TP-Link Deco is pretty well known for one of the best mesh WiFi system around thanks to their ease of use and great performance. With mesh gaining more popularity, TP-Link decided to release an even more affordable version, Deco E4.
From the exterior, the Deco E4 is similar to the Deco M4 we reviewed previously. It comes with the exact design but the only difference will be the internal specs. TP-Link Deco E4 only comes with Fast Ethernet port which means a maximum speed of 100Mbps. However, the WiFi is still up to AC1200.
Despite having AC1200, the maximum WiFi speed you can get on the Deco E4 is only up to 100Mbps due to the limitation by the Ethernet port. So, I only recommend this model to those with a 100Mbps or slower Internet connection.
Mesh WiFi Features
Mesh WiFi isn’t as confusing as it is, a mesh WiFi system works by replacing your existing router with a main unit connected to the modem. Then, it comes with multiple mesh nodes to form a mesh WiFi network where they all work together to expand the coverage.
A mesh WiFi network have many benefits such as better performance and reliability. Since speed is linked to WiFi coverage, having better coverage means better speed. Unlike WiFi repeaters where the WiFi name and IP range is different, mesh WiFi have the same configuration across the entire system. Coupled with fast roaming and AP steering, it makes the entire WiFi experience almost seamless to the user.
Design and Hardware
I reviewed the Deco M4 previously and I really liked how it looks. The Deco E4 looks exactly the same with the tall cylindrical design and having just a single multi-color LED for status indication. The LED can be turned off on the app and there is also a Night mode for the LED.
The ports condition on the Deco E4 is pretty minimal with just 2 Ethernet ports that can only reach up to 100Mbps. It is powered by a standard 12V power adapter typical on WiFi routers. TP-Link is only selling the 2 pack unit in Malaysia and both of the are exactly identical. You can use either one of the Deco E4 as the main unit.
Deco E4 Unifi Setup
The setup process is really simple via TP-Link Deco app. You can refer to my article here on how to setup the Deco E4/M4 for Unifi. However, HyppTV is not supported yet and TP-Link said a firmware update is coming soon in the near future.
TP-Link Deco E4 also support Maxis Fibre and TIME.
Apps and Features
The only way to control the TP-Link Deco mesh WiFi system is using the TP-Link Deco app. All Deco devices are cloud connected to a TP-Link ID so you can manage your network even when you are not at home. The app works really well and we do not face any issues with it. You can see all connected devices and even down to their current speed.
As for features, it is rather basic as the Deco E4 is an entry level model but it does come with some basic networking features such as port forwarding, DDNS, DHCP address reservation. Apart from it, it also supports Guest WiFi and also Blacklisting. Something I wish TP-Link shows is the network map which can be really useful to the normal users.
A feature worth mentioning will be the parental control as it provides a granular content filter to what your users can access. We can select what level of restriction for a user. However, unlike TP-Link’s own Homecare parental control, it does not work on HTTPS encrypted website. There is also a basic QoS feature which let you to set which client to prioritize.
WiFi Performance
As expected from the Deco M4, the key focus will be on the coverage rather than speed since this is a Fast Ethernet device. I tested the WiFi speed around my apartment using the Speedtest.net app on my iPhone X which support Wireless AC1200.
Unsurprisingly, the maximum speed is only up to 100Mbps which mean it is only suitable for users with internet speed up to 100Mbps. I think the Deco E4 is a good fit for VDSL or users that use a slower Internet plan and wish to have a mesh WiFi system for better coverage and WiFi experience.
Closing Thoughts
Like all TP-Link Deco series of product, the Deco E4 comes with good mesh experience. Being so affordable means that there are some compromises such as the Ethernet port being limited to 100Mbps. The cheaper price also resulted in slower WiFi performance as well.
Should you buy it?
The Deco M4 is only a little bit more expensive and Gigabit Ethernet will make sure your network is future proof. If you are fairly confident that 100Mbps is enough and you won’t upgrade, maybe the Deco E4 is a good choice.
But, there’s one thing good with the Deco E4 as it works with all Deco devices. For example, the Deco M5 and this Deco M4 and can actually work together to form a mesh network. You can technically buy a more expensive Deco device as the main unit and use the cheaper E4 as the mesh nodes.
TP-Link Deco E4
The affordable Deco E4 provides good WiFi coverage with compromise on Ethernet port.
7.5
Tubi Score
Good Stuff
- Affordable price
- Easy to setup
Bad Stuff
- 100Mbps Ethernet port
Hello Blacktubi,
I just recently upgrade my unifi tm router to dlink which supports wifi6 that is supplied by tm. According to the tm technician he says my existing mesh deco m4 can still use as mesh network no need to change it. Is it true? Can deco works on dlink router? Any compatibility issues?
Yes it does work with the D-Link router.
Thanks Blacktubi, I ran across your article. I have original 3 packs e4 with wifi speed of 60-70Mbps on nodes, after reading this, I bought 1 pc M4 and made it the main (connected by cable to modem), I am now getting 150-200 Mpbs on nodes. Thanks a lot for this. I noticed that my main modem / router can give 350-400 Mpbs, while the M4 connected via cable (gigabit) can only give 250-300 Mbps (and my E4 nodes can get 150-200 Mpbs), are this “normal” and to be expected numbers considering the attenuation of signal due to wireless, distance… Read more »
Yes, what you’re geting is to be expected from the Deco M4 and E4 series. As for Deco products, the are pretty straightforward. The more you pay, the faster it gets.
Thanks a lot!
Is power adpater universal? Working in 110 and 220V both?
TP-Link’s power adapter will differ depending on region. The one I got here works on both 110V and 240V.
Hi, wich is the maximum distance among Nodes(Deco E4 3 packs)
I would suggest not more than 2 walls and 10m distance for optimal connection quality.
Hi, I would like to know if the Deco E4 connected as the satelite from another Deco M4 unit, will it able to run over than 100mbps since on paper the WiFi spec is exactly same as Deco M4. Thank you.
Yes, it’s able to exceed 100Mbps when working as the mesh node.
Hi Alvyn, Great review and insight, I wished I had read this earlier! I recently switched to a 5G network from fiber. Main reason is 5G network in my area is faster and so much cheaper. Previously my set up was fiber network + tplink deco e4r mesh. My speed subscription was 50MBPS and I get around 50MBPS from the deco. Now, I switched to 5G network with speeds of 200-300MBPS measured by directly connecting to the router, but only yields 60-80MBPS with deco. You hit it right when you mentioned the limitation of e4. My question is, if I… Read more »
Yes, that’s because the Deco E4 is not limited by the port speed bottleneck when operating as the mesh node. However, bear in mind that the speed you get will still depends on the signal condition.
Just add a POE Switch.
I bought a 3-pack E4 for my 3 stories house. They work great but I didn’t know about the Ethernet limitations so I wasn’t able to use the whole 150Mbps I’m paying for. After reading this post and seeing a couple videos on YouTube I was convinced to buy an M4 to use it as AP. I received it today, and let me tell you, it works. I get my full 150Mbps (sometimes up to 160Mbps) from the M4 on the third floor, up to 145Mbps from the E4 on the second flor and up to 101MBps from the E4… Read more »
Hello Emmanuel, glad to hear that your issue is solved.
Bought M4 pack as it’s in the sale at local online warehouse, the E4 isn’t in the sale; you say M4 is higher speed so assume connect that one to the router?
Yes, I will suggest using the Deco M4 as the main unit as it comes with Gigabit Ethernet.