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TP-Link Deco X10 vs TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack)

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems at a similar price

The TP-Link Deco X10 scores 5.2/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack) at 4.6/10.

The TP-Link Deco X10 leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, software and security and wired ports.

The TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack) leads on coverage and value.

Deco X10

TP-Link Deco X10

5.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Deco X10 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh system for households that want simple, app-led setup and broad coverage. It suits homes with modest wired needs and moderate wireless loads. Buyers who want faster-than-gigabit ports or a tri-band design should look at other systems.

Typically about £153.89 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack)

TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack)

4.6/10verdict: skip

The Deco E4 3-pack is for households that want Wi-Fi spread across a large home from three units on a broadband line of modest speed. It suits people who mostly connect over Wi-Fi and have few wired devices. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants gigabit wired ports, Wi-Fi 6 or a built-in VPN server.

Typically about £109 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightTP-Link Deco X10TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%5/104/10
Software and security25%6/105/10
Wired ports20%4/102/10
Coverage15%6/107/10
Value15%5/106/10
Overall5.2/104.6/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Deco X10TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack)
Wi-Fi standard802.11a/n/ac/ax on 5 GHz and 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHz; mesh protocols 802.11k/v/r; WPA/WPA2-PSK/WPA3Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac/n/a on 5 GHz, 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHz)
Bands and speed classDual-band, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (AX1500; rated 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz)Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; signal rates 867 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz)
WAN portNo dedicated WAN port; each unit has two Gigabit Ethernet ports that auto-sense WAN/LAN2 x 10/100 Mbps WAN/LAN ports per unit, auto-sensing
LAN portsTwo Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit, shared with WANNo dedicated LAN port; the two 10/100 Mbps ports on each unit serve as WAN or LAN
Mesh nodes in the boxPacks of 1, 2 or 3 units; the 3-pack has three units3
Rated coverageUp to 5,600 ft² (520 m²) for the 3-pack, 3,900 ft² for the 2-pack and 2,100 ft² for the 1-pack (US page); India page gives 3,900 ft² / 360 m²Up to 4,000 sq ft for the 3-pack (test-based, not guaranteed)
Security and VPN featuresWPA3, SPI firewall, blocklist, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz guest networks, parental controls, QoS, port forwarding, IPv6, TP-Link DDNS, IPTV, local and remote management; VPN client and server added in US firmware 1.3.0SPI firewall, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (no WPA3 listed), guest networks on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, parental controls, QoS, port forwarding, VLAN, IPv6; no VPN server listed

Strengths and weaknesses

TP-Link Deco X10

  • + Manufacturer rates the 3-pack for up to 5,600 ft²
  • + Owners report easy app setup and smooth roaming
  • + Guest networks, WPA3 and regular firmware releases
  • − Gigabit ports only, two per unit, shared with WAN
  • − Dual-band only; owners report shared backhaul limits under load
  • − Advanced HomeShield features reportedly need a paid subscription

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want 2.5GbE or faster wired ports
  • Households with heavy simultaneous traffic who want tri-band or 6 GHz
  • Anyone who wants advanced security features without a possible subscription
Read the full TP-Link Deco X10 review ›

TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack)

  • + Three units rated for up to 4,000 sq ft
  • + Guest networks on both bands, plus VLAN and QoS
  • + High retailer ratings from owners
  • − Ethernet ports are 10/100 Mbps only
  • − Wi-Fi 5 dual-band, with no WPA3 listed
  • − No VPN server listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with wired NAS, servers or desktops who need gigabit Ethernet
  • Anyone who wants Wi-Fi 6 or newer for a fast broadband line
  • Users who need WPA3 or a built-in VPN server
Read the full TP-Link Deco E4 (3-pack) review ›

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