Based on the modern WiFi 7 standard, TP-Link is launching the Deco BE65, a new, powerful mesh WLAN system for home use. Equipped with tri-band technology, the system supports the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency bands, guaranteeing not only high speeds but also significantly superior network stability. The focus here is on future-proofing, high capacity and a maximum coverage area that also extends beyond the home. The Deco BE65 meets these requirements thanks to WiFi speeds of up to 9,300 Mbit/s with an effective range of up to 725 m². On top of this, several 2.5 gigabit ports are included as standard.
In the following test, we take a closer look at the TP-Link Deco BE65 in a set of three. We are particularly interested in two questions: Does the mesh system with WiFi 7 perform reliably in real everyday use? We also clarify whether the intended range is sufficient to cover a multi-storey house in practice without any problems.
Technical data
| Model | Deco BE65 |
| WiFi Standard | – WiFi 7 – 6 GHz: IEEE 802.11be/ax – 5 GHz: IEEE 802.11be/ax/ac/n/a – 2.4 GHz: IEEE 802.11ax/n/b/g |
| WiFi range | – up to 725 m² |
| WiFi speed | – BE9300 – 6 GHz: 5760 Mbps (802.11be) – 5 GHz: 2880 Mbps (802.11be) – 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax) |
| WiFi capacity | – Tri-band – 2×2 MU-MIMO – OFDMA – 6 streams – More than 200 devices simultaneously |
| WiFi encryption | – WPA-Personal – WPA2-Personal – WPA3-Personal |
| Working modes | – router – Access Point |
| Security modes | – SPI Firewall – Access control – 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz guest network |
| HomeShield security | – Real-time IoT protection – Blocker for malicious websites – Intrusion protection system – DDoS attack protection – Home network scanner |
| Advanced features | – Multi-Link Operation (MLO) – 320 MHz Channel – 4K QAM – Multi-RUs – Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| LAN connections | 4× 2.5 Gigabit ports |
| Smart Home compatibility | Google Home, Amazon Alexa, HomeShield |
| Price per unit | Single device: € 230.01 *, Bundle of 2: € 366.39 *, Bundle of 3: € 555.00 * |
Scope of delivery
- Set contains three Deco units including power supply units
- One RJ45 Ethernet cable included
- … and a tool for resetting the deco units
The TP-Link Deco BE65 set includes three mesh units, each with its own power supply unit and an RJ45 Ethernet cable for LAN connection. To set up an optimal mesh connection, it is recommended to connect at least one or ideally several of the units to the router via LAN. The scope of delivery is completed by a recovery tool, a quick start guide and some enclosed information sheets, as already known from other Deco models.
Design and workmanship
- Simple cylinder design with matt surface
- Solid workmanship and powerful cooling
- Current operating status is indicated by an LED
The TP-Link Deco BE65 features a simple, cylindrical design that is strongly reminiscent of the previous models. This impression is underlined by the matt white plastic surface, which gives the mesh system an unobtrusive aesthetic. With a height of around 17.4 cm, the BE65s appear extremely robust, which makes them look more like the XE75s than the smaller BE25s. Nevertheless, they should be able to be integrated unobtrusively into modern living and office environments. The top side is once again smooth and remains slightly concave. The TP-Link logo embedded in the middle is a subtle accent. As with the previous Deco models, there are no exposed LEDs or buttons on the front of the housing.
In terms of build quality, the TP-Link Deco BE65 makes just as solid and high-quality an impression as the other models. Even the cheaper models such as the XE75 (our review) are absolutely no cause for complaint in this respect – this also applies to the Deco BE65. TP-Link’s usual high standard is maintained and neither clicking nor rattling could be detected during the test period. Cooling and optimum air circulation is provided by a series of ventilation slots that run all around the black underside. These are divided into an inner and an outer ring, with the device label in the middle. In short, the components installed under the hood are impressive and support the new WiFi 7 standard. However, the associated power supply units are not up to date, as they are quite bulky. It is also unfortunate that the BE65 cannot be used as a printer server, even with a USB connection.
Looking at the connections, the eye wanders to the rear of the Deco BE65. Here you will find a total of four 2.5 Gigabit ports, a USB 3.0 port for connecting a storage device for remote access and, last but not least, the mains connection. Also worth mentioning on this model is the dedicated WPS button, which the Deco XE75 and X1500 (our review) have not yet been able to offer. Other features can be found on the lower side. A reset button and the small LED light for the current system status can be found there. After switching on, it initially appears yellow, while a blue light flashes during setup. If there is an active Internet connection, the LED lights up blue continuously. Under stable Internet conditions, the LED switches to green; in problematic cases, however, it lights up red constantly. This makes it possible to see at a glance which phase the Deco BE65 is currently in.
Installation
- Quick set-up with the Deco app
- Sensibly structured process with pictures
- A TP-Link account is required for use
As with the TP-Link Deco BE25 (our test), setting up the Deco BE65 is also simple and user-friendly. TP-Link provides the Deco app for Android and iOS for this purpose. This guides you through the entire setup process with easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions as well as supplementary illustrations and short videos. All you need to do first is log in with a TP-Link ID or create a new account – the mesh system cannot be set up without one.
After logging in, the Deco app offers two options: Either a new mesh network can be set up or another Deco BE65 can be added to an existing network. The setup wizard usually starts automatically during the initial setup. The first Deco is first connected to the modem or an Internet connection via LAN cable and connected to the power supply using the enclosed power supply unit. Our tests have shown that the Deco app usually recognizes the new unit without any problems. Another option for quick pairing is to scan the QR code on the underside of the device. Once this has been done, it is advisable to restart the modem first to prevent network problems. The BE65 is then assigned to a specific room and the name of the WLAN and password are set. Once the setup has been completed, the smartphone automatically connects to the new mesh network. The TP-Link Deco BE65 is now fully operational.
If the mesh system is to be expanded at a later date, for example to achieve greater coverage, another Deco can be added using the plus symbol in the app. As all Decos are compatible with each other, it does not matter whether a different series, such as an X1500, is integrated. Once the location has been selected and the new Deco has been switched on, it is automatically linked to the account or mesh system. Overall, the setup procedure is identical to the other models, which is why we were through in just a few minutes.
Deco App
- Serves as a setup and management app
- Good usability with modern UI
- Numerous configuration options
As with the previous models, the Deco app is also the digital tool for setting up and administering the Deco BE65. The app scores points with its tidy, contemporary design, which should make it easy to get started even for less experienced users. In addition, the app remains the central control unit even after the initial installation. In the “Network” section, the connected Deco units, including the network topology and all active end devices, are clearly displayed. In addition, speed tests can be carried out here or settings can be made to the existing Wi-Fi.
The next tab, “Security”, provides us with several security functions that differ significantly compared to the X1500 and XE75. Apart from the usual network scans and the isolation of certain devices, we can also specify the access control mode here, i.e. whether to work according to the block or permission list. Another new feature is a sub-item for the secure operation of cameras. In the separate section on parental controls, parents can specifically regulate their children’s Internet access, for example through time restrictions or content filters. The whole thing is location-independent and can therefore be used both at home and on the move.
A look at the “More” section of the Deco app shows that TP-Link provides a variety of extras with the Deco BE65. These include setting up a separate guest network or a special network environment for IoT devices. We are already familiar with these functions from the Deco XE75. The “Advanced” section, on the other hand, contains lesser-known configuration options, such as the choice between operating modes, beamforming and fast roaming. Static routing can also be set up here, certain IP addresses reserved or an IPTV VLAN created. In general, it is therefore worth taking a look here to optimize the WLAN.
Practical test
- Extremely high speed with WiFi 7
- Very good coverage even in peripheral areas
- 6 GHz band can be used for clients
The test environment
For our practical test, we use the TP-Link Deco BE65 set of 3 to determine the Wi-Fi coverage and data throughput in a house with a living area of around 300 m² and a total of around 500 m² including the outside area. As the Internet connection and modem are located in the attic, the main unit of the mesh system is set up in the living room (2nd floor). A second unit is used in the office (1st floor) and the third on the first floor, more precisely in the kitchen. A deco in the basement was deliberately omitted. Incidentally, as this is an old building, there are several smaller rooms. A direct comparison with a modern house with fewer rooms would therefore be difficult.
When positioning, it should be noted that the individual Deco units should be positioned at an appropriate distance from each other in order to make optimum use of the range. It is also advisable to position the devices freely in the room and not to place them directly next to windows or in corners to avoid weakening the radio signal.
Is the network coverage sufficient?
Let’s now move on to the everyday test. This is where the TP-Link Deco BE65 set shows its best side. The Wi-Fi signal remains stable across all three floors without any dropouts. It is also independent of whether the rooms are further away or whether there is visual contact with the mesh unit. In a direct comparison with the Deco XE75 (our test), the reference model with WiFi 6E, we found that the BE65’s signal strength was better in some places, although the overall results were very similar.
As was to be expected, the basement area of the TP-Link Deco BE65 also had a poorer signal. There, the signal fluctuated between “mediocre” and “weak”. The mesh system works much more reliably outdoors, which is why the pool and garden are also well covered despite the Deco units installed in the house. Smart devices such as pool robots also connect to this Wi-Fi at the pool surface without any restrictions. It can therefore be said that the Deco BE65 definitely achieves the slightly larger coverage area in our test.
What speeds are achieved?
In our test environment mentioned above, we were unfortunately unable to achieve a sufficient Internet connection for the Deco BE65 with anything approaching representative performance. For this reason, we changed the environment and carried out the test in a spacious apartment with angled areas. Thanks to the gigabit connection, the conditions there are almost ideal.
As expected, the TP-Link Deco BE65 achieves a very good result and delivers maximum data rates. Close to the router, we achieved the full 990 Mbit/s and thus our maximum bandwidth. In a few rooms further away, we also fluctuated above 950 Mbit/s at all times, which is comparable to the Deco XE75 set. Even in the most unfavorable corner with a thick wall and steel door, we always had reception, albeit with the greatest possible reduction in performance. However, the transmission rate always remained above 300 Mbit/s and was therefore suitable for everyday use.
The smooth communication of the Deco units is also impressive here, providing solid speeds overall with good coverage. Incidentally, the additional 6 GHz band can also be configured as a dedicated mesh channel via the app if it is not required by end devices in everyday use. This means that the bandwidth is only available to the three nodes. With the WiFi 7 standard, you are also on the safe side in the long term.
TP-Link Deco BE65 test: Conclusion
The TP-Link Deco BE65 in a set of three is the most modern and powerful mesh system in the test. This makes it particularly suitable for users with high demands on speed, future-proofing and network stability. Both the current WiFi 7 standard and the additional 6 GHz band prove to be advantageous – both for the backhaul and for the clients. The latter in particular ensures less susceptibility to interference in the test, to which the WiFi 7 MLO technology also contributes. With a maximum coverage of up to 725 m², the mesh system also outperformed all other Deco models in the test. And thanks to the four 2.5 Gigabit ports, each unit always has enough connections in reserve. Of course, the right end devices such as smartphones, laptops or gaming PCs are also a prerequisite for full use of the Deco BE65.
This model should therefore be an exciting option for anyone interested in the current WiFi 7 standard. Those who can do without the use of the 6 GHz band will be happy with the cheaper Deco BE25. In terms of price-performance ratio, the Deco XE75 has so far performed best, as it relies on WiFi 6E and still offers the 6 GHz band. If you just want to expand the existing Wi-Fi network in your home at a reasonable price without any big frills, the Deco X1500 or X50 would be two attractive alternatives.
In short: The Deco BE65 is currently clearly aimed at power users, technology enthusiasts and large households that prioritize maximum performance and modern standards. If you pay the higher price, you get an extremely powerful and flexible mesh system that will still be state of the art in the years to come.
- WiFi-7 support
- Tri-band mode with flexible backhaul
- Four 2.5 Gigabit ports
- Huge coverage
- Easy setup via app
- Very high entry price
- Currently still few WiFi 7 end devices available in everyday life
- Cannot be used as a printer server
TP-Link Deco BE65
Design and processing
Ease of use
Performance
Equipment
Price-performance ratio
93/100
The Deco BE65 from TP-Link is one of the most powerful mesh systems with WiFi 7 support and an extensive range of configurations. However, the current low use of the WiFi 7 standard in end devices and the comparatively high price reduce its potential.
