Electronics

What is the best Wi-Fi range extender?

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eero Home WiFi System vs NETGEAR Trek N300 vs TP-Link 1750

 vs NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender vs TL-WR802N vs TP-Link N300

Specs

Weight

-

Dimensions

-

Wireless

-

Ethernet

-

Antennas

-

USB 2.0 Ports

-

Range

-

Platforms

-

Weight

-

Dimensions

-

Wireless

-

Ethernet

-

Antennas

-

USB 2.0 Ports

-

Range

-

Platforms

-

Weight

15.4 ounces

Dimensions

6.4 x 3 x 2.6 inches

Wireless

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Ethernet

1

Antennas

3 External

USB 2.0 Ports

1

Range

up to 10,000ft

Platforms

-

Weight

-

Dimensions

-

Wireless

-

Ethernet

-

Antennas

-

USB 2.0 Ports

-

Range

-

Platforms

-

Weight

-

Dimensions

-

Wireless

-

Ethernet

-

Antennas

-

USB 2.0 Ports

-

Range

-

Platforms

-

Weight

9.3 oz.

Dimensions

6.2 x 4 x 3.4 inches

Wireless

802.11 a/b/g/n

Ethernet

1

Antennas

2 Internal

USB 2.0 Ports

-

Range

-

Platforms

PC; Mac; UNIX or Linux.

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Going for distance

This device has twice the range(120ft) of a traditional router(60ft) while offering up to 5x's the connection speed at the same distances. The software and companion app help you place the devices in the best locations for signal strength, allowing you to play video games in your treehouse with the main router in the basement.
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Pro
 Companion app

This comes with a companion app that allows you to monitor your internet speeds, monitor your network away from home, even set up usage schedules for other household members.
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Pro
  Transplantability

You can buy 1 or 3 of these and make the most of a network you already have built at home, or completely replace it. This product can work with a multitude of network adapters, allowing more options than buying the bundle of 3.
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Con
 Still a new product

This product came out Feb. 2016, so expect some hiccups and some troubleshooting conversations with tech support.
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Con
 Expensive

You can purchase this as a stand-alone unit or in a bundle of three, and so on. One unit is about $190, and the 3-pack is close to $500. This can get expensive fast if you are looking to space a network out over a huge space.
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Con
 It is not perfect

This product boasts some of the best features on the market, but its not perfect. There are still some reported issues with WiFi connections to Xbox's and old iPhone models. Will this be solved? Yes, wait for an update from eero. Users have reported that the only times this issue was apparent was when the individuals residence was 3000+ sq. ft with multiple stories.
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Pro
 Can be powered by a PC

It has a micro-USB port and since it only needs 100 volts to power up, you can plug it into a PC or laptop if there are no other energy sources available nearby.
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Pro
 Great for people who use public connections often

The built-in firewall that makes this router a very secure choice for connecting to public WiFis.
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Pro
 Software is easy to use

Android tablet users will be happy to learn that there is a companion application for using this travel router with these devices, making setup a breeze.
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Con
 Rather exensive

At $159.99 it's quite on the expensive side as far as mini-routers go.
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Pro
 Versatile

Connect this to your existing network wirelessly, and then connect your device to it with its built in ethernet port. This product allows you to not only extend your wireless network, but increases the reliability of the connection to your wireless connection.
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Pro
 Easy setup and reliable tech support

Installation is a breeze, and the tech support is very knowledgable and helpful.
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Pro
 Good pricing

This is the best bang for your buck, hands down. 24/7 support, 2 year warranty, and under $100?
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Con
 Does not go through all materials

Like other routers and extenders, this device cannot pass through specific materials such as brick, water, stone, and cement. These denser materials are not as permeable to WiFi signals as others. This product is a standalone extender and will work with others, but not partner with like some other brands. Be mindful of where you plug this in for the best signal.
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Con
 RF issues

Some users have noticed that this device causes interference with your radio usage. While not a huge issue, it is something that could cause issues depending on your at home layout.
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Pro
 Extremely portable

It measures only 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches and it's very light at only 7.2 ounces, making it easy to carry around even in your pocket.
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Pro
 Can be used as a repeater to strengthen a wireless connection

When you use the repeater function, the LAN/WAN is disconnected and the port is used only to rebroadcast the existing wireless signal. The WiFi antenna is quite powerful as well, so this router will probably be able to pick up signals that your phone does not.
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Pro
 You just need to plug an Ethernet cable for it to start working

You can configure it once with a specific SSID and password and then just plug an Ethernet cable every time you need a wireless connection.
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Pro
 Can be charged by most USB cables

Has a microUSB port that is used for charging. This way you can connect it to most phone chargers if you lose the cable that comes with the router.
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Con
 Doesn't really support Gigabit Ethernet

Even though the LAN/WAN port technically supports Gigabit Ethernet, the speed will still be bottlenecked by the 300 Mbps throughput.
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Pro
 Plug and play

Easy to setup, just plug it in, log into the web portal and set it up with your existing network. This product works with 802.11n/g/b, and with Windows / OS X. Making this an easy solution on all fronts.
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Pro
 Cheap

This WiFi extender is both perfect for boosting that signal strength, and for your budget as it only costs $19.95.
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Con
 Make sure you follow the steps

This device is very particular on how it's set up. Make sure you follow each step carefully and in order, or prepare for a headache.
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Con
 Limited functionality

There is not a lot of hardware built into this one. You'll be getting what you pay for here. Connections issues occur and the range is not always as advertised. This tends to fluctuate day to day.
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