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So many of the things we do and the devices we rely on require a wireless internet connection to function. But, having strong WiFi in every room of your home or office can prove to be a challenge, especially in larger spaces.
Thankfully, some great devices can help provide the signal strength and speed you need in each room. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know and take a closer look at the best WiFi routers for long-range on the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Wifi Routers For Long Range
- OUR TOP PICK: TP-Link Archer A7
- RUNNER-UP: Netgear Nighthawk R6700
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Speedefy K7
Comparison of the Best Long Range WiFi Routers
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What Makes a WiFi Router Great for Long Ranges?
Several characteristics help make a router ideal for longer ranges. Here’s what you should look for.
Dual-Band Operation
Wireless routers can operate on two different frequency bands, 2.4GHz, and 5Ghz. While 5GHz wireless provides the fastest speeds, it’s range isn’t as long, and it doesn’t penetrate walls and ceilings as well as a 2.4GHz signal can. A router that operates on both frequencies simultaneously provides the best of both worlds.
TP-Link Archer A7 (Source)
Works With Range Extenders
WiFi range extenders work by receiving the WiFi signal and rebroadcasting it to other areas for greater coverage. A range extender can be a lifesaver if you find that your signal lacks certain areas, but not every router is compatible with them.
Support for Fastest Wi-Fi Standards
There are a handful of different WiFi standards that a router may use. Some are much faster than others. Look for a router that supports the 802.11n (or newer) standard.
Are All Wi-Fi Router Ranges The Same?
WiFi routers can differ significantly when it comes to the range and speed they can deliver.
What is the Range of WiFi Router?
Depending on the WiFi standards they support, the frequency bands they can operate at, and any other features they have, the range can vary significantly.
How Far Will a Long Range WiFi Router Reach?
Long-range routers can deliver coverage over large areas of 10,000 square feet or more, depending on the building's characteristics. For the most extended range possible, a mesh WiFi system may be your best option.
Characteristics of Long Range Wi-Fi Routers
The WiFi routers that deliver the broadest range and reliability tend to share some similar characteristics. Here’s some of what you should look for to ensure plenty of range.
MU-MIMO Technology
MU-MIMO, which stands for multi-user multi-in multi-out, allows the router to subdivide the available bandwidth of a router to ensure that the devices accessing it have equal access to bandwidth. An otherwise strong WiFi signal is often hindered by one or two devices hogging bandwidth.
Netgear Nighthawk R6700 (Source)
QoS Functionality
QoS or quality of service functionality allows you to prioritize specific devices on your network to ensure they receive the fastest speeds. This feature will enable you to prioritize the most essential devices in your home and ensure that they receive the strongest connection.
Multiple Antennas
The antennas that extend from the router are like satellite dishes, beaming out WiFi signal throughout the home or building. Routers with multiple antennas provide a broader signal range.
Mesh Systems
Mesh WiFi systems are a popular option for larger buildings, and they ensure a strong signal throughout. Instead of relying on a single router to offer a signal, the router is paired with multiple access nodes that receive data from the router and ensure that bandwidth is available throughout the building.
Mesh systems work similarly to a range extender or second router, but they tend to be more effective.
Review of the Best Long Range WiFi Routers
Now that we’re armed with a bit more info on what makes a WiFi router ideal for long-range applications, let’s take a closer look at some of the best long-range WiFi routers that are available today.
Best Overall:
TP-Link Archer A7
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Owners of the Archer A7 are thrilled by the easy setup and wide range of user settings to help you configure your router to your needs. Once up and running, users enjoy blazing speeds that rival routers costing twice as much as the Archer A7.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Archer A7 has been one of TP-Link’s most popular routers for years, and it offers an ideal blend of features and value. This router boasts three different antennas to deliver a reliable WiFi signal, and it can provide a strong signal in homes up to 2,500 square feet.
Gear nerds are sure to love the user dashboard, which provides access to tons of useful settings. The dashboard isn’t quite as modern or intuitive as some newer models, but it’s still easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Bottom Line
A feature-packed and affordable router that provides reliable and fast Wi-Fi in areas up to 2,500sf, the Archer A7 from TP-Link is one of your best options on the market for a long-range router.
Runner-up:
Netgear Nighthawk R6700
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Nighthawk R6700 is a favorite among gamers, streamers, and large households that need fast and reliable WiFi throughout the home. Buyers of this router are also thrilled by how fast the storage is, thanks to the USB 3.0 network storage port.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The R6700 has several useful additions that help make it one of the better long-range routers on the market. This router stands out thanks to its advanced features, which help you get more speed and functionality from your router while allowing the user to customize it according to their needs.
The R6700 boasts QoS upstreaming and downstreaming, allowing you to prioritize devices, Beamforming+, which dramatically extends range and coverage, and a 1GHz dual-core processor to deliver blazing internet speeds throughout the home.
Bottom Line
The R6700 offers impressive speed and reliability, many high-end features absent from similarly-priced routers, and ultra-fast USB 3.0 local storage. Its range isn’t quite as long as the Archer A7; otherwise, it would be our top choice for the best long-range router.
Best for the Money:
Speedefy K7
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The K7 from Speedefy has quickly become a favorite among recent buyers thanks to its bargain price, speed, and reliability. The additional high-gain antennas help dramatically boost range, making this one of the best choices for users who demand the most extended range possible.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The K7 earns significant praise from our staff thanks to its 4x4 MU-MIMO functionality, which helps you achieve blazing speeds upwards of 2,000Mbps. An impressive array of seven different antennas ensure total coverage throughout your home with no dead zones, and it supports up to 25 devices at once.
This router also boasts impressive security features, like complete WPA2 protocols and easy to use parental controls that allow you to control what your kids can do online, which provides peace of mind for parents.
Bottom Line
With blazing speeds and plenty of range, it’s impossible to beat the K7 for the money. While other options in the market can deliver a slightly better range of performance, few can match the features of the K7 for this price.
Best Long Range WiFi Router Outdoor:
JOOWIN AC1200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For people who have been frustrated by their options for extending service throughout their home or to another building on their property, the AC1200 from JOOWIN is a lifesaver. This reliable device can extend WiFi signal by up to 2,000 square feet, and it’s IP66 waterproof, so it can be installed outside without concern.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The AC1200 stands out as one of the best options for providing outdoor WiFi or for homes and businesses that need to extend their wireless internet from one building to another. Once installed, the AC1200 can be set up in a matter of seconds.
This device also features a signal indicator, which takes the guesswork out of the best spot to install your extender, ensuring you receive the broadest range possible. The rugged, waterproof exterior ensures that you’ll be able to install the AC1200 wherever you need to, whether indoors or out.
Bottom Line
The AC1200 is affordable and multi-functional, but it’s most at home as a signal extender. Unfortunately, the lack of LAN ports hamstrings it’s usefulness as a dedicated router. That said, it’s difficult to beat if you need a reliable extender that’s rugged enough for outdoor installations.
Editor's Pick:
TP-Link Deco S4
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users who are new to the TP-Link Deco are blown away by the range of this popular mesh WiFi system. Three nodes can provide up to 5,500 square feet of coverage, and additional nodes can be purchased to extend coverage even farther.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Deco system is one of the most powerful consumer routers on the market, and it’s ideal for large houses with tons of internet-connected devices. With room for up to 100 devices, the Deco has room to spare to power everything you need.
You’ll never have to worry about dropping your WiFi signal as you move throughout your home or building because the Deco system automatically connects you to the closest hub with the strongest signal while you’re on the go. Plus, if any of the hubs ever loses connectivity, the system heals itself, redirecting traffic away from that hub until a signal is restored.
Bottom Line
For large homes with tons of connected devices, the TP-Link Deco is arguably the best option around. This powerful router delivers lightning fast internet to up to 100 connected devices, and it’s chock full of robust safety features that make it ideal for homes with children.
Dos and Don’ts of Long Range Routers
There’s plenty of things you can do to help make the most of your router’s range. Here’s what you should consider.
Place Your Router in a Central Location
Whenever possible, place your router as centrally within your home as possible. The antennas of a router are omnidirectional, which means they send their signal in every direction at the same strength. By placing the router in the middle of the home, you can maximize your coverage area.
Speedefy K7 (Source)
Eliminate Clutter
While you can’t do anything about obstructions like walls and ceilings, you can ensure a strong signal by eliminating any junk and clutter from around your router, affecting the WiFi antennas' signal.
Use the Web Dashboard
Every router provides you with a web dashboard that allows you to make adjustments to the router's settings and features. Ensure that all of the settings are correctly configured to deliver the best range possible.
Don’t Place Your Router Around Structural Walls
WiFi signals can penetrate materials like drywall, plywood, or glass fairly easily. Thicker and denser materials such as brick, cement, or concrete are much more difficult to penetrate. Position your router away from structural walls whenever possible.
Long Range Router vs WiFi Point - Comparison Overview
A long-range router and a mesh WiFi system that provides access points are both great ways to ensure that you have the signal range you need in your home or place of business. Let’s take a look at how they compare to help you select the best option.
Long Range Routers
A router that offers an extended range relies on a single wired network connection, and it uses antennas to provide a wireless signal throughout your home. For small and mid-sized homes and offices, a router with a long range is typically all you’ll need to enjoy a reliable connection throughout the building.
Wireless Access Points
With WiFi points, which are also called mesh WiFi systems, a series of nodes are placed throughout the building, which provides a signal throughout the building. Instead of relying on a single hub to deliver the full range of the device, multiple hubs work together to ensure coverage throughout the area.
These systems are optimal because they can be expanded, allowing you to add additional nodes to increase your coverage area, which can be helpful if you ever expand the building.
How to Get Long Range WiFi
Installing a new router so you can get long-range WiFi is easy. Remember that every router is unique in its setup, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Still, setting up any router will follow the same basic process.
Unpack Your Router
Begin by unpacking your new router and installing any required parts that may come separate from the main unit. Often, the antennas are packaged separately and must be screwed into the router before you use them.
Connect to Power
Connect the power supply to your router, and plug it into power the router.
Connect to Modem
Using a standard ethernet cable, connect your modem to the router. The internet or WAN port on the router is typically a different color from the other access ports, or it may be located alone, away from other ports on the router. This connection is critical, as it allows the router to receive the signal you’ll need to have wireless internet.
Use an App or Browser to Configure WiFi
Once your router is connected to the internet, visit the portal the manufacturer provides to turn on wireless and configure your settings. Most companies today offer a smartphone app that allows you to quickly complete the setup process to begin connecting your devices to the WiFi.
If you find you still need a more extended range, check out this video for more info on maximizing long-range WiFi.
Conclusion
A robust wireless signal is a practical necessity in every room of your home or business. Thankfully, the best WiFi routers for long-range can provide the signal strength you need to get the signal you need throughout the building. Consider one of the routers above to achieve the most extended range possible inside your home or office.
People Also Ask
Beyond everything we’ve covered in our buying guide, most people in the market for a long-range router have some other questions and concerns. We’ve rounded them up below to help provide you with the most comprehensive information on the topic.
Where is the Best Place for a Wi-Fi Router?
A central location inside the building is the best spot for a Wi-Fi router. Depending on your modem location, it may not always be possible to place the router in an ideal area. Always aim to put the router in the middle of the building, and if you can’t, try to place it away from structural building materials like concrete, brick, or cement.
How to Install Long Range Wi-Fi Antenna With Router for Better Reception?
There are plenty of antennas on the market that may be able to extend the range of your Wi-Fi router. Installing a long-range Wi-Fi antenna is as easy as unscrewing the original antenna from its base on the router and screwing in the new antenna in its place.
Which Wi-Fi Frequency Has the Best Range?
The 2.4GHz frequency provides the longest range of Wi-Fi signals. However, it can’t deliver the speeds of a faster 5GHz connection. These two frequencies can be used together to provide both speed and range, provided your router has dual-band operation.
What is the Range of 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
The maximum range of a 5GHz signal is 820 feet. Remember that this range is based on ideal circumstances where there’s no obstruction to the signal. In the real world, the maximum range is closer to half that amount.
