PLEASE ADVISE: TP-Link AC1200 Deco E4 vs. M4 vs. other Mesh WiFi Systems

[EyeGod]

I'm in the market for a mesh wifi solution. Looking at the following:

Takealot

Takealot

A quick search turned out this:

I've got a 100Mbps u/d fibre connection, and will be using primarily for downloading, gaming and streaming. All I want is a solid connection that will do better than my current AP bridged repeater hack-job (for reference, I get around 26Mbps d and 15Mbps u in my home office (running ethernet from a bridged router acting as an AP), which should be much closer to 100, but due to it not being mesh, it's just not sufficient).

I also only need three units. So:

Do I spend more on 4 x older units, or a little less on 3 x newer units? OR:

Are there better mesh wifi systems worth looking at?

All advice welcome, thanks.

 

[Cavie]

I have Deco M4s - they're fantastic and honestly you don't need anything else/better.

You set it up so one connects to the router, the rest are just plugged in like nodes around the house. You get the mobile app to configure the network, and that's it. From then on, it's one password and one access point across the entire coverage zone (which is massive, in my case we got around 40m coverage with two units).

I believe the only difference here is the speeds, right? M4 supports over 300Mbps, E4 stops there, or something like that? In either case, I think you're good.

EDIT: Just to mention, neither device supports WiFi 6 to my knowledge, so there is that to consider if you're ever looking at upgrading your internet speed in future! In that case though it's arguably better to get a Mesh router (the AX ones) and then buy based on your required coverage. If you don't care about WiFi 6 then yeah, Deco M4 would be my suggestion.

 

[EyeGod]

I have Deco M4s - they're fantastic and honestly you don't need anything else/better.

You set it up so one connects to the router, the rest are just plugged in like nodes around the house. You get the mobile app to configure the network, and that's it. From then on, it's one password and one access point across the entire coverage zone (which is massive, in my case we got around 40m coverage with two units).

I believe the only difference here is the speeds, right? M4 supports over 300Mbps, E4 stops there, or something like that? In either case, I think you're good.

EDIT: Just to mention, neither device supports WiFi 6 to my knowledge, so there is that to consider if you're ever looking at upgrading your internet speed in future! In that case though it's arguably better to get a Mesh router (the AX ones) and then buy based on your required coverage. If you don't care about WiFi 6 then yeah, Deco M4 would be my suggestion.

Thanks!

Yeah, I think it's the speed that's the difference.

So, you suggest future-proofing, i.e. quality > quantity? I honestly feel I can get by perfectly with only three units, so it makes sense to me.

Not worried about WiFi 6 (not even sure WHAT it is, haha) and my 100Mbps connection is more than sufficient for my personal needs, so I don't see myself needing to upgrade anytime soon.

 

[Trompie67]

Ubiquiti Amplifi. Been using the mesh system, plus and extra Amplifi router (house is huge).

This system: Ubiquiti AmpliFi Instant Wi-Fi System (UB-AFI-INS)

with an extra on of these: Ubiquiti AmpliFi Instant Wi-Fi System ( UB-AFI-INS-R )

Going on 4 years now with zero issues.

 

[EyeGod]

Ubiquiti Amplifi. Been using the mesh system, plus and extra Amplifi router (house is huge).

This system: Ubiquiti AmpliFi Instant Wi-Fi System (UB-AFI-INS)

with an extra on of these: Ubiquiti AmpliFi Instant Wi-Fi System ( UB-AFI-INS-R )

Going on 4 years now with zero issues.

Thanks; these just majorly exceed my budget.