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-WA860RE review: 64 specs compared

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

TP-Link TL-WA860RE Review: Compare 64 technical specifications, 5 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Wi-Fi extenders category and whether it is worth buying.

TP-Link TL-WA860RE
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

45%

6.4

Technical score

30%

6.4

List score

15%

8.1

Reviews score

10%

8.6

User score

▼Worse than 74% of wi fi extenders
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 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
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 76%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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 68% of models
Score components

40%

5.1

Wi-Fi Performance

30%

8.0

Network

12%

8.7

Setup

10%

6.6

Hardware

8%

3.3

Ports

▼Worse than 68%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 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 60% of models

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
1 review, with a printed score. 4 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 60%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 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 78% of models

70%

8.2

Rating

30%

9.5

Popularity

▲Better than 78%
6.4

List score

List score
6.4/ 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 (1)
List score: in 1 of 47 lists (2%)
▲Better than 54%
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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-WA860RE

Based on 1 · 4

Reviewers like the handy built-in power outlet, simple pairing and solid range, with very few complaints.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of Wi-Fi extender TP-Link TL-WA860RE

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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 68% of models
Score components:

40%

5.1

Wi-Fi Performance

30%

8.0

Network

12%

8.7

Setup

10%

6.6

Hardware

8%

3.3

Ports

6.4
Reviews score
8.1
User score
8.6
List score
6.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.8
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
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
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

TP-Link TL-WA860RE vs the average Wi-Fi extender

246810TotalWi-Fi PerformanceNetworkPortsSetupHardware
  • 2.75x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-WA860RE is cheaper than the average Wi-Fi extender (£20 vs £55).
    £20 vs £55
  • 11.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 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 60% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    1 review, with a printed score. 4 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.
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • 14.7% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    70%

    8.2

    Rating

    30%

    9.5

    Popularity

    8.6 vs 7.5
  • 2.75x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-WA860RE is cheaper than the average Wi-Fi extender (£20 vs £55).
    £20 vs £55
  • 11.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 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 60% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    1 review, with a printed score. 4 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.
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • 14.7% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    70%

    8.2

    Rating

    30%

    9.5

    Popularity

    8.6 vs 7.5
  • 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
  • 20.0% lower list score
    List score
    6.4/ 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 (1)
    List score: in 1 of 47 lists (2%)
    6.4 vs 8.0
  • 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
  • Limited channel support
    This Wi-Fi extender 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.
    40 + 20 vs 80 + 40 + 20
  • 20.0% lower list score
    List score
    6.4/ 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 (1)
    List score: in 1 of 47 lists (2%)
    6.4 vs 8.0
  • 5.7% worse value for money
    TP-Link TL-WA860RE has a lower value-for-money score than the average Wi-Fi extender (7.81 vs 8.2).
    7.81 vs 8.25
  • 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
  • Limited channel support
    This Wi-Fi extender 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.
    40 + 20 vs 80 + 40 + 20
  • 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

7.0
TechGuru Andrew
≈ estimated
09/12/2020
Unboxing and setup · speed tests and settings tour
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA860RE is fine for everyday browsing, video and camera use but not for heavy downloads or uploads.
9.0
DiyRick66
≈ estimated
19/09/2017
Unboxing, setup and speed tests · basement Wi-Fi test
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA860RE definitely works, bringing a basement connection up to a usable speed.
9.0
DECENDENTX
≈ estimated
04/06/2015
Short hands-on test · signal check with a phone
Verdict
TP-Link TL-WA860RE brings Wi-Fi into distant rooms and keeps the power socket usable.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
08/01/2015
Hands-on test · Plug-in extender
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-WA860RE is an easy plug-in extender that sets up quickly and keeps a mains socket free, but it is slow at long distances.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TP-Link TL-WA860RE

  • A phone app handles setup and settings.
  • Mesh support lets it join other TP-Link units.
  • Roaming helps devices move between it and the router.
  • WPA3 security protects the connection.
  • Access Point mode can turn a wired connection into Wi-Fi.
  • Its portable design makes it easy to move from room to room.

What customers don't like about TP-Link TL-WA860RE

  • Its 300 Mbps top speed on one band slows big downloads.
  • The wired port runs at 0.1 Gbps, so a cabled device will not go faster.
  • There is no guest network for visitors.
  • It has no automatic firmware updates.
  • It is for indoor use only and has no IP rating.

Verdict

Think of the TP-Link TL-WA860RE as a plain Wi-Fi 4 extender with one wired port. It reaches 300 Mbps on one band, which suits browsing and streaming, though large downloads take a while. The wired port is the catch: at 0.1 Gbps, a console or PC plugged in cannot go faster than that. The phone app handles setup, and roaming lets devices move between it and the router. Access Point mode and mesh support give it more ways to fit into a home network, and it can pair with other TP-Link units. It is portable, but it is for indoor use only and has no automatic firmware updates, so check for new versions yourself. It suits someone in a small flat with one weak spot and little need for a wired connection.

Compare TP-Link TL-WA860RE with other products in the Wi-Fi extenders category

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