With the increasing use of devices outdoors, especially gadgets that depend on internet connectivity, people are beginning to invest in outdoor WiFi range extenders.
While you may be enjoying seamless internet connection in the comfort of your house, it’s a different ball game connecting your security cameras, garage door openers, lighting, and much more with just your regular WiFi network.
Moving your router as close to your yard as possible may suffice, but the distance it can reach depends on how much room the Ethernet cable would afford you.
So, if you need good outdoor WiFi services, this buying guide is for you.
What to Look Out for When Selecting an Exterior WiFi Extender
Compatibility
The best tip to get the most compatible exterior WiFi extender is to go for one with the same manufacturer as your router.
In addition, you should look out for outdoor WiFi range extenders that would work effectively with your router, as anything less would defeat the whole purpose of an extender.
Weather Resistance
If your extender would be outside and at the mercy of nature, getting one equipped to deal with the weather is ideal.
Check the extender’s Ingress Protection (IP) rating and how much temperature range it can withstand. Typically, the highest rating is IP68; the weatherproof wifi extenders with this rating are equipped to handle dust and withstand water.
Price
Usually, Orbi WiFi extenders and other extenders are pretty pricey; you should still go for something affordable. Also, additional tech like smart device integrations (e.g. – Alexa) can punch up the price even higher.
Distance to cover
It’s counterproductive going for an outdoor WiFi range extender that would cover a little space or something that would cover a wider distance than necessary.
Often, the wider the distance, the more expensive it is. So, unless you’ll be moving to a larger compound soon, going for an extender that fits your compound is ideal.
Reason for getting an extender
Is your reason for the extender to enjoy your Apple playlist while in the garden, or is it to build an office outside? Ensure you take into consideration your reason for getting the device then buy accordingly.
Manufacturers
There’s more assurance of getting the best when you go for an outdoor wireless extender from prominent manufacturers. As much as new manufacturers may deliver on their products, reputable brands are generally able to provide more comprehensive customer support.
Extender types
You should understand what extender would fit your purpose perfectly; below are the types of extenders –
- Antenna: They could be wired or wireless but are always reliable. They may demand a bit to install or set up but provide powerful, consistent WiFi network coverage.
- Boosters: They are way better than repeaters; boosters broadcast your WiFi network and build your overall WiFi strength and distance.
- General extenders: There’s always a long-range WiFi extender available for anybody, varied sizes, connection types, colors, shapes, and much more; the idea is to go for what would fit your purpose perfectly while considering other factors.
- Repeaters: One of the common types of extenders, using one or two may be okay; using much more would be counterproductive. Repeaters typically spread out WiFi connections: while they help ensure broadband coverage, a repeater might weaken the strength of your network.
- Wired: Wired extenders often do quite a remarkable job; however, the option of connecting an extender with an Ethernet cable is slim.
Best Outdoor WiFi Range Extender
9. Amazon eero Pro 6 Tri-band mesh WiFi 6
Best Amazon Mesh Router with WiFi 6
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Incredible speed
- Reliable performance
- Wide range coverage
- Mesh system
Cons
- Accompanying app is basic
- Few Ethernet ports
Amongst other Mesh systems, this gadget is one fast-to-set-up system.
If you won’t be needing much bandwidth speed, then this is ideal. Although lacking in blazing speed, the eero Pro 6 has a large coverage area with multiple customization options.
It is a tri-band outdoor WiFi range extender that instantly connects to your modem without much hassle. You can control it with Alexa, turn off the WiFi connection for a user, and limit speeds.
Amazon keeps it updated by automatically downloading and installing updates, it also installs patches when released.
You’ll enjoy this device the most if you are in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem. Just that, it’s a bit expensive compared to most other outdoor WiFi range extenders we’ve reviewed here.
Price: $230 (Single Unit)
Type: Mesh | Distance: 3,500 sq.ft. | Speed: 1200Mbps | Additional feature: WiFi 6| Connection technology: AX4200 | IP Rating: N/A
8. JOOWIN AC1200
Best Versatile WiFi Range Extender
Pros
- Multiple modes
- Dual-band
- Low latency
- Good customer service
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can’t customize security settings
With a 500mW transmit power, this device can provide a network coverage of a 300 feet radius. In addition, it has a high-gain antenna which helps maintain consistent signal strength throughout.
You should use a 24V POE as a 48V POE could burn it out. It has WPA2-PSK, WEP, WPA WiFi security. It can be mounted on the wall or a pole.
It works in different modes including AP, Router, Bridge, and repeater mode, making it ideal for different environments and complexity. You can use 64 devices simultaneously on it. In addition, JOOWIN offers incredible tech support as well.
Price: $70
Type: Multiple modes | Distance: 300feet | Speed: | Additional feature: WPA, WPA2-PSK | Connection technology: Dual-band | IP Rating: IP66
7. TP Link 2.4GHz N300
Best Budget TP-Link WiFi Extender
Pros
- Consistent connection
- Extensive Coverage Area
- Inexpensive
- Waterproof
Cons
- Requires computer for installation
- Needs an Ethernet port for set up
- Single band
This CPE exterior WiFi extender is an excellent gadget for wide area coverage. As an outdoor device, it is waterproof and ensures a strong network connection.
It offers different modes, including acting as a repeater, AP, AP router, and much more.
With its app, you can reset it from anywhere in your building without needing to go outside. This is arguably the longest range wifi repeater, built especially for outdoor usage.
It offers just 2.5GHz, which can be considered a weakness. However, you can adjust its transmission from 0 to 27dBm.
Price: $40
Type: Multiple modes | Distance: 800 sq.ft. | Speed: N/A | Additional feature: Lightning protection, Remote Control | Connection technology: | IP Rating: IPX5
6. Winegard RW-2035
Best Single-Band Tri-Antenna WiFi Extender
Pros
- Easy to install and set up
- Adjustable antennas
- Wide consistent coverage
Cons
- Top speed isn’t ideal
- Not all components are suited for outdoors
- Single band
With three amplified omnidirectional high-gain antennas, Winegard is equipped to broadcast your network to a wider coverage area; about 1000 feet.
Its installation is pretty straightforward with a single Ethernet cable, although you’ll need a computer to set it up. It is a sturdy device with multiple operational modes but predominantly an Access Point device.
It is waterproof and quite affordable.
Price: $350
Type: Access Point/CPE | Distance: 1000 ft. | Speed: 300Mbps | Additional feature: Long Range Outdoor Unit (ODU), WPA2 | Connection technology: single band (2.5GHz)
5. WAVLINK AC1200
Best Dual-Band Outdoor Wifi Extender
Pros
- Next-generation WiFi
- Dual-band
- Lightning arrester
Cons
- 5GHz sometimes unstable
WAVLINK AC1200 is a highly rated outdoor WiFi range extender that offers 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band technology. It is built to deal with extreme weather conditions, including heat, water, and lightning.
This is among the more powerful WiFi extenders around, coupled with omnidirectional antennas, and designed for long-distance, consistent transmissions.
This gadget offers four modes; it serves as a repeater, access point, WISP, and router mode; these modes depend on your environment and its complexity.
In addition, it has an easy-mount ideal for immovable structures.
Price: $129
Type: Four modes | Distance: 4x External, covers wide area | Speed: 1200Mbps | Additional feature: | Connection technology: Dual-band MU-MIMO | IP Rating: IP68
4. NETGEAR WI-FI Range Extender EX6120
Best Cheap WiFi Range Extender
Pros
- Small and sturdy
- Affordable
- Easy installation
Cons
- Average performance
- 90 days support
NETGEAR always delivers on their products; their EX6120 is small in size with two antennas, giving it a coverage distance of about 1500 sq. ft. You can connect up to 25 devices on this repeater.
This outdoor range extender comes with an AC1200 dual-band signal booster and repeater tech, guaranteeing a Wi-Fi speed of up to 900Mbps. In addition, it has a 10/100 Mbps fast Ethernet port.
To protect your data, Netgear comes equipped with a WPA/WPA2-PSK security, one of the best out there. Setting up EX6120 is straightforward. It is quite a small device in both size and performance as it covers 90 feet.
Price: $40
Type: Repeater | Distance: 90ft. | Speed: 1200Mbps | Additional feature: | Connection technology: Wireless AC technology| IP Rating: N/A
Related Read: How To Increase Wifi Extender Speed
3. Rockspace WiFi Extender
Best Budget WiFi Extender Compatible Outdoors
Pros
- Small
- Two adjustable antennas
- Easy to set up
- Best for townhomes
Cons
- Doesn’t support WiFi 6
- Average performance
- Not much room for customization
Rockspace outdoor WiFi repeater can cover a distance of up to 2,640sq. ft with a 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band amplifier technology.
It has a minimalist design so that it won’t consume much space. In addition, its two adjustable antennas help it blast your network to dead zones in your home or workspace.
This outdoor WiFi repeater allows up to 32 devices to connect simultaneously while providing consistent, fast internet speeds, enough for 4K streaming.
It also offers a Gigabit Ethernet port and is 100% compatible with WiFi 5 routers. You will benefit largely from the extensive network area coverage against the budget price tag.
Price: $50
Type: Repeater | Distance: 2,640sq. ft | Speed: 1200Mbps| Additional feature: | Connection technology: Dual band | IP Rating: N/A
2. TP Link Omada EAP225-Outdoor AC1200
Best Outdoor WiFi Range Extender for Limited Range
Pros
- Affordable
- Good management console
- Delivers as promised
Cons
- Rumored to share private details
This long-range WiFi extender is barely 40cm long; it has a small mounting plate to be screwed or glued to an immovable object. In addition, TP-Link offers its users a mobile app to effectively control the device.
As expected, its 2.5GHz connection can cover a larger distance than its 5GHz connection, which is more focused on speed.
The EAP225 is built as an outdoor wireless extender equipped to handle intense weather conditions like water, dust, and lightning strikes.
As a long-range WiFi device, TP-Link provided the machine with high gain antennas for more than optimal transmission power, eliminating dead zones and promoting signal strength throughout the coverage area.
Price: $70
Type: Mesh | Distance: 300m+ | Speed: 1200 Mbps | Additional feature: Load balancing, Beamforming, Band steering | Connection technology: 802.11ac Wave 2 MU-MIMO² | IP Rating: IP65
1. NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
Best Overall Outdoor WiFi Range Extender
Pros
- Easy setup
- Spectacular speed
- Reputable company
- Covers wide distance
- Increases bandwidth speed
Cons
- Wrong installations could cause unstable connection
- Delayed tech support
- “Premium” support may cost much
- May be pricey
NETGEAR has benchmarked their Mesh WiFi router + extender system.
It is equipped to cover up to 5,000 sq. ft. and maintain speeds of up to 3 Gbps. And it delivers on the figures, something that few other routers, even from leading brands, find it hard to maintain.
This outdoor wireless range extender is built for homes and workspaces, including additional features like anti-virus, data theft protection, parental control, and guest accounts.
Mesh systems like this use the same SSID and password, making it easy to stay connected without signing out of one device before the other.
With this outdoor WiFi router, your signal would reach a wider distance alongside penetrating dead zones and nearly eliminating the need for additional routers or long Ethernet cables.
Price: $265
Type: Mesh | Distance: 5,000 sq. ft | Speed: 3 Gbps | Additional feature: Guest network, app, parental control, 2 satellites | Connection technology: Tri-band technology | IP Rating: IP66
Tips to Optimize Your Outdoor WiFi Range Extender
After making a choice, deciding where to place your extender is as crucial as getting one. You would do well to install the range extender –
- In the garage
- In your outdoor office
- At your lobby facing where the space you’ll need it the most.
- Either upstairs or downstairs but close to the outside area.
- Under a shade, especially if it isn’t weather resistant.
- On the roof for specific extenders
- In your kitchen
- In WiFi dark spots
- Connected to your modem or router
Beyond that, make sure to read the instructions to select the best operational modes for your specific needs. In case you get a mesh WiFi range extender, we will advise opting for professional expertise.
Conclusion
This guide is to help you understand how to extend the WiFi range outdoors with an outdoor WiFi range extender.
Before getting one though, make sure to consider what you’re getting based on the pointers we’ve shared in the buyer’s guide up top. Check competency, weather resistance, network coverage area, and much more.
Note that, not all extenders are exterior WiFi extenders, i.e., meant for outdoor usage. Some do not have the necessary water resistance that guarantees longevity.
However, all the extenders listed here are meant for outdoor usage so that’s almost every angle covered to help you get yours now!
