest feature set
No multi-gig network ports, Dual-WAN, or Link Aggregation
No setting backup/restore
TP-Link Deco X5700's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage
Tri-band with multi-gig port and 160MHz channel width support
User-friendly, comparatively affordable
Good-looking
Cons
Spartan Wi-Fi customization, network settings, and features
Only one Multi-Gig port per hardware unit
App and login account required — privacy risks
HomeShield Pro requires a monthly subscription, a limited web interface, an impractical design
No USB or additional Gigabit network ports
Which is a better choice?
Of the two, if you want multi-gig and 160MHz support, the Deco X5700 is the better option. On the other hand, the Linksys MX4200 is the only one that can give you the support for built-in network storage.
Other than that, in my opinion, the choice between the two is which vendor do you trust more. That’s because both will make your home network connect to a cloud-managed portal, resulting in a certain level of privacy risks.
By the way, to minimize the privacy impact, you can opt for the access point mode, which both support. That will work out well if you want to use them in tandem with your existing router or ISP-provided gateway.
Looking to compare other Wi-Fi solutions? Check them all out here.
Hi again Dong, just read a bunch of terrible reviews on this system, the Asus Lyra.
Any experience with it?
Ignore! I can’t believe how fast your response is Dong! I hoped to ask you this before you answered the first one but you beat me to it and answered the question already! You are awesome!
Hi Dong, thanks for all your great information. I have learned so much but afraid it may be overkill in my situation. I am rural, rural, and only internet option is 10Mbps down 5 up. So speed is not the priority. But I have a sprawling house, and would like to get some wireless out to my garage as well maybe. Do you think a pair of the newer ASUS Lyra Home WiFi System – Tri-Band Mesh Networking Wireless AC2200 Routers (MAP-AC2200) 3-Pack, or the TP Link Deco M4 with a mix of wired and wireless node would give me good connectivity, as my current issue is more about coverage than speed?
The Lyra (not to be confused with the Lyra Trio) is probably the worst mesh system from Asus, Reo. I didn’t bother reviewing it when it first came out. With the latest firmware, it might be better now, but I think you’d be better off with one of these, in a wireless setup, considering the speed.
Bought the Deco X60 Dong. Thanks, one last question before I pick it up and attempt the setup. Where the main deco is going to be beside the cable modem(radio wave wireless so not really cable). Can I attach a switch to feed 4 wired devices in my office and then run out of that same switch to both of the other Deco units on top and bottom floor?
Like this:
provider – main deco – switch -deco 2(top floor)
-deco 3(bottom floor)
-computer
– voip phone modem
-security cam router
-computer 2
Terrible attempt at showing hierarchy there. 🙂
Thanks again.
Yes, you can place switch(es) in between them, Reo. In your case, the XD4 might be a better fit in terms of features, but the Deco should be fine, too, in terms of performance.
TP-Link AX5700 vs Linksys MX4200
5GHz-1 Band AX: 3×3, up to 3843Mbps 2×2: Up to 1200Mbp
5GHz-2 Band AX: 2×2, up to 1201Mbps 4×4: Up to 2400Mbps
Question: why is it that the 4×4 5Ghz band from the Mx4200 is only 2400 compared tot he 3×3 5Ghz band from the TP-Link AX5700? Wouldn’t a 4×4 setup be more powerful than a 3×3? What am I missing here.
I explained that in the Differences section, Recardo. Take a *real* read. You’ll miss everything if you don’t pay attention. 🙂
One would never, ever allow the two things above to be directly connected to the Internet. Neither company can be trusted. You should ALWAYS use a trustworthy firewall or firewalling router. Break this hard and fast rule, expect to be hacked. Research truly secure routers and firewalls on your own, so that you’ll believe!
BTW, I just realized one important factor about all of the TP-Link mesh devices. (All the one that required the use of their app and their TP-Link account). Aside from many privacy concern, which you should be. The other big concern you should worry about is, you are not buying a device, you are only leasing them. Even though you are paying full price like the other. These devices will only works at the pleasure of TP-Link, not you. And if the the Linksys one do “required” the Linksys account as well, meaning you cannot do a full management locally, then it’s just as bad.
Imagined, TP-Link decided that it no longer want to support a certain device model and forcing you to buy a new one. It would simply disable the ability for you to do any management or even completely stop the device from working properly. Think your router start acting weird after using it for exactly 2 years and one week. Or it insist to drop a function or feature your entire network relied upon. Or unintentionally upgraded the firmware that block the WAN traffic and lock you out or messed up the authentication method. Not sure if you can factory reset them like a normal router since they are tied to your TP-Link account.
Probably neither. I was leaning on either getting Deco X60 or X5700 because of the price/value they delivered, but the more I read the more I want to stay away from. If I don’t have a full control of it, then I am not very owning it. I can have my OPNsense firewall block the other router(AP) from directly access the internet, meaning the auto firmware upgrade won’t work and I would be fine w/ that. All other stuff like NTP can be proxy via the router. But for these type of routers, I can’t do that otherwise they would be unusable. I ending up ordered a pair of used AX92U for about $300 instead. I probably will try to set them as AP and see if I can use the AP mode w/ Link Aggregation (there won’t be any single client that need more than 1gig anyway) while dealing w/ the hand off issue via tweaking the related setting manually.
Yes, the Asus is definitely better. Especially with the latest firmware.
Do you believe Asus has the best firmware or is there another your partial to? Also, do you have any recommendations for high-end routers that do custom firmware? I currently use an R7000 with asus-merlin on it that I really like but it is starting to get long in the tooth. I was thinking of using the deco x60’s as AP’s only but wonder if the privacy stuff still comes into play. It does truly annoy me they won’t build a webgui in.
It’s hard to define best in firmware, Jerky. As an operating system, it’s an evolving product. With that, though, the best firmware for a router is that of Synology in my opinion.
I kinda agree w/ what Dong said. While I am not well verse in all the routers. I do own the Synology NAS as well. (brought off used as well. About $700 a few months ago.) In term of the Web UI, I very do think Synology is very good and stable. But not only that, Synology do keep all of they older devices up to date as well. If I took that as a sign of how Synology deal w/ other devices as well, then the Synology router firmware will be kept up to date for many many years. My old DS1812+ I brought used many year ago for about $500 still alive and kicking and still received firmware update. That is something I never have good experience with for about any router manufacturer. Which is why I intended to used them as AP only and have OPNsense be the actual gateway. But, very, the true is the best one is the the one w/ the most feature pack or the best bang for thr buck but the one that is best suite you. Thus I never ask what is good for me(given a rough situation) like other do. It is best to read and do research. Sit and let it soak, then do more digging and find out yourself which actually suite you best. Dong will never know you full situation. There are things that you could and do research yourself first like what are the best frequency range at certain part of the house. Thus sometime even if you are in a small house it is better to have two AP on diff frequency at each end if the house rather than one w/ super long long range in the middle. Also wireless devices are transmitting and receiving, so even if you buy the best AP with the longest and best penetrate the wall but your phone wont be able to response back then it is of no use. Will you even benefit or utilize the 5GHZ or the 6GHz?