Nowadays, a Wi-Fi connection is no longer an option but a necessity. So it is not unusual for every home to have strong Wi-Fi coverage. That said, there is one area where even the best of home connections struggle: the outdoors.
Typically, you rely on your smartphone for a net connection while you’re outdoors, but this can be quite expensive. Similarly, investing in the largest and most expensive router out there can seem like a great investment on the surface, but it’s not.
However, there is a far simpler and more cost-effective alternative to these options: an outdoor Wi-Fi extender. This networking device will find an existing Wi-Fi connection and extend its range. Of course, the market is overflowing with Wi-Fi extender options. With this article, though, choosing one that suits your needs will be a cinch, so read on!
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How To Find The Best Outdoor WiFi Extender
You put a lot of thought into selecting a wireless network for your home, so why should an outdoor extender be any different? When looking for one of these devices, too, there are a few factors you should check out before taking your pick. Here are some of them.
RF Power
The RF is the amplifier that converts the internet connection from the modem or router into a stronger signal. The power of your whole device thus depends almost entirely on how much power its amplifier can handle.
Typically, you want to settle for nothing less than 8 dBm and 10 mW. Any less than that and the power won’t be enough resulting in insufficient connection strength.
Antenna
It is not unusual to find outdoor wi-fi extenders that deliver reliable signals without antennas. Bear in mind, though, that these will work less effectively, particularly in large spaces.
Among the devices with antennas, your choice will boil down to one between uni-directional or multi-directional antennas. The difference between the two is that the former only sends signals forward while the latter produces a 360-degree one.
The preferable option is to get an extender with two antennas. Also, keep the antenna’s decibel capacity or dBi in mind because the less it is, the worse the range. 4 dBi is the optimum range for optimum performance.
Compatibility
Most often, wifi extenders will be compatible either with 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz band systems. Yes, extenders tend to be work with only specific types of connection, which is why they can be quite limiting.
So before making a purchase, it is best to know precisely which model you need. However, there are options available in dual-compatibility extenders, although these might be on the pricier side.
5 Best Outdoor WiFi Extenders
There is no end to the wifi range extenders in the market, but this makes choosing the ideal one for you even more difficult. Not to mention, they all come with unique features. For this reason, we’ve put together a list of the five best outdoor wifi extenders out there to make your choice that much easier!
Before we get into the in-depth review, though, here’s a quick table of the recommended extenders.
| Model | WPS Setup | Wireless Specification | Max Speed |
| NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX5000 | Yes | 802.11ac | 1200Mbps |
| TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender (RE300) | Yes | 802.11ac | 1200Mbps |
| NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX6120 | Yes | 802.11ac | 1200Mbps |
| TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450) | Yes | 802.11ac | 1750Mbps |
| COMFAST WiFi Range Extender | Yes | 802.11ac | 1200Mbps |
1. NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX5000
NETGEAR’s EX5000 model is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful WiFi extenders on the market. Contrary to the standard Wi-Fi range extender, the EX5000 works to scan various frequencies and channels. Doing so allows it to tap into Ethernet networks, giving the connected WiFi-enabled devices more access.
This Wi-Fi range extender can reach up to 1500 sq ft, so it is more suitable for large homes and even ones with multiple floors or walls. Even if your home has dense materials like brick, metal, plastic, or concrete, you can be sure that you won’t have to deal with any dead zones. What’s more, you can connect up to 25 devices to the EX5000!
The device also comes with an ethernet port, which means you have the option of connecting wired devices, including PlayStations, PCs, Smart TVs, and more! Not to mention, it offers a high speed of up to 1200Mbps, allowing you to perform a plethora of tasks online without fear of connectivity issues.
The device offers quite a bit of convenience as it works well with any cable modem, wireless router, or gateway. So it eliminates the need for you to purchase a separate device altogether. Finally, it comes with both WEP and WPA/WPA2 security protocols to ensure your connection is equally strong and safe.
What We Love
- Universal compatibility
- WEP and WPA/WPA2 security protocols
- Supports HD and online streaming
What We Like
- Easy setup
- One ethernet port
What We Dislike
- Jittery connection
2. TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender (RE300)
The TP-Link AC1200 is one of the most innovative items on this list. It combines to qualities most sought after by the looking for WiFi coverage extenders: mesh technology and an affordable price! TP-Link’s OneMesh lies right in the middle of an actual mesh system and a router with a wireless extender. Of course, it does so cost-effectively.
Not to mention, the device has a super simple setup process. All you need to do is plug it in somewhere close to your router, link your smartphone to the temporary network, and open the TP-Link Tether app. After that, the app provides you with clear instructions on setting your network password, naming the extended radios, and more.
You can also choose to complete this procedure through your web browser or the WPS button on the router itself. Once you finish setting up the TP-Link AC1200, you can expect to work like a typical range extender, compatible with various routers.
The benefits of the OneMesh feature are endless, but there is one that tops the rest. The feature allows your wireless devices to automatically connect to the router or extender that will deliver the best performance. Not to mention, it has a top speed of 1200Mbps.
What We Love
- OneMesh technology
- Super simple setup
- No alternating between EXT and standard connections
What We Like
- Affordability
What We Dislike
- No LAN ports
- No wired backhaul options
3. NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX6120
NETGEAR is a big name in the networking industry, so it should hardly come as a surprise that this list features another excellent option from them. For one, the EX6120 has a very convenient size and grid design, allowing you to fit it into an AC outlet without blocking any adjacent sockets. It also comes with four easy-to-read LED lights that indicate the device is powered on and the WPS system is active.
Not only is this a dual-band WiFi extender offering a connection speed up to 1200Mbps, but it also comes with patented FastLane technology. This NETGEAR technology provides two bands, one connecting the extender to the WiFi devices and the other connecting it to the router.
This device’s range is roughly around 1000 sq. ft, which may not be impressive at first glance. However, your perspective is sure to change once you see its reasonable price tag. Not to mention, this extent is more than enough for small or medium-sized homes. It can also support up to 15 devices; what more do you need?
Possessing similar security features as the EX5000, this extender also does the job of providing you a safe and secure connection. Also, it has a straightforward setup process since it falls in the category of plug-in extenders.
Once you connect it to a socket, all you need to do is press the WPS buttons on the router and the extender, and you’re all set! You may also use NETGEAR’s web console to complete the setup.
What We Love
- Compact design
- WPA/WPA2 protected access
- FastLane technology
What We Like
- Decent Wi-Fi coverage
- Quick installation
What We Dislike
- 100Mbps ethernet
4. TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450)
The TP-Link AC1750 is by far the ideal choice if you’re looking to cover super-long distances with your Wi-Fi connection. Albeit bulky, this device is an 802.11ac range extender offering the highest speeds of 450Mbps on 2.4Ghz and 1,300Mbps on 5Ghz.
What is most likely to catch your eye about this device at first glance is its unique design. The AC1750 has three external antennas, two folding out to the sides and one extending from the center. You will find a WPS button with an LED light ring around it on the front of the device. This ring glows blue when there is a stable connection to the router and red when the extender is too far away.
Another one of this device’s advanced features is that it comes with a white list and blacklist option, which allows you to choose which devices can and cannot connect to your network. It also comes with a DCHP option, firm upgrade feature, client list, and a system log.
The super-simple installation process requires you to only plug in the device close to the router and wait till it turns on. Then press the WPS buttons on both the router and the extender. When you see the light is a bright blue color, you can move the extender to a spot ideally to a spot bang in the middle of your router and your home’s dead zones.
What We Love
- Excellent features and throughput
- Smart light indicator to detect optimum placement spot
- Futuristic design
What We Like
- Dual-band technology
What We Dislike
- Bulky design
- No pass-through outlet
5. COMFAST WiFi Range Extender
The COMFAST WiFi range extender comes with everything you could want from such a device. For one, it is the perfect option for superior wireless coverage because it has four external antennas. Arguably this ensures the strongest network signals out of all the market options.
Besides covering a wide distance of 1000 sq. ft, the device also has a tiny hole for heat dissipation. This feature ensures that your device stays within optimum temperature ranges to extend its lifespan. Not to mention, the device has optimum WLAN security with WPA and WPA2.
Offering high speeds of up to 1200Mbps, the COMFAST WiFi range extender employs dual-band technology. So rest assured, you will not have to deal with lag or buffering while you’re streaming your favorite shows or movies. Compatible with most routers, access points, and service provider gateways, this one allows you to connect up to 15 devices to it.
The best feature of the COMFAST WiFi range extender is that it is multifunctional. That means it can function as a router, repeater, or even an AP. The purpose is to perform quick switches to meet your requirement and enjoy more signal coverage. Not only that, but setting up this device is a cinch and takes all of two minutes!
What We Love
- Four external antennas
- Optimum WLAN security
- The hole for heat dissipation.
What We Like
- Multifunctionality
- Quick switching between functions
What We Dislike
- Confusing setup instructions
Wrap Up
There you have it, a list of the five best outdoor WiFi extenders in the market! An outdoor WiFi extender can take your home’s wireless connection up a notch. Not only do you get 360-degree coverage, but most of the devices also tend to have a weatherproof design. That means you can be sure that you’ll have stable WiFi access outdoors as well, regardless of the weather conditions.
When you make your purchase, don’t just settle for the one that looks the fanciest or costs the most. Instead, consider what features you need most, and then try to find one that fits the bill. Along with the compatibility, RF power, usability, and antennas, pay attention to the distance and ease of installation.