Tp-link re305 Vs Tp-link re200 – A comparative review
Which router between the Tp-Link re305 and the Tp-Link re200 has better functionality and is better suited for home use?
The Tp-link re305 and the re200 are two of the highest rated and best-selling Tp-link Wi-Fi extenders for home use. This is because they have small designs and are equipped to cater for about 15-20 people, giving them dedicated, stable and consistent Wi-Fi connection from the main router and throughout the home, which eliminates the problem of having poor connection far from the router, and a better one as you get close to it. Since they are from the same manufacturer and are part of the same series, they are very similar. However, the re305 is an upgrade of the re200, which makes it superior. It would be notable that the re200 is still very functional and may appeal to a different group of users.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Tp-link re305 and Tp-link re200?
Feature |
Tp-link re200 |
Tp-link re305 |
Wi-Fi technology |
Dual band |
Dual band |
Maximum number of users |
15 |
20 |
Dimensions (Inches) |
4.3 x 2.6 x 3 |
3.1 x 3.0 x 3.0 |
Weight |
0.2 lbs. |
0.35 lbs. |
Power supply required |
AC (wall outlet) |
AC (wall outlet) |
Number of antennae |
3 |
2 |
Maximum speed (5 GHz) |
870 Mbps |
430 Mbps |
Ports |
Single Ethernet port |
Single Ethernet port |
Tp-link re305 Vs Tp-link re200- How do they compare?
-
Speed
The Tp-Link re305 and the re200 both have dual bands that are coupled with a 100 Mbps LAN. Although they both have a 2.4 GHz channel whose maximum speed is 300 Mbps, their 5 GHz ones have different maximum speeds, with that of the re305 being 870 Mbps and of re200 being 430 Mbps. The re305 clearly comes out on top because one of its band channels has almost double the maximum speed of the highest one on the re200
-
Ports
The Tp-Link re305 and the re200 each have only one Ethernet port that is a RJ45, allowing the extenders to connect to the main router without depending on wireless connections. This greatly diversifies the connection and placement options for the routers while by passing the connection barriers like distance and walls, especially in a home set up, where there are smaller rooms and more furniture. Here, the re305 and re200 are equally matched.
-
Construction
The Tp-Link re200 is significantly smaller than most of the Wi-Fi adapters available in the market, even the re305, which is also small. It weighs about 0.2 lbs., making it lighter than the re305 which weighs 0.4 lbs. However, when this size and compact nature is weighed against their respective functionalities, the two seem to break even. They are equally small and compact given their respective power and functionalities.
-
Maximum number of users
Although the Tp-link re200 and the re305 cover around the same area for extended Network coverage, the re305 supports a larger number of people than the re200, which makes it a more reasonable investment because it serves more people, while maintaining its efficiency and high functionality. The re305 is the better option.
Tp-link re305 Vs Tp-link re200- A comparison review
Tp-link re305
- Ideal for extending Wi Fi to Echo/Alexa devices, iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7, iPad 4, and PlayStation 4,...
- Works with any standard router or gateway and AC1200 standard allows for the most ideal HD streaming &...
The Tp-Link 305 is a Wi-Fi extender that is part of a re-series which ensures that the user gets high performance and reliable Wi-Fi connection across the area it is connected to serve, reducing lag and eliminating dead spots. It has dual bandwidth; a 2.4 GHz, offering up to 300 Mbps and a 5 GHz station offering up to 867 Mbps. Designed for home use, these two bandwidth channels work together to make a AC1200 Wi-Fi extending capability which makes the re305 great for High Definition streaming and flawless online gaming in any room of the house. It also has an Ethernet port which allows for LAN connection, backed by the AP mode setting, which allows for the wireless connection to work with the LAN simultaneously, giving the user the best of the main router.
Pros
- Its installation process is fairly simple
- The tether app is easy to use
- It supports AP mode
Cons
- The 100 MHz limit on the LAN connection is very low, considering the extender’s functionality
Tp-link re200
- Simultaneous gaming and 4K HD streaming with dual band speeds up to 1900Mbps ; Works with any WiFi router...
- Provides fast, reliable connections to multiple users with 1GigaHertz dual core processor
The Tp-link re200 is one of the first installations in the re-series of Wi-Fi extenders by the manufacturer Tp-link, who are known for their quality web products like routers and adapters. The re200 is known for its very unobtrusive and small size and wireless design, which makes it very portable and easy to plug in because it does not obstruct the adjacent power socket. It can also be placed behind pieces of furniture and still offer great functionality, unlike bigger Wi-Fi extenders that are more bulky and difficult to place. It has a simple setting and start up process which takes less than 10 minutes and can be configured to the Tether application which can be downloaded for free from the application store on google. It also has WPS, and ensures that the user gets the best signal within the range of coverage in addition to an intuitive signal indicator which works to ensure that the user gets the optimal placement for it.
Pros
- It is very small and easily portable
- The tether application is very easy to use and convenient
- It is very affordable
Cons
- The limit of 100 MHz on the LAN connection is rather low
Conclusion
The Tp-Link re305 and the re200 are very similar, as mentioned above, because they have the same benefits and downfalls. With their biggest benefit being their small size and their largest downfall being their small area coverage and low number of users. However, the Tp-link re305 has a higher bandwidth speed for its 5 GHz station which breaks the tie and makes it the better option of the two.
Verdict- So which is better, Tp-link re305 or Tp-link re200?
All factors considered, the Tp-Link 305 ranks above the re200 since it has a better overall functionality, and would be a better choice
FAQs
Is it possible to use the Tp-Link re200 without access to the router, using the Ethernet cable?
Yes it is. You would need to download the Tether application from play store (Google). The application will then give you two options; to make the re200 a Wi-Fi access point or a Wi-Fi extender. When using the Ethernet cable for internet, you will need to select the first option which allows the re200 to connect on modem via Ethernet port creating a Wi-Fi signal. It is important to note that both selections cannot run simultaneously.
Does the Tp-Link re305 boost phone signal?
No it does not. This is because it is purposed to help the user improve their Wi-Fi coverage from a main router or other internet source to connect to their wireless devices. Its design does not allow it to interact with the user’s phone cellular signal.
