The catch
TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
No wired connection can link faster than 1 Gbps.
Side by side
TP-Link Deco X55 vs BE23: Faster internet is BE23's strength, wired devices get more room on X55
Quick verdict
X55 stays on the shortlist for wired rooms that each need two device sockets, provided gigabit service is enough. BE23 is the one to buy once your next plan is faster than a gigabit.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A 2.5G path can stay intact for one PC through a wired satellite
BE23's fast sockets cover WAN, backhaul and one satellite PC, with none to spare.
Where this comes from
Each node has two 2.5G sockets, enough for one incoming and one outgoing connection.
The catch
TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
Wi-Fi 7 alone does not make a system tri-band. This one has no 6 GHz band.
TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
- Why pick it
- Each wired satellite has two Ethernet devices next to it.
- Wi-Fi 7 support ranks below a three-port layout for you.
- The catch
- No wired connection can link faster than 1 Gbps.
TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
- Why pick it
- Your WAN and backhaul connections have to be 2.5G.
- Wi-Fi 7 is supported by your newer clients, and 6 GHz is not required.
- The catch
- Wi-Fi 7 alone does not make a system tri-band. This one has no 6 GHz band.
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What this page compares
Wired TVs, consoles or a two-gigabit plan: here is where Deco X55 and BE23 stand. The newer Wi-Fi 7 model trades port count for port speed.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Fiber service at two gigabits
X55 cannot take a faster WAN link, but the BE23 can.
- TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
- Not suitable
- TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
- Better fit
A TV and console next to each node
The two device sockets required are left free on X55.
- TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
- Better fit
- TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
- Caution
Shopping for 6 GHz in particular
Both lack the requested radio band.
- TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
- Not suitable
- TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
- Not suitable
New Wi-Fi 7 phones on a gigabit plan
BE23 handles the newer client features, and no faster plan is required.
- TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
- Good
- TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
A 2.5G path can stay intact for one PC through a wired satellite
BE23's fast sockets cover WAN, backhaul and one satellite PC, with none to spare.
How we worked this out
Each node has two 2.5G sockets, enough for one incoming and one outgoing connection.
On 5 GHz, the maximum channel width is the same for both
Don't expect a jump from 160 MHz to 320 MHz on these radios if you're buying BE23.
How we worked this out
Neither has a 6 GHz radio, and both list up to 160 MHz on 5 GHz.
Expanding the gateway star carries a different cost
Both supplied satellites can be wired straight to X55. BE23 needs a switch or a different topology.
How we worked this out
Two wired satellite branches need 2 ports. After WAN, X55 has 2 free and BE23 has 1.
Plug in your setup
Can this mesh kit handle your wired layout?
Wiring your mesh nodes together with Ethernet? Count the ports before you buy. This checks direct cables from the main unit to each satellite, with no extra network switch. These answers are placeholders until you apply your own.
TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
Passes these checksThe ports cover this 2-node wired layout with 0 gateway LAN ports to spare. Your internet-to-device path tops out at a 1 Gb/s link ceiling before overhead, which is not a promised download speed.
TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
Fails these checksThe gateway does not have enough ports at your chosen speeds for your internet line, 1 direct node link and 1 wired device. A suitable external switch could change that.
Port speeds are physical link ratings. They do not measure Wi-Fi throughput. Cable quality, client adapters and network settings still matter. Every node you plan on must come in the linked bundle. This assumes router mode with one internet port and star wiring. PoE units also need a compatible power source, which this port check does not size. A switch, access-point mode or a different layout changes the result. It does not predict wireless coverage.
Option A
TP-Link, Deco X55
Deco X55 3-Pack
A wired home with a TV and console in the same room gets good use from the three Ethernet sockets on each unit.
- Best for
- A gigabit network where a TV and console plug in next to a wired satellite
Facts we checked
- Each unit has three Gigabit Ethernet ports, with WAN and LAN roles assigned automatically.
- Wi-Fi 6 is dual-band, and the 5 GHz band supports 160 MHz.
- The selected package comes with three units, and Ethernet backhaul is supported.
Option B
TP-Link, Deco BE23
Deco BE23 3-Pack
For a two-gigabit connection, this is a practical way into Wi-Fi 7, as long as you plan around its two-port design.
- Best for
- Faster internet service, minus the cost of 6 GHz radios
Facts we checked
- Each node has two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports.
- Wi-Fi 7 is dual-band, using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and 160 MHz channels are supported.
- Three nodes come in the selected package.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack | TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet per node | 3 × 1 Gbps | 2 × 2.5 Gbps | One fewer socket comes with the newer model, which is faster per socket. |
| Wi-Fi generation | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Compatible clients and firmware are needed for Wi-Fi 7 features. |
| Radio bands | 2.4 and 5 GHz | 2.4 and 5 GHz | BE23 brings no 6 GHz. |
| Maximum 5 GHz width | 160 MHz | 160 MHz | Here, a newer generation doesn't bring a wider 5 GHz channel. |
| Room devices after wired uplink | 2 | 1 | A small switch may be needed behind a TV on BE23. |
| Selected kit | 3 nodes | 3 nodes | Both sides have the same package count. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
- Paid HomeShield features are optional extras, and there is no 6 GHz radio.
With TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
- The gateway has just one LAN socket once internet is connected, so a three-node wired star needs an Ethernet switch.
Decision guide
How to decide
Plan around your likely next bottleneck
X55's port count suits a gigabit service with several wired devices. Once you are on a two-gigabit service, the X55 WAN socket is the limiting link, and that happens before room placement even comes up.
Wi-Fi 7 adds features but no extra coverage
A weak room still needs a node moved closer or an Ethernet connection, because BE23 has the same two radio bands.
Add switches to your total
Plan for a switch and a suitable power outlet in the installation. BE23 can be a sensible foundation for a multi-gig network, but a two-port node needs help when several cables converge.
What this page can’t tell you
- Better reception in any given home is not guaranteed by a newer radio generation.
- Switches and link aggregation are left out of the socket examples.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the mesh Wi-Fi systems we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
24 of the 35 models checked meet every need here: “I can run Ethernet between the mesh nodes” and “My internet plan runs above one gigabit”.
24 models fit, out of 35 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I can run Ethernet between the mesh nodes” and “My internet plan runs above one gigabit”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack |
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| TP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
TP-Link Deco X55 3-Pack
Each wired satellite has two Ethernet devices next to it.
See price & reviews on AmazonTP-Link Deco BE23 3-Pack
Your WAN and backhaul connections have to be 2.5G.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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