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A strong WiFi connection has become more important than ever in recent years, with workplaces, school settings, and homes requiring reliable connectivity more than ever.
And with the need for a reliable connection everywhere we go, it only makes sense that we’ve developed a need for a strong outdoor WiFi connection as well.
In this article, we give you our picks for the best outdoor WiFi extenders available and establish the difference between some of the most popular WiFi extending products on the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Outdoor Wifi Extenders
- OUR TOP PICK: TP-Link 5GHz N300 CPE510
- RUNNER-UP: EnGenius ENS202EXT N300
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: REMO BAS-2301
Comparison of the Best Outdoor WiFi Extenders
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What Should I Look for When Buying an Outdoor WiFi Extender?
When purchasing an outdoor WiFi extender, there are a few things to consider before deciding which product will suit your needs. When buying a WiFi extender, you should be aware of the following:
Distance Covered
When purchasing a WiFi extender, it’s important to keep in mind the distance that needs to be covered.
If you’re simply looking to extend your WiFi signal 20 feet from your front door, then you will not require a WiFi extender with much range (or possibly even require one at all!). If you have a large yard of the property that you’d like to extend your signal to, then it’s important to ensure that the WiFi extender you purchase has the capability of reaching as far as you require it to.
Purpose of the WiFi Extender
The purpose of your outdoor WiFi extender is important when deciding which product you should purchase. If you’re building a home office outside, then you’re going to be looking for the best (and possibly most expensive) WiFi extender on the market to ensure that you’re consistently receiving a strong and stable connection. However, if you’re purchasing a WiFi extender just so you can listen to music in your gazebo, then you will not need the most advanced system out there.
Top Manufacturers
While brand names may not be the most important factor to you, you may wish to consider them. When narrowing down your decision for the best WiFi extender out there, you may wish to first consider brands with a reputation for excellent and reliable WiFi products and extenders.
Price Range
The price must, of course, be taken into consideration when purchasing your WiFi extender. Not only do you need to make sure that you’re going for a model that you can afford, but the price can often reflect the quality of your purchase. However, this is not always true, with plenty of budget-friendly options available that will more than suit your outdoor WiFi needs.
By researching the best brands in the WiFi extender space, you’ll be able to get a better idea of which budget-friendly options are likely to be reliable and which ones aren’t.
Review of the Best Outdoor WiFi Extenders
In search of the best outdoor WiFi extenders on the market? Look no further! We’ve gathered our top picks for the best outdoor WiFi extenders that will provide you with a high-quality, stable connection outside of your home.
Best Overall:
TP-Link 5GHz N300 CPE510
PROS
CONS
Specs
Wireless Data Rates: Up to 300Mbps
Frequency Band: 5.15-5.85 GHz
dBi/Antenna Range: 13dBi/15km+
Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11a/n (with Pharos MAXtream disabled)
Review
The TP-Link 5GHz N300 is our pick for the best overall outdoor WiFi extender, providing a powerful solution for your outdoor wireless networking needs. This product has a high dBi rating of 13, providing up to a 15km range for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and outdoor WiFi coverage.
The TP-Link 5GHz N300 contains a built-in 13 2x2 dual-polarized directional MIMO antenna, allowing for super-long range wireless transmission. With a 5 GHz band frequency and a wireless data rate of up to 300 Mbps, this extender can offer high-speed internet from miles away.
It’s important to note that this product is not compatible with 2.4 GHz devices.
Bottom Line
The TP-Link 5GHz N300 contains all the features you can possibly need for a great long-range outdoor WiFi extender and more. Besides providing a dBi rating of 13, allowing for up to 15km of coverage, this product provides a high-frequency band of 5 GHz with a wireless data rate of up to 300 Mbps, offering a high-speed connection outdoors.
The TP-Link 5GHz N300 must be set up using an Ethernet port and will not work on the more common 2.4 GHz band frequency, so you must make sure that your setup is compatible.
Runner-up:
EnGenius ENS202EXT N300
PROS
CONS
Specs
Wireless Data Rates: Up to 300Mbps
Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
dBi/Antenna Range: 2 x 5 dBi Omni-Directional Antenna/500 ft.
Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11n
Review
The next mention goes to the EnGenius ENS202EXT. This long range outdoor access point operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency, delivering data transfer rates of up to 300 Mbps, giving you high-speed internet both indoors and outdoors.
However, due to its single-band frequency, this extender is most ideal for outdoor use. This product contains two detachable Omni-directional 5 dBi MIMO antennas, providing 500 ft. of extended coverage. The EnGenius ENS202EXT also features IP65 rated weatherproof housing, protecting this valuable purchase from harsh outdoor conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an outdoor WiFi extender that offers long-range 2.4 GHz connectivity, then the EnGenius ENS202EXT may be the right product for you. This extender is most ideal for those looking for no more than 500 m of extended outdoor coverage, such as to a large outdoor yard or patio, while feeling secure that your purchase is completely protected from the elements.
Best for the Money:
REMO BAS-2301
PROS
CONS
Specs
Wireless Data Rates: Up to 300Mbps
Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
dBi/Antenna Range: 12.5 to 15dBi/0.75 miles
Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11n
Review
We love a good budget-friendly option, which is why we’ve chosen the REMO BAS-2301 as our pick for best for the money. The REMO BAS-2301 is an incredible option for those looking for up to 0.75 miles of connection range, with a single band 2.4 GHz frequency.
This product contains a powerful dBi rating of up to 15, using its high-performance BAS antenna and its detachable SMA port antenna for an excellent long-range connection. This extender features a protective weatherproof and UV ray ABS cover to ensure that it’s completely protected from the elements.
On top of it all, this product is adjustable and comes with all mounting hardware needed to mount your extender outside.
Bottom Line
The REMO BAS-2301 is a powerful yet budget-friendly solution to your outdoor WiFi connectivity needs. Offering a range of up to 0.75 miles on a 2.4 GHz connection, this extender contains highly advanced RP-SMA connectors as well as a high-performance BAS antenna to provide you with the strongest WiFi signal possible. While a 2.4 GHz frequency is ideal for extending your WiFi signal outside, this product will not work with a router on a 5 GHz frequency.
Best Long Range WiFi Extender Outdoor:
Winegard RW-2035
PROS
CONS
Specs
Wireless Data Rates: Up to 300Mbps
Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
dBi/Antenna Range: 3 detachable high-gain 5 dBi antennas/Up to 1000 ft.
Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11n
Review
The Winegard RW-2035 Extreme Outdoor WiFi Extender offers an exceptional range for a WiFi extender, giving your signal an additional radius range of 1,000 feet. The result? A million square feet of total outdoor coverage. This product is perfect for large properties, including small farms, offering wireless data rates of 300 Mbps at a 2.4 GHz frequency.
The Winegard RW-2035 can connect to multiple products at once and is easy to include in your existing wireless network. It also features a guest network option, so you can set up an additional WiFi network with a separate password for your guests, maximizing the security of your core network even when you have guests.
Bottom Line
The bottom line of this product? With its up to 1,000 foot coverage and advanced features, the Winegard RW-2035 comes at a price. This WiFi extender is the most expensive on our list, although the price tag does match up to the quality. If you’re looking for a WiFi extender that will more than cover a wide outdoor area with maximum security protection, then the Winegard RW-2035 may be the product for you.
Editor's Pick:
TP-Link Omada AC1200 EAP225
PROS
CONS
Specs
Wireless Data Rates: Up to 1200 Mbps
Frequency Band: 2.4-5 GHz
dBi/Antenna Range: 2 x 4 dBi - 5 GHz Antennas/300+ m
Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11n
Review
Last but not least, we have the TP-Link Omada AC1200 EAP225 for our editor’s pick. This is the only product on our list that offers a dual-band frequency, ranging from 2.4 to 5 GHz. This WiFi extender contains two removable three dBi antennas for a 2.4 GHz frequency and two removable four dBi antennas for a 5 GHz frequency, which is both a convenient and impressive feature.
The dual-band frequency featured in the TP-Link Omada AC1200 makes this product ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It includes a durable, weatherproof enclosure to protect against harsh weather conditions.
Bottom Line
The dual range TP-Link Omada AC1200 offers excellent performance and advanced technology, allowing for the most optimal connection to your outdoor WiFi needs. With its high-performance Pharos Control and multiple support modes, from AP, Repeater, Client, WISP, and AP client router, this ultra-fast WiFi extender offers a range of 300+ m on a 5 GHz frequency.
How Do Outdoor WiFi Extenders Work?
Outdoor WiFI extenders work by connecting with your router (wirelessly or through a wired Ethernet connection) to expand your internet signal. Outdoor WiFi extenders are usually placed outside to maximize the signal strength and avoid indoor obstructions. Outdoor WiFi extenders are used to provide a strong network signal outside of your home, giving you an outdoor connection that is just as reliable as an indoor WiFi connection.
Are All Outdoor WiFi Extenders The Same?
While all WiFi extenders work by connecting with your router to help extend your internet coverage, several different types of outdoor WiFi extenders are available, which do not all operate the same. Outdoor WiFi extenders can largely vary in terms of the distance they cover, data transfer speed, frequency, connectivity options, and advanced features.
Types of Outdoor WiFi Extenders
While outdoor WiFi extenders all work to help extend your internet coverage, there are many different kinds available on the market to suit your outdoor connectivity needs.
WiFi Repeaters
While a WiFi extender is usually connected through a wired Ethernet connection, a WiFi repeater connects to your WiFi network wirelessly. The signal is then re-broadcasted to a larger area, pulling it in a direction where you need it most. While these products have their place in the home WiFi market, they’re usually less preferred to the WiFi repeater.
TP-Link Omada AC1200 EAP225
Long-Range WiFi Antenna
An antenna extender is preferred for covering a much broader range than a standard WiFi extender. These types of extenders can either be wired or wireless and range in terms of size and connectivity. Heavy-duty outdoor WiFi antennas are often mounted to a pole outside of the house for long-range coverage.
Wired Connections
Many WiFi extenders are either wired to an Ethernet port or wired directly to your WiFi router. Wired connections tend to be more reliable and are less susceptible to wireless issues such as crashing.
WiFi Boosters
WiFi boosters are a unique solution that extends your WiFi coverage by boosting your existing signal and usually works by way of an access point or antenna.
CPEs/Access Points
“CPEs” stands for Customer Premises Equipments, which are additional access points that help increase your signal range.
How Do Outdoor WiFi Extenders Compare?
Looking for how some of the most common WiFi extenders compare? Let’s take a look at the differences between these common range-extending systems.
TP-Link Omada AC1200 EAP225
WiFi Range Extender vs Mesh Network
To extend your outdoor WiFi, you may need to employ the help of either a WiFi range extender or a Mesh Network. Wireless extenders work by connecting to an existing router and lengthening the wireless signal range by re-broadcasting it.
Mesh network systems do not work in the same way and are often complete replacements for your at-home WiFi.
Using a mesh network eliminates the need for a router and extender setup and uses multiple units placed around your house to establish the strongest signal possible.
What is the Difference Between a WiFi Booster and WiFi Extender?
A WiFi booster works by acquiring an existing signal from a wireless router or wireless access point, then re-broadcasting it to create a second network. A WiFi extender is used to extend your WiFi network's coverage area by receiving your existing WiFi signal, amplifying it, and then transmitting the boosted signal.
Top Brands in the Outdoor WiFi Extender Space
When researching outdoor WiFi extenders, it can be helpful to take the top brands into account. Let’s look at some of the most well-known brands in the outdoor WiFi extender space.
TP-Link
Chinese brand TP-Link is our first notable brand in the outdoor WiFi extender space. Founded by brothers Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Jiaxing in 1996, TP-Link has made a big name for themselves in the past 25 years and are known for their WiFi devices.
TP-Link’s devices are known for being unbeatable when it comes to establishing an unbeatable wireless connection, providing outstanding stability and performance. TP-Link offers a variety of top-quality WiFi extenders and is dedicated to providing highly effective, affordable solutions for both indoor and outdoor wireless networking applications.
Netgear
Netgear, Inc. is a multinational computer networking company that was also founded in 1996 by Patrick Lo. Over the past 25 years, Netgear has expanded from their California office to establishing offices in 25 other countries around the world.
Netgear’s SOHO product line launched in Japan in 1996, which helped to shape the home networking market as we know it. This allowed Netgear to continue to focus on specializing in wireless devices that create WiFi networks, including hotspots and extended WiFi range, such as in the case of outdoor WiFi extenders.
Netgear is always looking to stay one step ahead of the game in the space of wireless products and constantly reviews and reinvents their products to bring their customers the best technology on the market.
Price Points of Outdoor WiFi Extenders
WiFi extenders come in all price ranges that may or may not reflect the quality of the price. Let’s take a look at some common price points of outdoor WiFi extenders.
$25 - $50
There are many quality outdoor WiFi extenders available in this range and include brands such as TP-Link, Netgear, and Linksys. Outdoor WiFi extenders are usually more expensive than indoor WiFi extenders, so finding a long-lasting product at this price point can prove to be difficult. The REMO BAS-2301 is one of the exceptions to this, offering a long-range and high-quality product at an exceptionally affordable price specifically designed for the outdoors. The TP-Link 5GHz N300 is another fantastic example of a high-quality, affordable outdoor WiFi extender (which happens to be our pick for the best overall outdoor WiFi extender on our list!).
$50 - $100
Products in this price range include brands such as Wavlink, TP-Link, and JOOWIN. Outdoor WiFi extenders in this price range tend to have higher data transfer rates than their more budget-friendly counterparts and often offer a dual-band frequency and multi-directional antennas with a dBi rating of 5 or more.
$100+
Outdoor WiFi adapters in this price range include WAVLINK, Netgear, and Engenius. These products offer the most advanced features of any outdoor WiFi extenders on the market, offering super-fast data transfer speeds and exceptional range. Many products in this price range come in the form of an entire Mesh system instead of your typical WiFi extender, allowing for maximum range and signal strength. Although Mesh systems are often used to entirely replace your router/extender setup, they can be used in combination with your router as well.
EnGenius ENS202EXT N300
Who Would Not Benefit From an Outdoor WiFi Extender?
While a WiFi extender can be an incredibly useful and valuable product, not everyone will be able to benefit from one. If you rarely (if ever) use your WiFi signal outside of your home, then you most likely will not benefit from this purchase. You will also not benefit from this purchase if you are looking to extend your WiFi signal more than 2,500 feet outside your home. In this case, you’ll wish to consider a long-range WiFi antenna, which in some cases can extend your signal for kilometers.
It’s important to note that outdoor WiFi extenders are not a one-size-fits-all product, and specifications must be checked on your internet router before purchasing one. If your WiFi router runs on the older 5 GHz frequency, you will have more difficulty finding a WiFi extender that can work with your router. However, we have provided one dual-band option on our list in the form of the TP-Link Omada AC1200 EAP225, which can run on both a 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency.
Conclusion
Our picks for the best outdoor WiFi extenders deliver fast-speed, excellent performance, and include all of the necessary technology to promote a strong, stable, and long-range connection. If you’re looking to establish a reliable outdoor WiFi signal for your backyard, pool, and/or garage, purchasing an outdoor WiFi extender is an easy and effective option.
People Also Ask
Do you have more questions about WiFi extenders before you make your purchase? Let’s look at some of the most common questions that people ask when purchasing a WiFi extender.
How Far Can WiFi Reach Outdoors?
WiFI routers that operate on the traditional 2.4 GHz band can usually reach up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. Older WiFi routers that run on 5 GHz bands can only reach approximately one-third of these distances, despite the higher band frequency.
Does a WiFi Extender Slow Down Internet Speed?
A WiFi extender does not either slow down or speed up your internet connection, beyond improving your signal strength outside of your router’s usual range. By improving your WiFI signal, it may appear that your internet speed has been increased, as you can now connect in areas that you may not have been able to previously.
Winegard RW-2035
How Do You Extend WiFi Outside?
With a typical router being able to broadcast a signal up to 150 feet, this range will usually only be able to offer you a strong WiFi signal inside. A booster, extender, or repeater will be able to extend a strong WiFI signal outdoors, up to 2,500 feet.
Where Should You Put an Outdoor WiFi Extender?
If you’re looking to extend your WiFI range outdoors, it’s most ideal to place your WiFi extender in an area where you’ll be using your WiFi the most, such as in your backyard or garage. A good outdoor WiFi extender should be weather resistant and offer the same performance as an indoor access point.
Are Outdoor WiFi Extenders Waterproof?
If a WiFi extender is meant for the outdoors, it likely features weatherproof housing to protect your purchase from harsh outdoor conditions, including extreme heat and cold. However, it’s important to check and make sure that the product you purchase is, in fact, waterproof if you’re planning on setting it up in an uncovered area.
