Introduction

In today’s hyper-connected world, reliable Wi-Fi is essential. Dead zones in your home or office can be frustrating, impacting productivity and entertainment. The TP-Link TL-WA850RE 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender promises a solution, and after weeks of testing in various environments, I’m ready to share my experience.

Features

The TL-WA850RE boasts several key features designed for ease of use and improved connectivity. Its compact size and wall-plug design make it unobtrusive and easily placed where needed. The setup process is straightforward, and the Tether app offers intuitive control and management directly from your smartphone. The inclusion of an Ethernet port is a welcome addition, allowing you to connect wired devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles.

The claimed 300Mbps speed is certainly a selling point, promising decent performance for general browsing, streaming, and even light gaming. The ability to extend your existing wireless network with a simple push of a button is also a huge convenience. However, actual speeds will, of course, vary based on your router’s performance and environmental factors.

Performance

I tested the TL-WA850RE in several locations within my home, including areas with previously weak or nonexistent Wi-Fi signals. In my initial tests, I observed a significant improvement in signal strength and speed in previously problematic zones. Streaming 4K videos was largely stutter-free, and online gaming showed a noticeable reduction in lag compared to the previously unreliable connection. However, in areas furthest from the main router, the speed was noticeably slower than closer to the router, as expected.

The Ethernet port proved particularly useful for connecting my smart TV, resulting in a stable and consistent connection for streaming. The Tether app, while simple to use, could benefit from a few more advanced features. Overall, the performance was satisfactory for most everyday tasks, especially considering its compact and affordable design.

I also conducted speed tests using Ookla’s Speedtest. The results reflected what I experienced, showing improvements in areas with weak signals. However, I didn’t see the full 300mbps speeds promised, which is common for range extenders. The actual speeds were still very usable, though.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Easy setup, compact design, improved signal strength in weak areas, Ethernet port for wired connections, affordable price.
• Cons: Speeds may not reach the advertised 300Mbps in all areas, Tether app could use some improvements.

Final Verdict

The TP-Link TL-WA850RE 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender is a solid choice for users seeking an affordable and easy-to-use solution to extend their Wi-Fi coverage. While it doesn’t magically deliver the full advertised speeds in every location, the performance improvements in areas with weak signals were noticeable and beneficial. I would definitely recommend this extender to anyone struggling with Wi-Fi dead zones in their home or office.