What Is a Long Range WiFi Antenna?
Your average internet service provider (ISP) should hook you up with a regular router once you subscribe to a plan. That said, the WiFi signal on these devices isn’t always great. Sure, you might get a plan that’s supposed to provide you 300 Mbps to help you work seamlessly. However, sometimes the range of the WiFi, instead of its speed, becomes the problem. That’s because most routers can only cover a certain circumference of space. As a result, most households with no range boosters suffer from dead zones and areas with weak signals. With a long-range WiFi antenna, you could extend that signal and provide coverage for your whole house. This eliminates the need to always situate yourself in a space where the signal is strongest. Moreover, it allows for more flexibility and freedom in terms of your router placement.
Long Range Indoor, Outdoor, and Point-to-Point Networks
How do I extend my Wi-Fi signal to another building 500 feet away? There are several types of long-range WiFi antenna products. Firstly, you have the indoor WiFi extender that comes in two forms: the range extenders and mesh networks.
Indoor Extenders
Range extenders (or WFi boosters) are wireless devices you connect to your router. This extends the WiFi range by being close enough to the router to gain signal, but distant enough to extend the said signal. In essence, it acts as a second router, having its ID and password. This makes it slightly more inconvenient as you might have to switch between networks based on your location. On the other hand, mesh networks are more like a group of devices that “blanket” your entire space. It’s great for home coverage, especially if you have multiple floors, as it generally extends the signal spherically. One of the mesh nodes should be connected directly to your modem. The others should be spread across the house to spread the signal. This method is more seamless than range extenders because your devices should automatically connect to the nearest node. Hence, you don’t need to shuffle between networks every time.
Outdoor Extenders
Long-range outdoor WiFi networks, on the other hand, are optimized for the outdoors. They take your current internet connection and simply improve its signal outside. Sometimes, these devices can extend only to your backyard. However, other devices are strong enough that you can even reach its signal from miles away. The signal’s efficacy depends on the kind of WiFi antenna you buy. Moreover, if there are objects between you and the extender, chances are your signal won’t be as strong.
Point-to-Point Networks
Long-range point-to-point networks act as a bridge between two physical buildings. It essentially allows one WiFi signal to be spread across two establishments. This eliminates the need to get another network plan or hotspot, making connections more seamless. However, do note that point-to-point networks are a great deal more expensive. Of course, they can save you money long-term by spreading the signal around. Moreover, they ensure that your connection is reliable even when the signal is spread in two different buildings.
12 Best Long Range WiFi Antenna Models
How Do Long Range WiFi Antenna Models Work?
Uni-directional antenna Long-distance range (10dBi) Dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) Affordable
If you don’t mind one-directional signal extensions, we recommend the Alfa APA-M25 dual-band long-range WiFi antenna. It’s a competent product that’s great if you need something that can reach long distances. That’s because it has a powerful 10dBi rating for its WiFi signal.
Dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) Up to 867Mbps connections USB 3.0 connector Moderate range (5dBi)
Do you want a speedy long range WiFi antenna that’s compatible with many wireless standards and operating systems? If so, we recommend the Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 wireless adapter. As its name implies, it has a powerful AC1200 rating that can support up to 867Mbps transfer speeds. Hence, it’s not just something that can moderately extend your WiFi signal but it’s also great at supporting fast networks. In addition, this long range WiFi antenna lets you enjoy both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections. This offers more flexibility and stability, lessening the interference from other wireless signals. However, the range isn’t quite as large as the other alternatives because it only has 5dBi. Moreover, it’s a mid-range product that costs $65 to $70.
High-speed antenna Includes two antennas to widen coverage PC adapter Dual-band 5dBi range
Are you looking for a long range WiFi antenna for your PC? If so, we recommend the BrosTrend 1200Mbps Long Range USB WiFi Adapter. What makes it special is that you can easily install it on your computer by plugging it via USB. Afterward, you can adjust the two WiFi antennas included to ensure your computer has ample signal. The range might not be too large as both antennas only support 5dBi. Nonetheless, it’s a decent choice if you want a stronger WiFi connection specifically for your desktop or laptop. In addition, this product supports dual-band networks and can even reach up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. It’s also fairly inexpensive and only costs about $34 to 40 – $26 if you buy it used.
Coverage of up to three miles (15dBi) Building-mounted Connects to a repeater Extremely expensive
Are you looking for a heavy-duty long-range WiFi receiver antenna for your business? Perhaps you even need something that can cover large distances, like a long-range WiFi antenna with a 5km range. If so, we recommend the CC Vector Extended Long Range WiFi Receiver System. Unlike many others listed here, this long-range WiFi antenna is meant to be mounted atop buildings. Hence, it’s great for extending the network of a public WiFi network to another establishment. However, you will need a repeater to extend the coverage. Moreover, longer distances will mean lower speeds. It’s also extremely expensive, costing $300 to $320.
Cheap Decent 9dBi omnidirectional range Uncomplicated installation process
Are you looking for a simple long range WiFi antenna for your setup? In that case, we recommend looking at the Gadgets World FBA_ALFA-ARSN19M Alfa 9dBi WiFi Booster. It’s the perfect product if you’re on a budget because it only costs $8 to $15. All you must do to use it is plug it into your router. Afterward, you should have greatly extended WiFi coverage because of its 9dBi strength. The range should increase as much as four times that of your router’s regular range. It’s also not directional, so you need not point the antenna any which way.
Dual-band 6dBi omnidirectional range Cheap
If you want a reputable long range WiFi antenna that’s dirt cheap, the Highfinte 2 x 6dBi dual-band antenna should do the trick. It possesses all the necessities you will need for a home WiFi setup.
Uni-directional parabolic antenna Mounted outdoors Long-range and high-gain product (24dBi) Expensive
If you need an outdoor WiFi antenna with long range, then the Premiertek Outdoor 2.4GHz 24dBi antenna might be for you. At 24dBi, this antenna will be difficult to beat in terms of range. It’s also great at withstanding different kinds of outdoor weather because of its aluminum die-cast construction.
Weatherproof construction with ABS plastic Works with 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks Inexpensive
One of the main priorities when shopping for an outdoor WiFi extender should be weatherproofing. After all, if you’re extending your WiFi signal outdoors, it has to withstand rain, snow, and even sleet. Thankfully, the REMO Outdoor WiFi Antenna BAS-2301 Extender can do just that. Apart from being the ideal weatherproof long range WiFi antenna, it’s also flexible because of its compatibility with 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. It’s also sturdy because of the ABS plastic construction which can withstand not just different weather but also harsh sunlight. Finally, what truly gives it an edge is its inexpensive price at less than $35.
Capable of high-speed data transfers Two 5dBi omnidirectional antennas (200-meter range) Indoor and outdoor compatibility IP65 weather-resistant rating Mid to high price
If you’re looking for an outdoor router, we recommend the TP-Link EAP225 AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit access point. As its name implies, this unit is powerful and can even deliver up to 300Mbps transfer speeds. Hence, it’s perfect if you want more range without sacrificing speed or signal quality. However, do note that this long range WiFi antenna only sports two 5dBi omnidirectional antennas. While it has you covered within a 360-degree range, its distance is capped at 200 meters away. Nonetheless, it’s a competent product, especially if you want something with good weatherproofing. Although you will have to face a slightly high price tag of $80 to $108.
Long range (328 feet, depending on the environment) Supports several encryptions Mid-range price
Are you looking for a high-range long range WiFi antenna for the outdoors? If so, the Tupavco TP511 Panel Antenna 2.4GHz WiFi 20dBi Wireless Outdoor Antenna should be a good choice. Not only does it have a long 328-feet range but it’s also secure because it supports several kinds of encryptions. This allows you to feel at ease that no one will compromise your network despite it being available far away. In addition, it’s weatherproof so you don’t have to worry about protecting it from bad weather. However, it is a directional device so you’ll need to point it in the right direction to get a signal. Nonetheless, for less than $50, it’s certainly tough to beat because of its powerful signal and long-range capacity.
Long-distance directional antenna (17dBi) Outdoor use Affordable
The Tupavco TP513 Yagi WiFi Antenna is a great choice if you want something with a high range. It’s great for outdoor use because of its durable and weather-proof design. Moreover, it can cover long distances because of the strong 17dBi support. However, like most long range WiFi antenna models that can cover long distances, this item is directional. Hence, you have to point it in the right direction for you to catch a strong signal. Nonetheless, if you want an affordable option that’s less than $40, it’s certainly hard to beat.
Inexpensive Dual-band Long-range outdoor directional antenna (13dBi) Pole mast-mounted and weatherproof
While it may not be as long-range as the previous TP513 Yagi antenna, the Tupavco TP542 Dual-Band (13dBi) Outdoor Directional Panel Antenna is certainly a solid contender. It supports fairly long distances because of its 13dBi antenna. Hence, you can use it to extend WiFi signals at greater distances than just your front yard. It also supports dual-band networks so you’re not limited to any kind of frequency. In addition, it’s rugged and weather-proof so it should withstand the rain and snow. Mounting it on a pole and pointing it in the right direction should be your only problem with the installation. Finally, it’s not too costly and only costs less than $40. Whether you’re buying a long-range WiFi antenna from Ubiquiti, TP-Link, or others, it can be a wonder to witness. Just how do these long-range WiFi antenna products work? How far can a WiFi antenna reach? Moreover, what’s the longest range WiFi antenna? Firstly, you must know about WiFi connectivity that the closer you are to the source, the better the signal. Moreover, obstacles like doors, walls, and furniture can hamper the signal. A long-range WiFi antenna works to extend that signal or even bypass obstacles altogether. If it’s an omnidirectional WiFi access point (AP), it should be able to extend the signal by a mile. On the other hand, directional APs can extend it as far as 8 miles. How they work is by simply connecting themselves to your router to access the WiFi signal. They then broadcast the signal through the antennas to extend its range. Some long-range WiFi antenna models need power over ethernet adapters, mounts, and other fixtures to work. The mounts allow you to let the antenna have a clearer line of sight. Meanwhile, a wired connection to the router helps the AP bypass obstacles and buildings. If you’re extending the signal to another building, you’ll need additional equipment. Sometimes, all it takes is a long-range WiFi antenna on the second building. However, other structures do require another antenna for the source building. Regardless, you’ll need a router that can broadcast the signal to the second building. You may also need other extenders to reach different floors with the same network.
What to Look for When Buying a Long Range WiFi Antenna
Purchasing a long-range WiFi antenna can be tough work. What is the best long-range WiFi antenna you can buy? Here are some qualities and factors to weigh before you get anything.
Range
How far can a long-range WiFi antenna work? It hinges on the kind of antenna you buy. Some long-range WiFi antennas can go 10km. Other long-range WiFi antennas can even get to 30 km. However, these antennas will differ in price as well as whether they’re directional or omnidirectional. Regardless, the distance you want to cover is crucial to the purchasing process. That’s because each model is different and covers a different range. Hence, you’ll need to measure the distance between your router and your furthest point. Then purchase a model accordingly.
Directional vs Omnidirectional
A long-range WiFi antenna may not reach 100km. However, directional long-range WiFi antenna models can go as far as 8 miles. The only catch is that the signal is dependent on the direction the antenna is pointed toward. Hence, areas at the antenna’s left, right, and back sides won’t get the signal. This is ideal if your main priority is covering a large distance and reaching specific farther points. On the other hand, we recommend the omnidirectional type if you want to spread the WiFi signal in all directions. This will limit the distance you can cover because it can’t go as far. However, you’ll be able to get a signal whether you’re at the antenna’s front, back or sides.
Price
One of the biggest considerations in any kind of purchasing decision is the price. How much are you willing to spend to extend your WiFi signal to unreachable places? Some models are weaker and lower in quality but can cost only $30 to $40. Others are more expensive, costing upwards of $100. Still, luxury models or heavy-duty units can cost as much as $300. With that said, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of a long-range WiFi antenna. You could also consider buying something else like a PC WiFi antenna if it’s just your PC that’s having problems. A long range WiFi antenna for PC is a plug-and-play device that should cost significantly less. On the other hand, if you truly need to extend your network coverage to the yard or another building, that’s when you should prepare to spend a little more on a product. That’s especially true if you need something with high gains and range, and is heavy-duty enough to withstand weather changes.
Are DIY Long Range WiFi Antennas Possible?
Is a long range WiFi antenna DIY project possible? Yes. You can make a long range WiFi antenna at home with cheaper materials if you’re on a budget. Some DIY projects can cost as little as $5 and only require a tin can and a few other cheap materials. However, do note that the quality of DIY long range WiFi antenna models will be up to you. If you want to build something bigger and more robust, you may also need a license to do so. In the USA, you’ll have to talk to the FCC to obtain one before you can start building.
Try a Long Range WiFi Antenna Today
Reliable internet connections are a must in modern-day society. Thankfully, WiFi is more widely available nowadays, and you can even extend the range of regular subscriptions. All you must do is understand your home or office’s network requirements. Afterward, you can simply choose a long-range WiFi antenna that fits your needs and budget.
