So you sit down in a place further away from the router and the WiFi signal breaks off? If the WiFi is too slow, a WiFi range extender can be a good solution to bring the wireless network to all rooms reliably and quickly. TECHBOOK presents the five best WiFi repeater models for every application.
The performance of a WiFi repeater depends on the speed of the router. It increases the range, but cannot help to make the WLAN itself faster. Before buying a repeater, however, you should definitely look at the technical data of the router in order to select the right WiFi repeater. Our editorial team reveals what other features you should pay attention to.
What Makes a Good WiFi Repeater?
The same standards and protocols for the router and the WiFi repeater are prerequisites for its smooth installation. If you also want to connect a Smart TV or a music system, then a WiFi repeater with several LAN ports is worthwhile. If the WLAN connection is to be maintained over a greater distance, the use of several repeaters with mesh and bridge functions is recommended for reliable and fast data transfer. Equally important is the question of how many devices should use the network in parallel and whether a device with multiple antennas and the MU-MIMO WLAN function is the right choice.
The price-performance winner: AVM Fritz!Repeater 2400
The AVM Fritz!Repeater 2400 is characterized by a high bandwidth. Thanks to dual-band technology, the WiFi repeater achieves a data throughput of up to 2333 Mbit/s using the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz frequency bands. The user can also choose between different encryption standards. If you already have a router from AVM, the connection takes place automatically. With network devices from other providers, the installation takes just a few clicks. Although the WLAN repeater is comparatively large and thus blocks double sockets, for example, the solid performance is on the usual level of AVM, one of the market leaders among network device manufacturers.
Furnishing
| AVM Fritz! Repeater 2400 | |
|---|---|
| product type | WiFi repeater |
| physical buttons | WPS |
| Assembly | socket |
| LEDs | signal strength, status |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 76.5×155×62.6mm |
| Weight | 160g |
| WiFi speed | 2,333 Mbps |
| WLAN standards | a,b,g,n,ac |
| encryptions | WPS, WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPA3 |
| WiFi frequency bands | 5.0GHz, 2.4GHz |
| dual band mode | Simultaneously |
| WLAN operating modes | access point, bridge |
| LAN interface | 1 × RJ45 |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1,000 Mbit/s) |
| LAN protocols | IPv6 |
| Remote Management Protocol | webinterface |
| 2 antennas | Internal |
| Supported Devices | WLAN-enabled end devices |
| particularities | Firmware upgradable, suitable for mesh systems |
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
- + Easy installation
- + Good value for money
- + Flawless connection to the home network
cons
- – Unsuitable for double sockets
- – Only one LAN connection
The compact one: Edimax Gemini RE11
The smart, space-saving WiFi repeater Edimax Gemini R11 ensures uninterrupted roaming and can also be used as an access point and WiFi bridge. A slide switch regulates the transmission power and distinguishes between normal and environmentally friendly settings. If the greatest possible WLAN coverage is not required, the mode can be switched and energy can thus be saved. The external antennas are also interchangeable and can be swapped out for an extended range if necessary.
Furnishing
| Edimax Gemini RE11 | |
|---|---|
| product type | WiFi repeater |
| physical buttons | WPS, operating mode |
| Assembly | socket |
| LEDs | Signal strength, power, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, WPS, LAN |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 91×59×40mm |
| Weight | 130g |
| WiFi speed | 1,200 Mbps |
| WLAN standards | a,b,g,n,ac |
| encryptions | WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS |
| WiFi frequency bands | 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz |
| dual band mode | Simultaneously |
| LAN interface | 1 × RJ45 |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1,000 Mbit/s) |
| 2 antennas | External |
| Supported Devices | WiFi-enabled devices |
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Good wifi
- + Simple configuration and operation
- + Diverse application possibilities
- + High-quality processing
- + Interchangeable antennas
cons
- – LAN connection relatively slow
The best price: devolo WLAN Repeater+ ac
The devolo WLAN Repeater+ ac impresses with its remarkable speed. You can tell that a number of aspects were optimized during development for the most convenient use possible: The plug & play software enables quick setup and thanks to the clever design with an integrated socket, additional devices can be connected to the power supply if required. The relatively low power consumption is also remarkable. The devolo WLAN Repeater+ ac is also one of the cheapest comparison winners among the various amplifier models. Nevertheless, it is in no way inferior to the more expensive models, even when it comes to the wide range of WLAN functions. For example, it supports beamforming, in which the WLAN signal is sent in a targeted manner in the direction of the connected end devices.
Furnishing
| devolo WLAN Repeater+ ac | |
|---|---|
| product type | WiFi repeater |
| physical buttons | WPS, WiFi, reset, pairing |
| Assembly | socket |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 40×76×152mm |
| Weight | 570g |
| WiFi speed | 1,200 Mbps |
| WLAN standards | a,b,g,n,ac |
| encryptions | WPA2, WPS, WPA, WEP, WPA3 |
| WiFi frequency bands | 5.0GHz, 2.4GHz |
| dual band mode | Simultaneously |
| WLAN operating modes | access point |
| LAN interface | 2 × RJ45 |
| LAN standard | Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbit/s) |
| LAN protocols | QoS, IPv4, IPv6 |
| Remote Management Protocol | webinterface |
| 2 antennas | Internal |
| Supported Devices | WLAN-enabled end devices |
| particularities | WLAN functions: Beamforming, MU-MIMO, AirTime Fairness, WLAN guest network, parental control, integrated socket, plug & play, suitable for mesh systems |
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.2 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Fast installation
- + Relatively low power consumption
- + Low price
- + Various WLAN functions
- + Convenient plug & play
cons
- – Relatively small range
Great performance: AVM Fritz!Repeater 6000
The powerful WiFi repeater AVM Fritz!Repeater 6000 impresses with high speeds of both 5 gigahertz and 2.4 gigahertz. Working on several devices in parallel is easily possible thanks to multi-user MIMO and many antennas. With the mesh function, you can also set up a WiFi network that creates a stable WiFi connection to the furthest corners of your home and office. The management of the amplifier works not only via the usual web interface, but also via an intuitive app. When it comes to sustainability alone, one should consider: Since the repeater is one of the more powerful devices, it requires correspondingly more energy in normal operation.
Furnishing
| AVM Fritz! Repeater 6000 | |
|---|---|
| product type | WiFi repeater |
| physical buttons | pairing |
| Assembly | stand |
| LEDs | signal strength |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 185×87×135mm |
| Weight | 180g |
| WiFi speed | 6,000 Mbps |
| WLAN standards | ac, n, g, b, a, ax |
| encryptions | WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPS |
| WiFi frequency bands | 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz |
| dual band mode | Simultaneously |
| WLAN operating modes | bridge, access point |
| LAN interface | 2 × RJ45 |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbit/s), 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| LAN protocols | IPv4, IPv6 |
| Remote Management Protocol | Web interface, app |
| 12 antennas | Internal |
| Supported Devices | WiFi-enabled devices |
| particularities | WLAN functions: 1024QAM, WLAN mesh steering, OFDMA, cross band repeating, WLAN guest network, suitable for mesh systems |
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.3 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Relatively fast WiFi
- + Relatively high range
- + Clever mesh radio unit
- + Multi-user MIMO
- + Easy installation and operation
cons
- – Relatively high power consumption
The elegant one: Telekom Speed Home Wifi
The WLAN repeater Telekom Speed Home Wifi not only stands out from other WLAN repeaters with its round design. It also offers very fast WiFi ac and clever WiFi features with access point and bridge options. The repeater also consumes less power and is therefore the best choice for environmentally conscious users who do not want to forego fast performance with a long range. A new mesh technology developed by the manufacturer simplifies the setting up of a comprehensive network – even over several floors.
Furnishing
| Telecom Speed Home Wifi | |
|---|---|
| product type | WiFi repeater |
| physical buttons | WPS |
| Assembly | stand |
| LEDs | status, signal strength |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 165×167×80mm |
| Weight | 285g |
| WiFi speed | 1,700 Mbps |
| WLAN standards | a,b,g,n,ac |
| encryptions | WPA, WPA2, WPS |
| WiFi frequency bands | 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz |
| dual band mode | Simultaneously |
| WLAN operating modes | access point, bridge |
| LAN interface | 2 × RJ45 |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1,000 Mbit/s) |
| 6 antennas | Internal |
| Supported Devices | WiFi-enabled devices |
| particularities | WLAN function MU-MIMO; suitable for mesh systems |
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 2.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Clever WLAN functions
- + Very fast WiFi ac
- + Easy installation
- + Relatively low power consumption
cons
- – Rather slow WiFi
- – No guest network
Conclusion
Buying a WiFi repeater should be well thought out to be worthwhile. TECHBOOK convinced five models, all of which are equipped with dual-band technology and therefore achieve a higher data throughput. Of course, you should check each model to what extent it is compatible with the existing router in order to be able to rely on easy installation and the best possible performance
The price-performance winner AVM Fritz!Repeater 2400 is in the mid-range in terms of price, but is worth an investment due to the usual brand quality from AVM. However, if larger areas are to be covered with a wireless network, we recommend upgrading to the AVM Fritz!Repeater 6000. The devolo WLAN Repeater+ ac is best for those on a smaller budget.
More articles worth knowing about WiFi connection
For anyone who would like to learn more about how to optimize their WLAN connection, TECHBOOK offers many other articles with practical advice, product tests and trending topics related to wireless Internet. Different network models, market innovations and manufacturer insights – all articles from our editorial team can be found in the TECHBOOK WLAN archives.