Hardware Review Why I returned my TP-LINK Deco BE85 Mesh System (4 Viewers)

[John Dirk]

While at Costco yesterday, I noticed a Deco AXE5000 [6E] system on fire sale for $169.97. This same system sold for over $400.00 last November when I bought my current WiFi 6 system. The "fast lane" 6Ghz band provided by 6E is nice in theory but it's range is even shorter than the current 5Ghz band. I also don't have a single device in my network which can utilize it.

Generally speaking, I love cutting-edge technology but, where consumer WiFi is concerned, I find value in lagging a generation or so behind. Believe it or not, WiFi 8 is already in development. It will be a few years but, once released, I'd expect WiFi 7 prices to plummet.

No judgement here, just sharing my approach and the reasons behind it. Ultimately I believe, if you want and can afford pretty much anything, then you should have it. Life is short and meant to be fully enjoyed.

 

[Scott Merryfield]

The system I am eyeing is the EERO 7 MAX, though it's still too expensive ($1,360 for a 3-Pack). It should drop to $999 sometime later this year (PRIME DAY) and at that point, I'll pick it up.

Why not the new EERO 7 Pro, which is considerably less money? It supports the 6Ghz band, similar to the older MAX model.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Why not the new EERO 7 Pro, which is considerably less money? It supports the 6Ghz band, similar to the older MAX model.

Scott,

You ask the right question — one that I grapple with every minute of the day.

I could go with the newly released, lower-priced Eero mesh system

However, I am currently in the mindset that if the MAX drops to $999 (which it inevitably will), it’s at a price point I would feel comfortable paying.

Truthfully, I expect to return it after purchasing. After briefly trying the BE85 3-pack, I didn’t see a significant speed bump in my home. I’m curious to see how the MAX does with its wider coverage over the PRO.

 

[DaveF]

While at Costco yesterday, I noticed a Deco AXE5000 [6E] system on fire sale for $169.97. This same system sold for over $400.00 last November when I bought my current WiFi 6 system. The "fast lane" 6Ghz band provided by 6E is nice in theory but it's range is even shorter than the current 5Ghz band. I also don't have a single device in my network which can utilize it.

I’ve been happy with my Deco M5 kit. It’s WiFi 5, in effect. Works well. Good software. Fairly easy to use for a tech enthusiast.

I can see replacing it with wifi 6 or wifi 7 in three years when I do the next iphone upgrade. Nice to know that an upgrade might be similarly priced to what I paid for the current system.