TP-Link RE220 Review | 63 Data compared

The TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender RE220 is a highly affordable, dual-band plug-in device priced under $30, designed to eliminate home Wi-Fi dead zones. Measuring 4.3 by 3.0 by 2.6 inches, it features a stylish white textured finish with front-facing LED indicators for signal strength, power, and band activity. Setup is exceptionally quick and easy using either a web browser, the WPS button, or the TP-Link Tether mobile app. In terms of functionality, the extender offers a useful High-Speed mode that dedicates one band for router-to-extender backhaul communication while using the other for client connections. It can also integrate into a mesh network via TP-Link OneMesh compatibility, allowing users to roam with a single network SSID. Performance and features for the RE220 are mixed and reflective of its budget price, earning it an average 3.0 out of 5 rating. On the positive side, its major pros include its low cost, easy installation, understated design, and solid 2.4GHz throughput performance, which actually beat several competitors in close-proximity and long-range tests. However, the device has significant cons; it delivers middling to slow...

The TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender RE220 is a budget-friendly dual-band plug-in extender designed to eliminate home network dead zones for under $30. It features an understated white textured design, an intuitive setup via the web console or Tether app, and a signal indicator LED to assist with optimal wall placement. In performance testing, the device delivered standout 2.4GHz speeds that outperformed several competitors in close-proximity and long-range scenarios. It also offers a useful High-Speed mode that lets users dedicate one wireless band for router backhaul while using the other for client devices. However, the RE220 exhibits several limitations reflective of its low price point, earning an average 3.0 out of 5 rating. Its 5GHz throughput performance was underwhelming, trailing behind competitors at every tested distance. On the hardware and feature front, the extender lacks modern wireless technologies like MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming and direct signal beamforming. Furthermore, its single wired LAN port is a slow Fast Ethernet (1/100) connection rather than a standard Gigabit port, significantly capping wired speeds.

However, the RE220 has distinct limitations, particularly its lack of automatic band steering or auto-switching, meaning users must manually toggle between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks on their devices. When operating normally without a dedicated backhaul band, traffic over the same radios cuts speeds in half, which actually resulted in a slight performance drop during close-range testing. Additionally, with capped theoretical speeds of 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps on 5 GHz, it is a poor match for high-performance routers and will bottle neck faster network setups. Despite the minor hurdle of the WPS setup button failing to connect properly during testing, the reviewer concludes that its low price point, reliable signal stability, and a two-year warranty make it an excellent budget-friendly recommendation for low- to mid-range home networks.

The TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender (RE220) is a budget-friendly, compact wall-plug device designed to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones, offering easy installation via WPS or the Tether app. While it boasts excellent 2.4GHz throughput speeds and does not block adjacent outlets, it suffers from weak 5GHz performance and lacks advanced features like MU-MIMO or Gigabit Ethernet.