Mesh networking has evolved dramatically over the past few years, but nothing quite prepares you for the leap into Wi-Fi 7 territory. The TP-Link Deco BE85 BE22000 represents the cutting edge of home networking, delivering speeds that were unimaginable just a couple of years ago. After extensive testing in my home setup, I've discovered a system that genuinely lives up to its ambitious promises, though it comes with considerations that potential buyers need to understand.
What sets the Deco BE85 apart isn't just its impressive theoretical speeds of up to 22Gbps across three bands, but the practical implementation of Wi-Fi 7 features that actually make a difference in real-world usage. The addition of 320MHz ultra-wide channels, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and an abundance of multi-gigabit ports creates a networking foundation that's genuinely future-ready.
During my testing period, I put the three-unit system through its paces across a large two-storey home, evaluating everything from basic internet browsing to demanding 4K video streaming and high-bandwidth file transfers. The results were consistently impressive, though the premium pricing means this isn't a system for everyone.
Design and Build Quality
The Deco BE85 follows TP-Link's established cylindrical design language, but these units are notably larger than previous Deco models. Each tower measures 128 × 128 × 236mm and weighs a substantial amount, reflecting the serious hardware inside. The white finish with subtle "7" branding on the front gives them a clean, professional appearance that blends well with most home décor.
Unlike some networking equipment that screams "tech product," the BE85 units are understated enough to place prominently in living spaces. The single LED indicator underneath is refreshingly minimal – it glows green when everything's working properly and red when there are connectivity issues. During daytime use, the LED is subtle enough that I often couldn't see its status without looking directly at it.
Each unit houses internal cooling fans, which I noticed during my testing. They're not particularly loud – roughly equivalent to a quiet desktop computer – but they do produce a gentle humming sound that's noticeable in very quiet environments. Placement in well-ventilated areas is advisable, as the units do generate noticeable heat during intensive use.
Connectivity and Port Configuration
This is where the Deco BE85 truly shines. Each unit offers an exceptional array of connectivity options that puts many standalone routers to shame. The star attractions are the two 10Gbps ports – one standard RJ45 and one RJ45/SFP+ combo port that provides flexibility for both copper and fibre connections. Add to this two 2.5Gbps ports and a USB 3.0 port, and you have connectivity options that genuinely future-proof your network.
The auto-sensing WAN functionality works brilliantly in practice. I tested moving internet connections between different ports, and the system seamlessly reconfigured itself within seconds. This flexibility means you can optimise your setup as your networking needs evolve, without being locked into specific port configurations.
The USB 3.0 port proved capable of turning each unit into a competent NAS device. I connected a portable SSD and achieved read speeds exceeding 250MB/s and write speeds around 200MB/s – impressive performance that makes shared storage genuinely usable across the network.
Wi-Fi 7 Features and Performance
The Deco BE85's Wi-Fi 7 implementation is where theory meets impressive reality. The system operates across three bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the newer 6GHz band, with the latter offering those crucial 320MHz ultra-wide channels that Wi-Fi 7 makes possible. In testing with Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices, I consistently achieved connection speeds that would have been impossible with previous standards.
Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows compatible devices to connect to multiple bands simultaneously, theoretically reducing latency and improving reliability. Whilst I found MLO made minimal difference to single-device performance, it becomes more valuable in congested network environments where multiple high-bandwidth devices are competing for spectrum.
The 6GHz band deserves particular attention. In my testing, devices connecting to this band experienced exceptional performance with minimal interference from neighbouring networks. The trade-off is range – 6GHz signals don't penetrate walls as effectively as lower frequencies, but within direct line-of-sight, the performance is outstanding.
Even with older Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 devices, the BE85 delivered impressive performance improvements. The additional spectrum and improved traffic management translate to better performance across all connected devices, not just those with the latest wireless standards.
Real-World Performance and Coverage
Performance testing revealed why the Deco BE85 commands its premium pricing. In close-range testing, I achieved sustained speeds exceeding 2Gbps with compatible devices – genuinely faster than most wired gigabit connections. At 15 metres distance, speeds remained consistently above 1.5Gbps, which is exceptional for wireless connectivity.
Coverage impressed me throughout my large home. Each unit effectively covered approximately 200 square metres with strong signal strength, meaning the three-pack setup easily handled a substantial property with excellent performance in all areas. The wireless backhaul between units sustained around 5Gbps, ensuring satellite units didn't become bottlenecks.
Wall penetration performance varied by frequency band, as expected. The 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands maintained good performance through multiple walls, whilst the 6GHz band required more direct line-of-sight for optimal performance. Strategic placement of the satellite units largely mitigated these limitations.
During stress testing with multiple 4K streams, large file transfers, and video calls running simultaneously, the system maintained stable performance without noticeable degradation. The intelligent traffic management and abundant bandwidth headroom meant that adding additional demanding tasks rarely impacted existing connections.
Setup and Configuration
TP-Link has refined the Deco setup process to remarkable simplicity. Using the Deco mobile app, I had all three units configured and operational within 10 minutes. The process is genuinely foolproof – plug in the units, follow the app prompts, and the system handles the complex networking configuration automatically.
The units come pre-synchronised, meaning satellite nodes automatically join the mesh network once powered on. This eliminates the often frustrating process of manually pairing mesh units that plagues some competing systems. Firmware updates install automatically during setup, ensuring you start with the latest features and security patches.
The app-only configuration approach has both advantages and limitations. For basic users, it's intuitive and approachable. However, power users will find the lack of advanced configuration options frustrating compared to traditional router interfaces. Channel selection, transmit power adjustment, and detailed QoS configuration simply aren't available.
Software Features and Limitations
The Deco ecosystem prioritises simplicity over granular control, which works well for most users but may disappoint networking enthusiasts. The included features cover essential needs: guest networks, parental controls, basic QoS, and device management. The HomeShield security suite provides network protection, though the advanced features require a paid subscription.
Wi-Fi 7 specific settings are limited but functional. You can enable or disable MLO, configure the 6GHz band as dedicated backhaul, and adjust basic wireless parameters. The system automatically optimises many settings that would traditionally require manual configuration, which works well in practice.
The requirement for a TP-Link account and cloud connectivity raises privacy considerations that some users may find concerning. All configuration happens through TP-Link's servers, meaning you're dependent on their service availability and data handling practices.
Value and Competition
At around £1,200-1,400 for the three-pack system, the Deco BE85 occupies premium territory where value becomes subjective. Compared to high-end Wi-Fi 6E systems, the pricing isn't unreasonable, especially considering the significant performance improvements and future-proofing that Wi-Fi 7 provides.
The abundance of 10Gbps ports adds significant value for users with high-speed internet connections or local network storage needs. When you consider that adding similar multi-gigabit connectivity to a traditional router setup could cost hundreds of pounds in switches and adapters, the BE85's integrated approach becomes more compelling.
Competition in the Wi-Fi 7 mesh space remains limited, giving TP-Link a significant first-mover advantage. Alternative systems are either significantly more expensive or lack the comprehensive port selection that makes the BE85 genuinely versatile. For users exploring networking solutions, the BE85 represents a compelling upgrade path.
Final Verdict
The TP-Link Deco BE85 delivers on its ambitious promises, providing genuinely transformative Wi-Fi performance that justifies the Wi-Fi 7 upgrade for demanding users. The combination of exceptional speeds, comprehensive connectivity, and reliable mesh coverage creates a networking foundation that genuinely feels future-ready.
The limitations are worth acknowledging: the premium pricing, simplified software interface, and privacy considerations that come with cloud-dependent configuration. However, for users who prioritise performance and comprehensive connectivity over granular control, these trade-offs are generally acceptable.
I'd recommend the Deco BE85 to users with large homes, high-speed internet connections, and demanding networking requirements who want a mesh system that truly leverages Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. For basic internet usage or smaller homes, the performance benefits may not justify the premium pricing, but for those who can utilise its capabilities, it's genuinely exceptional.