Are you tired of all the moving around to get the right internet signals?
After all, it gets annoying and tiresome when you want to do some work and don’t get the right signals. Well, now there is a solution to this, and you can enjoy using the internet even from your bedroom.
Today, Wi-Fi antennas are serving the purpose of improving the range of Wi-Fi. So, let’s look at all that they offer.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for WiFi Antennas
- OUR TOP PICK: Alfa APA-M25
- Highfine 2 x 6dBi
- TRENDnet TEW-809UB
- Antenna World G2424
- ASUS USB-AC68
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: HUACAM HCM82
Comparison Chart of the Best WiFi Antennas
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What is a Wi-Fi Antenna and What is it Used for?
A Wi-Fi antenna is one of the accessories that you put on routers. They receive the incoming internet data and then transmit it in the form of wireless signals. A router can perform this basic function, too, but it has a limited range.
This is why you need a Wi-Fi antenna as it improves the connection of your devices and increases the internet speed. A Wi-Fi antenna does much more for you as it helps you extend your internet connection to outdoors as well. So, getting a Wi-Fi antenna is going to help you a lot in many different ways.
How Do I Choose a Wi-Fi Antenna?
In order to enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi antennas, you have to get the best one, right? So, we have brought you a list of features which will help you choose the best one. These include:
Direction
Wi-Fi antennas work in different directions, depending on their structure. There are multi-directional, semi-directional, and highly directional Wi-Fi antennas that transmit signals from various angles. You have to see which one suits your needs the best and then choose one.
Range
The range of the wireless connection that a Wi-Fi antenna offers is highly important. It affects how much distance you can keep using your wireless devices. Antennas increase the range of a Wi-Fi router for sure, but you need to see how much internet you need.
Interference
Interference is an issue that mostly appears when you try to increase the range of high-speed internet. This can have many reasons, but the most common one is the overlap of signals. So, keep the factor of interference in your mind while you are choosing an antenna.
Type of Wi-Fi Antenna
The type of Wi-Fi antenna also affects what kind of experience you will have with it. Hence, you have to go through the specifications of all the types of Wi-Fi antennas before making a decision.
Quick Take - Best WiFi Antennas
In a hurry? Below are our recommendations for the best WiFi antennas:
Review of the Best Wi-Fi Antennas
A Wi-Fi antenna is a sure way of improving the way you have used the internet at home. We understand your need to invest in the right antenna, so here’s a complete review of Wi-Fi antennas for you.
Best Overall:
Alfa APA-M25
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have been very happy with this antenna, as it helped them a lot. They reported an obvious increase in their internet speed after installing these. Buyers also liked it for the way it fits well with their routers, as mounting is so easy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its directional nature as it narrows down the expanse of signals in one direction. The antenna is also so good because of the beam width that it has for both horizontal and vertical directions. We like it for its compatibility with a diverse range of routers.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the most useful for those who want to improve the connectivity in their home. After all, people get tired of having to rush back to their router to get an internet connection. This is also good for people who want a better connection at their apartments or dorms.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that it is one of the best antennas. It beats others that you will find on the market for your router. The area coverage and signal spread are both so impressive that you will love using it.
Runner-up:
Highfine 2 x 6dBi
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The people who bought this Wi-Fi antenna lately found it to be very useful as it served many purposes. Buyers had a great experience with it because of its dual bandwidth frequency options. They also like it for its industrial-grade construction as it does not get damaged easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like this Wi-Fi antenna primarily because of its IPEX cables, which increase its connectivity options. Its gold-plated bulkhead connector is a nice feature, too, which helps you mount it more easily and securely. In addition, we have considered it as our runner-up due to its length.
Who Will Use This Most
This is going to be the most useful for people who need to extend the range of their wireless connection. It is better for you if you have used Wi-Fi antennas previously, as this one is slightly tricky to install. Moreover, the presence of IPEX cables makes sure that you can use it even if your router is old.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, this Wi-Fi antenna can be a nice option to invest in if you want better internet. This is sure to give your internet a quick boost, which will leave you feeling happy with your decision. Just make sure to check its compatibility with your router, and you will be able to enjoy amazing internet speeds.
Best for the Money:
TRENDnet TEW-809UB
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found this TRENDnet Wi-Fi antenna to be a big help. It improved the speed of the internet for them to a great extent at such a low price. Buyers also like this antenna for the way it goes with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bandwidths.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love this antenna both due to its appearance and its functions as they are quite satisfactory. There is an obvious improvement of the internet with the 1300 Mbps Wi-Fi AC feature. It also catches our eye with its amazing beam-forming technology. It increases the focus of signals, which then adds up to the signal strength.
Who Will Use This Most
This antenna is going to be most used by people who are on a budget and want something which does not break the bank. It has all the things that a very expensive antenna offers and much more. This is going to improve the internet user experience of people who do not have to hang their router.
Bottom Line
All in all, it is a nice Wi-Fi antenna at such an amazing price that it is affordable for almost everyone. It increases the speed and range of internet signals for you so easily that it leaves you wondering. Moreover, the 3-year warranty makes sure that you get a replacement in case of any issues.
Best Long Range WiFi Antenna:
Antenna World G2424
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Antenna World Wi-Fi antenna has won over all of its buyers. They loved the way it extended the range of the internet without them having to replace their router. Some of them even said that they had been thinking of upgrading their internet program subscription. But, with this antenna, they do not feel the need to upgrade that anymore.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its U-bolt system, which helps in mounting it easily. The U-bolt supports the antenna well even when you are rushing through roads in your RV. Weather-proofing has also made it much more reliable for outdoor settings.
Who Will Use This Most
This antenna is going to be the most useful for people who have had a problem with mounting. The antenna mounts on moving RVs as well as windy outdoors without any problems. This is also great for those who live in areas with unpredictable weather as it adapts well.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this antenna is going to help you in having a better range of internet in the outdoors. You can continue using uninterrupted Wi-Fi even when you are on vacation in an RV. So, buy this one if you feel like having the best internet experience on the road.
Best USB WiFi Antenna:
ASUS USB-AC68
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers of this ASUS antenna reported a great user experience as they found it easy to mount. They have such a creative design and practical features that the buyers loved using it. They also found it very helpful because it does not occupy much space on their desk.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its cradle and movability make it stand out to us the most. The cradle solves the problem of keeping the antenna in shape while not in use. This also comes in handy when you are traveling and taking it with you. The antenna also impresses us with its compatibility with new and old Windows and Macs.
Who Will Use This Most
The people who tend to work remotely will find it most useful as it is highly portable. You can secure the antenna in its cradle and just put it in your bag when you are moving around. Just take it out and connect it via USB port, and you are all set to work from anywhere.
Bottom Line
In our opinion, it is the best choice for those who are looking for a USB connectable antenna. It has an incredible range and works with all kinds of Windows and Mac devices. This does not leave much to be bothered about, does it?
Best RV WiFi Antenna:
Bearifi BearExtender
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found this Bearifi BearExtender antenna best for outdoor settings. It has the right weather-proofing, and its mounting is foolproof too. This makes the unit more reliable for outdoor usage. Also, as the antenna comes with three different mounting options, buyers liked using it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its 8 x 1 x 4.2 inch dimensions, which make it perfect for all routers. The size is so perfect that you will never feel that it is towering the router. It also grabs our attention with its 2.4 GHz boost, too, which needs no AC power supply.
Who Will Use This Most
It is most useful for those who want to have a better signal spread in the outdoors. The antenna improves area coverage range and signal strength so much that you feel that you are using multiple routers. It's also good for those who do not want to rely on the service provider all the time.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this is that it is an amazing way of increasing signal strength in outdoor areas. It has the right size and shape for it, so it is not bothersome. Also, as it is so easy to install, you do not have to worry about any technical assistance.
Best High Gain Wi-Fi Antenna:
Alfa 9dBi
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Alfa 9dBi antenna has a chain of happy customers who recommend it to everyone. They love it for the way it increases the range of connectivity even from afar. Its 3-foot long cable made it easier to position and use for the buyers as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It catches our eye with its amazing exterior and functions. The antenna is 14.75 inches long, which makes us like it even more. Other than that, it has the capability to increase your internet speed by 4 times. This is surely something that we should appreciate and recommend, right?
Who Will Use This Most
People who have high end routers and need to have the best antenna will love using it. The antenna has smooth drivers that are easy to install and even easier to configure. It has no specific instructions for the placement of the router, either. So, it is going to be useful for a diverse population of people.
Bottom Line
In our expert opinion, Alfa Wi-Fi equipment is highly reliable, usually, and this one is no exception. The size of the antenna and its features are so good that they will leave you satisfied with the purchase.
Best Laptop WiFi Antenna:
Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who got to use this Alfa antenna lately gave very positive reviews about it. They liked the antenna for its features of high compatibility and easy mounting. They also liked it for the way it is so easy to move around.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its improved speeds of N 300Mbps & AC 867 Mbps make it capture our attention the most. The antenna makes your internet super fast, and you do not find any lag in video streaming. Its size and weight are amazing too, which increases its portability even more.
Who Will Use This Most
This is most useful for the people who have to keep shifting their work station a lot. They can easily wrap up the antenna and secure it in their bag. Then they can mount it quickly in a router and start working. So, getting this can help you stay active and high paced all the while.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this Alfa antenna will not disappoint you when you start using it. Although it is hard to configure and install its drivers, once you get the hang of it, there will be no problems. Hence, investing in it will turn out to be a good decision on your part.
Best Omnidirectional WiFi Antenna:
HUACAM HCM82
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers loved the HUACAM Wi-Fi antenna for its amazing flexibility of network connections. They found it strong enough to deal with the interference issues on its own. Buyers also like it for its warranty, which takes away their worries.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us due to its boost cable and impressive functioning. The boost cable gives a sudden increase to your internet signals and strength, which you are sure to like. The antenna also has an amazing plug-and-play installation for its buyers.
Who Will Use This Most
You will love using it if you work indoors only. It improves your gaming and video streaming experiences by removing lag from signals. This makes it the most useful for people who love HD videos and games.
Bottom Line
As our last word, we recommend it fully as it has had such a nice response from its buyers. The antenna is great for indoors, and the increase in signal strength is remarkable. So, get this one if you want high-speed internet in every corner of your house.
Types of Wi-Fi Antennas
Wi-Fi antennas might seem all the same to you due to their long, stiff bodies. But, they are all different based on their way of transmitting signals and speed of the internet. Considering this, here are the most common types of Wi-Fi antennas that you can come across on the market.
Point-to-Point Antenna
Point-to-point antennas deliver Wi-Fi signals from one building to the next one. This is more of a directional signal transmitter, which helps to spread the internet to the neighboring points. The Wi-Fi signal location is of primary importance on this type of Wi-Fi antenna.
Point to Multi-Point Antenna
This is the type to go for if you want to establish a WLAN or Wi-Fi Local Area Network. It directs signals from one location to multiple target locations. This is usually called an omnidirectional antenna, as it creates a bigger network.
Mobile Antenna
A mobile Wi-Fi antenna is not for your home usage. Rather, it is for vehicles so that you may catch signals from public networks while moving around. They are useful only when it comes to public networks, as they won’t work with private networks.
Dish Antenna
Dish antennas are the most recommended ones as they have an amazing range and are highly efficient. You just have to point the antenna in the right direction to get the best signals.
How to Position Wi-Fi Antenna
Positioning the Wi-Fi antenna in the right direction is the most important thing after installing it. This is because it affects the range of antenna and the spread of signals directly. Hence, you should consider the following to make sure that your antennas are well placed.
Placing the Router
The first step in positioning comes in the form of placing the router after you have installed the antennas. This should be placed at a point which is nearest to your living room. The living room is the place where you will need the most internet.
Relative Position to Furniture
While positioning the router, you have to mind the furniture and decoration items in your surroundings too. Furniture will obstruct the signals, and the internet will lose its strength. So, place the router at a point higher than the furniture reaches.
Pointing the Antenna
Now comes the most important part as the direction of the antenna will determine the direction of signals. Point the end of the antenna or antennas in the direction that you want the most signals to be. But if you want to cover the whole house, then point them in multiple directions accordingly.
Avoiding Other Electrical Devices
The presence of other electrical devices near the router can lead to a drop in signals, as well. So, make sure that there's no other electrical devices in the vicinity of your router and antennas.
Conclusion
So, now you know all there is to know about Wi-Fi antennas to buy the best one. Thus, keep all of these points in mind and compare the specifications of the available antenna options carefully. Then check their compatibility with your router and budget in order to make a wise decision.
People Also Ask
Wi-Fi antennas are taking the world by storm, and so many people want to get them. They have certain questions about these as they want to get the best Wi-Fi antennas. Considering this, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Do Wi-Fi Antennas Really Work?
Yes, Wi-Fi antennas really work. It is evident by the fact that multitudes of Wi-Fi antenna users across the globe have recommended them. They have reported an incredible improvement in the internet connection at their place. So, you can go for them without any reservations or hesitation.
How Far Can Wi-Fi Antenna Reach?
The range of a Wi-Fi antenna depends basically on the kind of network that you use. But, typically, a 2.4 GHz band can cover about 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. Similarly, the 5 GHz band transmits signals to up to 50 feet, which is not satisfactory if you have a big house.
Does Number of Antennas on Router Matter?
Yes, the number of antennas on a router matters a lot. The number directly affects the signal strength and the area that your router will cover. Each antenna carries forth the signals in 360-degree dimensions. And this way, the signal strength improves by increasing the number of antennas.