OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0
Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Wi-Fi extenders Methodology v3.0

TP-Link TL-WA850RE review: 64 specs compared

Avg. price:~£20Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)Wi-Fi speed:300 MbpsCoverage area:?

TP-Link TL-WA850RE Review: Compare 64 technical specifications, 35 expert and video reviews and 5 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Wi-Fi extenders category and whether it is worth buying.

TP-Link TL-WA850RE
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 45%, List score 30%, Reviews score 15%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components

45%

6.5

Technical score

30%

8.7

List score

15%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

8.8

User score

▲Better than 56% of wi fi extenders
8.3

Value for money

Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the Wi-Fi extender's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a Wi‑Fi extender with a good balance between performance and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▲Better than 50%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 45% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

40%

5.2

Wi-Fi Performance

30%

8.0

Network

12%

8.7

Setup

10%

6.6

Hardware

8%

3.3

Ports

▼Worse than 67%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

10

Popularity

Grades by review (35)
9 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 26 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 71%
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.6, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models

70%

8.3

Rating

30%

10

Popularity

★Better than 90%
8.7

List score

List score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (5)
List score: in 5 of 47 lists (11%)
▲Better than 81%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the TP-Link TL-WA850RE

Based on 9 · 26

Easy to set up, compact and affordable with decent range, but speed, streaming and stability disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of Wi-Fi extender TP-Link TL-WA850RE

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 45% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

40%

5.2

Wi-Fi Performance

30%

8.0

Network

12%

8.7

Setup

10%

6.6

Hardware

8%

3.3

Ports

6.5
Reviews score
8.2
User score
8.8
List score
8.7
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the Wi-Fi extender's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a Wi‑Fi extender with a good balance between performance and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 50% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

8.3
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This Wi-Fi extender supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), less advanced than 86.4% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 13.6% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Wi-Fi bands
Single-band
This Wi-Fi extender supports Single-band, less versatile than 85.6% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 14.4% of Wi-Fi extenders.
6 GHz band support
no
This Wi-Fi extender does not support the 6 GHz band. 3.9% of Wi-Fi extenders support the 6 GHz band.
Wi-Fi speed
300 Mbps
Market range: <733 Mbps – >5.4k Mbps
This Wi-Fi extender reaches 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, slower than 86.8% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 13.2% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Max speed 2.4 GHz
300 Mbps
Market range: <300 Mbps – >600 Mbps
This Wi-Fi extender reaches 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, which is slower than 55.8% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 42.9% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Show more
What reviewers say
Ethernet backhaul
?
Mesh compatibility
?
Mesh standard
EasyMesh
Roaming feature
yes
This Wi-Fi extender supports roaming. 11.8% of Wi-Fi extenders support roaming.
802.11k support
yes
This Wi-Fi extender supports 802.11k. 24.3% of Wi-Fi extenders support 802.11k.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of LAN ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This Wi-Fi extender has 1 LAN port/s, more than 7.4% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 79.1% of Wi-Fi extenders.
Ethernet port speed
0.1 Gbps
Market range: <0.1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This Wi-Fi extender offers 0.1 Gbps Ethernet speed, slower than 70.6% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 26.7% of Wi-Fi extenders.
N. of USB ports
0
Market range: <0 – >0
This Wi-Fi extender has 0 USB port/s, fewer than 2% of Wi-Fi extenders and equal to 98.1% of Wi-Fi extenders.
PoE standard
N/A
What reviewers say
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This Wi-Fi extender comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 10.4% of Wi-Fi extenders come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Web UI management
yes
This Wi-Fi extender has a web management interface. 1.3% of Wi-Fi extenders have a web management interface.
Automatic firmware updates
no
This Wi-Fi extender does not have automatic firmware updates. 45.5% of Wi-Fi extenders have automatic firmware updates.
LED control
yes
This Wi-Fi extender has LED control. 9.7% of Wi-Fi extenders have LED control.
Buttons present
wps, reset
Show more
What reviewers say
Mounting type
wall-plug
Portable design
yes
This Wi-Fi extender has a portable design. 24.5% of Wi-Fi extenders have a portable design.
Height
?
Width
?
Thickness
?
Show more
What reviewers say

TP-Link TL-WA850RE vs the average Wi-Fi extender

246810TotalWi-Fi PerformanceNetworkPortsSetupHardware
  • 8.7% higher list score
    List score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (5)
    List score: in 5 of 47 lists (11%)
    8.7 vs 8.0
  • 12.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 71% of models

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    10

    Popularity

    Grades by review (35)
    9 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 26 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.2 vs 7.3
  • 17.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.6, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 90% of models

    70%

    8.3

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    8.8 vs 7.5
  • 2.75x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-WA850RE is cheaper than the average Wi-Fi extender (£20 vs £55).
    £20 vs £55
  • 8.7% higher list score
    List score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (5)
    List score: in 5 of 47 lists (11%)
    8.7 vs 8.0
  • 12.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 71% of models

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    10

    Popularity

    Grades by review (35)
    9 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 26 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 15% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.2 vs 7.3
  • 17.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.6, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 90% of models

    70%

    8.3

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    8.8 vs 7.5
  • 2.75x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-WA850RE is cheaper than the average Wi-Fi extender (£20 vs £55).
    £20 vs £55
  • 82.9% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This Wi-Fi extender reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average Wi-Fi extender (300 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
    300 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Limited band support
    This Wi-Fi extender supports less versatile Wi-Fi bands than the average Wi-Fi extender (Single-band vs Dual-band). The average Wi-Fi extender supports Dual-band Wi-Fi bands.
    Single-band vs Dual-band
  • 90% slower Ethernet speed
    This Wi-Fi extender offers slower Ethernet speed than the average Wi-Fi extender (0.1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average Wi-Fi extender offers 1 Gbps Ethernet speed.
    0.1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
  • No band steering
    This Wi-Fi extender does not have band steering, while the average Wi-Fi extender does. 65.5% of Wi-Fi extenders have band steering.
  • Outdated Wi-Fi standard
    This Wi-Fi extender supports a less advanced Wi-Fi version than the average Wi-Fi extender (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average Wi-Fi extender supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 25% slower 2.4 GHz speed
    This Wi-Fi extender delivers slower 2.4 GHz speeds than the average Wi-Fi extender (300 Mbps vs 400 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.
    300 Mbps vs 400 Mbps
  • Basic QAM level
    This Wi-Fi extender uses a less advanced QAM level than the average Wi-Fi extender (64-QAM vs 256-QAM). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 256-QAM.
    64-QAM vs 256-QAM
  • 82.9% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This Wi-Fi extender reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average Wi-Fi extender (300 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
    300 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Limited band support
    This Wi-Fi extender supports less versatile Wi-Fi bands than the average Wi-Fi extender (Single-band vs Dual-band). The average Wi-Fi extender supports Dual-band Wi-Fi bands.
    Single-band vs Dual-band
  • No band steering
    This Wi-Fi extender does not have band steering, while the average Wi-Fi extender does. 65.5% of Wi-Fi extenders have band steering.
  • Outdated Wi-Fi standard
    This Wi-Fi extender supports a less advanced Wi-Fi version than the average Wi-Fi extender (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average Wi-Fi extender supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 25% slower 2.4 GHz speed
    This Wi-Fi extender delivers slower 2.4 GHz speeds than the average Wi-Fi extender (300 Mbps vs 400 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.
    300 Mbps vs 400 Mbps
  • Basic QAM level
    This Wi-Fi extender uses a less advanced QAM level than the average Wi-Fi extender (64-QAM vs 256-QAM). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 256-QAM.
    64-QAM vs 256-QAM
  • 90% slower Ethernet speed
    This Wi-Fi extender offers slower Ethernet speed than the average Wi-Fi extender (0.1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average Wi-Fi extender offers 1 Gbps Ethernet speed.
    0.1 Gbps vs 1 Gbps

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Khojdeal
≈ estimated
09/12/2024
Unboxing and setup · speed test and range check
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE is good value if you only need to fill dead spots and do not need high speeds.
8.0
VoLaTch
≈ estimated
11/10/2024
Hands-on review · setup, signal and speed tests
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a decent, affordable choice for small homes, but it is not the fastest and lacks 5 GHz.
9.0
Bunny Jarora
≈ estimated
08/01/2022
Hands-on review · unboxing, setup and speed test
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE is strongly recommended for homes where Wi-Fi does not reach every room, as it works very well.
8.0
Nev's Tech Bits
≈ estimated
29/11/2020
Hands-on review · speed, gaming and transfer tests
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is not for gaming or fast transfers, but it is fine for basic internet use at this price.
8.0
Fixed by Chaq
≈ estimated
11/11/2020
Long-term test · 10 months of use
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE is good for light home use, but extender mode is slow, so it works best as an access point.
3.0
calk1calk - HF, Elektronik & Mobilfunkgeschichten
≈ estimated
26/01/2020
Hands-on test · reset, setup and network problems
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE hardware works, but its forced built-in DHCP server makes it unusable on an existing network.
9.0
KTNTECH
≈ estimated
05/05/2019
Hands-on review · two months of use, range and setup
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE works as it should with no major problems and is worth buying if you need a range extender.
7.0
Ron Z
≈ estimated
21/01/2017
Unboxing · setup walkthrough · speed benchmark
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE delivers basic performance in line with its price and suits older devices in a modest home.
8.0
Nabeel Nawab
≈ estimated
01/09/2015
Hands-on review · unboxing and signal test
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE clearly boosted weak signal, so it is worth trying where a wired connection is impossible.
9.0
Tech Tactics
≈ estimated
10/07/2021
Unboxing and setup · features and long-term use
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE has had no real problems after long use and is a safe buy with reliable range.
8.0
True Review 2.0
≈ estimated
07/06/2021
Unboxing · first look and plug-in
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE looks very good and is easy to move and install.
8.0
Prachit Geeks
≈ estimated
18/09/2017
Setup walkthrough · speed test in a weak spot
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a helpful device that clearly improves speed where the main router is weak.
More graded video reviews (4)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
25/03/2014
Lab test · Budget range extender
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is an easy, affordable extender for small homes with one dead zone, but its signal fades beyond about 75 feet.
6.0
courtoftech.com
≈ estimated
05/12/2022
Hands-on review · Budget extender
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is cheap and easy to set up for fixing weak signal in big homes, but it drops its link to the router when placed too close.
8.0
techsupportall.com
≈ estimated
01/09/2020
Product review · Wall-plug extender
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a quick, low-cost wall-plug extender that works well up to about 75 feet, but coverage drops off beyond that.
6.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
07/03/2014
Lab test · Budget extender
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a simple, affordable extender that suits a small home or apartment, but its useful reach ends around 75 feet.
7.2
lightstar.de
✓ explicit
26/09/2014
Hands-on test · WLAN repeater
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a quick, stylish plug-in fix for weak corners and floors, but its signal stalls during big downloads and streaming.
9.0
guide-amplificateur-wifi.fr
≈ estimated
10/03/2021
Personal test · Plug-in booster
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a simple, efficient plug-in booster that reached the back garden and suits beginners who want a quick install.
8.0
redeszone.net
✓ explicit
27/02/2013
Lab test · Wi-Fi repeater
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a mid-range plug-in extender that's easy to pair and posted good speeds in tests, but it runs only on 2.4GHz and slows far from the router.
9.0
elandroidefeliz.com
≈ estimated
19/03/2018
Hands-on review · Budget extender
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is an easy-to-set-up budget extender that suits an average flat, but it's too slow for villas or very heavy streaming.
9.0
amatech.it
≈ estimated
24/03/2015
Hands-on test · Plug-in extender
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA850RE is a stable, easy-to-use plug-in extender that suits homes where the router can't reach the whole house or several floors.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TP-Link TL-WA850RE

  • Mesh and roaming support work with a home network.
  • WPA3 security protects the connection.
  • A dedicated app makes setup quick.
  • Two antennas and beamforming help aim the signal.
  • The portable design makes it easy to move between rooms.
  • LED control lets you switch the lights off.

What customers don't like about TP-Link TL-WA850RE

  • Wi-Fi 4 tops out at 300 Mbps, which is slow for newer devices.
  • It has only one band, so all devices share the same 2.4 GHz lane.
  • The wired port runs at only 0.1 Gbps.
  • There is no band steering, so devices do not move to the better band on their own.
  • Firmware updates are not automatic and must be done by hand.

Verdict

A 300 Mbps single band is the main limit of the TP-Link TL-WA850RE, a small budget extender for light use. It is Wi-Fi 4, an older standard, with two antennas and a 2.4 GHz band rated at 300 Mbps. That is fine for browsing and messages, but it feels slow when several devices stream at once. A dedicated app handles setup, and the LED control lets you switch the lights off at night. Mesh and roaming help it blend into a home network, and it can also be managed from a web page. The trade-off is that its wired port runs at 0.1 Gbps and it is for indoor use only. It suits someone who needs a cheap fix for one room, with light browsing and a few devices.

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