WIFI SIGNAL REPEATER REVIEW FULL

It also looks much more understated and minimalist compared to other routers that are big, black, and wouldn't be out of place in the Batcave.įirst up, we see a theoretical speed of up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1,200Mbps on the 5Ghz band. You probably don't want to be playing games using this extender, but most other uses, such as streaming, should be fine.īesides that, the AC750 comes with a handy WPS connect button in the front, and an ethernet port below, making overall connectivity pretty good. While the AC750 can support up to 32 devices, it lacks the MU-MIMO technology that allows simultaneous streaming and beamforming. Of course, 5GHz still manages to beat out the 2.4GHz performance of around 25Mbps at 50 feet, although not as much as it should. That means that 5GHz gets mediocre performance, and, in practical terms, you're likely to get around 45Mbps at the 50-foot range. When it comes to speeds, you're looking at a stated 300Mbps on 2.4GHz and 433Mbps on 5GHz, which are pretty close to each other. They've even managed to pack good performance on TP-Link AC750 while keeping it below $20, which is pretty impressive for a piece of modern networking equipment. It should be no surprise to see another TP-Link product here, considering how good the company is at making accessible consumer-grade gear. In practical terms, though, you're looking at around 45Mbps at 50-feet for the 2.4GHz band and around 85Mbps at 50-feet for the 5GHz band, both of which are relatively good speeds when compared to the competition. In terms of speeds, you'll be getting up to 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,300Mbps on the 5Ghz, both of which are probably more than your maximum speeds. Another smart design choice is surrounding the button with an indicator light to know precisely when it connects and how stable the connection is. Compare that to some other Wi-Fi extenders where the button is hidden on the side, and it's a pretty wise decision. While it doesn't tick every single feature box of similar devices, it still manages to put the most important stuff in, while also keeping it relatively cheap.įor example, setup is straightforward with the front-and-center Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which allows you to pair it with any other WPS router by simply touching the front of the extender. If you sat down in a room with a bunch of engineers to design a Wi-Fi range extender, the TP-Link RE450 would be what they come up with. This is especially important for things like gaming or if you have 15 or more devices connected to your network, such as in the case of a smart home setup. While we encourage you to read more into it by following the link, the long and short of it is that MU-MIMO helps avoid lag when several devices are connected to one network. This ultimately shouldn't be a problem since most Wi-Fi extenders can handle Wi-Fi 4 and 5, but only a few can do Wi-Fi 6, so it's always something to double-check.įinally, one standard you should also check for is MU-MIMO. Wi-Fi 4 is a bit old, and unless your router is a decade old, you're most likely on Wi-Fi 5, or if you got your router in the last year or two, even possibly Wi-Fi 6. Of course, each company has its system, like OneMesh for TP-Link, so always check for compatibility.Īnother thing you'll want to check for compatibility is what Wi-Fi standard you are using-4, 5, or 6. If you are using a router that has a Mesh system, you'll want to try and get a range extender that also has that since it will make your life so much easier. One way tech companies have solved that issue is using Mesh Wi-Fi systems, which Wi-Fi range extenders also support.

Speaking of range, you're probably looking at this page due to a Wi-Fi dead zone in your home.

WIFI SIGNAL REPEATER REVIEW FULL

Therefore, when you're picking a Wi-Fi range extender, make sure to find one that is also either dual-band or tri-band so that you can take full advantage of your router's speed and range. This often means they can broadcast in two different frequencies-2.4GHz or 5Ghz. Most modern routers tend to come either in dual-band or tri-band varieties. Often these numbers are based on perfect conditions, standing right next to the device in an area with absolutely zero interference.Īs such, real-life performance tends to be much lower, but that's okay! Most people don't have 1Gbps or 2Gbps internet speeds, so you aren't missing out on the theoretical best-case performance anyway. It probably won't surprise you to know that buying a Wi-Fi range extender is very similar to buying a router, and that means that you're going to be looking for similar things.įor starters, it's essential to understand that the rated speed on the box doesn't always translate to real-life performance. What to Look For in a Wi-Fi Range Extender in 2023

Wifi signal repeater review