4G vs Wi-Fi Smart Meters: Which Should You Choose?
Should your smart electricity meters connect over 4G or Wi-Fi? Compare cost, reliability and installation, with a simple checklist to decide.
Every smart meter needs a connection to send its readings to the cloud and receive commands such as remote on/off. Most meters come in two versions: Wi-Fi and 4G. The right choice depends on your building more than on the meter.
The short answer
- Choose Wi-Fi if the building has stable Wi-Fi that reaches every distribution board.
- Choose 4G if Wi-Fi is weak, shared or unreliable where the meters will be installed, or if you don't want the meters to depend on the building's network.
Side-by-side
| Wi-Fi meters | 4G meters | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware cost | Lower | Higher |
| Running cost | No data plan | Data plan per meter |
| Depends on building Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Best for | Condos, apartments, offices with good Wi-Fi | Basements, meter rooms, hostels, remote sites |
| Setup | Connect each meter to the Wi-Fi network | Insert SIM; it connects on its own |
When Wi-Fi works well
Wi-Fi meters are the most cost-effective option when:
- Your building already has managed Wi-Fi with good coverage at the distribution boards.
- The Wi-Fi password and router won't be changed without notice.
- Someone is responsible for keeping the network running.
If the router is switched off or replaced, Wi-Fi meters go offline until they're reconnected, so they work best where the network is stable and managed.
When 4G is the safer choice
4G meters carry their own connection, so they keep reporting no matter what happens to the building's network. They're the better choice for:
- Meter rooms and basements, where Wi-Fi rarely reaches.
- Hostels and rentals, where tenants or caretakers may unplug or reset routers.
- Shoplots and factories, where each unit or board is far from any access point.
- Remote or new sites with no internet yet.
Each 4G meter needs a data plan. Smart meters send small amounts of data, so low-data plans are usually enough. Splinergy's M2M data plans start from RM 35 per SIM per year, and the SIM card is free with any plan.
A quick checklist
Ask these three questions about each location where a meter will go:
- Can a phone get a strong Wi-Fi signal standing at the distribution board?
- Is the Wi-Fi network managed by you or someone reliable?
- Will it stay unchanged for years?
If you answer yes to all three, choose Wi-Fi. If any answer is no, choose 4G.
Mixing both is fine
You don't have to choose one type for a whole property. Many sites use Wi-Fi meters in units with good coverage and 4G meters in the meter room or basement. They all appear in the same Splinergy dashboard.
Compare models and prices on the products page, or ask us which suits your site.
Planning a smart-meter project?
Tell us about your property and we'll recommend the right setup.