TP-Link RE450
Score: 71/100
Netgear EX8000
Score: 74/100Rankings
The Netgear EX8000 delivers tri-band AC3000 performance with mesh-like coverage and smart roaming, featuring four Gigabit LAN ports. Its bulky design, fixed antennas, and premium price make it less suitable for discreet installations. Best for large homes needing high throughput and multiple wired devices.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
185.81 sqm | 232.3 sqmbest | |
1,750 Mbps | 3,000 Mbpsbest | |
1 | 4best | |
3best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 13 W | 10 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 0.34 kgbest | 0.86 kg |
2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Coverage Area (sqm) | 185.81 sqm | 232.3 sqm |
Maximum Throughput (Mbps) | 1750 Mbps | 3000 Mbps |
Ports(1) | ||
Number of Ethernet Ports | 1 | 4 |
Network(3) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 | 802.11ac |
Supported Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz;5 GHz | tri-band |
Security Protocols | WEP;WPA;WPA2 | WEP,WPA,WPA2 |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 13 W | 10 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.34 kg | 0.86 kg |
Dimensions (H × W × D) (mm) | 66x162x76 mm mm | 10.01 x 5.2 x 8.08 inches mm |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers consider the EX8000 the best Wi-Fi extender they have tested, highlighting its exceptional peak speeds, robust port selection, and low heat output. While they commend its easy setup and mesh-like capabilities, they note drawbacks such as its bulky form factor, limited long-range performance, fixed antennas, and a relatively short support window.
Everyday users love the extender's ability to blanket large homes and outdoor areas with strong Wi-Fi, appreciating the seamless SSID integration and the capacity to handle multiple streaming devices. However, they report occasional reliability problems, especially unexpected resets, and some are dissatisfied with the device's size and aesthetic impact.
