Despite its lower specifications, the RE315 has a simple setup process that uses the Tether mobile app. While speeds were slightly slower in testing, there was no discernible difference in real-world use. The TP-Link RE315 is a low-cost option for improving WiFi coverage in your home, retailing at $50 and frequently on sale for around $30.
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Number 3: Netgear AX6000 WiFi 6 mesh range extender (EAX80)
The Netgear EAX80 mesh range extender distinguishes itself from the competition with a premium feature called seamless smart roaming. It enables users to configure it under their existing SSID name, eliminating the need to switch between WiFi networks as they move around the house. This feature is supported by its dual-band WiFi 6 mesh range extender capabilities, which can connect up to 30 devices at once and support speeds of up to 6 Gbps.
It is suitable for small and medium-sized homes, with a coverage area of up to 2,500 square feet. The EAX80 appears to be a standalone router rather than a bulky block that plugs directly into an AC outlet. It’s also easier to find suitable locations for it around the house because it doesn’t have to be chained to the wall directly above an outlet. The EAX80 also has four built-in Ethernet ports for physically connecting things like TVs, consoles, and other devices, as well as one USB-A port for hardwiring a printer.
The Nighthawk mobile app is used to configure and troubleshoot the EAX80 extender, as well as to check WiFi speeds and see which devices are connected to the network. However, users cannot change the names of their devices, which may be inconvenient for some. The EAX80 performed admirably in our speed tests, coming very close to the main network’s upload/download speeds.
