Verdict
Simple to use , packed full of features and good value for a router with a 5 G modem build up in , the TP - Link Deco X50 - 5 G is a honorable gimmick where you need a cellular connection for musical accompaniment or your main internet . It is good at close range , but I found performance dropped off at range , so those with a business firm will most likely postulate to place in some Deco satellites to hike signal durability .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
Although TP - Link sells an X50 mesh system as a bundle , it has since branched out to add a range of X50 product that do something dissimilar .
For those that require their internet back up with a cellular association ( or just need to lead internet from a SIM card ) , the Deco X50 - 5 gigabyte could be for them .
A powerful router in its own rightfulness , this simulation can be used with any other Deco devices , not just X50 rendering , as part of a interlock system , giving you choice if you need to boost its signal .
Design and features
front a little like a fancy vase thanks to its plastic case wrapping around the side , the TP - Link Deco X50 - 5 G is a neat and comparatively compact router . It ’s a touch light on Ethernet ports , with only two Gigabit Ethernet ports and one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port at the arse .
Either can be used as WAN or LAN ports , with the organisation car - detecting how they ’re used . Or , if you set the router up to use its 5 gibibyte connection only , then all port go as LAN port . Even so , if you ’ve got a pile of wired devices , you ’ll probably need a switch .
Flip the router over and there ’s a Nano SIM scorecard time slot underneath . This will wreak with SIM bill from any web , race over 4 G or 5 1000 , depending on what the signaling is like where you live . Having the choice of internet at least means that you could buy the well SIM for where you live .
To help advance the signal , there are twin aerial ports on the buttocks of the router . That ’s a similar setup to theNetgear Orbi NBK752system .
Configuration is through the TP - Link Deco app . This makes it supremely easy to deploy the router : just follow the wizard through , and the app connects to the router , sets up the net connexion and prompts you to create a secure web .
TP - Link has one of the good apps fit , and some of the good features . While many router manufacturers require you to compensate for parental control , such as with theEero 6 Plus , TP - Link packet generous free controls .
With this system , you could create profiles for hoi polloi in your home and attribute their equipment . Websites can be permeate by category , with the age you set up in the profile create handy defaults . And , there ’s an selection to set up a unmarried bedtime .
advance to Advanced Parental Controls ( £ 2.99 a month or £ 17.99 a year ) , and you may rig different bedtimes for the weekend and custom days , set meter limits for cyberspace use , and create Offtime when the cyberspace is not available ( handy for setting a homework time , for example ) .
If you need built - in security against malware , phishing and the similar , TP - Link offers this via its Security+ Robert William Service , which costs £ 4.99 a calendar month or £ 34.99 a yr . I quite like the way of life that the care for paternal control and surety are split , as you’re able to choose the services that apply to you .
Wi - Fi options are a little basic , with the TP - Link Deco X50 - 5 G place its own 2.4GHz and 5GHz channel automatically . Wi - Fi setting also include a guest web .
If the TP - Link Deco X50 - 5 G is link up via an Ethernet joining , 4G/5 G can be set as accompaniment . It can take a minuscule while for the system to change over from one joining to another , but that ’s the same with all cellular relief system that I ’ve tested .
Cellular speeds will depend on your location . I can get around 25Mbit / mho when running on 4 G , although I ’ve got over 100Mbit / s in areas with a 5 G connecter .
Performance
The TP - Link Deco X50 - 5 G is an AX3000Wi - Fi 6system . Its 5GHz circle run at a maximum speed of 2402Mbit / s and its 2.4GHz stripe at a maximum of 574Mbit / s. That ’s relatively mid - orbit by today ’s standard .
At penny-pinching compass , performance was pretty good , topping out at 337.72Mbit / s. move to the first floor , speeds dropped to 123.33Mbit / s. On my second floor , I barely got a signal , and speeds fell to 15.12Mbit / s.
That may vocalise bad compared to the the likes of of theEero 6 Plus , but I ’m testing here with just the router . tally a mesh satellite into the mix , such as the TP - Link Deco X50 - POE , improves velocity , as you could see in the graphical record below .
Latest deals
Should you buy it?
This is a speedy upgrade to add together a cellular backup option .
If your broadband is true , a standard mesh organization will do the job . determine out ourBest Routersguide for more choice .
Final Thoughts
If you have more humble electronic web need and need 4G/5 gram as either a backup or main connection , the TP - Link Deco X50 - 5 G is a good note value organization , with lots of lineament . It does need extra Deco satellites to hike up range but , even so , remains serious economic value .
Alternatively , if you have a wireless hotspot equipment , then theEero 6 Plussystem may suit you , as this can be set to use an alternative Wi - Fi hot spot ( your 4G/5 G equipment ) as a backup should the main net go down . Have a read of ourBest Routersguide for even more choice .
Trusted Score
How we test
Unlike other sites , we test every wireless router we review thoroughly over an elongated geological period of time . We use manufacture standard tests to equate features properly . We ’ll always tell you what we find . We never , ever , accept money to review a product .
feel out more about how we try out in ourethics policy .
FAQs
It will work with any subsist Deco system , not just X50 ones .
It will work with any mesh as it is unsecured .
