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TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: It Boils Down to Privacy

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This TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200 matchup is a fight between two well-performing mesh systems. Sure, they look distinctive enough, but there is much more to them than meets the eye.

If you want to see how different TP-Link Deco is different from Netgear Orbi, or any other mesh brand for that matter, though, check out this post on popular home mesh brands.

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200
TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: It's pretty easy to see the differences between these two.

First of all, I consider each of these the best mesh system to date from the respective vendor. Neither is the best on the market as a whole, but compared to their cousins, they both sure have an edge, especially when you consider the cost.

The two are available in a 2-pack, and you can scale up the coverage by adding more units. Design-wise, they are good-looking in their own wayโ€”with identical-looking hardware units --, but both can topple fairly easily. You can't mount either unless you get some mounting accessories.

Both use a vendor-assisted mobile app for setup and ongoing management. Both also use tri-band hardware with a dynamic backhaul and share two bands of the same specs. They also work via a wired backhaul.

Finally, neither has a USB portโ€”they can't work as a mini NAS server. And that's about it. Their similarities end there.

Full NameTP-Link Deco X5700 AX5700 
Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi Router
Netgear Orbi AX4200 Whole Home 
Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System 
(model RBK752)
Hardware ModelDeco X5700Router  / Satellite 
RBR750 / RBS750
(Of same physical size)
Mesh AvailabilityMultiple identical routersRouter + Satellite(s)
Dimensions (each unit)8.3 ร— 5.1 ร— 4.8 in 
(210.5 ร— 130 ร— 123 mm)
9.1 x 7.2 x 2.8 in
(23.11 x 18.28 x 7.11 cm)
Weight (each unit)1.6 lbs (722 g)1.9 lbs (862 g)
Wi-Fi SpecsTri-band X5700Tri-band AX4200
5GHz-1 BandAX: 3x3, up to 3843MbpsAX: 4x4, up to 2400Mbps
5GHz-2 BandAX: 2x2, up to 1201MbpsAX: 2x2, up to 1201Mbps
2.4GHz Band2.4GHz AX:  up to 574 Mbps2.4GHz AX:  up to 574 Mbps
Dedicated Backhaul BandDynamic5GHz-2 (Permanent)
Wired Backhaul SupportYesYes (5GHz-2 still not available to clients)
Processors1.5GHz Quad-CoreQuad-core 1.4 GHz processor
MemoryUndisclosed512 MB NAND flash and 1GB RAM
AP (bridge mode) SupportYes 
(Single router or a system)
Yes
(Single router or a system)
Channel Width Support20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz
Backward Compatibility802.11b/g/n/ac802.11b/g/n/ac
Mobile AppTP-Link Deco (Forced)Netgear Orbi (optional)
Web InterfaceYes (limited)Yes
Gigabit Port1x Auto-Sensing1x  WAN, 3x  LAN / 2x LAN
Multi-Gig Port1x 2.5Gbps Auto-SensingNone
Link AggregationNoneWAN only (WAN+LAN1)
Price (at launch)$399.99 (2-pack)$450 (2-pack), 
$515 (3-pack)
Hardware specifications: TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200

There are a lot of differences between these two.

As a mesh system, the Orbi comes in two types of hardware: A router and a satellite. The Deco, however, uses the same hardwareโ€”you get two identical routers.

The Deco has slightly more processing power, and one of its 5GHz bands has higher Wi-Fi specs. Most importantly, it comes with a 2.5Gbps auto-sensing port and supports the 160MHz channel bandwidth. It's slated to be faster, at least at the router unit.

The Orbi has more network ports and supports Link Aggregation on the WAN side. When working with a supported modem, you can combine its WAN port and LAN1 into a 2Gbps WAN connection.

Deco X5700 vs. Obi AX4200 1
TP-Link Deco X5700 vs Netgear Orbi AX4200: The latter's router unit has more network ports than the former and WAN Link Aggregating. However, it doesn't have a multi-gig port.

On the inside, the Netgear is a more satisfying system. For one, it comes with a full web interface and therefore has a lot more options in network settings and features. You also can use it via local management completely independent of Netgear. The Orbi app is just an optionโ€”you don't have to use it.

The TP-Link, on the other hand, like all Deco hardware, requires the mobile app to work. You can't set up or manage your network without a live internet connection. As a result, it's more of a privacy risk.

The Deco does have a web interface, but it's purposely neutered to include just a few essential functions, such as status viewing or firmware update.

Both the Deco and Orbi come with add-on subscription-based online protection features called HomeShield Pro and Netgear Armor, which cost around $70 per year. That of the Netgear is much more comprehensive and also includes protection software for multiple devices.

I tested both in a wireless setup.

Thanks to the multi-gig port and the 160MHz channel width support, the Deco proved to be much faster at the router unit. At the satellite, though, the two were very similar, with the Orbi having a bit of an edge in some instances.

TP-Link Deco X5700's Rating

8 out of 10
TP-Link Deco X5700 Box
Performance
8 out of 10
Features
7 out of 10
Design and Setup
8.5 out of 10
Value
8.5 out of 10

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

TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200 Performance
(โ˜…) 4ร—4 client (router) and 3ร—3 client (satellite)

Netgear Orbi RBK750 Series' Rating

8.5 out of 10
Orbi RBK752 Label
Performance
8.5 out of 10
Features
8 out of 10
Ease of Use
8.5 out of 10
Value
9 out of 10

Pros

Reliable Wi-Fi with extensive coverage

Relatively affordable

Practical, well-designed mobile app

Support WAN 2Gbps Link Aggregation

Full web interface with all standard settings and features

Cons

No 160MHz channel support, limited Wi-Fi customization

Incompatible with Wi-Fi 5 Orbi hardware

Few LAN ports; No Multi-Gig, Dual-WAN, LAN Link Aggregation, or USB port

The fast 5GHz band only works as backhaul, even in a wired setup

Either of these two will make an excellent choice for a large of 4500 ft2 (408 m2) or so, especially one where you can't run network cables.

So, if you feel a bit cavalier about your privacy and can live with forced cloud-based management, the TP-Link Deco X5700 is an excellent choice, especially considering its lower cost.

On the other hand, if you want more options in terms of settings and control of your home network, the Netgear Orbi AX4200 is totally worth the extra cost.

It's your call.

Looking to compare other Wi-Fi solutions? Check them all out here.

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19 thoughts on “TP-Link Deco X5700 vs. Netgear Orbi AX4200: It Boils Down to Privacy”

  1. Dong,

    Excellent website, thank you.

    I have Frontier FIOS which provides an Arris NVG468MQ. I want to use the Netgear Orbi but not have to use it in AP mode. I believe I need to put the Arris into “bridge mode”.

    Any recommendations or references for this type of setup?

    Reply
  2. I am having a very difficult time deciding between the Deco W6000 and the Netgear RBK12. Office computer is hard wired, cable internet, rest of the house is wireless. PS4, cell phones, tv’s, laptops and the such. Suggestions?

    Reply
  3. Looking at the TP link X5700 2 pack or the Orbi RBK753s 3 pack.

    3 level, 3400 sq ft home and hoping to encompass my outdoor patio with strong wifi as well . Utilizing smart tv’s, smart lighting, ring ecosystem , 9 alexa devices throughout, 5 laptops, 3 video game systems and an Oculus Quest 2 throughout the house.

    Running Fiber 1 gig speed internet , looking to at minimum run 500 mbps throughout the house and patio. What would you suggest?

    Reply
      • So you think I would be happier with TP link if I got a 3rd sattelite or just get the Orbi 3 pack? As far as gaming goes, the main consoles are hard wired so I am not to worried about that but want a good Oculus experience.

        Reply
  4. Hey Dong, thank you for the informative review.

    I currently have a Netgear CM1100 modem and their Nighthawk (think itโ€™s) RAX75 and EAX80 extender. We have gigabit service via FO cable.

    The hardware is good when working properly, but weโ€™ve had DoS attacks for like two years now. Iโ€™ve done absolutely everything from replacing modem (added vpn before I set up on new IP) to CLI code efforts.

    Question is, if I just throw this stuff out and replace the whole system with TP link (& Motorola modem say) setup is it likely I can avoid the attacks? I have read all over the place that Netgear is particularly vulnerable to these attacks.

    If so, which are best options in this arena – looking at the TP tier from this article and other options. Donโ€™t game or anything, but u do work from home with relatively large datasets (GBs, but not TBs)

    Reply
  5. Dong:

    Thanks for the good info and reviews. I have a large house. All wired with CAT 6. 1 Gig fiber coming in. I can wire all the stationary devices, TV, Receivers, Apple TVs, etc. All the home automation stuff needs WiFi and all family members and guests. Looking at Asus ZenWiFi XT8, Orbi AX6000 or AX4200. Cannot decide. Advice?

    Thanks

    Reply

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