The Best Long-Range Outdoor WiFi Antennas � September 2019

Posted by Nick on August 27, 2019

Home or office WiFi � it�s incredibly convenient, until it�s not. We�ve all been
there. The wireless network is working perfectly fine, and then you move a
workstation into the back bedroom and find out that it has no signal, or you add a
smart TV to the she shed/man-cave and discover that the �up to 300 feet� part of
your router�s range description was, well, let�s just say �highly optimistic�. You
may just need a few extra feet of coverage area, or you may need to get signal on
an outbuilding miles away from your access point. Regardless of the scenario, you
need a WiFi antenna that can do a better job than the one that came in the box from
the cable company.

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While it�s reasonable to assume that a majority of WiFi users will be plopped on
their sofas a few feet away from their router, this assumption can be incredibly
frustrating for users who frequently move around their wireless source, and who
don�t want to feel tethered to their router. Luckily, there exist quite a few
affordable long-range WiFi antennas that can boost your signal for miles. For this
roundup, we focus on outdoor-capable WiFi antennas so that you can add Internet
access to your patio, your guest house, or the back 40. We�ve found five of the
best long-range outdoor WiFi antennas on the market.

Our RecommendationAntenna World G2424CLICK TO SEE PRICE

The Antenna World G2424 looks a little intense to behold, and for good reason. Most
WiFi extenders look like little white or black boxes with maybe a cute little
rounded antenna; the G2424 looks like you�re building a radio telescope. That�s
because the G2424 is a heavy-duty range extender designed to provide point-to-point
WiFi service extension at a range of up to eight miles!

A long, narrow beam helps facilitate 24dBi of gain (dBi stands for �decibels
relative to isotropic� and is used as an expression of signal gain) and up to full
eight miles of added range. The 2.4Ghz grid antenna is compatible with Wi-Fi
standards 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n for fast data transfers up to 150 Mbps, and the
5GHz version uses the 802.11n/a/ac/ac2 standards with speeds up to 1.3 GBPS, and
that parabolic grid is made of powder-coated cast aluminum, which makes it
extraordinarily weather resistant. The horn arm is 14 inches long, and mounting the
device on practically anything�from TV antennas, to water pipes, etc.�is incredibly
straight-forward.

It�s also easy to adjust the angle of the antenna via a U-bolt mounting system, and
connecting the device to your wireless router system is a piece of cake (make sure
you purchase a cord that�s long enough, however). Although we could only test the
G2424 at a range of two miles (it passed with flying colors), the folks at Antenna
World claim that the unit works at ranges of up to eight miles, depending on
variables such as terrain, height, obstructions, cable losses, device power, etc.
Note that you do need two G2424 units, one at each end of the circuit you want to
set up.

Bottom line: This is a powerful, easy-to-use WiFi booster antenna that will hold up
under intense weather conditions and won�t break the bank. It�s not intended to
provide wide-area service, however � for that, you want one of the antennas listed
below.

Runner UpTP-Link AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Indoor/Outdoor Access Point

(EAP225-Outdoor)BUY NOW - $79.99
We�re the first to admit that this antenna isn�t quite as physically impressive and
imposing as the G2424, but don�t let its relatively small size fool you. With the
ability to transfer data at speeds of up to 300Mbps, 2�2 MIMO technology, and two
detachable 5dBi, omnidirectional antennas, this unit packs an impressive punch and
full 360-degree coverage. The AC1200 transmits at a more-than-respectable 27dBm and
has a simple yet powerful mounting design that makes it perfect for outdoor patios.
It also comes with Free Auranet Controller Software that lets administrators easily
manage hundreds of EAPs at once. And it�s IP65-Rated, meaning you can rest assured
it will withstand harsh weather conditions.

The dual antennas help provide stable wireless coverage at a range of up to 200
meters in outdoor settings such as pools and gardens, and PoE support means a
single cable provides both a data connection and electric power to the device.
Bottom line: For those potential buyers who are looking for a solid outdoor WiFi
antenna for a wide area around their main WiFi base, we recommend checking this
unit out.

Everyone else
TUOSHI N4000 2.4Ghz Outdoor Long Range Wi-Fi Antenna | 36dBi High Gain USB Wi-Fi
Extender Antenna for RV & Marine & PCsBUY NOW - $39.99
If you�re looking for something cheaper than our first two picks but still want a
quality, high-gain WiFi antenna, these next few units may be of interest to you.
First, we have the TUOSHI N4000 2.4Ghz Outdoor Long Range Wi-Fi Antenna, capable of
transferring data at 300Mbps and boasting a frequency range of 2.4 GHz. It has a
transmission power of 36 dBm and a maximum range of roughly 328 feet (again, this
depends on the specific environment surrounding the antenna).

The N4000�s MIMO and CCA technology improves wireless transfer performance and
signal stability, and supports several kinds of encryption so you don�t have to
worry about your extended signal being hijacked. We were also quite impressed with
the N4000�s ability to withstand large amounts of water being tossed its way. For
$39.99, it�s hard to see how you could do better.

Alfa AWUSO36NH High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Rang WiFi Network AdapterBUY NOW -
$31.99
Found within the same price range as the N4000, this Alfa AWUSO36NH unit is a
worthy competitor. It supports wireless data encryption with 64/128-bit WEP, WPA,
WPA2, TKIP and AES functions, and can handle data transfer speeds of up to 150
Mbps. Setting up the 2000mw couldn�t be easier, and it also includes a convenient
utility for scanning available networks and saving preferred networks that users
usually connect to. The 2000mw also has sweeping security features, and a range of
around 100 feet. A 5M USB cable is also included (a rarity when it comes to most
WiFi antennas and a very much welcome addition indeed).

Ideaworks 72-6612BUY NOW - $39.99

Next, we come to the Ideaworks 72-6612 Long Distance USB-Powered Wi-Fi Antenna,
which takes up a bit more room than the previous two antennas but offers an
impressive performance. This IdeaWorks unit prides itself on performing under harsh
conditions outdoors, and can connect to hot spots up to 0.5 miles away. A 24 foot
USB cable is included for convenience, and it offers a range of 3,000 feet as long
as there aren�t too many obstructions present. Our one qualm with this unit is that
its installation wasn�t quite as straightforward as that of the other
units�requiring a slightly confusing CD to be deciphered. The 72-6612 is also only
compatible with PC systems, which is an obvious deal-breaker for Mac fans.

CC Vector Long Range WiFi Repeater SystemBUY NOW - $299.99

Last but far from least is the CC Vector Long-Range WiFi Repeater System. It looks
a lot like the NASA-grade G2424 we opened with, but has a different purpose. The CC
Vector allows you to piggyback off of a public WiFi installation up to *three
miles* from your location, and then acts as a wireless repeater to distribute that
signal around your home, office, or other site. (This version of the CC Vector is
intended to be mounted on a building; if you need a mobile solution, there is an
RV-based CC Vector model available here.) Three miles is the effective maximum
range, and would require truly perfect conditions; the company advises that 1200
feet is a more realistic range expectation.

That still means that you could link up with a public WiFi network anywhere from a
quarter-mile to a half-mile away from your location, and use that WiFi signal. You
could use the Vector to connect a distant outbuilding to your own WiFi network as
well, but there are much less expensive options (like the G2424) that do that job
equally well.

The 15dBi parabolic antenna increases speed and reduces interference from other
WiFi networks, and is connected to the repeater by a 30' USB cable. The Vector will
support up to 150 Mbps on an 802.11n network, and the repeater has two Ethernet
ports to connect another router or a PC. At the 1200-foot recommended distance, the
Vector can support two devices watching standard-definition video streams or
several people surfing the Web. Longer or shorter distances will of course provide
lower or higher data rates. If you have a site within a reasonable distance from a
public WiFi network, the CC Vector Long-Range WiFi Repeater will let you link to
that network and enjoy free Internet in your home or office. It�s not inexpensive,
but it will pay for itself pretty quickly.