TP-Link Archer BE230 vs TP-Link Deco X55

The TP-Link Deco X55 wins on price and comes out ahead on owner rating too, while the two match on warranty coverage. The TP-Link Archer BE230 remains the newer, faster router on paper, so buyers who specifically want Wi-Fi 7 may still choose it despite the higher cost.

The TP-Link Archer BE230 is a single-unit router, while the TP-Link Deco X55 is a mesh system built from multiple nodes designed to be added to over time. That makes the Deco X55 the more natural choice for larger or multi-story homes.

Only the TP-Link Archer BE230 has Wi-Fi 7 features. It is dual-band, rated BE3600, with Multi-Link Operation so a compatible client can use both bands together. The TP-Link Deco X55 is dual-band Wi-Fi 6, rated AX3000, with no MLO.

Yes, both work as a VPN server and client. The TP-Link Archer BE230 covers OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec and WireGuard, while the TP-Link Deco X55 covers OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP/IPSec but not WireGuard.

Buyers who want affordable, expandable mesh coverage for a larger or multi-story home, along with a built-in speed test, should buy the TP-Link Deco X55.

Buyers who want a single-box router with Wi-Fi 7, Multi-Link Operation, a 2.5 Gbps WAN port and a USB port for network storage should buy the TP-Link Archer BE230.