Netgear ex7700 vs. ex8000- Which is the better Wi-Fi range extender?
Often a standalone Wi-Fi router is not enough to ensure reliable and robust signal strength throughout your home. As a result, a good Wi-Fi range extender will ensure you can connect to the internet from anywhere within your home. Netgear ex7700 and ex8000 are some premium quality range extenders available on the market.
Wi-Fi range extenders are the perfect solution for rampant network interruptions, slow connections, or those only looking to expand their coverage area. These devices boost the original network beyond its original boundaries, guaranteeing steady and speedy internet connections. The Netgear ex7700 and ex8000 are two popular devices packed with exceptional performance and unique build quality. In the following table, we will compare them and highlight some of their significant differences.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Netgear ex7700 and ex8000?
Model |
Netgear ex7700 (Winner) |
Netgear ex8000 |
Dimensions and weight |
7.8 by 6 by 2 inches and a total weight of 1.17 lbs |
6.6 by 3.6 inches and a mass weight of 1.9 lbs |
Performance |
2.4GHz-400Mbps
5GHz-866Mbps 5GHz-866Mbps |
2.4GHz-400Mbps
5GHz-867Mbps 5GHz-1733Mbps |
Streaming capabilities |
Tri-band extender with two Gigabit LAN ports and total speed of 2200Mbps. Can connect up to 45 devices |
Tri-band with four Ethernet ports and overall speed of 3Gbps and can connect up to 55 devices |
Storage ports |
No USB ports |
one USB 2.0 port |
Netgear ex7700 vs. ex8000 – How do they compare?
Dimensions and weight
The Netgear ex77000 has a distinctive look as it comes with triangular angles on either side of the device. The device is highly compact with overall dimensions of 7.8 by 6 by 2 inches and a total weight of 1.17 lbs. Likewise, it has four internal 802.11ac antennas, two Ethernet ports, a WPS button, and an on/off switch at its backside. However, it is not wall mountable.
On the other hand, the Netgear ex8000 is a relatively massive extender with product dimensions of 8.9 by 6.6 by 3.6 inches and a mass weight of 1.9 lbs. It consists of a black enclosure that allows it to stand upright on its permanent semi-circular base. Other unique features of this extender include six internal antennas, four Gigabit LAN ports, and eight small LED indicators that communicate the system status and level of Wi-Fi connectivity. Like the ex7700, the ex8000 is also not wall mountable.
The Netgear ex7700 is more compact and lightweight than the Netgear ex8000.
Performance and speed
As a tri-band Wi-Fi range extender, the ex7700 from Netgear delivers impeccable speeds of 400Mbps on its 2.4GHz band and 866Mbps on each of its two 5GHz band. It uses one of its 5GHz band as the dedicated backhaul communication between preexisting Wi-Fi networks, leaving the other two bandwidths to cater to the connectivity needs of Wi-Fi clients. Likewise, this device has a powerful quad-core processor and a coverage range of 2300 sq. Ft.
Alternatively, the ex8000 comes with a 1GHz dual-core processor that allows it to handle vast amounts of data from multiple devices, ensuring fast file transfer speeds. Being a tri-band extender, it has three separate channels and network coverage of 2500 square feet. With a total of 3000Mbps, it gives you speeds of up to866Mbps and 1733Mbps at both 5GHz bands and 400Mbps at its 2.4GHz frequency.
The Netgear ex8000 is, therefore, a better performer than the ex7700.
Streaming capabilities
Online video streaming, especially when it comes to 4K and HD video qualities, is a prevalent task performed by internet users that requires fast and consistent internet connection. As a result, most buyers look for a router/extender that offers priority to their Quality of Service since frequency bands and speed determine the quality of their user experience. The ex7700 and ex8000 use Netgear’s FastLane3 technology that automatically prioritizes the bandwidth and speed required by specific activities or devices, like online gaming or streaming HD content.
The Netgear ex7700 comes with two Ethernet ports and a total data transfer speed of 2200Mbps. It can connect up to 45 devices simultaneously and work with any gateway, cable modem, or wireless router.
On the other hand, the Netgear ex8000 has four Ethernet ports for plugging in other wired devices, like gaming consoles and smart TVs, and total speed of 3000Mbps. It can connect up to 55 devices at the same time while maximizing the speed of internet connectivity and minimizing interference.
The Netgear ex8000 is much faster than the ex7700 when it comes to streaming capabilities.
Storage ports
If you want to upload data on the internet from external devices, like printers or external hard drives, most routers have USB ports for use with USB-enabled devices. You may also use cloud services, if provided by your router manufacturer like Netgear, to store your data.
However, the Netgear ex8000 comes with one USB 2.0 port compared to the Netgear ex7700 that has no USB ports. As a result, more devices can connect to the ex8000 at a time compared to the ex7700.
Netgear ex7700 vs. ex8000 – A comparison review
Netgear ex7700 review
- EXTENDED WIRELESS COVERAGE: Adds WiFi range coverage up to 2300 square feet, and connects up to 45...
- SEAMLESS SMART ROAMING: Uses your existing network SSID name so you never get disconnected as you move...
If you are looking for a Wi-Fi extender with a list of impressive features, the Netgear EX7700 is the ideal option. Despite its high price tag, this mesh range extender offers its users MU-MIMO technology, a Wi-Fi Analytics App, Smart Roaming, and a Smart Connect function.
Being a tri-band extender, this device provides a total speed of 2200Mbps with 866Mbps on each of its 5GHz bands and 400Mbps on its 2.4GHz band. It also supports FastLane3 technology that allows a fast and consistent connection and exceptional user experience by dedicated one of the 5GHz bands as the backhaul.
Furthermore, the ex7700 from Netgear comes with four internal 802.11ac antennas and has vast network coverage of 2300 square feet. Also, this extender supports the simultaneous connection of up to 45 devices. It is compatible with a wide variety of devices and offers secure connectivity as it supports WPA/WPA2 and WEP wireless security protocols.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Impressive overall performance
- Easy to install
- Friendly user interface
Cons
- Expensive
Netgear ex8000 review
- Extended wireless coverage: Adds Wi-Fi range coverage up to 2500 square feet, and connects up to 50...
- Seamless smart roaming: Uses your existing network SSID name so you never get disconnected as you move...
Also known as the ac3000, the ex8000 from Netgear is a powerful tri-band Wi-Fi range extender that automatically connects to any Wi-Fi enabled device in your home or small office. It consists of a combination of impressive features, such as wireless speeds of up to 3Gbps, Smart Connect Intelligence, three dedicated Wi-Fi bands, Smart Roaming, and easy Parental Controls, among many others, ensuring you have the best user experience.
Powered by a powerful quad-core processor, this tri-band router hosts the latest 802.11ac technology, including beamforming and MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming. It features six high-performance internal antennas for maximum network coverage.
The router also houses a USB 2.0 port that offers storage-ready access and delivers high speeds at any given time. It also comes with bundled software, such as the Circle App and security-Wi-Fi Protected Access. Its security protocols consist of WPA/WPA2 and WEP standards that protect all your connected devices from cyber threats and attacks, including viruses spyware, ransomware, and Trojans. Similarly, the Circle App is an application that provides smart parental control that allows you to manage the time and content online, on any connected device.
Pros
- Blistering speeds
- Easy to use and install
- High security
- Compatibility with a variety of devices and operating systems
Cons
- It comes with only one USB 2.0 port
Conclusion
Depending on your connectivity needs and the area in which you intend to install your router, a good Wi-Fi range extender should deliver consistent speeds at various bandwidths. Both Netgear ex7700 and ex8000 are premium quality extenders with exceptional features.
Final verdict: So, which is better between Netgear ex7700 and ex8000?
Although the Netgear Nighthawk ex7700 has a simple and sleek design, when it comes down to it, the Netgear ex8000 is the better router as it features fast and consistent speeds. It also supports USB connectivity and can serve up to 50 clients simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ex8000 only work with tri-band routers?
The Netgear ex8000 is compatible with all wireless routers. However, the manufacturer recommends its use with dual or tri-band routers.
Can you use more than one range extender?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of range extenders you can use in your environment.
