TP Link Deco M3 vs TP Link Deco M4- Going for the best quality Wi-Fi system
Choosing the right Wi-Fi connection is a combination of factors such as reliability, price and speed of the Wi-Fi. With this in mind, this article has analyzed two popular brandsthe TP Link Deco M3 and M4 to help you pick the right one for you.
To know which wireless system to settle for, there are a number of ways to test and check on the efficiency of each. Whether or not you are in the tech-industry, settling on one product can be quite hectic because of all the quality products currently in the market.
After careful consideration of all the numerous Wi-Fi connections and tech-gadgets, this article has narrowed down to TP Link Deco M3 and TP Link Deco M4. These are highly rated systems that are suitable for all types of users ranging from the home to office space.
While they are highly regarded in their own individual categories, there is need to know which between the two reigns supreme.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between TP Link Deco M3 and TP Link Deco M4?
Model |
TP Link Deco M3 |
TP Link Deco M4 (Winner) |
Hardware |
RAM is 128MB and storage is 8MB
IEEE 802.11 n/b/g 2.4GHz and IEEE 802.11 a/n/ax 5GHz |
SDRAM is 128MB and storage 16MB
IEEE 802.11 n/g/b 2.4GHz and IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz
|
Signal rate |
300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz 867 Mbps on 5 GHz |
300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz 867 Mbps on 5 GHz |
Frequency Band |
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
Size |
4.9 × 2.7 × 1.4 inches |
7.5 × 3.6 × 3.6 inches |
Network Coverage |
Covers up to 4,500 square feet |
Covers up to 5,500 square feet |
TP Link Deco M3 vs TP Link Deco M4- How do they compare?
Coverage
Both these Wi-Fi devices have the same goal which is to create a network that is capable of supporting a good number of clients with access from anywhere in their office or homes. The M3 and M4 work similarly using the first node to create an internet connection therebycreating a wireless coverage.
If there is need to broaden the network coverage a node is added to attain a wider wireless coverage seamlessly. Both the devices have 5GHz radio band and this enables a good number of clients to connect without having any backhaul traffic. Regarding signal coverage, Deco M3 covers up to 4,500 square feet while Deco M4 covers up to 5,500 square feet. The Deco M4 boasts a wider coverage area compared to the Deco M3.
Design
When comparing both the Deco M3 and Deco M4 main routers physical appearance, there are little to no differences when put side by side. For instance, they both have a small tower-like resemblance. They are also both white in color and have an elegant finish with white details at the top of the device.
This makes them a great fit in right about any living room or office set-up as it is not outstanding in terms of color. They also both have air vents at the top of the device and this assists with air flow and avoids over heating of the device.
The only notable difference comes in the sizes of the products. The Deco M4 stands taller than the Deco M3 they both have a small tower like resemblance.
Hardware
The Deco M4 router is built on Qualcomm chipset with network protocols IEEE 802.11 b/g/n for the 2.4GHz band and IEEE 802.11 ac/n/a for the 5GHz band. It also has 2 GB Ethernet Ports, 16 MB flash storage and 128MB on the SDRAM. Each individual deco also has WAN/LAN auto sensing.
For the Deco M3 router, it is also built on QualcommIEEE 802.11 ac/n/a 5 GHz and IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz. It also has 2 Ethernet ports with WAN/LAN auto sensing. Unlike the M4, it has 8MB flash storage and the RAM is 128MB.
Performance
The main aim for both the Deco M3 and M4 is to create a wireless network provider that is able to handle a wide range or clients and to cover the inside of your home or office from top to bottom without losing a signal.
Deco M3 and M4 have been able to use mesh network technology that has been existing for some time and they have been able to make some adjustments to it to improve and add simplicity to the network system.
The Deco M3 uses main router as the first node to connect to the internet and when there is need to the wireless coverage the next node is connected so as to achieve that and even when there is a specific area that unable to get Wi-Fi coverage a third node is added so as to achieve Wi-Fi coverage in the area, all the nodes communicate with each other making the transition seamless from one node to another.
For instance, if you are on a Skype call and walking around the house and the connection changes from one node to another is it quick and seamless and will not cause any interruptions during your call.
On the other hand, Deco M4 only has two units that are used unlike the Deco M3 that comes with the main router and two extension units which offer a wide range of internet connection throughout your home or office.
Setup and Interface
Both the Deco M4 and M5 can be set up easily once it is unpacked all you are required to do is download the mobile app. This will give you easy steps that enable a quick connection by following the lights on the router as guidance and the steps on the mobile app. The devices take the same amount of time to set up. However, the M4 comes as only two units and will be a bit quicker to set up while the M3 comes with the main router and two extender units this will take a little bit more time to set up.
Speeds
The maximum theoretical data transfer rate of the devices is 867 Mbps while using 5 GHz and 300Mbps while using 2.4 GHz they both have a similar data transfer rate, meaning in this category they are both well-equipped devices.
Performance in speed tests
When tested, the Deco M3 hits 300Mbps (2.4GHz) band when in close proximity. This is thanks to the modern 802.11ac network it supports.
M4 is also fast delivering up to 480Mbps when the router is in close proximity with the connected device. When placed 30 feet away, M4 does 342Mbps which is quite impressive.
Additional accessories
Both units also include a feature referred to as “self-healing”. This is where the device reroutes traffic if one unit loses power and it leads you to another unit to make sure you always stay connected to the network.
M3 and M4 also both have parental control options. These enable parents who desire to monitor their children’s online activities and the amount of time spent on different online platforms. In addition, it also has the option of blocking the use of sites which parents may not approve of. For clients who want to control their mesh Wi-Fi system from a mobile app they are able to do so it also pairs with the famous Alexa and can use voice commands to control the device.
TP Link Deco M3 vs TP Link Deco M4- A Comparison Overview
TP Link Deco M3
- Better than traditional WiFi Booster: TP-Link mesh technology allows Deco units to form a single mesh...
- Long Range Coverage: Deco uses a system of units to achieve seamless whole home WiFi coverage up to 4,500...
The Deco M3 is a reliable device and has numerous features that are suitable for a large number of clients. Its design is also a bonus as it will be fit seamlessly into an office or home. It also comes with two extenders that are small and rectangular in shape to not take a lot of space.
Another noteworthy feature of this product is the TP Link mobile app which acts as a remote for the router and also offers additional information about the device. This app can also be used to access the parental control features. This comes in handy for parents who would like to monitor their children’s online visits.
To add, Deco M3 and M4 have a similarity in the lights system that indicate the kind of signal the router is receiving. The yellow pulse indicates the device is resetting, yellow solid indicates that the deco is starting up; blue pulse indicates the deco is ready for set up and blue solid indicates the deco is setting up. The white pulse indicates the deco is upgrading firmware, white solid indicates deco is registered; red pulse indicates the deco is disconnected and the red solid indicates that the deco has an issue. The Deco M3 extension also has a signal indicator which are, white solid color indicates that the devices are connected and the network is available, the red solid color indicates connected but the network is unavailable and the red blinking light indicates that it is disconnected.
The Deco M4 and M3 have other additional features such as the parental controls which.
What we like
- It has an executive design
- Presence of extender Wi-Fi enables top speed connection
- Parental controls
- Compatible with all deco devices
- Easy to set up
What we don’t like
- The extenders appearance is different from the main router
- It cannot be mounted on the wall
TP Link Deco M4
- JD Power Award ---Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017 and 2019
- Better Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: Deco M4 three units work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh...
The Deco M4 has an executive design that is simple and elegant to be a great addition to your living room and office. You can easily mix the Deco M4 with other décor models for instance additional extension units that are compatible with this product. This is if you want to broaden the Wi-Fi range.
Regarding its hardware features, it is powered by Qualcomm and has 16MB storage and the SDRAM at 128MB. Its external power supply is 12V/1.2 A and has 2 Ethernet ports. To add, the dimensions of the device are7.5 × 3.6 × 3.6 inches.
Thirdly, the set-up process is easy and pain-free through the TP Linksys mobile app. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. This system also offers additional features like parental control. This gives parents the ability to set online limits and filter out websites that are not wholesome for their children.
For Deco M4, one of its shortcomings is that it only comes with two units while the M3 comes with a main router and two extension units. This can be a hindrance when there are numerous devices connected to the Wi-Fi provider causing traffic and weak connection. If M4 is being used in a fairly large home or office, consider purchasing an extra Deco extension unit as the signal may not be able reach the entire area.
What we like
- Easy to set upusing the TP Link mobile app
- Minimalistic design
- Parental controls are useful
- It is integrated with Alexa for voice commands
What we don’t like
- Rather pricey
- Cannot be mounted
- Can topple over because of the design
Conclusion
This article has analyzed two quality products namely: TP Link M4 and M3. They have many similarities like their overall design, parental control options and hardware set-up. Subtle differences exist to help you choose between the two.
Verdict: So, which one is better between TP Link Deco M4 and TP Link Deco M3?
Both these routers have a large number of similarities as they are from the same company. However, the Deco M4 has a few advantages over the Deco M3. For instance, it has a better appearance where all the units are uniform and will fit into a room seamlessly. For better range, you can also consider buying Deco extensions so that your whole home/office is covered.
Frequently asked questions
-
How do you set up M3 and M3 routers to your devices?
Both Wi-Fi routers come with an app that gives easy steps to connect the device to the router.
-
What determines the strength of one router over another? Like that of M3 vs.M4
Beyond the software and hardware features of each router, the type of home/office also determines how well the device will work.
