The TP-Link Deco S4 sits in the middle ground of TP-Link’s Deco mesh WiFi system lineup. Offering a balance between affordability and performance, it caters to users who want strong WiFi coverage for medium-sized homes without going overboard on the budget. Let’s explore the Deco S4’s strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s the perfect fit for your home network.

Pros:

  • Broad Coverage: The Deco S4 boasts coverage for up to 5,500 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized homes and apartments. This translates to a reliable WiFi signal throughout most living spaces, eliminating frustrating dead zones.

  • AC1900 Speeds: The Deco S4 is an AC1900 system, capable of delivering theoretical maximum speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. This translates to smooth streaming, fast downloads, and excellent performance for most everyday internet usage.

  • Flexible Functionality: The Deco S4 can function in two modes – router and access point. In router mode, it acts as the central hub for your network. In access point mode, you can integrate it with your existing router to extend your WiFi coverage. This flexibility provides versatility for various network setups.

  • User-Friendly Management: Like other Deco models, the S4 boasts a user-friendly setup process guided by the TP-Link Deco app. The app offers intuitive controls for network management, making it easy to monitor devices, configure guest networks, and access parental controls.

  • Robust Parental Controls: The Deco app provides comprehensive parental controls. You can create user profiles, filter content based on age-appropriateness, set time limits for internet access, and even block specific websites to ensure a safe online environment for your children.

Cons:

  • Not Top-Tier Speeds: While the AC1900 speeds are suitable for most users, power users or those with gigabit internet plans might find the performance limiting, especially for data-intensive tasks like downloading large files or 4K streaming.

  • Limited MU-MIMO Support: The Deco S4 supports MU-MIMO technology, but only in its 5 GHz band. This means efficient data transfer to multiple devices might be limited, especially if you have a mix of devices using both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

  • Potential for Signal Degradation: Some users report a slight decrease in signal strength at the fringes of the coverage area compared to areas near the Deco units. This is common for mesh systems, but thicker walls or multiple floors can further impact performance.

Overall :

The TP-Link Deco S4 is a compelling choice for users in medium-sized homes seeking to eliminate WiFi dead zones and experience good overall performance. The user-friendly setup, strong coverage area, and robust parental controls make it a family-friendly option. However, if you prioritize top-tier WiFi speeds, require extensive MU-MIMO functionality, or have a large multi-story home, you might want to consider higher-end Deco models with greater range or explore mesh systems from other brands.