What is the best wifi amplifier? — Buying guide to choose the one you need

Of course, there are few things we like less than knowing that our wifi network It's slow. For whatever reason, neither your Android or iPhone mobile device, nor your Smart TV, nor the furthest room is receiving the signal well.

And if it does arrive, it does so with such slowness that it makes browsing the Internet a nightmare.

Yes. Of course, you need a wifi repeater.

But not just any one, as some are not universal and transversal in operation. You will therefore have to look for the Wi-Fi amplifier that best suits your specific needs.

The good thing about all this is that here you have a complete list, version 2018, and we update it as we find models of wifi repeaters that adapt to the specific needs of the average Spaniard. Like you. Like me.

All the repeaters on this list work wonderfully with the main operators in the country (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Ono, Jazztel, among others). In turn, they all have similar functions and most work on dual band, so you will never have compatibility problems.

And, if that were not enough, we have taken on the task of finding the best Wi-Fi amplifiers considering all the important factors. Considering the price, of course.. That is why you will get in this guide wifi repeaters which do not exceed €30, which means you will have a solution for the slowness of your internet network for a bargain price.

Let's get started.

What is the best wifi amplifier or repeater?

There are many models of amplifiers made by a wide variety of brands, so choosing a wifi signal repeater can be a difficult choice if we are not knowledgeable about the subject. However, as our goal is to make it easier for you to choose a good device, we have compiled five of them that we have found to be really good in terms of quality-price (as we mentioned previously). In addition, we have also included a homemade wifi amplifier for the end of the article, in case you have money to spend and want to try a non-permanent alternative.

Netgear EX7500 WiFi repeater

Now, getting into high-performance Wi-Fi amplifiers, we come across a model that has just gone on sale.

This is the Ex7500 from Netgear, a brand whose amplifier we have already discussed.

In this case, we are faced with a device that is easy to install (you just plug it into your electrical network) and that will detect up to 2 simultaneous Wi-Fi networks, offering automatic roaming.

What does this mean? If one network is too slow, it will automatically switch to the other. And vice versa. This, without you having to configure anything.

But it also offers a general three-band connection of up to 2,200 Mbps (a record 7 times higher than the market average), making it an optimal amplifier for watching online videos, in 4K, for those who are into gamers, as well as for the business sector.

It can be purchased for an average price of approximately €124.

[wpas_products keywords=»Netgear EX7500 WiFi repeater»]

Ubiquiti LBE-M5-23

We cannot pass up the opportunity to mention one of the leading brands in the wireless telecommunications sector.

Ubiquiti is, without a doubt, one of the best companies in manufacturing cutting-edge equipment for Wi-Fi internet networks. And in the case of the Ubiquiti LBE-M5-23 we find a directional repeater. That is, it focuses its entire network in a specific direction.

But, in addition to transmitting, it is also capable of receiving, as if it were a receiving antenna.

The best configuration is to combine two antennas of the same model. One emitting the Wi-Fi signal, and the other receiving it.

Of course, it is intended for outdoor use, being able to reach connections of up to 18 kilometers away, as long as there are no physical obstructions.

So, if what you want is to connect the patio of your big house so that it has internet everywhere, or share the Wi-Fi network with your neighbor, or with a nearby establishment, this may be the ideal solution.

[wpas_products keywords=»Ubiquiti LBE-M5-23″]

Solve the most common problem with routers and wifi amplifiers

Although we have already reviewed the best Wi-Fi amplifiers or repeaters on the market, based on the 2018 evaluation, we wanted to leave a rather important point for the end.

And, as happens in other areas of technology, some conditions are better when working with identical brands both in the Internet network transmission equipment (router) and in the amplifiers or repeaters of this network.

This is due to the perfect synchronization that exists when the devices have software patented by the same firm.

For this reason, we wanted to talk to you about the best combos of routers and wifi amplifiers, so that they can choose a solution turnkey that ensures not only amplification, but also lossless signal reception, and without computer gaps that could compromise the security of your network.

TP-Link AC1200 RE305 Repeater + TP-LINK TD-W8960N Router

First of all, we will talk about two devices from the TP Link brand, one of the best in the industry.

In the case of the AC1200 RE305 repeater, we find a high-performance repeater that is capable of transmitting, in dual band, up to 1200 Mbps, with optimal performance in wireless networks, but also in Ethernet networks, in case you want to place it next to the router and have this device be in charge of distributing the network throughout the house.

Its design, with two antennas, is easy to carry and install. In addition, it has TP Link software, which makes us expect quality in the connections.

And, in this case, we have integrated it with the TP Link TD-W8960N router, one of the best in its field.

With a futuristic design, it is designed to receive ADSL Ethernet connections, and transmit them wirelessly under the 300 Mbps standard, making it ideal for home connections.

Thus, we find a low-cost option to install an optimal internet connection at home.

Repeater: 

[wpas_products keywords=»TP-Link AC1200 RE305 Repeater″]

Xiaomi WiFi Extender Repeater + WAVLINK AC1200 Router

The second combo router and repeater is led by the Chinese brand Xiaomi. The fastest growing technology brand worldwide.

The repeater, called WiFi Extender, has an original and rather charming design. It stands out for its 360-degree connection and for weighing only 30 grams.

It comes with the standard of 300 Mbps.

In the case of the router, we have chosen the WAVLINK AC1200, a high-performance and faster device, with 4 antennas.

It works in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, so it is compatible with most devices. It weighs less than half a kilo.

Repeater:

[wpas_products keywords=»Xiaomi WiFi Extender Repeater»]

Router:

[wpas_products keywords=»WAVLINK AC1200 Router″]

Netgear EX8000-100EUS Repeater + Netgear Nighthawk R6800-100PES Router

We don't want to finish the list without talking about the best devices of the moment. The best pair to have a connection that works for everything. For whatever you can think of, and at the speed you've always wanted.

We are referring to the latest generation repeater from Netgear. It stands out for being able to support three-phase connections of up to 3 Gbps. Yes, 3,072 Mbps.

It amplifies the Wi-Fi signal with a performance of up to 200% distance from the original signal, and comes available in a rather elegant desktop design.

Apart from Wi-Fi connectivity, you can connect via Ethernet to up to 4 devices.

Overall, we have paired it with the ultra-high-speed R6800-100PES router, dedicated to the gaming sector (for the speed it offers). But, you can use it to watch movies, play online games, browse on 10 devices at once, without slowing down the speed.

In this Netgear team all its technology is evident. Namely, QoS, Beamforming+, Gigabit AC1900, dual band, and its patented Nighthawk.

Repeater:

[wpas_products keywords=»Netgear EX8000-100EUS Repeater»]

Router: 

[wpas_products keywords=»Netgear Nighthawk R6800-100PES Router»]

Netgear EX6200-100PES

This can be considered the best wifi amplifier from the Netgear brand, although it has a downside, the price, since it is a high-end device. However, its specifications and features are quite interesting:

[wpas_products keywords=»Netgear EX6200-100PES»]

This is a device with the WiFi AC standard (the one we mentioned you had to choose), with the ability to transmit a speed of 1200 megabits per second (1200 Mbps), two antennas that are both 5dbi, a dual-core processor that runs at 800 MHz and a 700 mW amplifier. In addition, it includes five gigabit bodies and a switch with which you can change the network interface.

ASUS RP-AC68U AC1200

ASUS is a well-known brand in the world of technology and this Wi-Fi amplifier is also among the best to choose from, as it has interesting features such as the ability to hide the IP by adding a large number of proxies.

[wpas_products keywords=»ASUS RP-AC68U AC1200″]

On the other hand, in its specifications we can find the ability to transmit data at 1167 Mbps with its dual bands, 802.11 a/b/g/c/ac wireless compatibility, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band technology and a super simple design, capable of being installed anywhere. Compatible with Windows and Mac OS.

TP-LINK RE200

The best affordable Wi-Fi amplifier comes from TP-LINK, already recognized for its network connection and signal products (modem, router, amplifiers, PLC and antennas).

This is a device capable of using 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks thanks to the two bands that work simultaneously; which allows it to transmit up to 750 megabytes per second. It also includes an Ethernet port in case you want to place it near some equipment.

[wpas_products keywords=»TP-LINK RE200″]

For us, these are the best Wi-Fi amplifiers, which we have placed in price ranges of 90, 60 and 30 euros; so there is no excuse about budget, as there are options for all pockets.

Homemade amplifier

Finally, a homemade wifi amplifier that you can make can be found in our article on wifi antennas; since there we also explain at the end of the entry how to create one and use it on top of our router, although it is recommended that it have at least one antenna.

What is and what is not a wifi amplifier?

Before we begin, we must define what a Wi-Fi amplifier is. We must also clarify what a Wi-Fi network amplifier is not, since there are devices with very similar names, but with very different functions.

Defining: wifi amplifier

Some names by which you can find this device:

• wifi amplifier
• wifi repeater
• wifi extender

It is a device that is responsible for establishing a bridge between the Wi-Fi network that comes from a router and a place where it could not reach on its own.

But, as its name suggests, its function is to repeat and amplify. That is, it takes the signal coming from the router, captures it and amplifies it in the room where the amplifier is placed.

Better, we explain it with an example:

You have a router located in the living room, which transmits a distance that covers the living room, the kitchen and the first room of the house, but from there it starts to fail or become unstable due to the poor signal that reaches it. In that case, what we must do is add an amplifier at a point where the signal reaches correctly and this will be responsible for transmitting it to the desired distance, which will depend on the device we have chosen.

Clarifying: other terms prone to confusion

Now that you know what an amplifier is, we should also point out the terms that can lead to confusion.

The most common are Wi-Fi antennas and Wi-Fi adapters.

In this case, these are devices that are responsible for picking up the signal coming from a main router. The difference is that these two devices cannot repeat or amplify it. They simply pick it up.

Both Wi-Fi antennas and network adapters are used to receive Wi-Fi on devices that do not support it on their own, such as desktop computers without a wireless connection.

How a wifi amplifier works

The main objective of a wifi amplifier is to share the network beyond the limits that a router would have.

So, while some routers are very good and can cover large areas, there is often a huge sacrifice in connection speed. That's where an amplifier comes in.

Because, even if the router alone could have reached that point in the house, office or premises, the amplifier allows the connection speed to be the same whether you are next to the router, or 10 metres away from it.

In the meantime, we must talk about the operating modes of Wi-Fi network repeaters, which do not all operate in the same way.

We have, then:

• Those that operate in a spherical manner, repeating the Wi-Fi network that reaches them from the router several meters around. Most network amplifiers work this way.
• Those that operate in a focused manner, called technology SmartBeamThese allow the entire amplified signal to be directed to a specific point.

The latter are ideal for sending a high-speed signal to a specific point, such as the computer desk you have in a distant room, for example.

The mode of operation of the SmartBeam It is similar to the way we reflect light through a mirror. It redirects and magnifies it.

Finally, and before we start talking about tips for choosing the best Wi-Fi amplifier of 2018 or the best ones on the market today, we must emphasize distance performance.

Normally, although it is not a law, amplifiers can improve the distance of a router by 100%. This means that if a router emits a Wi-Fi internet signal at 4 meters in diameter, with the help of the amplifier that signal will reach up to 8 meters. Some, exceptional cases, can even improve this record.

Recommendations for choosing wifi amplifiers

The coverage and distance of the device are fundamental aspects, since we need good coverage and a long distance to meet our objective in most cases. Therefore, we must review these factors in the antennas we are considering before making the purchase.

On the other hand, we also have data transmission, that is, the speed or speed with which it will be transmitted. The idea is to transmit the signal over a greater range, but not to lose the speed of the main signal. Therefore, the ideal is to look for a Wi-Fi repeater that supports at least 300 Mbps of data transmission; as well as a Wi-Fi standard that allows you to enjoy a fast internet connection, which is recommended to be Wi-Fi AC.

Security is essential, as we need a signal that cannot be intercepted by outsiders with bad intentions. To do this, you need the best 2017 WiFi amplifier you choose to have the WPA2-PSK protocol, but don't worry too much, as almost all of them have it.

Installation or configuration is also an important aspect, although not decisive for making a final decision, as we can always hire someone or have a friend with technological knowledge help us. In short, try to find a device that can be installed and configured easily.

Taking these factors into account will make it easier for you to choose a Wi-Fi repeater that really works to meet your needs. However, if you are an advanced user or looking for a more flexible device, you can look for models with advanced features, power consumption, ports or sizes.