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TP-Link RE505X Review | 63 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£45
Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi speed: 1500 Mbps
Coverage area: 139 m²

TP-Link RE505X review. Compare 63 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among wi-fi extenders and if it is worth buying.

7.7

Very good

7.4

Very good

9.0

Exceptional

5.4
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
5.0
Wi-Fi speed
30.0%
1.0
QoS support
20.0%
9.0
Ethernet backhaul
15.0%
10
N. of LAN ports
8.5
Travel
Score components:
45.0%
8.2
Weight
30.0%
10
Portable design
15.0%
5.0
Wi-Fi speed
10.0%
10
Access Point mode

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#7 in Best TP-Link Wi-Fi Extenders
#7 in Best TP-Link Mesh Wi-Fi Extenders
#10 in Best Cheap Wi-Fi Extenders
#18 in Best Plug In Wi-Fi Extenders
#20 in Best Wi-Fi 6 Extenders
#22 in Best Mesh Wi-Fi Extenders
#23 in Best Wi-Fi Extenders
#23 in Best Wi-Fi Extenders with Ethernet Port
#38 in Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Camping

Verdict

The TP-Link RE505X is a dual-band AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 range extender featuring two high-gain external antennas and a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed wired connectivity or Access Point mode. It delivers theoretical speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, powered by a 1.5GHz tri-core processor for efficient data handling. Main pros include its seamless integration with OneMesh and EasyMesh compatible routers for a single-SSID whole-home network, strong 5GHz throughput performance, and a user-friendly setup via the TP-Link Tether app. However, common cons include its relatively bulky design that may obstruct adjacent power outlets and middling 2.4GHz signal strength in larger environments.

Technical Specifications of TP-Link RE505X

Overall score

7.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the Wi-Fi extender.

When it matters: When you prefer to buy a Wi‑Fi extender that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Wi-Fi Performance

6.7

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Wi-Fi version

What it is: The Wi‑Fi generation the extender supports, such as Wi‑Fi 5, Wi‑Fi 6, or Wi‑Fi 6E.

When it matters: When you want the extender to work well with newer routers and support modern wireless features.

Importance: HIGH

Wi-Fi bands

What it is: The wireless frequency bands the extender can use.

When it matters: When your router and devices depend on support for the right Wi‑Fi bands.

Importance: HIGH

6 GHz band support

What it is: Whether the extender can operate on the 6 GHz band.

When it matters: When you want the extender to work well with newer routers and support modern wireless features.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi speed

What it is: The combined theoretical maximum wireless speed across the supported bands.

When it matters: When you need better speed and signal strength in rooms that are harder to reach.

Importance: HIGH

Max speed 2.4 GHz

What it is: The maximum supported wireless speed on the 2.4 GHz band.

When it matters: When you need better speed and signal strength in rooms that are harder to reach.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Network & Security

7.5

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Ethernet backhaul

What it is: Whether the extender supports Ethernet backhaul through a wired network connection.

When it matters: When you want a more stable link over Ethernet instead of relying only on wireless repeating.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Mesh compatibility

What it is: The mesh systems or ecosystems the extender can work with.

When it matters: When you want smoother roaming and more consistent coverage across your home.

Importance: LOW

EasyMesh + OneMesh

Mesh standard

What it is: The mesh standard or ecosystem the extender uses.

When it matters: When you want smoother roaming and more consistent coverage across your home.

Importance: LOW

?

Roaming feature

What it is: Whether the extender supports seamless roaming between network nodes.

When it matters: When you want smoother roaming and more consistent coverage across your home.

Importance: MEDIUM

802.11k support

What it is: Whether the extender supports 802.11k for better roaming information between access points.

When it matters: When you want smoother roaming and more consistent coverage across your home.

Importance: LOW

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Ports

10

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N. of LAN ports

What it is: The number of wired LAN ports on the extender.

When it matters: When you need to connect wired devices such as TVs, consoles, PCs, or switches.

Importance: MEDIUM

Ethernet port speed

What it is: The maximum Ethernet speed supported by the wired ports.

When it matters: When you connect wired devices and want them to run at full local network speed.

Importance: MEDIUM

N. of USB ports

What it is: The number of USB ports on the extender.

When it matters: When you need to connect wired devices such as TVs, consoles, PCs, or switches.

Importance: LOW

PoE standard

What it is: The Power over Ethernet standard the extender supports, if any.

When it matters: When you want to power the extender over Ethernet instead of using a separate power adapter.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Setup & Management

8.7

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Dedicated smartphone app

What it is: Whether the extender can be managed through a dedicated smartphone app.

When it matters: When you want easier setup, monitoring, and control from your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Web UI management

What it is: Whether the extender offers a web-based interface for setup and management.

When it matters: When you prefer advanced setup and control from a web browser.

Importance: MEDIUM

Automatic firmware updates

What it is: Whether the extender can install firmware updates automatically.

When it matters: When you want security and stability updates without having to manage them manually.

Importance: LOW

LED control

What it is: Whether the extender’s LED indicators can be adjusted or turned off.

When it matters: When the extender sits in a bedroom or another space where bright status lights can be annoying.

Importance: LOW

Buttons present

What it is: The physical buttons available on the extender, such as reset, power, or WPS.

When it matters: When you prefer direct physical controls instead of relying only on software menus.

Importance: LOW

wps, reset

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Hardware & Deployment

6.6

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Mounting type

What it is: The mounting style the extender uses, such as wall-plug or desktop placement.

When it matters: When the extender needs to fit neatly into a tight space, behind furniture, or near an outlet.

Importance: LOW

wall-plug

Portable design

What it is: Whether the extender has a travel-friendly portable design, usually a compact plug-in form factor rather than a larger desktop or fixed-installation unit.

When it matters: When you want an extender that is easy to pack, move between locations, or use temporarily while travelling.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: The height of the extender body.

When it matters: When the extender needs to fit neatly into a tight space, behind furniture, or near an outlet.

Importance: LOW

Width

What it is: The width of the extender body.

When it matters: When the extender needs to fit neatly into a tight space, behind furniture, or near an outlet.

Importance: LOW

Thickness

What it is: The depth or thickness of the extender body.

When it matters: When the extender needs to fit neatly into a tight space, behind furniture, or near an outlet.

Importance: LOW

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TP-Link RE505X vs the average wi-fi extender

Why is TP-Link RE505X better than the average wi-fi extender?

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7 dBm stronger transmit power
TP-Link RE505X has higher transmit power than the average wi-fi extender (30 dBm vs 23 dBm). The average Wi-Fi extender has 23 dBm of transmit power.
5 GHz maximum.
What it is: The maximum wireless transmit power of the extender.
When it matters: When you need better speed and signal strength in rooms that are harder to reach.
Importance: MEDIUM
TP-Link RE505X has higher transmit power than the average wi-fi extender (30 dBm vs 23 dBm). The average Wi-Fi extender has 23 dBm of transmit power.30 dBm vs 23 dBm
Supports OFDMA
TP-Link RE505X supports OFDMA, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 45.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support OFDMA.
What it is: Whether the extender supports OFDMA to improve efficiency when many devices are connected.
When it matters: When many phones, laptops, TVs, and smart-home devices are online at the same time.
Importance: MEDIUM
TP-Link RE505X supports OFDMA, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 45.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support OFDMA.
Supports BSS coloring
TP-Link RE505X supports BSS coloring, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 45.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support BSS coloring.
Derived from Wi-Fi 6 support.
What it is: Whether the extender supports BSS coloring to reduce interference in crowded Wi‑Fi environments.
When it matters: When your home or office has many nearby networks that can cause interference and congestion.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link RE505X supports BSS coloring, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 45.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support BSS coloring.
Supports DFS
TP-Link RE505X supports DFS, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 44.7% of Wi-Fi extenders support DFS.
What it is: Whether the extender supports DFS channels for access to additional wireless spectrum.
When it matters: When your home or office has many nearby networks that can cause interference and congestion.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link RE505X supports DFS, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 44.7% of Wi-Fi extenders support DFS.
Supports Target Wake Time
TP-Link RE505X supports Target Wake Time, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 44.1% of Wi-Fi extenders support Target Wake Time.
Requires Wi-Fi 6 clients.
What it is: Whether the extender supports Target Wake Time to help connected devices reduce power use.
When it matters: When many phones, laptops, TVs, and smart-home devices are online at the same time.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link RE505X supports Target Wake Time, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 44.1% of Wi-Fi extenders support Target Wake Time.
9.9% higher user score
TP-Link RE505X has a higher user score than the average wi-fi extender (8.99 vs 8.180).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the Wi-Fi extender.
When it matters: When you want to know how a Wi‑Fi extender performs in daily use and how reliably it maintains a stable connection over time according to user feedback.
TP-Link RE505X has a higher user score than the average wi-fi extender (8.99 vs 8.180).8.99 vs 8.18
7 dBm stronger transmit power
TP-Link RE505X has higher transmit power than the average wi-fi extender (30 dBm vs 23 dBm). The average Wi-Fi extender has 23 dBm of transmit power.
Supports OFDMA
TP-Link RE505X supports OFDMA, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 45.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support OFDMA.
Supports BSS coloring
TP-Link RE505X supports BSS coloring, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 45.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support BSS coloring.
Supports DFS
TP-Link RE505X supports DFS, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 44.7% of Wi-Fi extenders support DFS.
Supports Target Wake Time
TP-Link RE505X supports Target Wake Time, while the average wi-fi extender does not. 44.1% of Wi-Fi extenders support Target Wake Time.

Wi-Fi Performance

Why is TP-Link RE505X worse than the average wi-fi extender?

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150 Mbps slower 2.4 GHz speed
TP-Link RE505X reaches a slower 2.4 GHz speed than the average wi-fi extender (300 Mbps vs 450 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.
15.5% slower Wi-Fi speed
TP-Link RE505X reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average wi-fi extender (1,500 Mbps vs 1,775 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,775 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
4.1% smaller coverage area
TP-Link RE505X covers a smaller area than the average wi-fi extender (139 m² vs 145 m²). The average Wi-Fi extender covers 145 m².
1 dBi lower antenna gain
TP-Link RE505X has lower antenna gain than the average wi-fi extender (3 dBi vs 4 dBi). The average Wi-Fi extender has 4 dBi antenna gain.
Per external antenna.
6 fewer connected devices
TP-Link RE505X supports fewer connected devices than the average wi-fi extender (25 vs 31). The average Wi-Fi extender supports up to 31 connected devices.
No QoS support
TP-Link RE505X does not support QoS, while the average wi-fi extender does. 57.4% of Wi-Fi extenders support QoS.
No IPv6 support
TP-Link RE505X does not support IPv6, while the average wi-fi extender does. 90.5% of Wi-Fi extenders support IPv6.
0.5 W higher power consumption
TP-Link RE505X uses more power than the average wi-fi extender (10 W vs 9.5 W). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 9.5 W of power.
No QoS support
TP-Link RE505X does not support QoS, while the average wi-fi extender does. 57.4% of Wi-Fi extenders support QoS.
What it is: Whether the extender supports Quality of Service to prioritize certain traffic.
When it matters: When the extender needs to fit cleanly into a more advanced network setup.
Importance: MEDIUM
TP-Link RE505X does not support QoS, while the average wi-fi extender does. 57.4% of Wi-Fi extenders support QoS.
150 Mbps slower 2.4 GHz speed
TP-Link RE505X reaches a slower 2.4 GHz speed than the average wi-fi extender (300 Mbps vs 450 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.
What it is: The maximum supported wireless speed on the 2.4 GHz band.
When it matters: When you need better speed and signal strength in rooms that are harder to reach.
Importance: MEDIUM
TP-Link RE505X reaches a slower 2.4 GHz speed than the average wi-fi extender (300 Mbps vs 450 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.300 Mbps vs 450 Mbps
No IPv6 support
TP-Link RE505X does not support IPv6, while the average wi-fi extender does. 90.5% of Wi-Fi extenders support IPv6.
What it is: Whether the extender supports IPv6 network addressing.
When it matters: When the extender needs to fit cleanly into a more advanced network setup.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link RE505X does not support IPv6, while the average wi-fi extender does. 90.5% of Wi-Fi extenders support IPv6.
4.1% smaller coverage area
TP-Link RE505X covers a smaller area than the average wi-fi extender (139 m² vs 145 m²). The average Wi-Fi extender covers 145 m².
What it is: The estimated area the extender is designed to cover.
When it matters: When you need better speed and signal strength in rooms that are harder to reach.
Importance: HIGH
TP-Link RE505X covers a smaller area than the average wi-fi extender (139 m² vs 145 m²). The average Wi-Fi extender covers 145 m².139 m² vs 145 m²
15.5% slower Wi-Fi speed
TP-Link RE505X reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average wi-fi extender (1,500 Mbps vs 1,775 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,775 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
What it is: The combined theoretical maximum wireless speed across the supported bands.
When it matters: When you need better speed and signal strength in rooms that are harder to reach.
Importance: HIGH
TP-Link RE505X reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average wi-fi extender (1,500 Mbps vs 1,775 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,775 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.1500 Mbps vs 1775 Mbps
1 dBi lower antenna gain
TP-Link RE505X has lower antenna gain than the average wi-fi extender (3 dBi vs 4 dBi). The average Wi-Fi extender has 4 dBi antenna gain.
Per external antenna.
What it is: The antenna gain, describing how effectively the antenna focuses signal.
When it matters: When you need better speed and signal strength in rooms that are harder to reach.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link RE505X has lower antenna gain than the average wi-fi extender (3 dBi vs 4 dBi). The average Wi-Fi extender has 4 dBi antenna gain.3 dBi vs 4 dBi
6 fewer connected devices
TP-Link RE505X supports fewer connected devices than the average wi-fi extender (25 vs 31). The average Wi-Fi extender supports up to 31 connected devices.
What it is: The maximum number of client devices the extender is designed to handle at once.
When it matters: When many phones, laptops, TVs, and smart-home devices are online at the same time.
Importance: MEDIUM
TP-Link RE505X supports fewer connected devices than the average wi-fi extender (25 vs 31). The average Wi-Fi extender supports up to 31 connected devices.25 vs 31
0.5 W higher power consumption
TP-Link RE505X uses more power than the average wi-fi extender (10 W vs 9.5 W). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 9.5 W of power.
What it is: The power the extender typically uses during normal operation.
When it matters: When you care about energy use, heat output, or running costs.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link RE505X uses more power than the average wi-fi extender (10 W vs 9.5 W). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 9.5 W of power.10 W vs 9.5 W

Wi-Fi Performance

Network & Security

Hardware & Deployment

Graphic comparison of TP-Link RE505X and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about TP-Link RE505X?

Simple and quick setup process using the TP-Link Tether app
Effectively eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones in large homes or detached areas like garages
Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices
Solid 5GHz throughput performance for streaming and gaming
Versatile use as both a range extender and an access point
Equipped with a high-speed Gigabit Ethernet port for wired devices
Seamless roaming capability when paired with TP-Link OneMesh routers

What customers dislike about TP-Link RE505X?

Bulky design can sometimes block adjacent power outlets
2.4GHz signal range and strength are often reported as mediocre compared to the 5GHz band
Occasional stability issues, including sporadic signal drops or disconnects
May lean away from the wall in loose outlets due to its weight and center of gravity
Initial connectivity can be tricky for some users if not using the app
Only features a single Ethernet port

Expert reviews

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15/04/2021

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TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender (RE505X) - Review 2021 PCMag

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TP-Link OneMesh Review: RE505X WiFi 6 Mesh Extender

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TP-Link RE505X Review: Turn your router into a mesh system

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TP-Link RE505X Wi-Fi Range Extender review

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