WiFi extenders review and prices

TP-Link extenders

For typical NBN use where a WiFi extender only serves one or two devices, the cheapest AC750 to AC1200 models are usually sufficient. In real homes, 2.4GHz often performs better over longer distances and through walls, while 5GHz can lose its advantage after just one brick or concrete wall.

TP-Link and other brands "Mesh Extenders" only form a true mesh when paired with compatible same brands routers.

Once you are spending over $100 on an extender, returns drop off fast. At that point you are better off installing a proper mesh system or looking into running cables and installing wired access points.

Nevertheless, we are happy to help install any extender for you. Prices listed do not include installation.

What AC/AX means?

AC1200 means the combined 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bandwidth can reach up to 1200 Mbps, while AXE4200 means speeds up to 4200 Mbps with an additional 6 GHz band. AC represents the Wi-Fi 5 standard, and AX represents Wi-Fi 6. If an AC device such as an older phone or laptop connects to an AX router, the connection falls back to the slower AC mode. In some cases, AX routers or extenders can cause older devices to fail to connect at all due to compatibility and security negotiation issues.

Netgear

Netgear Orbi mesh systems

Orbi model	specs	RRP
AX1800 (RBK352)	600 1200Mbps 2 antennas, 3 LAN ports	$300 for 2 pack
AX5400 (RBK762S)	600 2400 2400Mbps 4 antennas, 3 LAN ports	$400 for 2 pack
AX6000 (RBK852)	2400 2400 1200Mbps 8 antennas, 4 LAN ports	$500 for 2 pack
AX11000 (RBK862SB)	4800 2400 2400 1200Mbps 12 antennas, 3 LAN ports	$600 for 2 pack

All Orbi systems support 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi and share the same WiFi features, security, Quad-Core 1.4GHz processor, Netgear Armor, and control app. AX models also support 6GHz, often referred to as WiFi 6. Models vary by speed due to the number of antennas and amplifiers.

Differences between cheaper and more expensive models are minimal unless you have over 10 simultaneous devices connected to WiFi and an NBN plan with speeds over 100 Mbps. The AX6000, for example, should handle up to 100 simultaneous devices. But you would need NBN speeds close to 1Gbs to note the advantage.

Antivirus in Netgear

Underrepresented Netgear Armor is a Bitdefender antivirus built into a router. It protects all devices on your WiFi network, whether PC, Mac, iPhones, Androids, printers, or TVs. The price of the Bitdefender licence for the router is around A$100/year. However, not all Netgear routers are with Armor. Orbi has one.

Google WiFi Nest

The other popular mesh system is Google WiFi, now called Nest. Google does not make extenders for other routers, which makes sense to achieve maximum performance with fewer third-party issues. It is recommended to bridge your existing modem-router and use Google WiFi as the router.

You may buy them in a set for mesh or add them later as needed. They are all controlled with the same app for Android or iPhones - Google Home. Here is the specification comparison. Minor differences were omitted, such as size and materials.

Google WiFi Specifications

The following specs are the same for all models: beamforming, 802.11k/v client roaming, up to 100 connected devices, Bluetooth, WPA3 encryption, automatic security updates.

Google WiFi, Nest Pro and Nest routers can work as an access point or router or join the mesh. Nest Point can only join Google Mesh. Nest is compatible with older Google WiFi, while Nest Pro is not.

Ubiquiti

UniFi AC Lite WiFi

This device is a dual WiFi band access point with speeds up to 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 867Mbps at 5GHz, known as AC1200. It's easy to install on the ceiling, wall, or shelf using PoE through the network cable. Combined with other Ubiquiti access points, it creates a seamless WiFi reception area across multiple rooms and floors, automatically switching to mesh without Ethernet cables. It can handle over 250 simultaneous users and costs $165.

Ubiquiti extender

Are you looking for a Ubiquiti extender? There is Ubiquiti's Amplifi router and extender line. However, Amplifi though beautifully designed, needs to be better supported in the Australian market and costs around $750 for three devices. We support them but do not install brand-new ones.

Outdoor WiFi

For private outdoor installations, such as backyards, verandas and house extensions, Ubiquiti has UAP-AC-M. It provides a speed of 300Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5GHz, which is sufficient for a dozen simultaneous devices. It is designed for pole or wall installations, providing coverage within a 180-meter radius. Ideally, it should be connected with a PoE network cable, but it can also work as a mesh in a few units or linked with an UniFi non-Mesh AP. Price $200

FAQ

Fix or buy a new Ubiquiti?

If access points are over 4-5 years old and you have just a few of them, replacing them is quicker than fixing them. Up to 3 APs are cheaper than spending hours troubleshooting, resetting and updating firmware. Ether resetting or new, you still need UniFi control panel with WiFi network settings.

How to reset Ubiquiti WiFi password

UniFi settings, including WiFi password, WiFi network name, firmware updates etc., are controlled via the panel on either:

• A device called Cloud Key from $390 or UniFi router with console from $450
• A remote Cloud Console for a monthly fee of US$30.
• A free software application on a local computer or mobile.

The last one is a usual installation method for small setups like in private houses. Losing access to the control panel will not stop the WiFi, but changing the WiFi password, updating the firmware, etc., won't be possible.

You can set up a new control panel. Then reset all points and adopt them into the WiFi network in the new UniFi control panel.

AP vs WiFi Extender

The Access Point requires Ethernet cabling, but the extender does not. Extender or, in other words, repeater piggybacks to an existing master WiFi network. WiFi extended via repeater is slower and less stable than the master WiFi network; thus, WiFi repeater is the cheap way of extending WiFi. Some WiFi repeaters can work as access points and vice versa. The mode of the network devices is chosen during the initial setup or changed later.

We recommend the Ubiquiti, Google mesh or TP-Link extenders based on hundreds of installations, all with positive feedback. These devices offer good value for money and deserve five stars.

How to buy

WiFi extenders supplied with WiFi installations in Sydney, predominantly Northern Beaches.