We recently purchased 12 of the top Wi-Fi extenders on the market and put them to the test. We ran them through a lot of benchmark tests and compared various aspects like features and price.
In our assessments, the Linksys RE7000 AC1900 had an outstanding performance in many areas. It excelled in range and Wi-Fi speed but lacked some features like combined networks.
As a home networking pro, I’m knowledgeable about all types of Wi-Fi extenders and how to test them.
So, let’s get right into it.
Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Overview
Hello, and thank you so much for taking the time to read our Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Wi-Fi extender review.
This review covers who this Wi-Fi booster will benefit the most, as well as its key features and significant advantages. It has something for almost everyone.
Who is the Linksys RE7000 best suited for? For the most part, the Linksys RE7000 is ideal for homeowners with mid to high-speed Internet plans (600 Mbps or less). This extender can handle everything from multiple video meetings, 4k streaming, online gaming, and downloading large files simultaneously.
It isn’t the fastest extender we tested, but it is in the top half of the pack. On the other hand, it provides excellent range– 60 feet on Wi-Fi and 70 feet on Ethernet. This is enough to cover most homes.
However, this extender wasn’t all good. During setup, it caused us some headaches. The setup process was easy, but it took a long time. There were just a few steps and a lot of waiting. We twiddle our thumbs for about 10 minutes, much longer than all the other extenders we bought.
But after the long setup, it worked fine. It isn’t the fastest extender, nor does it have the best range, but it performs well in both regards.
Is the Linksys RE7000 a good extender? Yes, we believe so.
Read on to discover why the Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Wi-Fi extender might be the solution to your Wi-Fi dead zones.
Specs
Brand | Linksys |
Model | RE7000 AC1900 |
Max Tested Speed | Wi-Fi: 320.83 MbpsEthernet: 519.73 Mbps |
Approximate Range | Wi-Fi: 60 feetEthernet: 70 feet |
Wireless Standard | Wi-Fi 5 |
Bands | Dual-band |
LAN Port | One (1) Ethernet port |
Dimensions | 1.81 x 3.18 x 4.96 inches |
Weight | 0.39 pounds |
Warranty | 18 months (Amazon exclusive) |
Performance 4.1
The Linksys RE7000 AC1900 router did well in our speed tests. When connected to our router with Wi-Fi, it had the following speeds on the 5 GHz band:
- 320.83 Mbps at 5 feet
- 245.31 Mbps at 15 feet
- 267.20 Mbps at 25 feet
As you may expect, the RE7000 WiFi extender’s speeds improved on Ethernet:
- 519.73 Mbps at 5 feet
- 296.12 Mbps at 15 feet
- 185.84 Mbps at 25 feet
Yes, it’s speeds on Ethernet are faster but not as much as an improvement as most of the other extenders we tested. For example, the Netgear EX7300 measure 324.58 Mbps on Wi-Fi and 651.58 Mbps on Ethernet (both at five feet).
With that said, the Linksys RE7000’s Wi-Fi speed is pretty impressive. And like we mentioned before, in the faster half of the extenders we tested and reviewed.
It’s more than quick enough for most households. It can support many users watching 4k movies, gaming online, using video conferencing, and downloading large files simultaneously.
We should note that we tested this extender with our ASUS RT-AX88U router, a fast and powerful model. If you use an older or slower one, your speeds might differ.
If you want even faster performance, you can connect your gaming console, laptop, desktop PC, etc., directly to the RE7000’s Gigabit Ethernet port.
The Linksys RE7000 is a dual-band extender, which means it has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channel. When compared to tri-band extenders, this is a minor drawback. Three bands (one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands) provide more bandwidth and the capacity to connect more wireless devices.
Even though the Linksys RE7000’s Ethernet performance is slower than anticipated, and it is only a dual-band unit, it is still quite fast. It’s suitable for most household Internet plans, including those offering 600 Mbps connection speeds or less.
Range 4.7
The Linksys RE7000 had a good range in our tests– 60 feet on Wi-Fi and 70 feet on Ethernet.
An extra 60 to 70 feet of Wi-Fi coverage is more than enough to blanket the majority of houses with strong Wi-Fi.
For optimum range and elimination of all Wi-Fi dead zones, place this extender halfway between your router and the difficult-to-reach location.
The Linksys RE7000 will get you Internet access in all your hard-to-reach areas– your basement, attic, bedrooms, and perhaps even a detached garage.
The range of the RE7000 was above average in both Wi-Fi and Ethernet when compared to the other extenders we previously assessed.
Design 4.5
The Linksys RE7000 AC1900 is physically small and features a white rectangular design, no larger than an iPhone. It is 4.96-inches tall, 1.81-inches deep, and 3.18 inches wide.
It plugs or mounts to an outlet which saves you space on your desk, shelf, or table. But, it can cover up extra outlets, like if you plug it into a power strip or surge protector.
Its Gigabit Ethernet port is on its bottom. This allows you to connect nearby wired devices like printers, gaming consoles, desktop PCs, laptop docks, etc., for faster speeds. Or you can connect it straight to your router to boost the Wi-Fi speed it delivers.
Setup 3.9
The setup for the Linksys RE7000 was easy, but it took a long time. We downloaded the setup app and walked through the on-screen steps, which only took a minute.
But then it took an unreasonably long time to load– about 10 minutes. After waiting through the loading, the RE7000 worked absolutely fine with no issues.
So, if you purchase a Linksys RE7000, give yourself ample time to get it set up and running.
The RE7000 has a disadvantage in that it makes a separate network, even when connecting to your router directly with Ethernet. This means you will have to switch back and forth between networks when traveling around your home with your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Value 4.3
The Linksys RE7000 AC1900 is well worth the money. In terms of price, it falls in the middle of the 12 extenders we tested. However, it provides fast Wi-Fi speeds and great range.
It’s not only one of the most cost-effective options, but it also offers comparable speeds to pricier models with just about the same features and advantages.
Despite just a few minor flaws– such as a long setup and the lack of tri-band capability– you can be confident that the RE7000 will give you your money’s worth.
It’s ideal for all types of Internet service, but especially those with speeds of 600 Mbps or slower.
Reviews
The Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Wi-Fi extender has received excellent reviews from customers on Amazon. With over 5,500 user ratings, it has fantastic average ratings. On other websites, it has ratings of 4 or 5 stars.
These tremendous ratings are from a mix of both professionals and consumers, with most praising its range and speed.
However, some users had some issues with the RE7000.
The top complaints were about setup issues and international customers not receiving the correct plug. We got the right plug and the only setup issue we had was the long time it took about 10 minutes.
These complaints are few and far between– the majority of customers found the RE7000 an excellent choice in providing strong Wi-Fi signals to dead zones in their homes.
Alternatives
Here are some excellent alternatives to the Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Wi-Fi booster.