TP-Link Deco X50-5G Review: Almost as Good as the Mobile FritzBox

The TP-Link Deco X50-5G convinces in testing with strong performance. The Wi-Fi 6 standard delivers generous transmission rates. In addition, LTE and 5G reception work reliably. Anyone who wants to can also transfer data quickly via network cable or control smart home devices. The most important functions are available, but we are not entirely satisfied with the preset passwords and keys. Overall, the router's handling could still be improved. Power consumption is also somewhat high.

Pros

• Strong Wi-Fi performance
• Super equipment including smart home
• Practical functions

Cons

• Preset protection has gaps
• No telephony functions and no USB
• Power consumption could be better

The TP-Link Deco X50-5G Mesh Router is a stationary mobile router that combines 5G/LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi 6.

Test Result

The TP-Link Deco X50-5G received a test verdict of Good (1.6) with a price assessment of Cheap (1.7). It ranks 2 of 13 in the stationary mobile routers best list.

Wi-Fi Performance

The maximum measured Wi-Fi data rate is 1,533 MBit/s. The download data rate under optimal conditions averages 1,477 MBit/s with an Intel BE200 client. Under practical conditions, the average is 1,040 MBit/s.

VPN Support

The router supports VPN server functionality with Wireguard and OpenVPN.

Smart Home Compatibility

The router can serve as a smart home hub supporting TP-Link's Tapo and Kasa standards as well as the open Matter standard.

LAN Ports

There are no fixed 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, or 2.5 Gbps LAN ports. Two switchable LAN/WAN ports operate at 1 Gbps and one at 2.5 Gbps.

USB and Telephony

There is no USB port. Telephony functions (analogue, VoIP, DECT) are not supported.

Dimensions and Power

Dimensions are 13 x 12.3 x 21.1 cm. Power consumption is 8 watts in standby and 10 watts during data transfer.

Test Date and Pricing

Tested on 25 November 2025. Price at test time was 236 euros.

If you are also hoping for top speeds with stationary mobile routers, the TP-Link Deco X50-5G offers a lot. In terms of mobile data, the device uses the LTE and 5G networks and accesses all important frequencies there. This means you always have the best reception available at the location. To do this, you insert a Nano-SIM card into the router; the slot is easily accessible on the underside.

Wi-Fi 6 with 160 MHz Channel Width

For the construction of the Wi-Fi network, the TP-Link Deco X50-5G uses the Wi-Fi 6 standard and uses the 160 MHz channel width for optimal data throughput. In testing, this achieves a maximum data transfer of a strong 1,533 MBit/s. Continuously, 1,477 MBit/s are possible under optimal conditions.

Practical Conditions

If we assume everyday conditions and factor in interference, over 1,000 MBit/s are still available — overall a super result.

The equipment of the TP-Link Deco X50-5G also convinces.

LAN Connectivity

For the cable connection, three switchable LAN/WAN ports are available. Two of these allow a maximum speed of 1 Gbit/s for everyday tasks. If you need even more, the third interface offers up to 2.5 Gbit/s data throughput. This means a high-speed home network can also be implemented via network cable, for example for data transmission to a NAS.

Smart Home Hub

If you wish, you can also use the mobile router as a smart home hub. It supports not only TP-Link's own Tapo and Kasa standards but also the open Matter smart home standard.

Missing Features

For analogue or DECT phones, however, the router is not designed, and there is also no USB connection.

Design

Particularly compact the cylindrical device is not, but with the curved shapes — as the "Deco" in the name reveals — it is rather decorative.

The functionality of the TP-Link Deco X50-5G is excellent, but the stationary mobile router does not have everything to offer.

Missing Extras

There are no extras such as NAS, FTP, or printer control, and advanced settings such as a Wi-Fi timer schedule are also not available.

Security Notes

In addition, WPA3 encryption is not active from the factory but only after setting up the router. A configurable firewall is also missing — almost all router competitors provide this.

Strong Core Functions

When it comes to other important functions, however, the router does not show any weakness: it can be used as a VPN server, with all relevant standards such as Wireguard or OpenVPN. In Wi-Fi mesh, the TP-Link takes on the role of a router or a repeater. And in access point mode, it can be connected to other network access points. Dynamic DNS is also available.

We are not really satisfied with the handling, mainly because of the preset passwords and keys. These are not individual for each device from the factory, but uniform.

Action Required at Setup

The device password and the Wi-Fi key should therefore definitely be changed during setup.

Easy Installation

The installation is fairly easy, with the scannable QR code on the device also helping. The web interface and smartphone app could be more comfortable, however.

Power Consumption

The TP-Link Deco X50-5G is also not particularly economical in terms of power consumption. In operation, the router draws around 10 watts, and in standby it is still 8 watts. Basically, this is acceptable for the powerful device. It can also be significantly worse.

Pricing

The TP-Link Deco X50-5G is available for under 220 euros, which is comparatively cheap.

The independent test centre evaluates stationary mobile routers under laboratory conditions. The maximum measured Wi-Fi data rate gives the maximum data throughput achieved with 8 simultaneous data streams.

The TP-Link Deco X50-5G is positioned alongside the test winner (Fritz! FritzBox 6860 5G), the value pick (TP-Link Archer MR550), the best Wi-Fi performance (Vodafone GigaCube 5G — MC888 Ultra), the best functionality (Fritz! FritzBox 6850 5G), and the best router without 5G (Asus 4G-AX56). The Deco X50-5G is rated Very Good (1.3) for performance and Very Good (1.2) for functionality, placing it among the strongest contenders in the category.