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TP-Link TL-WA855RE Review | 63 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£20
Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi speed: 300 Mbps
Coverage area: 74 m²

TP-Link TL-WA855RE review. Compare 63 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among wi-fi extenders and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

4.7

Poor

8.5

Excellent

4.8
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
1.0
Wi-Fi speed
30.0%
9.0
QoS support
20.0%
1.0
Ethernet backhaul
15.0%
10
N. of LAN ports
8.7
Travel
Score components:
45.0%
10
Weight
30.0%
10
Portable design
15.0%
1.0
Wi-Fi speed
10.0%
10
Access Point mode

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#15 in Best TP-Link Wi-Fi Extenders
#23 in Best Cheap Wi-Fi Extenders
#30 in Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Camping
#39 in Best Plug In Wi-Fi Extenders
#44 in Best Wi-Fi Extenders with Ethernet Port
#47 in Best Wi-Fi Extenders

Verdict

The TP-Link TL-WA855RE is a compact N300 Wi-Fi range extender designed to eliminate dead zones by supporting wireless speeds up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It features two external antennas with MIMO technology for improved stability, a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port for connecting wired devices, and dual-mode functionality allowing it to operate as either a repeater or a dedicated Access Point. Key pros include its easy setup via the WPS button or Tether app, a useful intelligent signal indicator for optimal placement, and a power scheduling feature for energy efficiency. However, its main drawbacks are that it lacks 5GHz dual-band support, utilizes a slower Fast Ethernet port rather than Gigabit, and may experience significant speed reductions common to single-band extenders.

Technical Specifications of TP-Link TL-WA855RE

Overall score

5.4

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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

1.7

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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

5.6

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

5.5

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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

9.9

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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

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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

6.7

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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 TL-WA855RE vs the average wi-fi extender

Why is TP-Link TL-WA855RE better than the average wi-fi extender?

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6.5 W lower power consumption
TP-Link TL-WA855RE uses less power than the average wi-fi extender (3 W vs 9.5 W). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 9.5 W of power.
Some sources also cite 3.6 W.
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 TL-WA855RE uses less power than the average wi-fi extender (3 W vs 9.5 W). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 9.5 W of power.3 W vs 9.5 W
57.1% lighter
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is lighter than the average wi-fi extender (120 g vs 280 g). The average Wi-Fi extender weighs 280 g.
What it is: The total weight of the extender.
When it matters: When you want an extender that is easier to move, mount, or place without adding bulk.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is lighter than the average wi-fi extender (120 g vs 280 g). The average Wi-Fi extender weighs 280 g.120 g vs 280 g
12 mm thinner
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is thinner than the average wi-fi extender (34 mm vs 46 mm). The average Wi-Fi extender has a thickness of 46 mm.
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
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is thinner than the average wi-fi extender (34 mm vs 46 mm). The average Wi-Fi extender has a thickness of 46 mm.34 mm vs 46 mm
3.5x cheaper
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is cheaper than the average wi-fi extender (£20 vs £70).
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is cheaper than the average wi-fi extender (£20 vs £70).£20 vs £70
44.7 mm lower height
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is shorter than the average wi-fi extender (77.3 mm vs 122 mm). The average Wi-Fi extender has a height of 122 mm.
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
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is shorter than the average wi-fi extender (77.3 mm vs 122 mm). The average Wi-Fi extender has a height of 122 mm.77.3 mm vs 122 mm
6.5 W lower power consumption
TP-Link TL-WA855RE uses less power than the average wi-fi extender (3 W vs 9.5 W). The average Wi-Fi extender uses 9.5 W of power.
57.1% lighter
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is lighter than the average wi-fi extender (120 g vs 280 g). The average Wi-Fi extender weighs 280 g.
12 mm thinner
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is thinner than the average wi-fi extender (34 mm vs 46 mm). The average Wi-Fi extender has a thickness of 46 mm.
44.7 mm lower height
TP-Link TL-WA855RE is shorter than the average wi-fi extender (77.3 mm vs 122 mm). The average Wi-Fi extender has a height of 122 mm.

Hardware & Deployment

Why is TP-Link TL-WA855RE worse than the average wi-fi extender?

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No Mesh Wi-Fi support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support mesh Wi-Fi, while the average wi-fi extender does. 66.7% of Wi-Fi extenders support mesh Wi-Fi.
83.1% slower Wi-Fi speed
TP-Link TL-WA855RE reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average wi-fi extender (300 Mbps vs 1,775 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,775 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
49% smaller coverage area
TP-Link TL-WA855RE covers a smaller area than the average wi-fi extender (74 m² vs 145 m²). The average Wi-Fi extender covers 145 m².
No MU-MIMO support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support MU-MIMO, while the average wi-fi extender does. 72.5% of Wi-Fi extenders support MU-MIMO.
Limited band support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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.
No beamforming support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support beamforming, while the average wi-fi extender does. 83% of Wi-Fi extenders support beamforming.
150 Mbps slower 2.4 GHz speed
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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.
No band steering
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not have band steering, while the average wi-fi extender does. 65.3% of Wi-Fi extenders have band steering.
Single-band only.
Outdated Wi-Fi standard
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
3 dBm weaker transmit power
TP-Link TL-WA855RE has lower transmit power than the average wi-fi extender (20 dBm vs 23 dBm). The average Wi-Fi extender has 23 dBm of transmit power.
23 fewer connected devices
TP-Link TL-WA855RE supports fewer connected devices than the average wi-fi extender (8 vs 31). The average Wi-Fi extender supports up to 31 connected devices.
Limited channel support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE supports narrower channel widths than the average wi-fi extender (40 + 20 vs 80 + 40 + 20). The average Wi-Fi extender supports 80 + 40 + 20 channel widths.
2 dBi lower antenna gain
TP-Link TL-WA855RE has lower antenna gain than the average wi-fi extender (2 dBi vs 4 dBi). The average Wi-Fi extender has 4 dBi antenna gain.
Basic QAM level
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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 QAM.
No Ethernet backhaul
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support Ethernet backhaul, while the average wi-fi extender does. 51.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support Ethernet backhaul.
No 802.11r support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support 802.11r, while the average wi-fi extender does. 58.3% of Wi-Fi extenders support 802.11r.
No 802.11k support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support 802.11k, while the average wi-fi extender does. 73.3% of Wi-Fi extenders support 802.11k.
No 802.11v support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support 802.11v, while the average wi-fi extender does. 68.4% of Wi-Fi extenders support 802.11v.
90% slower Ethernet speed
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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.
75% less flash storage
TP-Link TL-WA855RE has less flash storage than the average wi-fi extender (4 MB vs 16 MB). The average Wi-Fi extender has 16 MB of flash storage.
4 older release date
TP-Link TL-WA855RE was released earlier than the average wi-fi extender (2016 vs 2020). The average Wi-Fi extender was released in 2020.
March 2016
No Ethernet backhaul
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support Ethernet backhaul, while the average wi-fi extender does. 51.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support 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
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support Ethernet backhaul, while the average wi-fi extender does. 51.6% of Wi-Fi extenders support Ethernet backhaul.
No Mesh Wi-Fi support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support mesh Wi-Fi, while the average wi-fi extender does. 66.7% of Wi-Fi extenders support mesh Wi-Fi.
What it is: Whether the extender can join a mesh Wi‑Fi setup for smoother whole-home coverage.
When it matters: When you want smoother roaming and more consistent coverage across your home.
Importance: HIGH
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support mesh Wi-Fi, while the average wi-fi extender does. 66.7% of Wi-Fi extenders support mesh Wi-Fi.
83.1% slower Wi-Fi speed
TP-Link TL-WA855RE reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average wi-fi extender (300 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 TL-WA855RE reaches slower Wi-Fi speed than the average wi-fi extender (300 Mbps vs 1,775 Mbps). The average Wi-Fi extender reaches 1,775 Mbps Wi-Fi speed.300 Mbps vs 1775 Mbps
49% smaller coverage area
TP-Link TL-WA855RE covers a smaller area than the average wi-fi extender (74 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 TL-WA855RE covers a smaller area than the average wi-fi extender (74 m² vs 145 m²). The average Wi-Fi extender covers 145 m².74 m² vs 145 m²
No MU-MIMO support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support MU-MIMO, while the average wi-fi extender does. 72.5% of Wi-Fi extenders support MU-MIMO.
What it is: Whether the extender supports MU-MIMO for more efficient simultaneous connections.
When it matters: When many phones, laptops, TVs, and smart-home devices are online at the same time.
Importance: MEDIUM
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support MU-MIMO, while the average wi-fi extender does. 72.5% of Wi-Fi extenders support MU-MIMO.
No 802.11r support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support 802.11r, while the average wi-fi extender does. 58.3% of Wi-Fi extenders support 802.11r.
What it is: Whether the extender supports 802.11r for faster roaming handoffs.
When it matters: When you want smoother roaming and more consistent coverage across your home.
Importance: LOW
TP-Link TL-WA855RE does not support 802.11r, while the average wi-fi extender does. 58.3% of Wi-Fi extenders support 802.11r.
Limited band support
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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.
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
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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.
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
TP-Link TL-WA855RE 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

Wi-Fi Performance

Network & Security

Hardware & Deployment

Graphic comparison of TP-Link TL-WA855RE and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about TP-Link TL-WA855RE?

Easy setup process, especially when using the TP-Link Tether app or WPS button
Compact and minimal wall-plug design that doesn't block adjacent outlets
Integrated Ethernet port allows for connecting wired-only devices like Smart TVs or older PCs
Helpful intelligent signal indicator LEDs (Blue/Red) to find the best placement
Very affordable price point for basic home Wi-Fi dead-zone coverage
Adjustable external antennas help with signal positioning and stability

What customers dislike about TP-Link TL-WA855RE?

Limited to the 2.4GHz band only, which can cause interference and slower speeds in crowded areas
Significant speed reduction (often 50% or more) compared to the main router's speed
Mixed range performance; some users find it ineffective beyond 50-75 feet or through thick walls
Reported reliability issues, including random disconnections or the device failing after several months
Maximum theoretical speed of 300Mbps is often much lower in real-world usage
Not recommended for multi-story homes where a mesh system would be more effective

Expert reviews

pctipps.de

02/12/2022

Summary of the review

TP-Link WA855RE - Review of the Budget Wi-Fi Repeater

The TP-Link WA855RE is an budget-friendly, 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi range extender that delivers excellent data throughput for its price point, significantly boosting weak signals through up to four walls from 3–4 MBit/s up to 22–25 MBit/s, and reaching maximum speeds of 94 MBit/s under ideal conditions. Key advantages highlighted in the review include its versatile dual external antennas, which help resolve specific reception issues when aligned parallel to each other, and an easy setup process via WPS, a web browser, or the dedicated "TP-Link Tether" smartphone app. Additionally, it offers exceptional energy efficiency, consuming between 0.5 to 2 Watts—thanks to a built-in night schedule feature—keeping annual electricity costs under €4. On the downside, the device scored a modest 50 out of 100 points overall, primarily because it is strictly limited to the 2.4-GHz band and lacks 5-GHz support, making crossband repeating impossible. The review also notes that positioning the antennas at right angles to one another causes a severe drop in data throughput or complete signal disconnection, suggesting they may cause mutual interference. Finally, localized drawbacks for German users include the...

test-achats.be

23/07/2026

Summary of the review

TP-LINK TL-WA855RE Review - Testachats

The TP-Link TL-WA855RE is a budget-friendly, entry-level Wi-Fi extender designed for small spaces, featuring easy installation via a physical WPS button, the Tether app, and a smart signal indicator to help find the best, most optimal location. It operates in both repeater and access point modes, offering flexible connectivity options for expanding home network coverage. However, significant limitations include the reliance on outdated 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 technology, which limits speeds to 300 Mbps and excludes 5 GHz support, resulting in slow throughput. The unit's single-band nature leads to substantial speed drops in real-world use, and it struggles with capacity under load, failing to support high-bandwidth applications like 4K streaming efficiently.

test-aankoop.be

13/03/2024

Summary of the review

TP-LINK TL-WA855RE test and review - Testaankoop

According to Test Aankoop, the budget-friendly, compact TP-Link TL-WA855RE (approx. €24) features a lightweight, wall-plug design and an intelligent LED signal light to optimize placement. Its pros include versatile 3-in-1 functionality, acting as a Wi-Fi repeater or an Access Point via its Ethernet port. However, the device is restricted to older, single-band 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 technology with a 300 Mbps capacity, representing a significant con in performance. Lacking 5 GHz support or Wi-Fi 6, this extender is not suitable for high-throughput, modern streaming demands.

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