What’s the difference between the TP-Link Deco M4 and Deco S4?

The Deco S4 is a new version of TP-Link’s Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System. So, how does the new model stack up against the older Deco M4?

You can find out in this comparison guide.

Quick Summary

The main differences between the TP-Link Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi Systems is that the newer Deco S4 is more compact in size in addition to adding support CE transmit power.

Otherwise, the S4 and M4 are identical in specs and features.

Deco M4 vs. Deco S4 Comparison Chart

You can take a look at Seeking Tech’s comparison table between the M4 and S4 below.

Dimensions

The S4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System is a little bit more than a inch shorter than the M4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System.

You can find the exact measurements for both below:

• Φ3.6 in. x 7.5 in. (or Φ90.7 mm x 190 mm)
• Φ3.6 in. x 6.4 in. (or Φ90.7 mm x 162.3 mm)

What’s in the Box

Aside from the main WiFi units, both product also includes a RJ45 Ethernet cable, quick installation guide as well as power adapters.

You can take a look at the contents included in each packaging below:

TP-Link Deco M4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System 3-Pack:

• 3x Deco M4 Units
• 1x RJ45 Ethernet Cable
• 3x Power Adapters
• 1x Quick Installation Guide

TP-Link Deco S4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System 3-Pack:

• 3x Deco S4 Units
• 1x RJ45 Ethernet Cable
• 3x Power Adapters
• 1x Quick Installation Guide

Coverage

Both devices can provide up to 5,500 sq. ft. of Wi Fi coverage.

Number of Devices

You can also connect to up to 100 compatible devices at the same time to the M4 and S4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi Systems.

Processor

The TP Link M4 and S4 uses the Qualcomm CPU as the processor.

Interfaces

Both products also includes two WAN/LAN auto-sensing Gigabit Ethernet ports per Deco unit. So, you will get six total in a three-pack.

Buttons

The only button included in the two devices is a reset button located on the underside.

External Power Supply

You can check out the external power supply include for each Wi-Fi Mesh Wi-Fi System below.

• TP-Link Deco M4: 12 V/1.2 A
• TP-Link Deco S4: 12 V/1.5 A

Antenna Type

Both also come with two internal dual-band antennas per Deco unit, which makes it six in total in the three-pack.

Wi-Fi Frequency

The TP-Link Deco M4 and TP-Link Deco S4 feature the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless frequency.

Wireless Standards

The two are also compatible with the following Wi-Fi standards:

• IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
• IEEE 802.11 ac/n/a 5 GHz

Signal Rate

The signal rates are identical as well:

• 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz
• 867 Mbps on 5 GHz

Transmit Power

With the new Deco S4, TP-Link added support for CE transmit power.

You can take a look at the specifications below:

Deco M4:

• FCC: <30 dBm

Deco S4:

• FCC: <30 dBm
• CE: <20 dBm (2.4 GHz) and <23 dBm (5 GHz)

Wireless Security

Both wireless systems use the following security protections:

• WPA-PSK
• WPA2-PSK

Advanced Wireless Functions

The two also have identical advanced wireless functions, including Access Point Mode, Guest Network, Optional Ethernet Backhaul and Router Mode.

TP-Link Mesh Technology

The TP-Link Deco M4 and S4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi Systems also utilize the following mesh tech:

• AP Steering
• Auto Path Selection
• Band Steering
• Beamforming
• MU-MIMO
• Self-Healing

Quality of Service

When it come to Quality of Service (or QoS), both devices use Wi-Fi Multimedia (or WMM).

IPv6

The M4 and S4 also support IPv6.

WAN Types

The following WAN types are supported in both products:

• Dynamic IP
• L2TP
• Static IP
• PPPoE
• PPTP

Management Systems

Furthermore, both products support the following management systems:

• Local Management
• Remote Management

DHCP

The two also use Client and Server DHCP.

Port Forwarding

Moreover, both products support port forwarding.

Access Control

In terms of access control, you will be able to use the blacklist feature.

Firewall Security

The two Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi Systems use a SPI Firewall.

Protocols

Both also utilize the IPv4 protocol as well as the aforementioned IPv6 protocol.

Advanced Software Features

The advanced software features for the two products include Parental Controls as well as the aforementioned Quality of Service.

Advanced Software Functions

Both also have the following advanced software functions:

• Monthly Reports
• Auto FW Update
• Expand Wi-Fi by adding more Deco units

Guest Network

With the TP-Link M4 and S4, you will be able to set up a quest network in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Beamforming

The Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi Systems feature beamforming.

APP

Both products also support Deco App for easy setup.

Smartphone and Tablet Requirements

The smartphone and/or tablet requirements are the same as you need the following:

• Android 4.4 or later
• iOS 9.0 or later

Certifications

The two hardware have the same certifications:

• BSMI
• CE
• FCC
• IC
• IDA
• JPA
• JRF
• KC
• NCC
• RCM
• RoHS
• VCCI

Operating and Storage Conditions

The operating and storage conditions are also identical:

• Operating Temperature: 0℃ to 40℃ (32℉ to 104℉)
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
• Storage Temperature: -40℃ to 70℃ (-40℉ to 158℉)
• Storage Humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing

Resources:

• https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/deco/deco-m4
• https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/deco/deco-s4