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Long range WiFi antennas provide powerful solutions to some of our most common connectivity problems.
Not only do they give your WiFi’s network range coverage a massive boost, but they are used to bridge networks, directly project your WiFi signal to a particular location and connect your device to a faraway network signal.
We’ve rounded up our top 5 picks for the best long range WiFi antennas, all boasting their own particular benefits depending on your connectivity needs.
Comparison of the Best Long Range WiFi Antennas
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Characteristics of Our Favorite Long Range WiFi Antennas
While long range WiFi antennas are often used for different purposes, our favorites do all contain certain features that are necessary for a high-quality long range WiFi extender.
Band Frequency
You’ll notice when purchasing a WiFi antenna that its frequency band will always be listed. This will usually come in the form of a 2.4 GHz single band or a 2.4-5 GHz dual-band frequency. Depending on what you’re using your WiFi antenna for, either may suit your needs.
For example, our favorite outdoor WiFi antennas may only contain a single 2.4 GHz frequency. This is since a lower frequency often operates better outdoors. Our favorite WiFi antennas meant for indoor use will normally contain dual-band frequency, making them a more powerful choice for indoor streaming of HD video and multi-player gaming.
Antenna Range
Depending on your WiFi coverage needs, you may require an antenna that provides a strong signal over a long range. If you have decided that your connectivity needs require you to have a powerful stand-alone WiFi antenna and not a WiFi adapter containing an antenna, you will notice a dBi (decibel relative to isotrope) rating. The average WiFi antenna rating will be 5-6 dBi, which is equivalent to 500-600 feet. However, more powerful outdoor WiFi antennas can cover many miles in range.
Photo credit: Anysoftwaretools.com
Varying Hardware Interfaces
Long range WiFi antennas come in many different shapes and sizes and are also available for different hardware needs. Our picks for the best long range WiFi antennas give you different options as to hardware installation. While some offer a simple plug-and-play solution to your connectivity needs, others can be mounted to a pole outside, giving you more options regarding how you can use your product and where it can connect to.
Ability to Suit Any Budget
We love the fact that there are several long range WiFi antenna options available to suit different budgets. A high-quality budget-friendly option is always available for long range WiFi needs (depending on how far you’re looking to provide coverage, that is).
Review of the Best WiFi Antennas for Long Range
We’ve reviewed the best WiFi antennas on the market to bring you our top picks for the best WiFi antennas for long ranges.
Best Overall:
Nineplus Wireless WiFi Adapter AC1200
PROS
CONS
Specs
Speed/Range: Up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz frequency/5 dBi
Transmission: Dual-band 2.4-5 GHz
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
Compatibility: Linux, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Windows 10
Review
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly antenna with the option of super-fast speeds for streaming HD video and hardcore gaming sessions, then the Nineplus Wireless WiFi Adapter AC1200 could be for you. Although this plug-and-play WiFi adapter may not seem like it’s meant for long range coverage, it contains two high-gain dual five dBi antennas, as well as a 3.0 USB hardware interface.
With the inclusion of USB, the Nineplus Wireless WiFi Adapter helps to maintain a connection that is ten times stronger than the standard USB 2.0. This WiFi adapter will project a strong signal to every nook and cranny of your household, with super-fast speeds of up to 867 Mbps on a 5 GHz frequency. It’s important to note that some customers have experienced an issue with the long-term use of this product.
Bottom Line
The Nineplus Wireless WiFi Adapter AC1200 is our top choice for the best long range WiFi antenna on the market. This adapter offers a plug-and-play solution to your long range connectivity needs, with two external five dBi antennas to offer maximum connectivity, eliminating those inconvenient dead zones in your household. With 3.0 USB technology and super-fast speeds of up to 867 Mbps, this WiFi adapter includes everything you need to establish and keep a strong WiFi connection.
Runner-up:
Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter
PROS
CONS
Specs
Speed/Range: Up to 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz frequency/5 dBi
Transmission: Dual-band 2.4-5 GHz
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0 cable
Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 32/64bit, MacOS 10.12 supported, Linux kernel 3.0 supported
Review
Our runner-up for the best long range WiFi antenna is the Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter. This WiFi adapter also includes USB 3.0 technology, offering 10 times faster data transfer rates than the USB 2.0. This WiFi adapter includes four extendable dual-band antennas, delivering long-range power fit for any task.
While this product does not plug directly into your PC or laptop, it does adapt via an included USB 3.0 cable. The Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter can then optimize your 802.11ac WiFi for a combined rate of up to 1900 Mbps on its dual-band technology. This product works with most (but not all) Windows operating systems and MacOSX 10.4 onward. It should be noted that if your WiFi device does not include a USB 3.0 port, you will not be able to use this product.
Bottom Line
The Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter will provide you with exceptional wireless performance with its combined speeds of up to 1900 Mbps and its four external antennas for long range power. This product is ideal for you if you’re looking for a powerful solution to your in-home connectivity issues, eliminating dead spots and creating a lag-free experience no matter what the activity. The Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter will work for most Windows and Mac OS users but is only compatible with USB 3.0.
Best for the Money:
Highfine WIFI0006-ZJ
PROS
CONS
Specs
Speed: 6 dBi
Transmission: Dual-band 2.4-5 GHz
Hardware Interface: 2 x 6 dBi Antenna, 2 x 35cm U.fl / IPEX Pigtail Cable
Compatibility: Any WiFi router and Mini PCI-E Interface
Review
Our pick for the best budget-friendly WiFi antenna on the market is the Highfine WIFI0006-ZJ. This product does not work via USB, but contains 2 x 6 dBi antennas and 2 x 35cm U.fl / IPEX Pigtail Cables. This means that it may be plugged into any WiFi router with space for two RP-SMA plugs or PC motherboards and video game console units that contain a mini PCI-E interface. While this product is more limited in terms of installation than our first two options, it offers an extremely budget-friendly price with long-range connectivity.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, this easy-to-install product is fantastic if you’re looking for a simple solution to your long range connectivity needs. Best for use within the home, the Highfine WIFI0006-ZJ is one of the most inexpensive WiFi antennas on the market that is also of high quality and offers great connectivity - just make sure your WiFi router or device meets its requirements!
Editor's Pick:
TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor
PROS
CONS
Specs
Speed/Range: Up to a combined 1200 Mbps/300+ m
Transmission: Dual-band 2.4-5 GHz
Hardware Interface: Supports both 802.3at/af PoE and Passive PoE power supply and can be either powered by a PoE switch or the provided PoE adapter
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP
Review
Our editor’s pick for the best long range WiFi antenna is the TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor Antenna. This dual-band WiFi antenna offers up to 1200 Mbps speeds, with a range of 300+ m, making this the perfect product if you’re looking for WiFi connectivity immediately outside your home. This WiFi antenna contains a variety of valuable features, including Remote Cloud access and the Omada app.
This feature brings centralized cloud management of the whole network from different sites, all conveniently controlled from a single interface anywhere you are. The TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor Antenna features other advanced wireless technology, such as seamless roaming, band steering, airtime fairness, and beamforming, making this an overall impressive product.
Bottom Line
This impressive WiFi antenna is the ideal option if you’re looking for a powerful solution to your WiFi connectivity needs, both indoor and outdoor. Featuring the most advanced technology, you’ll enjoy the option of a Cloud-based controller, the convenience of the Omada app, and the beamforming feature. It should be noted that the Control software is for Windows only, which is an obvious downside for Mac users. If you don’t mind shelling out on a high-quality WiFi antenna, then the TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor Antenna may be for you.
Honorable Mention:
Tupavco TP513 Yagi WiFi Antenna 2.4GHz (17dBi)
PROS
CONS
Specs
Speed/Antenna Range: 17 dBi
Transmission: Single band 2.4 GHz
Hardware Interface: Directional Yagi antenna, included pigtail N-Female connector
Compatibility: Any WiFi router or USB WiFi adapter that support replaceable antennas
Review
Our honorable mention comes in the form of the Tupavco TP513 Yagi WiFi Antenna, which is also the most powerful antenna on our list. While this WiFi antenna only contains single band technology, it has an antenna range of 17 dBi with a 25-degree beam width. This is an ideal WiFi antenna if you’re looking to expand your WiFi connection by miles, instead of just within a small property or increasing reception from a remote location.
It should be noted that a 2.4 GHz frequency is most ideal for outdoor use and further distance coverage. The Tupavco TP513 Yagi WiFi Antenna is compact, lightweight, and weatherproof and includes mounting hardware for attachment to an outside pole mount.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty WiFi antenna that can broadcast your signal for miles, then the Tupavco TP513 Yagi WiFi Antenna may be for you. While this product can extend your signal range, it is also great for increasing reception from a remote location or bridging WiFi networks between two far away points. Customers have found this WiFi adapter to be incredibly useful and versatile. Still, they have noted that the mount is not adjustable on the Y axis, making directing the antenna somewhat difficult.
How Far Can a WiFi Antenna Reach?
A WiFi router can usually only extend as far as 1,000 feet if the area is completely unobstructed. When using a WiFi antenna, you can extend this coverage by several meters to several miles, depending on the antenna’s dBi rating. For example, a 5 dBi antenna should be able to cover a distance of about 500 meters from your WiFi router, expanding your router’s reach by around 200 meters.
WiFi Antenna Effective Ranges
WiFi antennas with a lower dBi rating will work more effectively at a shorter range. In comparison, a higher dBi rating will work exceptionally well at picking up signals from a distance.
Photo credit: nextxl.com
Types of WiFi Antennas for Long Range
When researching long range WiFi antennas, you may notice that there are two main types of antennas available. Let’s take a look at the different types of WiFi antennas available and what their uses are.
Directional Antennas
Directional antennas come in different shapes and sizes and focus their signal in a specific area, covering more distance. Directional antennas come in the form of flat panel antennas, yagi antennas, and parabolic antennas.
Flat Panel Antennas
A flat panel antenna is commonly used to direct a broad WiFi signal, providing a wider angle of coverage. This generally ranges between 35 and 120 degrees, which is perfect for indoor use.
Yagi Antennas
Yagi antennas are most often used in situations requiring medium distance and must be placed in the correct position to work optimally. A yagi antenna will increase the signal/reception in the direction it is pointing. These long antennas appear similar to TV aerials.
Photo credit: Lairdconnect.com
Parabolic Antennas
This type of directional antenna contains a dish, not unlike a satellite dish. A parabolic antenna works by reflecting the WiFi signal from its dish onto the middle of the dish, providing an excellent range. These are best used for bridging distant networks.
Omnidirectional Antennas
Unlike directional antennas, omnidirectional antennas provide 360-degree WiFi coverage. While omnidirectional is not ideal for a broad range, they can provide flawless coverage within most short-distance WiFi networks. Omnidirectional antennas are most common within homes and are not usually used outdoors.
Who Would Not Benefit From a Long Range WiFi Antenna?
While long range WiFi antennas can be incredibly useful tools, they are not necessary for everyone. In other words, many WiFi networks will be able to provide the coverage and high-speed internet connection you need. If your internet connection is already lag-free and covers every nook and cranny of the space in which you need it, a long range WiFi antenna is not for.
Photo credit: Rootsaid.com
It’s important to note that long range WiFi antennas are also not a one-size-fits-all product. An antenna with a dBi rating of only five will not benefit you if you are looking for a long range WiFi antenna that can be reached beyond your front porch.
If you feel that your internet is suffering from connectivity issues, it’s important to research exactly how much range you need to cover and your internet’s existing speed. This product will also not be for you if you are looking to increase your internet speed.
If you are looking to increase your internet’s speed and your signal reception doesn’t need improvement, then you may need to talk to your internet provider about upgrading your plan to high-speed service.
Conclusion
Each of the long range routers that we’ve included on this list has different uses, ranging from improving wireless range within your own home to bridging the gap between your device and a faraway WiFi hotspot. We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of the best long range WiFi antennas and have improved your understanding of what these useful devices are.
People Also Ask
Still, have more questions on how long range WiFi antennas work? Here are some of the most common questions that are asked about these products.
Do WiFi Antennas Work Outside?
It’s important to note that not all WiFi antennas are meant to work outside. WiFi antennas that are positioned within the home will find some difficulty extending to the outdoors, whether due to range or obstructions such as brick or concrete walls. However, certain WiFi antennas are specifically meant for use outdoors and can span for several miles.
Where Should I Put a Long Range WiFi Antenna?
Where you should install your WiFi antenna depends on its purpose and where you intend to use it the most. For example, a WiFi antenna meant to provide a bridge between a faraway hotspot and your device should ideally be mounted outdoors, in an area free of obstructions. However, a WiFi antenna meant to increase the WiFi coverage within your immediate space should be installed centrally in your home, in a clear line of sight with the transmitting WiFi hotspot.
Does a WiFi Antenna Slow Down the Internet?
A WiFi antenna is not meant to slow down your internet. You must make sure that both your wireless router and device support the same standard of internet speed to work optimally. The strength of your wireless signal may affect your internet speed, which should only be improved by the installation of a WiFi antenna.
