This New Year has brought a lot of changes to our schedule as well as our mode of work. Since most of us are bound to our homes; we need an excellent work setting which has mostly to do with internet connectivity. The entire ordeal might get tiresome and we would like to have a change of space but different rooms do not get the same amount of network and in turn, our work schedule suffers. But this can be easily resolved by installing a long-range wireless wifi antenna. This will give you extra-wide coverage as it covers a significant amount of area.
See also:
A Wi-Fi antenna is a gadget attached to the router which receives incoming and transfers outgoing data in the form of wireless signals. It is one of the most important components of the radio communication system which catches incoming signals coming from elsewhere and emits outgoing signals. The antennas are placed mainly on Wi-Fi routers to enable wireless networking but it can also be built internally. The range of such antennas can go up to 5 miles. This article will review such 7 types of long-range Wi-Fi antenna so that the consumers do not face any problem while trying to shop for them and can get the best of it at affordable prices. Regardless of the company or the brand, this long-range Wi-Fi antenna will benefit the customers in many ways.
Best Wi-Fi Antennas Reviews
1. Alfa AWUSO36NH Wireless Long-Range WiFi Adapter
This long-range Wi-Fi antenna transfers data at a speed of 150 Mbps and supports WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, and AES functions. The speed that this Wi-Fi antenna provides is considered to be of high standards in the United States of America. It supports all the moderate and latest security protocols sanctioned by the US government. Moreover, it also supports wireless data encryption of 64 and 128 bit. It covers an area of at least 100 feet and has a well-built security system. This system comes with a 5M of USB cable as well which is a rarity on its own as it will cover a large area and the user would not have to invest in another USB extension. This system is available in the colour of silver which adds a touch of elegance.
Specification:
- Speed- 150 Mbps.
- Weight (kg) - 0.025.
- Dimensions (cm) - 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.5.
- Powered by USB.
- IEEE Standards - 802.11a/b/g/n.
- Pros
- An extra cable is attached to it.
- Long-range.
- Data encrypted.
- USB supported.
- Wireless.
- Cons
- The range could be further.
- Not weatherproof.
2. Highfine 2.4GHz 5GHz Dual Band WiFi RP-SMA Antenna
This long-range antenna is the best option for people who would like to extend their wireless Wi-Fi connectivity as it consists of IPEX cables which increases the connectivity, even if you are using an old router. Moreover, it has a gold-plated bulkhead connector that mounts easily and securely. It also has two antennas with 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz bandwidth. The 2.4 GHz antenna covers a large range but transmits data at a slower speed whereas, the 5 GHz covers less area but transmit data at a higher speed. Both of them combined to provide proper connectivity. If this system is compatible with your router, it is an excellent choice.
Specification:
- Pigtail cable- 13 inches.
- Gold Plated Connector - 8mm/5/16"
- Wireless WAN Pigtail Cable.
- 2 antennas with 2.4GHz and 5 GHz.
- Pros
- It can be attached to the old router.
- Covers a large area
- Well-made system.
- Pigtail cable is longer than other devices.
- The screws mount easily.
- Cons
- Need to be carefully installed.
- Might need the help of a professional.
- Does not support M.2 (NGFF) interface.
3. SimpleWiFi Ultra Long Range WiFi Extender
Antenna World introduced one of the most well-made wireless long-range antennas in the market covering an area of 6 miles to be exact and an added long, narrow beam facilitates a gain of 24dBi. It transfers data at a speed of 150 Mbps and the 5GHz version uses the 802.11n/a/ac/ac2 standards with speeds up to 1.3 GBPS. The system is constructed in such a way that it is weather resistant.
Moreover, it consists of a horn arm of 14 inches which makes it easier to set up anywhere. The 2.4 GHz antenna supports 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n Wi-Fi standards. The 2.4 GHz antenna covers a large range but transmits data at a slower speed whereas, the 5 GHz covers less area but transmit data at a higher speed. Both of them combined to provide proper connectivity. This long-range Wi-Fi antenna system is available in the colour of grey.
Specification:
- Item Dimensions LxWxH-12 x 39 x 24 inches
- Product Dimensions- 12 x 39 x 24 inches
- Item Weight- 6 pounds
- Pros
- Easily mounted
- Has directional signal indicators.
- Easy to use a mechanism
- Weather-resistant
- Powerful signals
- Cons
- Expensive
- The size of it is humongous.
4. TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band USB Adapter
Trendnet lives up to its name with this long-range Wi-Fi antenna which has four detachable antennas; two of 2.4 GHz and the others with 5 GHz. These antennas of different specifications boost the range and resolve the problem with data transfer. In addition to this, it has a 1300 AC feature which adds strength to the signals.
The number that comes after AC is indicative of maximum theoretical bandwidth of the Wi-Fi router, thus, AC 1300 means 1300 Mbps. It comes with a 3-year warranty which makes it more reliable than the other expensive products in the market. This system works best with Windows and Mac operating systems. It is available in the colour of black which adds a classic touch to it.
Specification:
- Operating Temperature 0 - 40 °C (32 – 104 °F)
- Power Consumption- Max. 6.6 W
- Compatibility- Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP • Mac OS 10.6-10.13
- Frequency- 2.4GHz: (FCC) 2.412 – 2.462GHz, (ETSI) 2.412 – 2.472GHz.
- Item Dimensions LxWxH- 7 x 3 x 9 inches
- Pros
- Good connectivity.
- Easy to upgrade large files.
- Beam forms technology.
- 3 years of warranty.
- Cons
- Makes noise while operating.
- The weight of the device is more than usual.
5. lfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless
The most important reason why this system is in the list is because of its impeccable signal strength which transfers data at a speech of 300Mbps & AC 867Mbps. It is also equipped with the basic security system of WEP 64-Bit, WEP 128-Bit, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK. This long-range Wi-Fi antenna has one of the best home security features which have been approved by the government of the United States.
It has two 5 dbi detachable antennas each of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, both the antennas combined covers a wide range and also transmits data at a very high speed which is ensured by the 5 GHz antenna. It works best with a variety of operating systems such as Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1; Mac 10.5 or Later; & Linux. Thus, whatever operating system you have, it will surely support the version. Moreover, it supports Wi-Fi standards of 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac.
Specification:
- Item Dimensions LxWxH- 5.51 x 5.51 x 2.36 inches
- Product Dimensions- 5.51 x 5.51 x 2.36 inches
- Item Weight- 9.1 ounces
- Operating System- Linux, Windows XP, Windows Vista
- Pros
- Affordable
- High probability with a weight of 50 grams.
- High speed
- Supports most operating system
- Compatible
- Cons
- Weak mounting technologies.
- Hard to install.
6. TP-Link Omada AC1200 Gigabit Wireless Access Point
When compared to the other long-range Wi-Fi system, the design is not quite impressive but the system makes it up with its specifications. It comes with two detachable 5 dBi omnidirectional antennas that transfer data at a speed of 300 Mbps. Moreover, the EAP225-Outdoor system that is instilled in it provides wireless coverage at a speed of 200m+ at 2.4GHz and 300m+ at 5GHz in outdoor settings.
This long-range Wi-Fi antenna is IP65 rated which means that it is capable to withstand harsh weather conditions. On top of that, it is equipped with AC 1200, which strengthens the signals and transfers many files at the same time, that too, at an incredible speed. The number that comes after AC measures the theoretical bandwidth of the router, so AC 1200 means it transmits data at the speed of 1200 Mbps. It is compatible with most of the devices, so the user would not face a problem while trying to install it.
Specification:
- Two antennas of 2.4 and 5 GHz.
- EAP225 outdoor system.
- Colour- White
- Product Dimensions- 8.46 x 1.81 x 1.05 inches
- Item Weight- 5.9 ounces
- Item Dimensions LxWxH- 8.46 x 1.81 x 1.05 inches
- Pros
- Flexible mounting device.
- Omnidirectional antennas.
- Weather resistance.
- Compatible.
- Affordable
- High range of signals.
- Cons
- No standard PoE
- Cannot be used as a bridge.
7. 2 x 8dBi WiFi RP-SMA Male Antenna Dual Band
HUACAM’s have once again undone itself with their new long-range Wi-Fi antennas. The system is equipped with two 8 dBi multidirectional antennas with 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, which well above the average when compared to other devices of the same range. The multidirectional or omnidirectional antennas are an added bonus which will ensure better signal range. The concept of both 8 dbi antennas is quite similar to the concept of range.
The higher the dbi the less coverage it will give and the lower the dbi the more coverage it will give. The 2.4 GHz antenna covers a wide range but it transmits the data at a slower speed, whereas, the 5 GHz antenna has a short-range but transmits the data at a higher speed. As the antennas are wireless, it will give users high speed and great connectivity when working with wireless devices. But only one word of caution, this high range wireless antenna can be used with MINI PCI-E Interface, Do Not Use for M.2 (NGFF) Interface.
Specification:
- Two Antennas of 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.
- Item Weight- 1.6 ounces
- Product Dimensions- 5.9 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches
- Pros
- Compatibility
- Female bulkhead increases the connection.
- Strengthens signals.
- Warranty
- Easy to install.
- Cons
- Not weather compatible.
- Not good for outdoor settings.
Best Wi-Fi Antennas Buying Guide
None of the people in this world will have the same requirement as everyone is unique with their unique tastes and desires. But there are certain factors one should keep in mind while shopping for a long-range Wi-Fi antenna. The things one should keep in mind while trying to buy wireless long-range antennas are as below:
- Range
The most important feature that one should check while buying antennas is the range of the system. The range of the signal can be weak depending on a number of factors or obstacles. Even the furniture of your house can restrict proper connectivity; hence it is important to shop for the ones which can penetrate huge obstructions. All the systems listed above do not have the same range. Some of them can even be extended to the 8-mile range. But, one should choose to keep in mind their requirement.
- The direction of the Antennas
These 5 or 8-mile range wireless antennas have different specifications; some of the antennas are multidirectional, while others are semi movable or fixed. If the devices you want to connect are all placed in a particular direction then it is best to use a directional antenna but if the devices you want to connect are all scattered in a different direction, it is ideal if you get an omnidirectional one. Please buy it according to your convenience and requirement.
- Interference
This is a term that comes up while talking about the internet time and again. If you face any problem like breakage of signal, slow data transfer and sudden loss of connectivity it means you are facing the problem of interference. These kinds of obstacles are different from physical obstacles, interference can be emitted from the fridge or phone network or microwaves.
Wireless Wi-Fi signals also face such issues, so it is imperative for the shopper to select a long-range Wi-Fi antenna which can fight off interference. It is an issue that mostly occurs when people are trying to update to a high-speed signal, thus facing an issue with overlapping. This is one of the most important criteria one should pay heed to while trying to buy wireless antennas.
- Size of the antenna
Though most people will tell you that the size of the antenna does not determine anything, they would be wrong. The size of the antenna will ensure proper connection, the longer the antenna the less one would suffer from signal breakage and poor connection. The size of the antenna will also ensure reliable signal and data transfer.
- Budget
One of the most important criteria is obviously the budget. The market is filled with expensive long-range Wi-Fi antennas which are worthy of its cost but then again one should not rule out affordable antennas which will serve the same purpose. Ultimately, everything comes down to one’s own choice.
FAQ’s
If both the antennas are pointed in the same direction will it help?
Technically it helps if the antennas are directed at the same direction if the connection you have is unidirectional. But, it is advised for a home setting to point one antenna horizontally and the other one vertically so that the signal is more proper. Most of the home Wi-Fi(s) are omnidirectional.
Will all the devices work with Linux?
Most of the devices which have been listed above are compatible with the different operating systems except TRENDnet AC 1900 which only supports Windows and Mac operating systems.
These Wi-Fi devices can be used for android TV?
Yes, absolutely. Most of the long-range Wi-Fi antennas can be used with wireless devices which include smart TV but the devices should mandatorily have the RP-SMA male connector to screw correctly to the antennas.
Any guide or tutorial provided for its installation?
You would not need a guide or tutorial to understand the process of installation as it is quite simple. You will just have to add the USB. But if there are any problems and you still want to see a video, YouTube is the answer.
Will it work outside the USA?
It definitely should work outside the USA since the connections and signals are country bound. You will just need a compatible device and router to make it work and play heed to the fact that if you want the antenna to be unidirectional or multidirectional.
Final Verdict
Different people have different kinds of requirements when it comes to buying long-range Wi-Fi antennas. If it is an office setting and all the devices which will require an internet connection are all set up in a particular space, it is advisable to get an omnidirectional Wi-Fi antenna but if it is for your home omnidirectional works the best.
Similarly, while buying one should notice the range, budget and size. Thus, this article provides the customer with a list of antenna brands with different specifications to suit the taste of the mass. One should go through the “buying guide” given above to have a more clear idea of it.
