NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) Review - Boost Your WiFi Range and Speed
Introduction
The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) is a powerful device designed to enhance your WiFi coverage and provide a seamless internet experience. With its ability to add up to 1,500 sq. ft. of WiFi range and connect up to 20+ devices, this dual-band wireless signal booster is perfect for homes or offices with multiple devices. With AX1800 speed and smart roaming technology, you can enjoy fast and uninterrupted WiFi performance as you move around your space. This universal compatible extender is easy to set up and offers wired Ethernet ports for maximum speed. In this review, we will explore the features, benefits, and customer reviews of the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Product Description
The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) is a powerful wireless signal booster and repeater that provides extended WiFi coverage for your home or office. With the ability to add up to 1,500 sq. ft. of coverage and connect to 20+ devices, this range extender ensures that you have a strong and reliable WiFi connection throughout your space.
One of the standout features of the EAX20 is its seamless smart roaming capability. By using your existing network SSID name, this range extender ensures that you never get disconnected as you move around your home or office. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and browsing without any interruptions or dropouts.
In terms of performance, the EAX20 delivers fast WiFi 6 speeds with its AX1800 technology. With a speed of up to 1.8Gbps using dual-band WiFi (up to 600 + 1200 Mbps), you can experience lag-free streaming, smooth online gaming, and fast download and upload speeds. The EAX20 also supports four simultaneous streams, providing more capacity for multiple devices to connect to WiFi at the same time.
Compatibility is another key feature of the EAX20. It works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFi, and is optimized for all WiFi 6 routers. It is also compatible with existing WiFi devices and new WiFi 6 devices like the iPhone 11, ensuring that you can connect all your devices seamlessly.
The EAX20 also offers wired Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect game consoles, streaming players, or other wired devices for maximum speed. With four 1 Gigabit ports, you can enjoy fast and reliable wired connections.
In terms of security, the EAX20 supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols, ensuring that your WiFi network is safe and secure.
Setting up the EAX20 is simple and easy. You can use the Nighthawk app or press the WPS button to connect to your router. The NETGEAR WiFi Analyzer app can also be used to find the optimal location for the range extender.
With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 500 customer reviews, the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) is a popular choice for those looking to extend their WiFi coverage and enhance their internet experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Easy Installation: The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) is praised by users for its quick and hassle-free installation process. Many customers reported that it took them only around 5 minutes to set up the device and get it running. This user-friendly installation ensures that even those who are not tech-savvy can easily extend their WiFi coverage.
Excellent Coverage: With the ability to add up to 1,500 square feet of coverage and support for 20+ devices, this range extender delivers an exceptional WiFi experience. Users have reported significant improvements in their WiFi signal strength and stability throughout their homes. Whether you have a large house or multiple floors, the NETGEAR EAX20 ensures a reliable and seamless connection.
WiFi Mesh Technology: The inclusion of WiFi Mesh technology in the EAX20 provides several advantages. It allows for better coverage by creating a unified WiFi network, eliminating dead zones and ensuring a consistent signal throughout your home. Additionally, the Smart Roaming feature enables devices to automatically connect to the strongest signal, ensuring a smooth transition as you move around your home.
Cons:
App Wizard Installer: Some users have expressed frustration with the requirement to use the app wizard installer for setup. Although most users found the installation process to be straightforward, a few encountered issues with the app. This dependency on the app may be inconvenient for those who prefer a more traditional installation method or have compatibility issues with their devices.
Compatibility Issues: While the majority of users had a positive experience with the EAX20, there have been a few reports of compatibility issues with certain routers. Specifically, some users who had Nighthawk routers experienced difficulties during installation or faced compatibility problems. It is important to ensure compatibility with your existing router before purchasing this range extender.
Price: The price of the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) may be a deterrent for some potential buyers. Priced at £99.99, it falls on the higher end of the price range for range extenders. However, considering its advanced features, exceptional coverage, and reliable performance, many users believe that the price is justified and find the investment worthwhile.
In conclusion, the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) offers easy installation, excellent coverage, and the benefits of WiFi Mesh technology. While there are a few drawbacks such as the app wizard installer and potential compatibility issues, the overall positive feedback from users highlights the effectiveness and reliability of this range extender.
Customer Reviews
The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) has received a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 518 customer reviews on Amazon. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this product.
"Excellent device EAX20 did the job as described very easy to install took me roughly 5 minutes, already have a good coverage at home..." (5 stars)
"A broadband upgrade to FTTP, and a consequent requirement to relocate my router closer to the fibre entry point, created a difficulty for connection o..." (5 stars)
"This is a great device only let down by the insistence that you need to use the app wizard installer. Both of my nighthawk router installations failed..." (4 stars)
"Have tried other Wi-Fi extenders without any success. This Netgear extender does exactly what they say on the box. Not cheap but worth every penny." (5 stars)
"I rarely write reviews but I'm making an exception this time due to an appalling experience. Bought this 6 months ago, suffered all sorts of problems..." (1 star)
"I asked my neighbour to use their WiFi and now I have better WiFi than them, and I am not paying for it😁" (5 stars)
Overall, the majority of customers are highly satisfied with the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20). The ease of installation and the ability to improve Wi-Fi coverage were praised by many users. However, some customers expressed frustration with the app wizard installer, which caused issues during the setup process. Despite this, the extender's performance and reliability were highly regarded.
It is important to note that while most customers had positive experiences, there were a few negative reviews highlighting problems encountered after several months of use. These instances serve as a reminder that individual experiences may vary and it's essential to consider long-term performance when making a purchase decision.
Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20), it's clear that this device is a game-changer when it comes to extending wireless coverage in your home or office. With the ability to add up to 1,500 sq. ft. of coverage and connect up to 20+ devices, this repeater is perfect for large households or offices with multiple devices.
One of the standout features of the EAX20 is the seamless smart roaming, which allows you to move around your home or office without ever getting disconnected. This is made possible by using your existing network SSID name, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted connection.
In terms of performance, the EAX20 delivers fast WiFi 6 speeds with its AX1800 technology, providing up to 1.8Gbps of speed. This, combined with the dual-band WiFi and 4 simultaneous streams, ensures that you have enough capacity to support multiple devices using WiFi at the same time.
The EAX20 is also incredibly easy to set up, with options to use the Nighthawk app or the WPS button on your router. Additionally, the device is compatible with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFi, making it a versatile option for any setup.
Overall, the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20) is a top-notch product that delivers on its promises. With its extended coverage, seamless roaming, and fast performance, it's a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their WiFi experience. Don't miss out on this fantastic device that will revolutionize your wireless connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX20):
Q: What is a WiFi range extender and why do I need one?
A: A WiFi range extender is a device that expands the coverage of your existing WiFi network. It receives the wireless signal from your router and amplifies it, allowing you to enjoy a strong and stable connection in areas of your home or office that may have weak WiFi signal. If you have dead zones or areas with poor WiFi coverage, a range extender can help eliminate those issues and provide seamless connectivity throughout your space.
Q: How does the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender work?
A: The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender uses advanced technology to extend the range of your WiFi network. It supports the latest WiFi 6 standard (802.11ax) and features tri-band technology, which means it operates on three different frequency bands simultaneously. This allows it to deliver fast and reliable WiFi speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps to multiple devices at the same time. It also supports WiFi Mesh, which means it can work seamlessly with compatible NETGEAR routers to create a unified and expanded WiFi network throughout your home.
Q: How easy is it to install the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender?
A: Installing the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender is a breeze. It comes with a user-friendly setup wizard that guides you through the installation process step by step. All you need to do is connect the range extender to your existing WiFi network using the WPS button or the NETGEAR Nighthawk app. The app provides a simple and intuitive interface for setting up and managing your WiFi network. In just a few minutes, you'll have the range extender up and running, extending the coverage of your WiFi network.
Q: Can I use the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender with any router?
A: The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender is compatible with any router, but for the best performance and compatibility, it is recommended to use it with a compatible NETGEAR router. When used together, the range extender and router can create a seamless WiFi Mesh network, providing a unified and expanded WiFi coverage throughout your home. However, even if you don't have a NETGEAR router, you can still use the range extender to extend the range of your existing WiFi network.
Q: How many devices can the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender support?
A: The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender can support up to 20+ devices simultaneously. Whether you have smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, or other WiFi-enabled devices, the range extender can handle the load and ensure a smooth and lag-free connectivity experience for all your devices. With its high-speed data transfer rate of up to 1.8 Gbps, you can enjoy fast and reliable WiFi connections on all your devices throughout your home.
Q: Does the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender come with any warranty?
A: Yes, the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender comes with a limited one-year warranty. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, ensuring that you receive a high-quality and reliable product. If you encounter any issues with the range extender during the warranty period, you can contact NETGEAR's customer support for assistance and potential repairs or replacements.
Q: Can the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender be used outdoors?
A: No, the NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender is designed for indoor use only. It should be placed in a dry and temperature-controlled environment for optimal performance and longevity. Using the range extender outdoors or exposing it to extreme weather conditions can damage the device and may void the warranty. If you need WiFi coverage in your outdoor spaces, it is recommended to consider other outdoor-specific WiFi solutions offered by NETGEAR.
