Netgear EX3700
Score: 65/100
TP-Link RE450
Score: 71/100Rankings
The TP-Link RE450 is a dual-band AC1750 extender delivering up to 1750 Mbps and covering roughly 2000 ft², with three adjustable antennas and an intelligent signal light. Its main trade-off is reliance on the older Wi-Fi 5 standard and relatively high power draw. It suits users with existing AC routers who need a straightforward, budget-friendly coverage boost.
The Netgear EX3700 is an AC750 dual-band extender covering roughly 93 sqm with up to 750 Mbps and featuring two external antennas for directional boost. Its real-world throughput is reduced and it offers only a single Fast Ethernet port with no advanced features. Suitable for small-to-medium homes needing basic Wi-Fi extension.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
93 sqm | 185.81 sqmbest | |
750 Mbps | 1,750 Mbpsbest | |
1best | 1best | |
2 | 3best | |
| ↓ lower better | 15 W | 13 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 0.13 kgbest | 0.34 kg |
0 years | 2 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Coverage Area (sqm) | 93 sqm | 185.81 sqm |
Maximum Throughput (Mbps) | 750 Mbps | 1750 Mbps |
Ports(1) | ||
Ethernet Port Speed | Fast Ethernet | Gigabit |
Design(1) | ||
Antenna Count | 2 | 3 |
Network(3) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac, 802.11n | Wi-Fi 5 |
Supported Frequency Bands | 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz;5 GHz |
Security Protocols | WEP, WPA, WPA2 | WEP;WPA;WPA2 |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 15 W | 13 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.13 kg | 0.34 kg |
Dimensions (H × W × D) (mm) | 55.1x39.1x67.1 mm | 66x162x76 mm mm |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 0 years | 2 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the EX3700 for its straightforward plug-and-play installation, compact wall-plug form factor, and effective external antennas that clear typical dead zones. They acknowledge the expected speed halving inherent to extenders and note that its 1,000 sq ft coverage and 750 Mbps ceiling make it best suited for modest-size homes, while more demanding users may prefer higher-end models.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the easy setup and noticeable improvement in weak-signal areas such as upstairs rooms or guest spaces, often citing the Ethernet port for stable wired connections. However, many report occasional drop-outs with specific devices, reduced speeds at the edge of coverage, and a decline in performance after initial use, leading to mixed but generally positive sentiment.
Professional reviewers commend the RE450 for its solid high-speed performance, intuitive installation, and useful Gigabit Ethernet port, earning PCMag's Editor's Choice and praise from B&H Photo for its signal-light placement aid. However, they note the device relies on the older Wi-Fi 5 standard and lacks energy-efficiency features, which may be a drawback compared to newer Wi-Fi 6 extenders.
Everyday users generally rate the RE450 positively, highlighting the simple setup process, strong signal extension that improves streaming and gaming, and the convenience of the Gigabit Ethernet port for wired devices. Some customers experience occasional coverage inconsistencies in difficult environments and mention the unit's bulkier size as a minor inconvenience.
