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
Hi may I know what the similarity is between Deco E3 and E4?
Deco E3 is an even lower cost version of the Deco E4. The mesh node of Deco E3 does not have any Ethernet ports.
Hi. I am currently using Maxis One Go Wifi. They provided me a ZTE 4G Wireless Router. Model MF283V. I have also purchased Deco E4. But when I had set it up, there is no connection. Does that mean the Deco E4 is not compatible with 4G wireless router?
It should be compatible. Check with TP-Link support.
Hi is it possible to use my existing dlink 850L as 3rd node together with E4 2 packs?
That D-Link router doesn’t support mesh.
I just got the Deco E4 2 packs. I needed more ethernet port for non-Wifi device and use IPTV at the same time. The second port already used up by IPTV. But the secondary unit have both ports free, i wonder if the topology allows secondary unit configured to provide IPTV instead of the main unit
I dont think TP-Link released the function for the Deco E4 although it’s already supported by some other models.
Hi, I’ve already bought E4 pack of 3 nodes and then read this article later while trying to research why my deco is limiting speed to 94mbps on a 350 Mbps connection! Can I use a deco M5 as primary device and then add the other 3 deco E4s as nodes to improve my network speed?
Yup, you can do that.
hi if i buy a deco m5 and e4 as secondary node, will i still have 500mbs coverage for the whole house? thanks
Any dual-band mesh WiFi system will never give you 500Mbps on the entire house. The mesh node will always have some speed drop.
Joining on this since this js exactly my question. Good day. m5 as main mesh, e4 as secondary node. Internest speed 300mbps. will i still get a broadcast of at least 70% to 80% of my 300mbps? Thanks.
I guess 50% is more realitic after factoring all signal loss.
Hello. I am having two questions here about the product
– Can you connect the devices to the router itself? To use them as access points
– Understanding the ethernet port. I have a desktop pc and I use an external wifi usb adapter. It has delivered some problems these days so I decided to buy this product. Basically I can put the Deco beside the pc and use an ethernet cable to access the internet, right? So I don’t have to buy another wifi adapter.
Thank you
1- Yes, there’s an access point mode.
2- Yes, it can function this way.
Consider the Deco M4 instead. The Deco E4 is limited to 100Mbps.
I’m planning to buy deco e4 single unit. Currently I’m using Dlink dir-841 whic is also dual band ac1200. Will deco be better?
There’s no point buying a single unit as you will not get the benefit of mesh WiFi at all.
Hi,
my current setup is unifi 100mbps in two storey house at second floor back room. I cant get proper wifi signal downstairs and the speed very slow..will get around less than 10mb/s.
Can this E4 solve my prob downstairs? 2 pack enough? Connect E4 straight to TM modem or to TP Archer wifi router?
pls help
Get Deco M4 instead. The Deco E4 only support up to 94Mbps instead of the full 100Mbps due to how Ethernet overhead works. Connect straight to TM modem if possible.
Im subsribing celcom home fibre. do tp link mesh wifi support them? cause i read it only maxis and Time
Yes, they can work with Celcom
Hi, is m4 coverage better than e4 if my subscription only 100mbps?
Yes, Deco M4 signal is stronger.
They’re pretty much identical in coverage. The only difference is m4 can go up to 100mbps+ while e4 has a limit of 100mbps. Even if you have 200mbps isp plan you can only have 100mbps in e4.
Hi there, i am currently subscribed to maxis unifi plan of above 100mbps together with landline and hypp tv. if i were to get the deco m4/m5 unit and connect it to the tm modem can the landline and hypp tv still function?
Yes, both HyppTV and the landline will work. There’s nothing to do with the landline anyways since it is not connected to the router.