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Top Five Best Wi-Fi Access Points: Extend Wi-Fi to that Far Corner the Right Way

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Access points are excellent options for a wired home to deliver the best Wi-Fi coverage. This post includes the top five best Wi-Fi access points you can bring home today and their alternatives among those I’ve reviewed.

Depending on your situation, you might need just one or a couple of units. For more on access points and how to pick one, check out the post below on the matter:

Access points: What they are and how to pick the right one for your needs

Dong’s note: I first published this piece on Jul 13, 2024, and updated it on October 15, 2024, to keep the list current.

Best Wi-Fi access points come in all shapes and sizes.
Wi-Fi access points come in all shapes and sizes.

Top five best Wi-Fi access points for different use cases

These access points are sorted in the recommended order, with #1 being the best. Still, depending on your situation, any of them can be the most applicable.

I’ll explain each one and the case you should use it in. One might be more applicable to a particular situation than others, and by that, I mean a home or small office. Advanced users who want multiple units should consider this list of advanced mesh systems instead.

It’s worth noting that to make it to this list, these access points need to satisfy two things:

  1. You can use them as a single unit or multiple units to form a mesh system.
  2. They must not cost extra to operate—there must be a free option for cloud-managed hardware. This requirement means those requiring a subscription, such as Netgear’s Insight Manage family, will not be considered.

5. Zyxel WBE660S: A formidable Wi-Fi 7 AP to represent Zyxel’s Nebula family

Zyxel WBE660S in action verticalThe Zyxel NWA130BE Wi-Fi 7 Access Point in action
Best Wi-Fi Access Points: The Zyxel WBE660S (left) and NWA130BE are two excellent Wi-Fi 7 access points.

The Zyxel WBE660S is the only Wi-Fi 7 access point on this list, and it’s a heavyweight both in hardware specs and physical size. If you’re looking to upgrade your network straight to the fastest and latest, it’s an easy recommendation.

The access point can work as a standard standalone AP via built-in local web management or team up with other units within Zyxel’s Nebula family to form a cloud-based mesh system.

Looking for the same effect with a slightly smaller budget? The NWA130BE is also an excellent buy.

Zyxel WBE660S Wi-Fi 7 Access Point's Rating

8 out of 10
Zyxel WBE660S Box Content
Performance
8 out of 10
Features
9 out of 10
Design and Ease of Use
7 out of 10
Value
8 out of 10

Pros

Wi-Fi 7 support with reliable Gig+ sustained performance; excellent coverage

10Gbps PoE++ network port, extra Gigabit port

Excellent design, ready to mount; full local web user interface; generous free-tier cloud-based management

Cons

No power adapter or PoE injector is included

Wi-Fi 7 performance could comparatively be better

Daunting amount of features; Nebula Control Center is sluggish and can be confusing


4. EnGenius EWS850-FIT (formerly EWS850AP): An excellent outdoor Wi-Fi 6 access point representing the EnGenius FIT family

EnGenius EWS850 FIT fully assembled
Best Wi-Fi Access Points: The EnGenius EWS850 FIT is quite large when fully assembled.

Each EnGenius EWS850-FIT can work as an individual access point with a responsive local web user interface.

Designed for outdoor use, it has excellent performance and can handle the weather exceptionally well. I’ve used the previous variant of the same hardware, the EWS850AP, for over a year, and it proved reliable in any weather.

As part of the new FIT family, this access point can also work with others in the same ecosystem to form a robust mesh system. If you need to extend Wi-Fi coverage for a large backyard, it’s a perfect fit.

EnGenius EWS850-FIT (formerly EWS850AP) Access Point's Rating

8.1 out of 10
EnGenius EWS850 FIT
Performance
8 out of 10
Features
8.5 out of 10
Ease of Use
8 out of 10
Value
8 out of 10

Pros

Reliable performance, excellent coverage, fast 2.5 Gbps PoE+ network port with included injector

Full web interface that's responsive and comprehensive; helpful FitXpress cloud-based management

Includes all parts and accessories to work right out of the box; IP67 weatherproof

Cons

Midling Wi-Fi 6 specs with no 160 MHz channel width support

Bulky, no separate power port


3. Asus ExpertWiFi EBA63: Representing consumer-grade business access points

Asus ExpertWiFi EBA63 top
Best Wi-Fi Access Points: The Asus ExpertWiFi EBA63 is a compact and versatile PoE+ AP.

The EBA63 is the first access point in Asus’s all-new ExpertWiFi family. It bridges general consumer and business usage.

The AP can work as a standalone unit with any existing router, or you can couple it with an AiMesh-enabled router—virtually any Asus router of Wi-Fi 6 or newer standards—to form a mesh system. In this case, you can use many units together. Asus also released its first non-Wi-Fi router to match, the ExpertWiFi EBG15.

Alternatively, you can pick the non-PoE RP-AX58, which shares the same hardware specs.

Asus ExpertWiFi EBA63's Rating

8.5 out of 10
Asus ExpertWiFi EBA63
Performance
8.5 out of 10
Features
9 out of 10
Ease of Use
8 out of 10
Value
8.5 out of 10

Pros

Reliable and fast Wi-Fi (for the specs) with good coverage

Part of the ExpertWiFi family with lots of advanced features, including Guest Network Pro, VPN, VLAN, and more

Convenient design, helpful ExpertWiFi mobile app, excellent web interface

Cons

Modest 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 specs; no Multi-Gig Port or 6GHz support; single LAN port

No PoE injector included; mobile app required for the initial setup as a standalone AP


3. TP-Link EAP783: Representing the Omada family of managed access points

The TP-Link Omada EAP783 Wi-Fi 7 Access Point is quite large
Best Wi-Fi Access Points: The TP-Link Omada EAP783 is massive. It’s an excellent Wi-Fi 7 AP for a home or business.

The EAP783 is one of the latest APs in TP-Link’s Omada family and currently the fastest access point to date (a position that likely won’t last long, considering Wi-Fi 7 is still in the early stages). Each Omada access point can be managed locally as an individual unit, or you can get multiple units—of the same model or a mix—to create a robust mesh system via a controller.

Omada offers local management and advanced cloud-based management without requiring additional subscription costs. So, as a standalone access point, the 783 is an excellent top-tier option, but you can pick any Omada AP, including the entry-level EAP773 and those of previous Wi-Fi standards, that fits your needs and budget.

TP-Link Omada EAP783's Rating

8.4 out of 10
TP-Link Omada EAP783 Wi-Fi 7 Access Point
Performance
9 out of 10
Features
9 out of 10
Ease of Use
8 out of 10
Value
7.5 out of 10

Pros

Top Wi-Fi 7 performance with MLO and two 10Gbps PoE port

Robust local web UI with lots of settings and features

Easy to mount, lots of advanced controller options

Cons

PoE++ is required

Bulky design; no power adapter or injector is included

No AFC at launch; a bit pricey


1. Ubiquiti U7 Pro Max: Representing the UniFi family

The Ubiquiti UniFi U7 Pro Max being tested with the Cloud Gateway Max
Best Wi-Fi Access Points: The Ubiquiti UniFi U7 Pro Max is an excellent companion for any UniFi console, such as the UCG-Max, as shown here.

The U7 Pro Max is a flexible UniFi access point with Wi-Fi 7. Similar to the case of the TP-Link Omada above, UniFi is a family of hardware managed by a central controller.

In UniFi’s case, the controller can be a UniFi console, such as the UCG-Max, or you can also turn a computer into a UniFi controller via software. After that, the system can do much more than host Wi-Fi access points. Still, adding APs to a UniFi console will give you a robust Wi-Fi system.

As a standalone access point, the U7 Pro Max (as well as any other UniFi access points) is simple to set up and delivers the Wi-Fi coverage a home needs. In this case, you can use it with any existing router.

Ubiquiti U7 Pro Max's Rating

8.5 out of 10
Ubiquiti UniFi U7 Pro Max
Performance
8.5 out of 10
Features
9 out of 10
Ease of Use
8 out of 10
Value
8.5 out of 10

Pros

Gig+ and faster performance with excellent coverage via Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gbps PoE+ port

Seamless integration with an UniFi console to deliver a robust mesh system with lots of advanced and useful features

Simple to set up and manage

Cons

No 10Gbps port, mid-tier Wi-Fi 7 specs; no PoE injector included

No local management or web user interface and requires a vendor login account to work as a standalone AP

Runs hot; comparatively slow 2.4GHz performance


The final thoughts

Getting a non-Wi-Fi router and an access point or two is the best way to build a network with optimal Wi-Fi coverage. However, this option is only available when your home has already been wired—MoCA can work if you intend to place the AP close to a wall socket.

That said, getting your place remodeled? Consider running network cables all around! Now that you’ve settled on the access points, keep in mind that you’ll need a router, preferably a non-Wi-Fi one, to go with it. If you need one, check out the list below.

Top 5 best non-Wi-Fi Routers

Ubiquiti UCG Max Cloud GatewayUbiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition UDM SE FrontAsus ExpertWiFi EBG15 VPN Router with retailEnGenius ESG510 out ofAmazon eero PoE Gateway out of
NameUbiquiti Cloud Gateway Max’s RatingUbiquiti UDM-SE’s RatingAsus ExpertWiFi EBG15 Router’s RatingEnGenius ESG510’s RatingAmazon eero PoE Gateway’s Rating
Price
Rating
Description
Statistics
Performance
Features
Design and Setup
Value
Hardware Options and Performance
Design and Features
Ease of Use
Privacy and Value
Performance
Features
Ease of Use
Value
Performance
Features
Design and Setup
Value
Performance
Features
Ease of Use
Value
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Top non-Wi-Fi routers on Amazon!

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11 thoughts on “Top Five Best Wi-Fi Access Points: Extend Wi-Fi to that Far Corner the Right Way”

  1. thanks Dong.

    I am somewhat confused about what the advantage of Mesh vs. Access point would be for my use case of a WIRED home that requires two broadcasters to adequately cover, and a router in the basement where all cables and internet terminate (but no wifi needed)

    I currently use two ASUS RT-AC87U as broadcasters (configured as AP) and a cheap TP-Link router in the basement.

    I want to upgrade the wifi to 6 or 7. Does a mesh system like the ZenWifi give much benefit vs. properly configured AP? I am puzzled with the fact that Aimesh does not allow selecting different channels for broadcasters – does Asus avoid interference differently?

    I would probably not want to put an expensive ZenWifi unit to act as the router in the basement where wifi is not needed any recommendations?

    thanks so much.

    Reply
    • That’s generally the function of the router or the controller. Ad-blocking can be problematic since it will block more than just ads.

      Reply
  2. I am on a journey to replace my underperforming eero mesh system and have been deeply appreciating your content. Just today I was able to get CAT6a running to three key locations in my house (basement office, main floor family room, and second floor bedroom). Now I’ve got to choose equipment. I’m very much drawn to the UniFi family, but I have one concern: their flagship access points all seem to be designed to be mounted on the ceiling. Because of structural (and spousal) limitations, that’s not going to be an option for me. I really need something that can sit on a desktop or on top of a bookshelf. With that limitation in mind, is the UniFi U7 Pro Max still a good option? If not, do you have any recommendations for quality alternatives in situations like mine? It looks like Ubiquiti has a new U7 Pro Wall that comes with an optional table stand, but I haven’t been able to find much in terms of reviews yet. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • You have lots of options, Ryan, among these and these. But I’d totally go with UniFi. You don’t need to mount the APs, you can leave them on a surface and they’ll work the same. That’s the case with all mount-ready hardware. I think the UCG-Max + U7 Pro Max is a great combo for you. That’s if you you already have a PoE+ switch or a couple of injectors. Good luck!

      Reply
  3. Using your guides, I recently setup MOCA in my home as Ethernet backhaul isn’t possible. I used your suggestion of an RP-AX58. The MoCA plan I designed worked and the Ax58 was getting excellent signal. However, everything assigned to the Ax58 had poor connection comparatively speaking.

    I tried many, many troubleshooting steps but nothing helped. Finally I turned off AImesh and made the AX-58 an access point instead broadcasting its own ssid and the performance is great! I guess the only downside is that not using mesh means I have more than one admin to login and manage. Have you heard of issues like this with aimesh Dong?

    PS love the site

    Reply
      • The primary router was an GTAX11000. I didn’t ever confirm what signal was being sent though. It was excellent, green and said 1gbps wired. I guess that’s something to look into but it just seemed weird to me. I’ll check out your guides again. Thanks

        Reply
        • Separate the two bands and you’ll see, chances are devices were connecting to the satellite using the 2.4GHz band. Note though, that you need to keep the Wi-Fi settings on the main router at the level supported by the satellite—Auto is the safest. When working in the AP mode, there’s no way you can configure the satellite’s Wi-Fi with a setting that’s NOT supported by the hardware.

          Reply

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