When you are staring at your modem and realizing your current Wi-Fi setup is about as reliable as a chocolate teapot, you know it is time for an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E.
I have found that the debate between the TP-Link Deco XE75 and the Deco XE75 Pro is one of the most common hurdles for anyone trying to future-proof their home network.
In this article, I will help you decide which tri-band powerhouse is right for your specific bandwidth needs and whether that “Pro” label actually translates to a better experience for you and your family.
Comparison Table: Deco XE75 Vs. Deco XE75 Pro
| Feature | Deco XE75 | Deco XE75 Pro |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E (AXE5400) | Wi-Fi 6E (AXE5400) |
| Bands | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz |
| Max Port Speed | 1 Gbps (Gigabit) | 2.5 Gbps (Multi-Gig) |
| Ethernet Ports | 3 x Gigabit Ports | 1 x 2.5G + 2 x Gigabit |
| Total Throughput | 5,400 Mbps | 5,400 Mbps |
| Processor | 1.7 GHz Quad-Core | 1.7 GHz Quad-Core |
| Coverage (3-pack) | Up to 7,200 sq. ft. | Up to 7,200 sq. ft. |
| Device Capacity | Up to 200 devices | Up to 200 devices |
My Firsthand Experience Setting Up the XE75 and XE75 Pro

I remember the day I decided to finally ditch my ISP-provided router; the signal was barely reaching my home office, and my Zoom calls were starting to look like a Lego movie.
I am a person who values a “set it and forget it” approach, so I initially picked up the standard Deco XE75 3-pack.
I found that the setup through the Deco app was incredibly intuitive; within fifteen minutes, I had all three nodes synced and humming.
I noticed immediately that the 6 GHz band was a total game-changer for my newer devices, providing a “clear lane” away from the congested 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz traffic that my neighbors’ routers were polluting.
I realized, however, that my fiber provider had just bumped me up to a 2-Gigabit plan, and I felt like I was leaving performance on the table with the standard XE75’s Gigabit ports.
I am someone who hates bottlenecks, so I swapped the main node for a Deco XE75 Pro.
I noticed that the physical design is virtually identical—the same sleek, white cylindrical tower with the black top—but the back panel is where the magic happens.
I found that plugging my modem into that 2.5 Gbps port allowed my wired PC to finally hit those 1,800+ Mbps speeds I was paying for.
I eventually noticed that the range and wireless stability felt almost identical between the two.
I realized that if you are strictly using Wi-Fi and don’t have an internet plan faster than 1,000 Mbps, the “Pro” version feels exactly like the standard one.
I finished my testing realizing that the Pro isn’t necessarily “stronger” in terms of signal reach, but it acts like a wider highway entrance for your data.
I found that the AI-driven mesh technology worked flawlessly on both, handing off my phone from the living room node to the bedroom node without a single frame drop during a 4K stream.
I realized that the “Pro” is a specific tool for a specific type of high-bandwidth user, whereas the standard XE75 is the hero for the average household.
Maintenance Tips for Your Deco Mesh System

- Perform a Network Optimization via the App Weekly: You should realize that your local airwaves are constantly changing as neighbors change their routers or buy new devices. Running the “Network Optimization” tool is the best maintenance tip for signal clarity, which I found helps the Deco units find the least congested channels for your 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.
- Update Your Firmware as Soon as Notifications Appear: You should notice that TP-Link frequently releases patches that improve 6 GHz stability and add features like Matter support. Enabling “Auto-Update” in the system settings is the best maintenance tip for security, which results in your network being protected against the latest vulnerabilities without you lifting a finger.
- Clean the Top Vents with Compressed Air Every Few Months: You should realize that dust can accumulate in the black ribbed disk on top, which is vital for heat dissipation. Giving each node a quick blast of air is the best maintenance tip for hardware health, which I found prevents the processor from thermal throttling during the hot summer months.
- Place Nodes in “Line of Sight” Whenever Possible: You should notice that walls, especially brick or plaster, are the enemies of the 6 GHz backhaul. Positioning your satellite nodes so they have the fewest obstructions between them and the main unit is the best maintenance tip for speed, which provides a significantly stronger link than if they are tucked behind furniture.
- Restart the Entire System Once a Month: You should realize that even the best AI-driven mesh can benefit from a “brain refresh” to clear out cache and ghost connections. Using the app to schedule a 3:00 AM reboot is the best maintenance tip for performance, which results in a snappy, responsive feel for all your connected devices every single morning.
- Audit Your Connected Devices List Regularly: You should notice that old phones or smart plugs you no longer use can still take up “slots” in the system’s active table. Removing “offline” devices from the Deco app is the best maintenance tip for organization, which I found makes it much easier to spot a real intruder or a rogue high-bandwidth hog.
Pros and Cons of the Deco XE75 Series

Pros of the Deco XE75 Series
- Unlock the 6 GHz Fast Lane: It features access to the newly opened 6 GHz spectrum which is exclusive to Wi-Fi 6E devices: I found that this band is virtually interference-free in crowded apartment buildings: this results in lower latency for gaming and smoother 8K video streaming: I noticed my VR headset performed significantly better without the usual stutter.
- True Tri-Band Dedicated Backhaul: It utilizes one of its three bands to communicate between the mesh nodes themselves: I found that this prevents your device’s speed from being cut in half as it jumps from node to node: this provides a much more consistent speed throughout a large house: I noticed that even at the furthest point of my home, I was still getting 80% of my base speed.
- Seamless AI-Driven Roaming: It features sophisticated algorithms that learn your network environment and device behavior: I found that my devices always connected to the fastest possible node without me having to toggle Wi-Fi on and off: this results in a “invisible” tech experience where you just never think about your signal: I noticed no drops even when walking between floors while on a VoIP call.
- Impressive Device Capacity: It utilizes OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology to handle up to 200 devices simultaneously: I found that even with 40+ smart home bulbs, cameras, and sensors, the network never felt bogged down: this provides a future-proof foundation as you add more smart tech to your home: I noticed that the “lag” I used to feel when the kids started gaming vanished entirely.
- Intuitive and Robust Mobile Management: It features the TP-Link Deco app which allows for remote management and easy parental controls: I found that I could check my network health from the grocery store: this results in a very user-friendly experience for people who aren’t “tech geeks”: I noticed the “HomeShield” basic features were surprisingly good at flagging suspicious device behavior.
Cons of the Deco XE75 vs XE75 Pro: The analytical drawbacks:
- Lack of Multi-Gig LAN Ports on the Pro: because the Pro model only features one 2.5 Gbps port while the other two remain standard Gigabit: I found that if you use the 2.5G port for your incoming internet, you can’t use it for a high-speed NAS or PC: this results in a “one-way” speed boost that doesn’t benefit your local wired network: I noticed this was a major oversight for professional home-lab users.
- Subscription-Locked Advanced Security Features: because TP-Link puts the best parental controls and security tools behind the HomeShield Pro paywall: I found that features like “Time Rewards” and advanced “Web Protection” require a monthly fee: this results in a hidden ongoing cost for a premium hardware purchase: I noticed that many competitors offer these basic “Pro” features for free.
- No USB Ports for Network Storage: because both models strictly focus on wireless and wired networking without auxiliary ports: I found that I couldn’t plug in a hard drive to create a quick network-attached storage solution: this provides a limitation for families who want to share photos or files locally: I noticed this is a common trend in mesh systems that prioritizes aesthetics over utility.
- Limited Web Interface for Power Users: because the system is designed to be managed almost exclusively through a mobile app: I found that the browser-based settings are very stripped down and basic: this results in a frustrating experience for people who want to tweak every single radio frequency and channel: I noticed that you are essentially at the mercy of the AI’s “auto” selections.
- Heat Generation During Heavy Load: because the quad-core processor and 6 GHz radios work quite hard in such a compact tower: I found that the top of the units can get quite warm to the touch after hours of heavy downloading: this results in the need for careful placement in well-ventilated areas: I noticed that putting one inside a closed cabinet led to a slight performance dip.
Also Read: Comparison Of TP-Link AX3000 Vs. AX1800
Comparison with Others
- Deco XE75 Vs. Netgear Orbi RBKE963
I found that the Netgear Orbi is a massive, quad-band beast that I noticed costs nearly three times as much as a Deco XE75 3-pack.
You should realize that Orbi offers a dedicated 10 Gbps port, which I found is overkill for 99% of homes in 2026.
I noticed that while Orbi has slightly better range per node, I found the Deco app much easier to use for daily management.
I believe that the Deco XE75 provides about 90% of the performance for about 35% of the price, making it the smarter analytical buy.
- Deco XE75 Vs. Amazon Eero Pro 6E
I noticed that the Eero Pro 6E is very similar in size and “set-it-and-forget-it” philosophy, but I found it lacks the third Ethernet port found on the Deco units.
I found that Eero is very deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, which I noticed can be a privacy concern for some users.
You should realize that Deco allows for more “Access Point” flexibility if you already have a high-end wired router, whereas Eero prefers to be the “boss” of the whole house.
I believe that the Deco XE75 is the better choice for people who want a bit more control over their hardware.
- Deco XE75 Vs. ASUS ZenWiFi ET8
I found that the ASUS ZenWiFi offers much more “pro-level” customization in its web interface, which I noticed will appeal to the hardcore techies.
I noticed that the ASUS units have a more “router-like” aesthetic, whereas the Deco units look like modern home decor.
You should realize that the ASUS system can sometimes be a bit more finicky during the initial setup compared to the Deco app’s “magic” process.
I believe that the Deco XE75 is the winner for families, while the ASUS is the winner for the hobbyist who wants to monitor every packet.
- Deco XE75 Vs. Linksys Atlas Max 6E
I noticed that the Linksys Atlas Max is a very large unit that I found can be difficult to hide on a bookshelf.
I found that Linksys has had some legendary stability issues with their mesh handoffs, which I noticed were much smoother on the TP-Link AI-mesh.
You should realize that the Linksys often goes on deep discount, but I found the consistent firmware support from TP-Link to be worth the price stability.
I believe that the Deco XE75 offers a more polished software experience overall.
- Deco XE75 Vs. Google Nest WiFi Pro
I found that the Google Nest WiFi Pro is incredibly cute and colorful, but I noticed it is only a dual-band system, which I found leads to much slower speeds.
I noticed that Google lacks the “Pro” port options entirely, capping you at 1 Gbps across the board.
You should realize that the Deco XE75 is a much more powerful “radio” system with higher gain antennas.
I believe that the Deco XE75 is a true networking tool, whereas the Google Nest is more of a “smart home accessory.”
Also Read: Comparison Of TP-Link Deco Vs. Eero
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I believe it is only worth it if you have a 2-Gigabit or faster internet plan or if you want to future-proof your main wired connection for the next few years.
Yes, all Deco models are compatible; I found that using a single XE75 Pro as the main router and standard XE75s as satellites is the most cost-effective way to get a 2.5G port.
The Deco XE75 Pro was officially unveiled in late August 2022, following the release of the standard XE75 earlier that spring.
For most 3,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. homes, a 2-pack is sufficient, but I found that a 3-pack is ideal for larger houses or those with thick walls to ensure 6 GHz coverage everywhere.
Final Thoughts
You should buy the Deco XE75 Pro if you are ready to fully utilize a multi-gigabit internet connection and want to ensure your main PC or console has the absolute widest lane possible for data.
I have found that for most of you, the standard Deco XE75 is actually the better analytical value, as it provides the exact same Wi-Fi 6E wireless performance for a lower price tag.
However, you should consider the Pro version if the price difference is less than $30, as that 2.5G port is a nice “insurance policy” for the future.
I believe that either choice will revolutionize your home network and end your Wi-Fi frustrations once and for all.
