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The TP-Link RE505X is a fairly priced Wi-Fi extender that supports Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, which is the most recent Wi-Fi standard. This means that, in theory, the newest phones, tablets, and computers will be able to connect to it and enjoy faster speeds, stronger connections, and a wider range.
The RE505X costs about £60, which is a little more than most extenders. However, it works better with newer devices, which might make it a better buy. Like the TP-Link RE305, the RE505X supports OneMesh. This means that it can be paired with a compatible TP-Link router to create a mesh Wi-Fi system instead of a normal router and Wi-Fi extender.
TP-Link RE505X SPECIFICATIONS
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | TP-Link |
Model | RE505X |
Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Frequency Bands | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Ethernet Ports | 1x Gigabit Ethernet Port |
Antennas | 2 x External Antennas |
Maximum Coverage | Up to 10,000 sq. ft. with High-Speed WiFi |
Compatibility | Compatible with any Router or Wireless Access Po |
TP-Link RE505X review: Design and Features
This mesh system is small and easy to set up. It was made to give you a bit more range and coverage than your network can handle. The TP-Link RE505X is easy to use. Everything is built into a plug, and only two antennas stick out. There is no through-plug like the one on the older TP-Link RE365 with Wi-Fi 5. The TP-Link RE505X can be set up as an extension, an access point, or as a OneMesh.
The choice to use an extender works with networks that use Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5, and even Wi-F 4. In this mode, the extender links to your router through its Wi-Fi network and then sends out a new wireless network. In access point mode, the TP-Link RE505X makes its own wireless network, but it links to your router through its Gigabit Ethernet port. That’s a good way to get Wi-Fi into an outbuilding if you’ve already run a wire there. You can buy this wifi from its official website
TP-Link RE505X review: Performance
For testing, the TP-Link RE505X was set up in a spare room one story up and one room over from where my main router, a Netgear RBK750 connected to a Virgin Media Super Hub in modem mode, sits. Most days, my M200 service gives me between 180 and 210Mbps, and the average download speeds listed here show how that varies with distance.
The speed tests were done on two devices, a Huawei Mate 10 Pro and a RealMe X50 Pro. The Huawei Mate 10 Pro has a Wi-Fi 5 radio, and the RealMe X50 Pro has a Wi-Fi 6 radio. Multiple speed tests were done in two rooms, one right next to where the RE505X was placed and the other two rooms away, to show what speeds you can expect in different places and on different devices.
TP-Link RE505X review: Connectivity
It can also work as part of a mesh system, which gives you good, seamless access anywhere in your house. Note that TP-Link’s Deco line of mesh routers and extenders won’t work with OneMesh for technical (and maybe business) reasons, so don’t try to mix and match your mesh.
TP-Link RE505X review: Price & Availability
Now, you can buy the TP-Link RE505X. TP-Link says that the normal price for this is £59.99. At the time this was written, a few places had it for a bit less. The best price right now is from CCL Online, which sells the RE505X for £49.99. Amazon also has it for sale for £49.99, but it normally costs £59.99.
Final Words
The TP-Link RE505X is a powerful Wi-Fi extender that gives you more range for a fair price. This is especially true if you have a new Wi-Fi 6 device and want to take advantage of it. This could be a good buy if you want to target certain Wi-Fi dead spots. It has good speeds, range, and an app that is easy to use and has useful features. The RE505X could also work as a mesh Wi-Fi satellite if you have the right TP-Link router.
TP-Link RE505X Ratings
TP-Link RE505X review: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Good value
- Versatile installation options
The Bad
- Average speeds
FAQS
WiFi extenders can be a good way to get a wifi signal from a server to a device that is farther away. WiFi extenders still need to be within an acceptable distance (about 20 feet) of a WiFi router in order to work.
The RE505X is a dual-band AX1500 extender, which means it can get up to 1200 Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.