TP Link Deco M4 vs Google Wi-Fi- Mesh system for home or office

For seamless streaming of 4K movies and playing online games, a good mesh system is needed. TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi are some of the top quality options available.

Previously, Wi-Fi mesh systems were designated for work environments like the military and other such like enterprises. Nowadays though, people have deviated to use these routers for home use. Some of the quality products in this region include the TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi. While TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi share some features that make them highly popular and well-reviewed.

Like they are both be high performance for all kinds of designs because of their mesh systems. However, they have their own subtle differences. For TP Link Deco M4, it is popular with people who have large houses that often have ‘blind spots’ and signal dead zones. On the flipside, Google Wi-Fi works best for people who are keen on fast data transfer speeds.

Choosing between the two can therefore become quite hectic. This is why this guide has been created so that one is able to analyze which between the two can meet their needs and expectations. Read on for more on the distinguishing elements between TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi.

What is the comparison between TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi?

Model	TP Link Deco M4	Google Wi-Fi (Winner)
Chipset	Dual-band technology, Processor- Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth 4.2 BlueCore WLCSP chip, 256 MB of RAM and 32MB flash memory. 2 Ethernet ports (1GBs)	Processor- Qualcomm Atheros (Quad-core) IPQ4019 chipset 4GBFlash memory / 4MB Winbond and 512MB of RAM, DDR3 SDRAM
Speed	1126Mbps	Up to 1.2GBps
Antenna	2 antennas	5(4 Wi-Fi and 1 Bluetooth)
Signal coverage	Expandable 260 square feet	Single node- 1,500 square feet and 3-pack- 4,500 square feet
MU-MIMO &Beamforming+	Yes	Yes
	See price	See price

 

TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi- How do they compare?

Hardware

These Wi-Fi mesh systems have quality elements that essential for stable and secure connections. For Deco M4, it has the Qualcomm IPQ4019 chip, 256MB RAM memory and a Bluetooth chip. All these work together to deliver good Wi-Fi performance as its 2.4GHz radio uses the same chipset. It is also fitted with (2) 1GBs Ethernet ports.

For its tech features, it has MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology. This enables seamless connection between multiple devices. Even when you have many devices connected to your system, your network still speeds up by decreasing the amount of each device has to wait for a signal.

Google Wi-Fi also works on the same Qualcomm IPQ4019 platform with 512MB of RAM, 4GB flash memory and 4MB Winbond. Bluetooth and Zigbee technology are also supported by this router. To add, Google Wi-Fi has two Ethernet ports that act as LAN and WAN ports respectively. This is all depending on which node is connected for the internet. Another feature is the reset button that is found on the rear side of the router in case you want to restart your system. It is also where the LED system can be turned off when need be.

Speeds

Depending on your Internet Service Provider Plan, TP-Link Deco M4 can deliver maximum transfer rates of 400 Mbps and 867 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands respectively.

For Google Wi-Fi it has a maximum theoretical data transfer speed of 300 Mbps and 867 Mbps respectively per node. Overall, Google Wi-Fi can give you speeds of up to 2GBps.   This means that Google is quite faster than M4 but the Deco is nonetheless able to keep up with resource intensive tasks at fast speeds.

Performance on speed tests

When tested in a practical set-up, both M4 and Google Wi-Fi live up to their fast speeds. For the M4, it can reach 480Mbps when the router is in close proximity (within the same room with the connected device). On throughput tests, Google Wi-Fi shows 117.83 Mbps and 96.72 on the 5GHz and 2.4GHz band when within 5 feet/1.52 meters.

Software Versions

For both Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi, they are often updated regularly. For Deco M4, the model and hardware version of each product varies by the region. Currently, it runs on Deco M4 (EU)_V1_190620 software. Any firmware updates should also be done with the router completely switched off to avoid any mishaps.

Google Wi-Fi on the other hand has the firmware version of 11021.84.4. For both products, manufacturers have released several updates to meet new challenges. Google Wi-Fi also supports the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac network protocols.

Design

Currently, mesh systems are designed in such a way that they are unnoticeable and can pass for any other device. For TP Link Deco M4, it has a cylindrical shape.

On the flipside, Google Wi-Fi’s design is as modern as can be. It has a sleek, compact design and it primarily comes in white. Its design makes it blend easily with all kind of rooms and some even confuse it for a mobile device. Google Wi-Fi comes in three units that are identical measuring 4.17 x 2.70 inches.

The exterior has a classy matte finish that ensures the units remain free of any fingerprints for a constant clean look. The cylindrical design also entails LED lights that inform you on the status of the router system at all times. When connected with Ethernet cords, Google Wi-Fi is a lightweight device weighing only 12 ounces.

TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi- A comparison overview

TP Link Deco M4

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TP Link Deco M4 is a dual-band Wi-Fi system that primarily comes in a white, sleek design. They are compact sized and modern looking enough to be a good fit for right about any room. You need not hide them away because of their overall impressive design. Both modules measure 90.7 x 190mm.

Secondly, the M4 comes with the TP Link app that you can use for easy setup of the Wi-Fi system throughout your home. In terms of coverage, the two-pack can cover up to 260 square feet with the option of router extenders if you wish to expand this coverage.

Thirdly, M4 offers impressive data transfer speeds of up to 1167Mbps. This ensures seamless online gaming and streaming of HD movies. Such resource intensive tasks require such speeds to avoid unnecessary lags. The 2 antennas and Qualcomm Atheros processor further enhance the connection speeds you receive with this product.

To add, TP-Link wins out on the Google Wi-Fi by having ventilation holes to keep the unit cool even after long periods of use. It is designed with vent holes at the bottom. M4 also comes with additional accessories like parental controls. With this router, you can block inappropriate websites for your children as well as set limits for the amount of time to be spent online. This comes in handy during school holidays especially. Alexa and IFTTT are also supported with M4 for easy control of the system.

Like all other products, TP Link Deco M4 has its fair share of imperfections. For instance, its dual-band technology is rather slow compared to other modern versions that are fitted with tri-band for a dedicated extra band to keep up with high demands. Another drawback of M4 is that unlike other products like the M5, it does not have TrendMicro or QoS (Quality of Service). For ultimate protection, a router ought to be fitted with anti-virus software because of cyber threats like malware and phishing.

Pros

• Modern, stylish design
• Reasonably priced
• Easy to set-up using the T-Link app
• Has MU-MIMO technology and dual-band frequency

Cons

• Slower compared to other products in the market
• Rather big

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Google Wi-Fi

Google Wi-Fi is an elegant looking, mesh system that has a minimalist design. It is still high performance despite its compact design. It weighs 11.8oz and measures 4.2 x 4.2 x 2.7 inches.

First, it has one section that alerts you on  the status of the router at all times. It does this by displaying different colors. A green-blue light means the status of the network is okay and the node is working as registered. Flashing red light indicates there is some error while flashing amber means that the node does not have any internet connection. Finally, a solid blue color means that the router is restoring to its factory settings. This clear LED makes it all the easier to assess what is happening with your mesh system in case of any mishaps.

Like the Linksys Velop, TP Link Deco M4 has an LED light system that is round the unit. This LED light can be turned off during the night if you want it. It flashes red when there is an error, green when everything is working well and blue when the units are starting up.

Another pro feature of this mesh system is that one node can act as the main router while the others are satellites or extenders. It wins out on other devices like Eero and Netgear Orbi which do not allow for this interchangeability.  Google Wi-Fi’s latest versions support voice controls like Alexa which you can use to power on your router as well as other commands. On network protocols, it supports IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.

Thirdly, Google Wi-Fi has network assist technology that ensures you are connected to the clearest and fastest network at all times. In fact, the manufacturers of Google Wi-Fi state that their units offer reliable internet access whether you are in the attic, basement or outdoors in the patio.

Yet another notable feature of Google Wi-Fi is its parental control features. You can tweak the settings to have the router paused during dinnertime or when it is time for the children to go to bed. Such settings come in handy to keep children away from their gadgets all the time.

Google Wi-Fi is not without fault though. For example, it lacks proper vents to keep the unit cool even after long term use. This is not entirely a deal breaker because this unit does not overheat and does not become unbearably hot at the top. Also, understanding what the colors mean can be difficult to understand without a manual.

Pros

• Can use voice commands through Alexa and other controls
• Easy to setup
• Has a sleek, modern design that is easily unnoticeable in a room

Cons

• Lacks vent holes

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Conclusion

TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi are both built on the same chipset platform (Qualcomm Atheros). They also offer wide coverage without signal degradation because of their dedicated backhaul channel and expandable mesh Wi-Fi system. The set-up process for both has also been made easy for novices as well. All you need for the installation of these units is the mobile app and an email address for verification purposes.

To add, they both have the option of buying additional nodes for better coverage. TP Link Deco, for instance, comes with 3 units but this can be upgraded for larger homes.

Verdict: So, which between the two is better? TP Link Deco M4 or Google Wi-Fi?

Based on their overall design, TP Link Deco M4 and Google Wi-Fi have a lot in common ranging from the LED lights, 3 units and Ethernet ports. However, they have their own subtle differences and this is where Google Wi-Fi wins out.

Google Wi-Fi is the better device because of its sleek, modern design that makes it a good fit for right about any room. It also offers wide coverage of up to 4,500 square feet which is what one goes for in a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does a whole-home Wi-Fi system mean, like that of Deco M4?

For Deco, it entails an intelligent Wi-Fi system that is able to seamlessly deal with numerous routers and router extenders. A whole-home Wi-Fi system then simply means multiple units that work together, through the maintenance of a single network throughout your home or office.

2. What do you need for the set-up process?

Both Deco and Google Wi-Fi have made installation easy through their mobile app. For both, you will be required to sign in using an email address. This will be used to verify your account and allow you to remotely manage your network.