Wi-Fi Extender Vs Mesh Router Systems – Which one works best to eliminate dead zones?
Most routers are not built to provide Wi-Fi over large homes and areas. To resolve this, we can use either a mesh router system or Wi-Fi range extenders. Here is a detailed insight on what they are, their differences and how they operate.
You have probably been in a situation where you have to sit at a certain spot to access Wi-Fi either in your house or work place. This shouldn’t be the case when we have mesh routers and Wi-Fi extenders. These two devices are often confused because they perform the same function: extendWi-Fi range to all corners of the building. Picking the right device for situation depends on the size of the building, the router you already have and how much you can spend. If there is a network in place, we use extenders otherwise known as repeaters. Mesh systems can be used either when setting up new networks or when extending already existing Wi-Fi. They are usually sold as 2 pack or 3 pack where the routers are placed all through the house. The table below further breaks down the differences.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between a Wi-Fi extender and Mesh routers?
Devices |
Wi-Fi extender |
Mesh routers |
Range |
Small to medium coverage |
Large area coverage |
Package size |
Single unit |
Sold as a package with more than one unit |
Configuration |
Manual; no mobile app |
Auto: Setup and configuration is done by mobile app |
Speed |
Low |
High |
Cost |
Affordable |
Expensive |
Antennas |
External or internal |
Internal |
Product |
Wi-Fi Extender vs. Mesh Router – How do these devices compare?
Functionality and use
We already know that these devices are used to eliminate dead zones. However, they differ in effectiveness and usability. A Wi-Fi extender is used mainly for moderate sized homes as it is usually one unit. It is connected to the already existing router and manually configured so they can work together. With it, you do not need to place it at a different spot in the house since it has been design to boost the signal over wider areas. A mesh system is different in that it comes with separate, sometimes identical hubs that are meant to be positioned at different spots in the house to create a mesh network. The major different is that, mesh systems can be used independently without a preexisting router while not all extenders can operate independently. With that, mesh systems are more effective in their usability and are therefore an overall better choice for anyone with Wi-Fi range issues.
Range and coverage
The area of coverage might be the most important factor to look at when deciding which of these suits you best. Mesh routers offer much more coverage compared to Wi-Fi extenders. This can be attributed to the fact that they come with multiple hubs compared to an extender that comes as a single router. Mesh systems are suitable for very large homes while extenders work best for medium size homes. We also found mesh systems to be better for workplaces for the same reason. If your main issue is that the Wi-Fi fails to reach certain spots sometimes, an extender would be the best choice. Otherwise, a mesh system is excellent.
Configuration and setup
It’s always nice to pick the system with ease of use and user friendliness. Here, mesh systems win again due to the integration of mobile apps for setup and installation. Since they are independent and can stand alone without a preexisting router, they come with apps that take you through first time installation and system management after that. The app allows you to test the speeds, setup your network name and password, setup parental control for the younger ones and more. Mobile app also allows you to see the performance of every hub separately. Extender or repeaters on the other hand have to be manually setup. This is mainly because they are connected to the already existing router. You have to go into your router’s settings and configure the extender so they can work together
Convenience and compatibility with other devices
The convenience refers to how easy and seamlessly devices can operate under the network. Here again, mesh routers take the win because of their automated operations. For example, if you have your mesh router setup, you don’t need to configure your smartphone or laptop every time you move around the house to connect to the closest hub. This process is automated. When you walk into the first floor, your device automatically connects to the first floor hub from the ground floor hub. It is seamless and you won’t even notice the change in connectivity. With extenders, you have to manually switch your devices to connect to it which can be quite bothersome.
Pricing
Mesh routers systems generally cost more than extenders and it’s easy to see why. They offer better performance, better range, and ease of use and can work independently without needing a preexisting router. But if price is a concern for you, extenders are the much better choice.
Wi-Fi Extender vs. Mesh Router– A Comparison Overview
Wi-Fi Extender
Wi-Fi Extenders were the first signal repeaters to be made. They were built to increase range for medium to large houses. An extender is quite different in operations from a mesh router in the following way. First, they do not work independently meaning that they connect to your already existing router to operate. Once connected, you will notice that there are two networks in your house: the main router and the extender. Devices have to be manually switched between these two networks and this is the main down side of repeaters or extender. They simply relay traffic back to the wireless router. To understand these devices better, we’ll look at two top examples.
Netgear Nighthawk EX7300 Range extender
- Extends WiFi range coverage up to 2300 square feet, and connects up to 40 devices such as laptops,...
- Uses your existing network SSID name so you never get disconnected as you move around your home or office
Released in 2017, this is one of the best extenders you can buy today. It is an AC2200 dual band range extender with modern features we absolutely love. It supports beamforming and MUMIMO which are both essential for heavy streaming and online gamers. The Nighthawk EX7300 is also known to be easy to install and manage and provides high speeds. When tested, the following speeds were found: 170 Mbps when standing 25 feet away and 115 Mbps when standing 60 feet away. This was done on the 5 GHz band. When tested across the slower 2.4 GHz channel, the router provided a speed of 58 Mbps in close proximity which dropped to 44 Mbps 25 feet away. Compared to other extenders such as the Linksys RE7000, this is an amazing performance.
TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender
- Extend Wi-Fi Coverage - Boosts Internet Wi-Fi Coverage up to 2000 Square feet and connects up to 32...
- Eliminate Wi-Fi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free connection to any type of devices, including wired devices...
This extender is a great purchase for anyone looking for a decent performance product at an affordable price. Going for less than $80, the extender does a pretty good job at repeating the signal. Rated at 1750 Mbps total throughput speed, 450 Mbps is on the 2.4 GHz channel and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel. The TP Link AC1750 features a menacing design straight out of a science fiction movie. It is a relatively small white device about the size of a smartphone. There are two fold out antennas and a bulky frame surrounding it for durability. It is known for top notch security offering three options: WEP, WPA and WAP.
Mesh router systems
These systems are much complex and overall effective compared to extenders. Mesh routers are standalone devices that do not need preexisting routers to operate. In fact, you may need to do away with your current router when you buy a mesh. They are basically replacements for you regular router. When you buy a mesh system, it usually comes as a pack of two or more units which are sometimes identical. A mesh system uses access point to work or communicate with each other and this is why they can be placed at different floors or rooms and still work seamlessly. They are more user friendly and come with mobile apps for easy installation and management of all hubs or routers.
Eero Mesh
- WHOLE-HOME COVERAGE - The eero mesh WiFi system brings up to 4,500 sq. ft. of fast, reliable WiFi to your...
- WORKS WITH ALEXA- With eero and an Alexa device (not included), you can easily manage wifi access for...
Eero can be considered one of the best mesh systems in the market due to its fast speeds, striking design and reasonable price. It is sold as a three pack system with a coverage of up to 5000 sq. feet. The eero mesh routers are small white cube shaped units with attractive design that does along with any home décor. It is fitted with two LAN ports but lack USB ports due to size. It supports MUMIMO for simultaneous data streaming, beamforming, and automatic band steering for selecting the best radio band for use
Google nest Wi-Fi
- Maximum Range : 2200 Sq Ft
- This product includes one router unit.
This 2019 release is the most widely used mesh system in the world. It is known for its lovely aesthetics and design, fast speed and decent range. Unlike the Eero, this one come as with a main router and a satellite node known as Wi-Fi points. This two piece provides a coverage of 3800 square feet. In addition, the units are small white cylindrical pieces with one gigabit LAN port and no USB. The Google nest router supports MUMIMO for simultaneous data streaming, beamforming and WPA 3 encryption for security and automatic band steering.
Model |
Netgear Nighthawk EX7300 |
Eero Mesh |
Ports |
3 |
2 |
Speed |
2200 mbps |
1200 mbps |
Special features |
MUMIMO, beamforming |
MUMIMO, beamforming, automatic band steering |
Size |
6.3 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches |
2.4 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches |
Color |
White |
White |
Availability |
Conclusion
Picking the right device depends on your needs. If you’re a gamer or heavy bandwidth user, a mesh system would be best for you, preferably, the Eero. However, if you have a small house and need a strong signal everywhere throughout, the Netgear NighthawkEX7300 extender would be the best match.
