The best WAP devices are built to improve your Wi-Fi speeds and experience - if you're dreading yet another call to your ISP, a Wireless Access Point may be exactly what your office (or home office) needs.
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You might not be able to see those internet black spots and dead zones that infiltrate your business or home office, but you can certainly feel the constant frustration as the connection drops, with productivity grinding to a halt. A Wireless Access Point (WAP) means you'll get a great Wi-Fi connection everywhere you go. But which are the top units out there today?
Our team of experts have tested hundreds of networking devices, from the best small business routers to the best powerline adapters - so, when it comes to the best WAP devices, we know what you need to look out for and what to avoid. Going hands-on with each model, we compared speeds, size, as well as features such as remote access for IT professionals.
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Best WAP overall
Netgear WAX214 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Netgear has designed the WAX214 to be surprisingly simple to set up and install at your office or home. While it may not allow for as many concurrent users as more expensive options, it&#;s an affordable solution that supports Wi-Fi 6 and works just as well in a large home as in an office.
The WAX214 includes mounting brackets on its underside, as it should be placed either high up on a wall or, ideally, on the ceiling. It&#;s worth noting that this unit doesn&#;t come with a power adapter as it supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). Using a LAN cable, you&#;ll need a PoE switch or injector to power the device. It features a dual-band WAP with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and Netgear says it can handle up to 128 devices simultaneously.
Read our full Netgear WAX214 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point review
Best Cisco WAP
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Cisco&#;s new Wi-Fi 6AX access point gets the job done
Our expert review:
VISIT WEBSITE
+
Low power
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Easy installation
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Low price
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Frequent disconnect
The Cisco CBW150AX Wi-Fi 6 access point does a good job at providing fast wireless Internet access across several rooms. Its processor is powerful enough to handle multiple connections over many WLANs while using additional mesh adapters helps increase the access point's range. Installation requires a few steps with clear instructions given on the mobile application.
Booting the access point can take a lot of time, but once the unit is up, it will stay operational without performance degradation for a long time. The CBW150AX offers features such as a firewall and an RF optimization mode for less than $130. It would have been great if it had been accessible from the cloud. Connected clients cannot be named or blocked off the network, which makes it less appealing if one wants to limit access to the Internet.
Read our full Cisco CBW150AX Access Point review
Best WAP for reliability
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A reliable WiFi 6 WAP that can be managed over the cloud
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Connectivity:
802.11ax
Features:
6 spatial streams (4x4:4 in 5GHz, 2x2:2 in 2.4GHz ), OFDMA, MU-Mino, surge and ESD protection, 4G/5G filter, Can be managed remotely using a free cloud service
Dimensions:
180 x 180 x 39mm
Weight:
545g
View at Amazon+
Wi-Fi 6
+
Solid build quality
+
Long-range
+
Cloud support
+
2.5Gb Ethernet port
-
High price
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No power supply
The WAX610D WAP from Zyxel can be wall or ceiling-mounted to bring WiFi 6 to your home office or business reliably. The device itself is made from quality components. Zyxel has included extras like an anti-noise spreader, surge and ESD protection, and a 4G/5G filter to minimize interference from cellular networks.
The WAX610D also packs a powerful quad-core CPU, two Ethernet ports (one at 2.5Gbps), and best-in-class internal antennas. While it may be slightly higher than the competition, the WAX610D can be managed remotely via an app and a free cloud service.
Read our full Zyxel WAX610D WiFi 6 PoE Access Point review
Best budget WAP
(Image credit: Future)
An affordable WiFi 5 WAP packed with functionality
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Connectivity:
802.11ac Wave 2
Features:
4x4 MU-MIMO, WPA/WPA2, WPA3, WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS Server, 512MB flash memory, 1GB RAM, 2 Gigabit-Ethernet ports with PoE support
Dimensions:
177mm x 177mm x 38mm
Weight:
427g
View at Amazon+
Powerful CPU
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Range extension
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Intuitive mobile app
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Low cost
-
Dated Wi-Fi 5 standard
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Lengthy boot time
Although Wi-Fi 6 may be the latest and greatest, Wi-Fi 5 still has a lot to offer, and the 240AC from Cisco is a well-built and affordable WAP to meet the needs of most users. The 240AC sports a Qualcomm quad-core CPU with 1GB of RAM and 256MB of Flash memory, and Cisco says that up to 400 clients can use this WAP simultaneously.
Wall mounting holes can be found at the unit's base, and it also ships with a flat Ethernet cable to power it when connected to a PoE Ethernet switch. This WAP&#;s range can also be extended further when paired with the company&#;s 142AC mesh extender.
Read our full Cisco 240AC Wi-Fi 5 Access Point review
Best WAP for remote access
(Image credit: Future)
A big office companion that brings a lot of value to the table
Our expert review:
Connectivity:
802.11ax
Features:
PoE+, Integrated into Omada SDN, Seamless Roaming, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz support, Secure Guest Network
Dimensions:
245 x 245 x 63mm
Weight:
879g
Visit Site+
Low cost
+
Quad-core CPU
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Cloud support
+
2.5Gb Ethernet port
-
Big case
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80MHz bandwidth
With the EAP660HD, TP-Link refreshes its small and home office product line with Wi-Fi 6 technology. The access point featuring remote management and high-gain antennas comes in an imposing plastic case. It feels solid and accommodates eight antennas for the two radio bands the EAP660HD serves. A quad-core Qualcomm CPU and a generous amount of memory guarantee good responsiveness. It supports up to 16 SSIDs and multiple concurrent connections streaming video content with very few packet drops.
But where the EAP660HD shines is with the software and tech support that TP-Link provides. First, it is very easy to access the AP remotely, even across the Internet, thanks to the Omada Cloud application. The AP software is regularly updated when potential vulnerabilities are found, and an easy-to-use mobile application is available both for Android and iPhone. Its main drawback is not using the Wi-Fi 6 to its full potential, as the EAP660HD uses an 80MHz bandwidth for the 5GHz band.
Read our full TP-Link EAP660HD Wi-Fi 6 Access Point review
Best WAP for streaming
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
A capable business access point that can be managed for free over the cloud
Our expert review:
Connectivity:
802.11ax
Features:
Load balancing, 2.5GbE PoE, Nebula control center cloud management
Dimensions:
180 x 180 x 39mm
Weight:
765g
Visit Site+
Six streams
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Vertical or horizontal mounting
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2.5GbE LAN
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Overpriced
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No PoE injector included
For a Zyxel access point, the WAX630S isn&#;t the most expensive it makes, but it&#;s also not the cheapest either.
The attractive features of this design include support for six simultaneous streams, with four over 5GHz and another two using 2.4GHz, a 2.5GbE PoE LAN connection, and a sophisticated internal antenna array.
When combined with special hardware filters, the antenna design reduces the interference from 5G/4G masts and other wireless transmitters. This unit has also been configured to work equally well if it is wall or ceiling-mounted, enabling more flexibility for deployment.
Part of the range of hardware that works with Zyxel&#;s cloud-based Nebula management tools, the WAX630S is a sophisticated access point built for city office installation and other challenging wireless environments.
Unfortunately, it's priced accordingly and competes with similar or better specification hardware at a lower price point. If it were to become cheaper, many IT professionals might find the WAX630S an attractive proposition.
Read our full Zyxel WAX630S review
Best WAP for outdoors
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
The EWS850AP is a mesh-enabled WAP from EnGenius that is ideal for businesses that operate outdoors, but it can also be used in your home if you want full wireless coverage in your backyard. As the device is powered over Ethernet, a 1Gbit PoE injector is included, so you don&#;t have to buy your own.
As the EWS850AP is intended for outdoor use, EnGenius includes all the hardware needed to mount it directly on a wall or a metal pole. One downside, though is that it only has a 2x2 WiFi configuration which means that it only supports two channels on each frequency with its four antennas. Still, though, for a 2x2 WiFi 6 access point, the EWS850AP has excellent performance, and it can also connect via 2.5GbE, but you will need to purchase a separate PoE injector.
Read our full EnGenius EWS850AP Outdoor Access Point review
Best WAP for speed
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Zyxel&#;s WiFi 6E access point makes life easier and faster
Our expert review:
Connectivity::
5GHz or 6GHz
Features:
Dual 4x4 for 5GHz and 6GHz. One 2x2 for 2.4GHz
Dimensions:
180 mm x 180 mm x 42 mm
Weight:
650g
View at NeweggCheck Amazon+
Affordable
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Good range
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Cloud accessibility
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WiFi 6E
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Supports either 5GHz or 6GHz band
The Zyxel&#;s NWA220AX-6E provides an immediate speed uplift thanks to the 6GHz band brought by the new WiFi 6E standard. It easily outperforms wired 1Gb Ethernet with dedicated radio amplifiers and a great antenna. The limited drop in throughput, even at ten meters or more, makes the access point a piece of equipment central to any small office or during work-from-home periods.
The Nebula cloud system provides an exceptional view of the network and provides devices&#; health data points and if any bottleneck is present. At just under $150, the new Zyxel&#;s access point is an affordable upgrade to a home or office infrastructure, which can also serve as an Ethernet extender thanks to a second Gigabit LAN port.
Read our full Zyxel NWA220AX-6E review
Best WAP for WiFi 7
(Image credit: Future)
Best WAP for WiFi 7
Connectivity:
10Gb Ethernet with PoE, 1Gb Ethernet
Features:
WiFi 7 functionality
Dimensions:
31 cm x 17.8 cm x 5.6 cm
Weight:
1.4 kg
View at NeweggCheck Amazon+
Speedy with an aggregate throughput of 22Gbps
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Ethernet port supporting 10 Gbps PoE
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Seamless cloud integration
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Expensive
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Big footprint
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No power supply
The WBE660S lives up to the expectations brought by the arrival of WiFi 7. With three radio channels, the unit supports legacy standards such as WiFi 2.4G and 5ac. The 6GHz radio sets it apart with four simultaneous streams, each having a higher bandwidth than WiFi 6. The access point does not suffer from range loss since it covers over square feet with throughput degradation similar to previous generations. Using the WBE600S is straightforward, thanks to its flawless integration into the Nebula ecosystem.
Having an extra channel with higher bandwidth comes with its challenges. The WBE600S uses much power, about twice as much as previous generations. As a result, the metal case is much bigger and heavier. The higher power will also hurt the wallet and increase the electricity bill. This access point remains an excellent tool for applications requiring high bandwidth, such as augmented reality and 8K videos.
Best WAP for powerlines
(Image credit: Netgear)
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 4k Video Wall Processor. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
A powerline adapter that&#;s also a wireless access point
Our expert review:
Connectivity:
802.11b/g/n
Features:
Compact design, Pick-A-Plug LED Indicator, Push-and-Secure button
Dimensions:
86 x 67 x 40mm
Weight:
85g
Visit Site+
Compact design
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Easy setup
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Good value
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Network cables included
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No pass-through
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Wireless network is unprotected by default
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Slow speeds
The final device on our list is an outlier since it&#;s technically a powerline adapter. Still, the Powerline 500 Wi-Fi Access Point from Netgear can help extend your network by using the power lines in your home or business to carry the network further before turning it into a wireless signal. While the adapters included in this package are quite small, they can only deliver 100 Mbps per second over Ethernet and 300 Mbps via the access point.
Read our full Netgear Powerline 500 Wi-Fi Access Point review
Best WAP: Frequently asked questions
A Wireless Access Point (WAP) can be an excellent solution if the Wi-Fi signal from your router isn&#;t covering the entirety of your home or office.
As is often the case, a router&#;s Wi-Fi signal may not cover your whole property, and you&#;ll have dead spots as you move farther away from your router. Fortunately, a WAP can address these by boosting a router&#;s signal further.
At the same time, this connectivity boost can allow you to connect more devices to your Wi-Fi network, which can be especially useful if you have a lot of smart home or connected devices in your house or office.
We&#;ve also tested the best wireless routers and the best small business routers
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We live in a world where seamless connectivity is a basic necessity, NO ONE likes slow internet when they&#;re away from the router&#;s primary location. Unfortunately, even the best WiFi routers can&#;t provide wireless coverage beyond a point, that&#;s where a wireless access points and mesh systems come into picture.
While integrating a mesh system is actually better than using WAPs because it&#;s seamless, many people end up getting a wireless access point because its more economical and can also be integrated with the current networking setup easily.
However, there are many options with different features & specifications, which is why choosing the &#;best&#; one is difficult. Don&#;t worry! Because with this guide, I&#;ll help you find the right WAP for different use-cases and also help you learn about different technical specifications which will help you choose more wisely.
I tested 21 different devices for diverse use-cases and have finally found out the 10 best options in .
Specifications wise, the TP-Link EAP690E is a beast, but how does it perform in the real world? Well, it&#;s ranked #1 in my list for a reason! Check why below.
SALE
$479.99
BUY ON AMAZONAfter WiFi 6E routers and mesh systems, it&#;s time for wireless access points to upgrade their Wi-Fi standard. While there isn&#;t much difference from Wi-Fi 6 except for the new 6 GHz frequency, the price has increased noticeably.
Nevertheless, the new 6 GHz band offers advantages like uncongested WiFi channels, improved throughput, and lower latency, making it worth consideration for gamers, enterprises, and those who want to future-proof their network.
TP-Link EAP690E is the top-rated WiFi 6E access point that brings quad-band support, greater throughput, and a 10 Gbps PoE+ port. Let&#;s find out how it performs in the real world.
My Experience with the Device
With an exclusive quad-band setup, the aggregated throughput speed of TP-Link EAP690E maxes out at 11 Gbps. The respective speed on each band is as follows:
6 GHz: Mbps5 GHz (1): Mbps5 GHz (2): Mbps2.4 GHz: MbpsTo see the throughput performance, I connected my Dell XPS laptop to the WAP plugged into my TL-SGMP with eight PoE+ ports and a TP-Link AXE75 router. And the internet plan was AT&T 2 Gbps.
I made sure the testing device connected to the 160 MHz channels, and throughput was measured at several spots in the setup. At 20 feet, I saw an average download speed of Mbps and an upload speed of Mbps.
The values saw a dip of around 25% when moved to 40 feet, valuing at Mbps and Mbps. Still, such speeds are more than adequate for any high-intensity activity like VR gaming, 4K/8K streaming, video conferencing, and much more.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Despite the premium price, the stipulated coverage of EAP690E at 2,000 Sq Ft is less. In my tests, the system could cover at most a 1,800 Sq Ft area, sufficient for any mid-to-large space. But with mesh tech, it comes with the usual benefits.
Despite a lesser coverage than its counterparts, the WAP claims to handle as many as devices. Although I didn&#;t have that many devices at bay, I could test it with 150 devices at once, and they were stable courtesy of MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
Conclusion
The TP-Link EAP690E is undoubtedly the best available WiFi 6E access point in the market. It performs the best with its quad-band support. Although it can&#;t transmit signals to far distances, it does compensate with additional features like a 10 Gbps port and the ability to handle many devices at once.
Quad-band support
Excellent wireless speeds
Exceptional devices capacity
10 Gbps ethernet port
Middling range
Want the best WiFi 6 access point? Well, there&#;s nothing as good as the Netgear WAX630. Besides WiFi 6, it can handle upto 600 devices, provider coverage upto 3,500 Sq Ft and can handle internet speeds upto 6,000 Mbps. What else do you need?
SALE
$317.25
BUY ON AMAZONDespite the announcement of WiFi 7, the WiFi 6 access points continue to sell. Thanks to the manageable speeds and affordability. Netgear WAX630 is one such option with Mbps throughput, easy deployment, and top-notch cloud management.
Not only that, but its high device handling ability, a multi-gig port, and a PoE++ power standard make it a much better option than the model it replaces, WAX625.
Speeds & Performance
The device runs on Wi-Fi AX and Tri-Band setup. Its aggregated throughput capacity is Mbps, and the share of each band is as follows:
5GHz (1): Mbps5GHz (2): Mbps2.4GHz: 600 MbpsStanding at the top of the evolutionary tree in terms of throughput, it&#;s only fair to plug it into a top-grade router and Ethernet switch.
So, I got the Netgear 16-Port switch and Netgear RAXE300 subscribed to the AT&T 2 Gbps plan to test its throughput, and the results were excellent.
At 20 feet from the equipment placement, the test testing device (MacBook Pro 16&#;) managed Mbps for downloads and Mbps for uploads.
Do I need to tell you that such speed is a holy grail for bandwidth-intensive tasks like gaming, 4K/8K streaming, large video conferences, and automating workflows?
Meanwhile, moving to 50 feet, speeds dropped to Mbps and 987 Mbps but kept it well in my bandwidth-hogging tests for online gaming and other tasks.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
The wireless access point by Netgear houses three high-gain antennas with a combined range of 3,500 Sq Ft. But actual results are different, as my 2,500 Sq Ft test lab added with the yard and outside garage was filled with strong signals.
The best part is the beamforming tech ensures a steady flow of signals throughout, and dropouts were almost second to none.
Besides that, a MU-MIMO tech maintains a constant inflow of signals to the connected devices. I could connect up to 65 smart devices, including laptops, smartphones, computers, smart cameras, and others, without any issues.
Conclusion
Overall, Netgear WAX630 is the top-rated access point that comes with a tri-band setup and delivers excellent performance throughout a large space.
Not only that, but its simple installation, a plethora of monitoring features, and remote management services make it an ideal WAP for large businesses, enterprises, and commercial settings.
Massive throughput
PoE++ power standard
Multi-gig ethernet port
Outstanding coverage
Handles many devices
$484.47
BUY ON AMAZONAruba specializes in enterprise networking, and its Instant On AP22 is one of the best they have got for businesses, irrespective of their size. This 3-unit system has every ingredient of a top device.
It&#;s known for a simple setup & management, vast range, fast performance, and built-in security so you can mellow out and accomplish the tasks in time.
Why do I recommend it to businesses?
Aruba, keeping business network ecosystems in mind, has designed its Instant On mobile and web app for simple installation. Setting it up shouldn&#;t take much time, even for a technological novice.
But the best part is, with the app, you can take total control over the AP from anywhere and ensure the internet isn&#;t used otherwise.
Not only that, the On AP22 has the best-in-class security with features like firewall functionality, supports WPA3, and Enhanced open for protected wireless access.
It further engages in detecting & eliminating malware, blocking malicious websites & applications, and thereby keeps your business and its assets safe.
Speeds & Performance
Talking about speeds, Aruba AP22 has a data transfer ability of Mbps, which is divided into its two operating bands as follows:
5 GHz: Mbps2.4 GHz: 574 MbpsThe installation took a few minutes with Linksys LGS116P as the power source and Linksys MR as the network source with AT&T 1 Gbps plan. After testing it for a week, the performance turned out excellent.
Starting off by keeping the test device 20 feet away from the source, the maximum download and upload speeds clocked at 865 Mbps and 794 Mbps, respectively.
Testing over a single unit, the 40 feet test yields up to 531 Mbps and 467 Mbps.
With every foot of space and obstruction, signals attenuate, but consistency is there. Nevertheless, it comes in a three-unit pack, so the potential issue is binned, and at a similar distance, I could access up to 648 Mbps and 587 Mbps, respectively.
With such speeds in hand, any high-end tasks like gaming, streaming, or video conferencing seem like child&#;s play.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
The single AP22 unit with its powerful antennas has a stipulated range of 2,000 Sq Ft, which triples at 6,000 Sq Ft with two additional units.
To test it out, I installed it in the basement, followed by the two others on two respective floors of the corporate establishment. The signals cover every nook of the 5,660 Sq Ft space, and with mesh support, you won&#;t experience any signal drop even moving from one floor to another.
Not only that, the consistency of the signals was top-notch. As measured with a WiFi analyzer app, most of the covered space remains light green, indicating a decent spread of signals. The credit primarily goes to the beamforming tech.
Added to it, the MU-MIMO fosters multi-device connections, and in my setup, the numbers maxed out at 130.
Conclusion
Overall, Aruba Instant On AP22 is an excellent business-friendly access point on offer. The 3-unit package provides fast throughput over a large space. Signals don&#;t drop even once, and a plethora of client devices can connect simultaneously. But you must pay a hefty price for it, which can be extravagant for many.
$141.34
BUY ON AMAZONRanking fourth on my list is TP-Link Omada EAP670 that just misses the previous spots with its tad lower throughput capacity and range.
Nevertheless, these, alongside other features like a multi-gig port, mesh tech, QoS, and more, are still abundant for satiating the needs of your bandwidth-heavy devices. But unlike Netgear, TP-Link boasts a dual-band WiFi to accommodate a lower price.
Speeds & Performance
TP-Link EAP670 is a dual-band WAP with an aggregated speed of Mbps, and the band-wise speeds are as follows:
5 GHz: Mbps2.4 GHz: 574 MbpsTo know its practical performance, I used my tried and trusted TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 switch and Netgear RAXE300 router paired with AT&T Fiber 2 Gbps connection. And it&#;s worth noting that the overall performance was top-notch.
At 20 feet, the download and upload speeds capped at Mbps and Mbps.
And even moving farther to around 60 feet, the throughput, although dropped yet great with respective values of 987 Mbps and 912 Mbps.
There&#;s also a 2.5G port to yield up to 1.96 Gbps speeds on wired connections. That&#;s fast enough for your high-speed streaming and gaming activities but does stay a tad behind my top pick. This shows the usefulness of an extra band.
Not only that, the AP has QoS support, which, when I set to gaming, allowed me to play Overwatch and Valorant at 12ms ping and average 97 FPS, with a few devices streaming videos in the background.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
EAP670 brings in six internal antennas with a combined theoretical range of 3,000 Sq Ft, making it a perfect fit for any three-bedroom house.
Installed at the center of my test lab, the signals spread everywhere, covering the entirety of my 2,500 Sq Ft space. As anticipated, the beamforming tech ensures undroppable signal strength even in the nooks.
Moving on, the EAP670 lets you establish up to 51 simultaneous connections. These were a mix of a variety of tasks like gaming, streaming, video conferencing, browsing, and more. But all of them worked fine, thanks to the support of MU-MIMO.
Conclusion
Overall, TP-Link EAP670 is a great 802.11 ax access point with a number of high-end features and resultant performance to find a place in your busy corporate space. Its mesh and beamforming tech ensures you don&#;t disconnect anytime and get done with your tasks in a jiffy. Overall, it&#;s a great value for under $150.
Mesh tech support
Great WiFi speeds
Has multi-gig port
Handle 50+ devices
Easy to install
Dual-band support
Are you in search of an AP that can withstand harsh weather? Check out the Cisco Meraki Go GR62, which is IP67 water and dust-resistant.
$224.99
BUY ON AMAZONCisco has been in the market for a long time and has established itself as one of the top networking switch manufacturers. Their Meraki Go GR62 managed to take the fourth spot on my list.
All thanks to Wi-Fi 6, improved water resistance from my previous pick, a long wireless range, decent device handling ability, and speeds.
Speeds & Performance
Cisco hasn&#;t disclosed anything about its speed capacity, but with its dual-band Wi-Fi 6, better things are expected of it.
To test its wireless capabilities, I chose the TL-SGP switch with a PoE LAN port and my usual TP-Link Archer AX73 paired with AT&T Fiber 600 Mbps plan. And the overall performance at various distances was great.
The first series of tests were carried out with my Dell laptop kept at 50 feet. This way, I could measure an average of 381 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload speed.
Moving a bit farther from the AP (90 feet), the respective speeds dropped by 35%, valued at 255 Mbps and 21 Mbps. But signals across 150 feet were frail as download and upload speeds only registered at 61 Mbps and 9 Mbps, respectively.
The numbers aren&#;t very far from my top option, except for the distance, but still, the available speeds up to 100 feet are good enough for casual gaming, HD streaming, video conferencing, and other tasks.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
The GR62 claims a maximum range of 500 feet for a single unit and is installable outdoors, so you shouldn&#;t run out of signals anywhere.
In my test, with the device mounted on a garden pole, the signals managed to cover up to 435 feet, which is excellent. And it entails mesh support that lets you roam anywhere without dropping much speed.
Moving on, the device handling ability stands at 100, which is backed by MU-MIMO and OFDMA tech. Around 68 devices could connect to the bandwidth. The numbers, however, alter depending on the tasks you&#;re putting them through.
Conclusion
Overall, Meraki Go GR62, with the right set of features, performance, and reliability, turns out to be a game changer. The speed and coverage are good enough to soldier through most of your tasks across a large area. But the lack of a multi-gig port and higher price has taken it to the furth position.
Stable and fast throughput
Excellent wireless range
Easy to install and manage
Handles multiple clients
Premium price
Lacks a multi-gig port
SALE
$194.53
BUY ON AMAZONIf you can&#;t afford an extended range router yet need seamless connectivity in a large space, Netgear WAX630E comes as a handy option. Its massive throughput and range, 2 Ethernet ports, and mesh tech keep making it a runner-up pick.
Speeds & Performance
Netgear WAX630E boasts an aggregated speed of 7,800 Mbps, and the band-wise distribution is as follows:
6 GHz: Mbps5 GHz: Mbps2.4 GHz: 600 MbpsI tested this 6E AP for two weeks with the 16-port PoE+ switch (GS316PP) by Netgear connected to the WiFi 6E-enabled Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 router for two weeks. And in general, I had a great time with it.
With the Google Fiber 2 Gig plan connected and the AP mounted 20 feet high, the testing system (16-inch MacBook Pro) managed Mbps for downloads and Mbps for uploads.
The speeds are almost equivalent to my top recommendation. You might notice the difference when you upgrade to higher plans.
Besides, getting farther away at 40 feet, the speeds fell off by almost 20%, with respective values of Mbps and 202 Mbps.
Similar to UniFi U6, signals were accessible at 60 feet, and data managed to flow at 264 Mbps and Mbps. Any corporate or business-based tasks should be a piece of cake at such speed.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Netgear WAX630E stays superior to TP-Link with a maximum range of 3,000 Sq Ft. To test it, I installed it at my two-story house with around 3,700 Sq Ft area. It encased the spaces left by the router, taking its practical coverage at around 2,760 Sq Ft.
Of course, the numbers might vary for you, but what makes it more interesting is its mesh tech support. With it, the devices automatically switch to another node when I move to another part of the space, ensuring zero downtime.
Besides, it pairs well with MU-MIMO and OFDMA tech to connect devices to the best network/ band and thereby connects multiple devices at once. The numbers go as high as 95 on a single device, despite the manufacturer&#;s claim of 450.
Conclusion
Overall, Netgear WAX630E is one of the top wireless access points that has WiFi 6e. It hits almost a bullseye in every aspect. Be it speed, coverage, or device handling ability, it performs exceedingly well.
Excellent throughput
Great wireless range
Mesh tech support
Easy to install
$161.00
BUY ON AMAZONUbiquiti is known for its top-class UniFi access points, and the list would&#;ve been incomplete without one of its models, so here is UniFi 6 Pro.
It houses an AX speed rating, excellent device-handling ability, guest traffic isolation, and others to potentially boost the productivity of your workplace.
But compared to my previous recommendations, this one comes with half the WiFi range. If that&#;s enough for your space, you&#;ll enjoy its features & functionality.
Speeds & Performance
UniFi 6 Pro comes with an identical throughput of Mbps. It&#;s split between its two bands as follows:
5 GHz: Mbps2.4 GHz: 574 MbpsI used this AP at my premises for about a week, and the speed tests are far better than most I&#;ve tested so far. Linksys LGS116P and Netgear RAXE300 router were used as a switch and router to get fast data inputs.
I placed my MacBook 20 feet away from the source, and the maximum it could yield was around Mbps and Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads.
And moving 50 feet away yields respective speeds of up to 843 Mbps and 741 Mbps. That&#;s ideal for intensive activities on multiple devices. Besides, there&#;s QoS to prioritize traffic and experience much-improved speeds and lower latency.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
The UniFi 6 Pro comes with a maximum range of 1,500 Sq Ft, but if in a corporate space, you can always invest in another unit. With the mesh tech, you don&#;t disconnect once, moving from one AP ecosystem to another.
Nevertheless, a single unit could cover around 1,390 Sq Ft area, still enough for most businesses or home offices. Thanks to the beamforming support, you won&#;t experience signal drops within the area.
It also works in tandem with the MU-MIMO tech to establish up to 85 stable connections without any lags or drops. That&#;s quite impressive.
Conclusion
Overall, UniFi 6 Pro from Ubiquiti is a reliable WAP for small to medium enterprises. Its coverage range might not be the best, but you can always pair another unit to cover your entire space with decent signals.
Stable and fast throughput
Handles many clients
QoS support
Middling WiFi range
$49.99
BUY ON AMAZONIf you&#;re looking for a budget option that does not compromise much, EnGenius Fit EWS356-FIT is worth your consideration. Its decent throughput capacity, cloud control, mesh, and roaming support make it to the list.
But similar to my previous Ubiquiti pick, this one also boasts a 1,500 Sq Ft claimed range. So how does it perform? Let&#;s find out!
Speeds & Performance
EnGenius Fit EWS356-FIT, with its dual-band setup, has an aggregated throughput of Mbps, split between its two bands as follows:
5 GHz: Mbps2.4 GHz: 574 MbpsMy internet is provisioned for 1 Gbps down/1 Gbps up. To get the most out of my setup, Netgear EAXE300 was my router, TP-Link TL-SG108E was my network switch, and the overall performance was great.
Over the 160 MHz channel, the devices at 20 feet yield a download speed of 936 Mbps and an upload speed of 874 Mbps.
Its distance test was also great, as my 40 feet test yielded respective download and upload speeds of 465 Mbps and 387 Mbps. And my video calls, streams, or online games didn&#;t lag or buffer at any point, credit to OFDMA.
But unlike my previous recommendations, there isn&#;t any QoS feature, so further boosting your gaming or streaming performance goes down the drain.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
The internally housed antennas of EWS356-FIT make it capable of transmitting signals to a 1,500 Sq Ft area with ease.
I installed it in the exact middle of my space and could access signals at around 1,340 Sq Ft area. That&#;s not an absolute top standard, but it makes a smart choice for any small business. Or you can always add another unit to the mix.
The antennas further add in OFDMA and MU-MIMO to ensure signals only travel in the direction they&#;re intended to, i.e., the connected devices. As a result, I could connect up to 35 smart devices without overloading the bandwidth.
Conclusion
EnGenius EWS356-FIT, with the features and, ultimately, performance, comes as the most value-for-money access point with Wi-Fi 6 out there. You can sleep on it to get through most of your bandwidth-intensive activities on a decent number of devices.
Although its range is limited, being a budget offering, you can always add another unit to the setup.
Decent throughput
Mesh & roaming
support
Easy to install
Average wireless range
Middling device handling ability
$269.99
BUY ON AMAZONUbiquiti UniFi U6 is a business-class WiFi 6E AP. Alongside its massive throughput capacity, there is a 2.5G PoE+ port, powerful hardware, and technologies like MU-MIMO, beamforming, and OFDMA to deliver an unparalleled experience.
Compared to its Lite version, it brings in added speed, range, and capacity to handle more devices at once.
Speeds & Performance
The UniFi U6 builds in a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E setup with an aggregated speed of 10.2 Gbps, where the share of each band is as follows:
6 GHz: Mbps5 GHz: Mbps2.4 GHz: 573.5 MbpsSince it boasts a PoE+ port, it&#;s a smart choice to invest in a PoE+ switch as well. In my test, I got the Zyxel XS paired with the UDR Dream router. And the ultimate performance was great and pretty straightforward.
And the speeds are excellent, as depicted in the results. At 20 feet, my testing device managed a download speed of 994 Mbps and an upload speed of 514 Mbps with the AT&T Gigabit plan.
Meanwhile, at 40 feet, the respective throughput fared to 754 Mbps and 304 Mbps, around a 30% drop in values. Even at 60 feet, the signals managed to exist, and maximum could deliver speeds of 431 Mbps and 164 Mbps, respectively.
As you can already guess, such speeds are more than capable of handling tasks like online gaming, 4K streaming, video conferencing, and more.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
WAPs are mainly designed to fill your network dead spots with signals without cutting much bandwidth, unlike WiFi extenders. In theory, the signals of UniFi U6 are known to travel upwards of 2,500 Sq Ft, the size of a three-bedroom apartment.
While it&#;s tricky to put the coverage range in numbers, it equates to and even betters the top-rated WAPs. When placed in the center, you can expect it to blanket your 2,300 Sq Ft house. You can further add another access point to double up on the range.
Besides, when it comes to connecting multiple devices, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming come in handy. Although the figure provided by the manufacturer (600) seems too farfetched, I had it running smoothly with 115 devices. The numbers should increase if there&#;s more bandwidth to exploit.
Conclusion
UniFi U6&#;s massive throughput and range contribute to greater performance over a large space. Besides, there isn&#;t a lack of networking technologies, which means you can connect multiple clients without any issues.
Excellent speeds
Great WiFi range
Handles many devices
Easy to install
No mesh tech
$69.99
BUY ON AMAZONNow, I present you with a reliable device that doesn&#;t feel heavy on your pocket, Zyxel NWA50AX. Coming just at around $70, it has many good things going, like PoE+ support, a simple setup, and a decent throughput that makes for most of your needs.
Speeds & Performance
Coming with dual-band WiFi 6, the throughput capacity of the device maxes out at Mbps, and the respective share of each band is as follows:
5 GHz: Mbps2.4 GHz: 574 MbpsJudging by its throughput capacity, it&#;s only fair to use the TRENDnet 8-Port Gigabit EdgeSmart PoE+ Switch as the mediator with the Netgear RAX54 subscribed to AT&T 500 Mbps plan. With its PoE+ port, a direct connection with the router is also possible.
In the close-range test, the test system could manage respective speeds of up to 403 Mbps and 361 Mbps for downloads and uploads.
Moving away from the access point to another room, the performance boiled down to 179 Mbps and 137 Mbps, respectively. The distance speeds weren&#;t great, which demanded for inclusion of another unit into the network.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Zyxel NWA50AX stays on a similar line with a theoretical value of 1,500 Sq Ft, the size of any large one-bedroom or a mid-sized two-bedroom apartment.
Installed in my home office, the AP managed to cover up to 1,320 Sq Ft area with ease. Most spots were missing, so I got him another unit.
With the mesh tech, the connected devices now have access to undroppable signals, and the invoices, payments, and EMIs are readily processed, ensuring quick delivery.
Not only that, with a single unit, it could connect up to 26 devices, including smartphones, laptops, and others. MU-MIMO tech plays a key part in this respect.
Conclusion
Zyxel NWA50AX might not be one of your high-end APs with massive throughput and range, but whatever I had could ensure seamless functionality. What I loved about this device is its mesh & PoE+ support, which is commonly missing. Nevertheless, its device handling ability could&#;ve improved.
Decent speeds
Mesh support
Integrates PoE+ support
Easy to install
Middling device handling ability
Yes, it is. In fact, access points are ideal for large spaces with hundreds of devices to stay connected throughout the day. Range extenders, on the other hand, are a more cost-effective option mainly aimed at boosting signal range.
What is the maximum range of a WiFi access point?Access points are known to cover spaces as large as feet, but otherwise, the maximum I could get was about 2,800 Sq Ft coverage.
Are wireless access points worth it?Yes, WAPs can be an excellent investment if the signals from your router aren&#;t entirely covering your office or home. Pairing 2-3 of them can cover your entire 4-5 story office building.
Choosing an ideal access point depends entirely on your purpose and budget. By now, my list should&#;ve helped you make a decision. If not, here are my final suggestions for each category:
With that, comes an end to my guide. Goodbye and take care!
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