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,
I just bought TPLink Deco E4 and i am using Maxis 30 mbps. I have 3 question.
Should i replace the maxis router with my new Deco E4?
Or just connect the Deco E4 to the TM modem?
Or just connect the Deco E4 to the Maxis router?
Which one is better and give a good performance?
tq
Connect the Deco E4 to TM modem will give the best performance but doing this will eliminate the Maxis DECT phone.
Hi, i have internet home fibre with 30 mbps.
House area around 2800 square feet @double storey terrace house.
I’m having problem receiving wifi especially upstairs and back room.
Planing to buy the tp link deco.
Which deco suitable for me?
For 30Mbps, just get the Deco E4 3 pack and put it around your home. It’s more than enough.
Hi ? If i get 1 M4 as the main and 3 E4 to set at the 2nd and 3rd floors, will the speed still be capped at 100mbps?
No it won’t, but I think the 3rd floor will be slower than 100Mbps due to signal degradation.
The best and detailed review and you won over a loyal subscriber and Fan.
I bought a set of E4x3 was puzzled why the speed was capped below 100mbps when I have 500mbps facility by maxis.
After reading this I bought an M5 as the main unit and used the E4s as slaves. I have excellent speed and coverage now across 3 floors of my house!
You’re a lifesaver and keep doing what you’re good at! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
Can I know what speed are you getting from the slave unit (E4) after doing so? Hehe
I have 2 * Deco E4s but realised after purchasing that it’s limited to 100MBPS (Lan cable connection to my network Router). If I use a Deco M4 to as the primary device and connect the E4s in Mesh mode with it, will I experience better speeds? My internet provider gives a stable 300mbps connectivity but I feel it’s being severely underutilized because I bought the wrong Deco model 🙁
Yes, you can purchase the Deco M5 single pack for this.
Hi,
I am using Huawei B618-65d 4G Broadband router (digi i150 infinite plan). The router is positioned at the 2nd floor and I would like to get a better connection/coverage at the first floor, particularly for my backyard cameras and Netflix streaming. Average speed at the moment is around 40 to 50 Mbps.
House area around 3200 square feet @double storey terrace house. looking at tp link deco E4(3 pac) or tp link deco m4 (3 pac)
Perhaps any advise for me? tq tq boss
Get the Deco M4 3 pack instead. The performance will be better.
If we use M4 as a primary node with input of 200-500mbps Ethernet input, The secondary nodes, which are E4 will provide the Wi-Fi speed of more than 100mbps.
100mbps limitation is observed (In Wi-Fi) only if primary node is E4
Yup, you are right. The Deco E4 wireless capability is certainly up to maximum of 867Mbps combined throughput on 5Ghz.
I have a problem:
I have a Deco M5 connected to a Vodafone router by LAN and 3 Deco E4s as satellites in other parts of the house.
The download speed of the Vodafone router is 500mbps and the the Deco M5 also gives 500mbps.
But the download speeds of the E4s range from 24-125mbs depending on how far from the M5 they are. I would have expected at least 400mbps.
(maybe Ookla on my phone is picking up the M5 and not the E4s)
I must admit I am confused.
can anyone help please?
It’s almost impossible to get 400Mbps on the mesh node, there’s not enough backhaul capacity on these cheaper mesh models. In fact, only the Deco X68 and above can reliably provide 400-500Mbps on the mesh node.
May i know the maximum wifi speed between E4 & M4? Im using unifi 800mbps package. Thanks
Deco E4 up to 100Mbps. Deco M4 up to 500Mbps. This is based on realitic tested speed.
Good article. thanks
thank you very much for explaination… great assist for me
The E4 and M4 both use the same wifi and supports upto 867mps. Only if you go for cable use and plug into the ethernet port there is a difference. E4 at 100mbs and M4 at 1000mbs
From TP-Link website: https://www.tp-link.com/my/support/faq/2423/
I do mention it in the article that the Wi-Fi speed is technically limited to 100Mbps.
Hi, I have TPLink Archer AX3000 connected to ISP router. Can i still link Deco E4 mesh system with Archer AX3000?
Yea you can do so.