Best WAP of 2023 | TechRadar
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
July 2023 – EDITOR’S NOTE
If you want to give your existing network a little help handling all of these devices, adding a WAP can allow you to upgrade your connectivity and overall internet experience without having to call your ISP. Here you’ll find our top picks for the best WAPs or Wireless Access Points alongside our price comparison tool to help you get the best prices.
This month, we made sure to find some of the best options currently available according to a few significant markers.
Investing in a Wireless Access Point or WAP can be a game-changer for your home office or small business, as doing so will ensure you have a robust Wi-Fi connection everywhere you may need.
Even with one of the best wireless routers on the market, you may still find internet dead zones around your home or small business, especially if it’s a larger property. At the same time, you may have multiple devices vying for bandwidth to stay connected throughout your home or small business. This is where a Wireless Access Point can come in handy, as adding one such device can provide strong internet access for all your smartphones, tablets, computers, smart home devices, and more.
Netgear WAX214 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point (Image credit: Netgear)
1. Netgear WAX214 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point
An affordable WiFi 6 access point that’s simple to deploy
Specifications
Connectivity: 802.11ax, 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Features: MAC-based access control list, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 support, PoE powered, up to 128 clients, supports 40 concurrent devices
Dimensions: 160.9 × 160.9 x 33.28mm
Weight: 380g
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Inexpensive
+
PoE+
+
Small and unobtrusive
+
Easy web-based configuration
Reasons to avoid
–
Only dual-channel
Netgear has designed the WAX214 to be surprisingly simple to set up and install at your office or home.
While it may not allow for as many concurrent users as more expensive options, it’s an affordable solution that supports Wi-Fi 6 and works just as well in a large home as in an office. The WAX214 includes mounting brackets on its underside, as it should be placed either high up on a wall or, ideally, on the ceiling. It’s worth noting that this unit doesn’t come with a power adapter as it supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). Using a LAN cable, you’ll need a PoE switch or injector to power the device. The WAX214 is a dual-band WAP with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and Netgear says it can handle up to 128 devices simultaneously.
Read the full review: Netgear WAX214 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point
(Image credit: Future)
2. Cisco CBW150AX Access Point
Cisco’s new Wi-Fi 6AX access point gets the job done
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Low power
+
Easy installation
+
Low price
Reasons to avoid
–
Frequent disconnect
The Cisco CBW150AX Wi-Fi 6 access point does a good job at providing fast wireless Internet access across several rooms.
Its processor is powerful enough to handle multiple connections over many WLANs while using additional mesh adapters helps increase the access point’s range. Installation requires a few steps with clear instructions given on the mobile application.
Booting the access point can take a lot of time, but once the unit is up, it will stay operational without performance degradation for a long time. The CBW150AX offers features such as a firewall and an RF optimization mode for less than $130. It would have been great if it had been accessible from the cloud. Connected clients cannot be named or blocked off the network, which makes it less appealing if one wants to limit access to the Internet.
Read our full Cisco CBW150AX Access Point review.
(Image credit: Zyxel)
3. Zyxel WAX610D WiFi 6 PoE Access Point
A reliable WiFi 6 WAP that can be managed over the cloud
Specifications
Connectivity: 802.11ax
Features: 6 spatial streams (4×4:4 in 5GHz, 2×2:2 in 2.
4GHz ), OFDMA, MU-Mino, surge and ESD protection, 4G/5G filter, Can be managed remotely using a free cloud service
Dimensions: 180 x 180 x 39mm
Weight: 545g
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Wi-Fi 6
+
Solid build quality
+
Long-range
+
Cloud support
+
2.5Gb Ethernet port
Reasons to avoid
–
High price
–
No power supply
The WAX610D WAP from Zyxel can be wall or ceiling-mounted to bring WiFi 6 to your home office or business reliably. The device itself is made from quality components. Zyxel has included extras like an anti-noise spreader, surge and ESD protection, and a 4G/5G filter to minimize interference from cellular networks. The WAX610D also packs a powerful quad-core CPU, two Ethernet ports (one at 2.5Gbps), and best-in-class internal antennas. While it may be slightly higher than the competition, the WAX610D can be managed remotely via an app and a free cloud service.
Read our full Zyxel WAX610D WiFi 6 PoE Access Point review.
(Image credit: Cisco)
4. Cisco 240AC Wi-Fi 5 Access Point
An affordable WiFi 5 WAP packed with functionality
Specifications
Connectivity: 802.11ac Wave 2
Features: 4×4 MU-MIMO, WPA/WPA2, WPA3, WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS Server, 512MB flash memory, 1GB RAM, 2 Gigabit-Ethernet ports with PoE support
Dimensions: 177mm x 177mm x 38mm
Weight: 427g
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Powerful CPU
+
Range extension
+
Intuitive mobile app
+
Low cost
Reasons to avoid
–
Dated Wi-Fi 5 standard
–
Lengthy boot time
Although Wi-Fi 6 may be the latest and greatest, Wi-Fi 5 still has a lot to offer, and the 240AC from Cisco is a well-built and affordable WAP to meet the needs of most users. The 240AC sports a Qualcomm quad-core CPU with 1GB of RAM and 256MB of Flash memory, and Cisco says that up to 400 clients can use this WAP simultaneously. Wall mounting holes can be found at the unit’s base, and it also ships with a flat Ethernet cable to power it when connected to a PoE Ethernet switch.
This WAP’s range can also be extended further when paired with the company’s 142AC mesh extender.
Read our full Cisco 240AC Wi-Fi 5 Access Point review.
(Image credit: Future)
5. TP-Link EAP660HD Wi-Fi 6 Access Point
A big office companion that brings a lot of value to the table
Specifications
Connectivity: 802.11ax
Features: PoE+, Integrated into Omada SDN, Seamless Roaming, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz support, Secure Guest Network
Dimensions: 245 x 245 x 63mm
Weight: 879g
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Low cost
+
Quad-core CPU
+
Cloud support
+
2.5Gb Ethernet port
Reasons to avoid
–
Big case
–
80MHz bandwidth
With the EAP660HD, TP-Link refreshes its small and home office product line with Wi-Fi 6 technology. The access point featuring remote management and high-gain antennas comes in an imposing plastic case.
It feels solid and accommodates eight antennas for the two radio bands the EAP660HD serves. A quad-core Qualcomm CPU and a generous amount of memory guarantee good responsiveness. It supports up to 16 SSIDs and multiple concurrent connections streaming video content with very few packet drops.
But where the EAP660HD shines is with the software and tech support that TP-Link provides. First, it is very easy to access the AP remotely, even across the Internet, thanks to the Omada Cloud application. The AP software is regularly updated when potential vulnerabilities are found, and an easy-to-use mobile application is available both for Android and iPhone. Its main drawback is not using the Wi-Fi 6 to its full potential, as the EAP660HD uses an 80MHz bandwidth for the 5GHz band.
Read our full TP-Link EAP660HD Wi-Fi 6 Access Point review.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
6. Zyxel WAX630S WiFi 6 Access Point
A capable business access point that can be managed for free over the cloud
Specifications
Connectivity: 802.
11ax
Features: Load balancing, 2.5GbE PoE, Nebula control center cloud management
Dimensions: 180 x 180 x 39mm
Weight: 765g
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Six streams
+
Vertical or horizontal mounting
+
2.5GbE LAN
Reasons to avoid
–
Overpriced
–
No PoE injector included
For a Zyxel access point, the WAX630S isn’t the most expensive it makes, but it’s also not the cheapest either.
The attractive features of this design include support for six simultaneous streams, with four over 5GHz and another two using 2.4GHz, a 2.5GbE PoE LAN connection, and a sophisticated internal antenna array.
When combined with special hardware filters, the antenna design reduces the interference from 5G/4G masts and other wireless transmitters. This unit has also been configured to work equally well if it is wall or ceiling-mounted, enabling more flexibility for deployment.
Part of the range of hardware that works with Zyxel’s cloud-based Nebula management tools, the WAX630S is a sophisticated access point built for city office installation and other challenging wireless environments.
Unfortunately, it’s priced accordingly and competes with similar or better specification hardware at a lower price point.
If it were to become cheaper, many IT professionals might find the WAX630S an attractive proposition.
Read our full Zyxel WAX630S review.
(Image credit: EnGenius)
7. EnGenius EWS850AP Outdoor Access Point
A mesh cable access point ideal for outdoor use
Specifications
Connectivity: 802.11ax
Features: IP67 rated, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet PoE port, Uplink & Downlink MU-MIMO, OFDMA, 1GB RAM, WP3 support, detachable SMA-type antennas
Dimensions: 190 x 103.4 x 52.6mm
Weight: 698g
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
PoE+ 2.5GbE
+
Built for purpose
+
8 SSIDs
Reasons to avoid
–
Included a 1Gbit PoE injector
–
Needs handmade Ethernet cables
–
Only 2×2 configuration
The EWS850AP is a mesh-enabled WAP from EnGenius that is ideal for businesses that operate outdoors, but it can also be used in your home if you want full wireless coverage in your backyard.
As the device is powered over Ethernet, a 1Gbit PoE injector is included, so you don’t have to buy your own. As the EWS850AP is intended for outdoor use, EnGenius includes all the hardware needed to mount it directly on a wall or a metal pole. One downside, though is that it only has a 2×2 WiFi configuration which means that it only supports two channels on each frequency with its four antennas. Still, though, for a 2×2 WiFi 6 access point, the EWS850AP has excellent performance, and it can also connect via 2.5GbE, but you will need to purchase a separate PoE injector.
Read our full EnGenius EWS850AP Outdoor Access Point review.
(Image credit: Netgear)
8. Netgear Powerline 500 Wi-Fi Access Point
A powerline adapter that’s also a wireless access point
Specifications
Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n
Features: Compact design, Pick-A-Plug LED Indicator, Push-and-Secure button
Dimensions: 86 x 67 x 40mm
Weight: 85g
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Compact design
+
Easy setup
+
Good value
+
Network cables included
Reasons to avoid
–
No pass-through
–
Wireless network is unprotected by default
–
Slow speeds
The final device on our list is an outlier since it’s technically a powerline adapter.
Still, the Powerline 500 Wi-Fi Access Point from Netgear can help extend your network by using the power lines in your home or business to carry the network further before turning it into a wireless signal. While the adapters included in this package are quite small, they can only deliver 100 Mbps per second over Ethernet and 300 Mbps via the access point.
Read our full Netgear Powerline 500 Wi-Fi Access Point review.
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
A Wireless Access Point (WAP) can be an excellent solution if the Wi-Fi signal from your router isn’t covering the entirety of your home or office.
As is often the case, a router’s Wi-Fi signal may not cover your whole property, and you’ll have dead spots as you move farther away from your router. Fortunately, a WAP can address these by boosting a router’s signal further.
At the same time, this connectivity boost can allow you to connect more devices to your Wi-Fi network, which can be especially useful if you have a lot of smart home or connected devices in your house or office.
We’ve also highlighted the best wireless routers and the best small business routers
Round up of today’s best deals
NetGear WAX214 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point
$119.99
View
See all prices
Zyxel WAX610D WiFi 6 PoE Access Point
$179.99
View
See all prices
Cisco 240AC Wi-Fi 5 Access Point
$674.86
View
See all prices
EnGenius EWS850AP Outdoor Access Point
See all prices
powered by
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Collin is the B2B Hardware Editor for TechRadar Pro.
He has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more.
Collin is an experienced individual who has an abundance of knowledge when it comes to all things professional hardware. He is the go-to subject matter expert for TechRadar Pro and focuses on standing desks, office chairs, business laptops, “pro” monitors, and other similar topics. With his in-depth understanding of these areas, Collin can provide invaluable insights and advice to readers looking to make informed decisions about their hardware investments.
Cisco CBW150AX Access Point | TechRadar
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image: © Future)
TechRadar Verdict
The CBW150AX exceeds expectations by being fast and straightforward. It is compact, affordable, and packed with pro features such as a firewall.
If the range is insufficient, installing additional CBW151AX mesh adapters boosts both reach and data throughput.
Pros
- +
Low power
- +
Easy installation
- +
Low price
Cons
- –
Frequent disconnect
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Cisco’s new CBW150AX Wi-Fi 6 wireless access point and CBW151AX mesh extender provide fast wireless connectivity on a shoestring. It is simple to deploy and works out of the box. A 1.5Gbps wireless throughput will be more than enough to fully utilize the built-in 1G Ethernet port, while a 2×2 radio offers enough gain to cover a 10-meter radius at over 100Mbps.
The CBW150AX can support up to 25 CBW151AX mesh extenders. Accessories provided with the Access Point include a 15W 1G PoE AC. The AP firmware has features such as VLANs and a basic firewall.
Monitoring the AP and its connected clients is limited to the intranet with no cloud option, while the mobile app could benefit from some polishing, such as giving custom names to clients.
Cisco CBW150AX: Pricing
The Cisco CBW150AX access point will take $125.58 off your budget, while the CBW151AX mesh extender will cost another $105.49. Both Cisco products come with a limited 3-year warranty.
(Image credit: Future)
Cisco CBW150AX: Design
The Cisco CBW150AX access point ships in a generic brown box. It is small for a Wi-Fi 6 AP, measuring 15 cm x 15 cm x 4 cm and weighing 330 g. The white plastic enclosure blends perfectly on a white wall and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. The accessories are a 15W 1G power injector and a mounting bracket with hardware. The access point is passively cooled, drawing a maximum of 9.2W over the PoE port.
The CBW150AX has one multi-colored LED on the front and a single 1G Ethernet port at the back.
A reset button also accessible at the back with a pin allows restoring the device to its factory settings. A small rubber pad conceals a four-pin header that connects to a service port. A small slot prevents unauthorized removal of the AP when combined with a Kensington lock.
The access point sports a Broadcom quad-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz with 1GB of DDR4 and 512MB of flash memory. Four radios arranged as two transmitters and two receivers provide the hardware to utilize the 1.5Gbps Wi-Fi 6 bandwidth across multiple devices efficiently. Finally, an onboard Bluetooth Low Energy radio is included but unused.
The Cisco CBW151AX mesh adapter has similar hardware as the AP. The white plastic case measures 17cm x 9.2cm x 5.3cm and weighs 285g. It ships without any accessories and integrates an AC adapter. The total power drawn is under 9W, which is what the access point consumes.
(Image credit: Future)
Cisco CBW150AX: In use
Powering the CBW150AX requires connecting the supplied PoE injector and Ethernet cable to an existing LAN.
The access point is slow to boot and can take up to ten minutes on the first power-up. When ready, the front status LED goes green, and the setup continues on the mobile app or a web browser.
As with most access points, software setup requires registering a username and password before the actual configuration can begin. Cisco uses QR codes printed at the back to identify its products. After registration, the user can add network components by scanning the QR code with the mobile app. Clear on-screen instructions guide the user through the remaining steps.
Once added, the AP and mesh extender work without any hitch. It is recommended to update both devices’ firmware before using them. The welcome page provides a quick overview of connected clients, the most used SSIDs, and if guest accounts are in use.
The Wi-Fi 6 AX standard allows wireless clients to seamlessly switch between the primary unit and extender. In practice, a test smartphone favored the extender module more than the access point.
A thorough investigation showed that Optimized Roaming is off by default, and enabling the feature solved the issue.
The range of the access point increases with the use of mesh extender modules. Radio channels reserved for the data backhaul differ from what clients will use, thus preserving client bandwidth without degrading throughput. The AP contains software to benchmark the wireless link, which can help troubleshoot and optimize the network.
(Image credit: Future)
Cisco CBW150AX: The competition
There are plenty of options when it comes to Wi-Fi 6 access points. The main differentiators are the mobile app and technical support, while the hardware is mostly the same at this price point.
For just under $100, the TP-link EAP610 is one of the cheapest Wi-Fi 6 access points available, and with an advertised throughput of 1800Mbps, it is a decent investment. But hidden beneath these excellent specifications are drawbacks that will make the EAP610 more expensive in the long run compared to the CBW150AX.
The EAP610 consumes about 5W more than the CBW150AX, which might seem negligible but will cost with the AP running 24/7. Lastly, the EAP610 requires additional hardware to support a mesh configuration in addition to the extender module.
Cisco CBW150AX: Final verdict
The Cisco CBW150AX Wi-Fi 6 access point is a fast and easy-to-use Wi-Fi. It comes with all bells and whistles that one can expect in a modern AP, such as additional range with mesh extenders, RF optimization, and mobile app support. With its 1GE port and PoE support, it will adequately find its place in a small office setup. The 1.5Gb throughput is lower than competitive products, but that should be sufficient for daily usage, including streaming media on multiple connected devices.
What we liked about the CBW150AX and its mesh extender, the CBW151A, were the simple setup procedure and the snappy web interface. The extender module can lead to lower throughput or regular disconnect without proper setup.
The online documentation provided by Cisco is sufficient to resolve most issues.
We’ve listed the best wireless routers.
My interest has been piqued by everything electronic since a young age, with a penchant for the dark art of tearing things apart. My daily duty is to marry software and hardware modules and I have to admit that this is much harder than cooking. When I’m not busy at work, I’m on the lookout for the latest and greatest hack! I am passionate about portable power generators (or power stations) as well as maker products such as the Raspberry Pi and any similar SBC (single board computers)
Access point | Top manufacturers | Top manufacturers rating
Access point. Top 3 – The most famous and best brands in terms of quality and reliability.
Zyxel No. 1 in the ranking of the best manufacturers.
Since the advent of the Internet, Zyxel has been developing devices that will provide a reliable and secure connection.
The ability to think outside the box, implement innovative products, and the desire to solve the most complex problems of customers, has made Zyxel products one of the most popular and in demand all over the world.
And today the company works so that you can fully use all the possibilities of digital technologies.
Whether for home or work networking, leisure and entertainment or security, Zyxel has the products and solutions to keep you connected and up to the task.
Zyxel High-Performance Outdoor Wi-Fi 6
The Zyxel WAX655E Access Point provides multi-gigabit wireless connectivity in large outdoor areas such as stadiums, parking lots, parks, and more.
Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, it can efficiently serve hundreds of …
Official website of the manufacturer “Zyxel”: www.zyxel.com
Add your company to the Top rating.
D-Link No. 2 in the ranking of the best manufacturers.
D-Link products are well known all over the world.
Today, D-Link is the largest manufacturer of network telecommunications equipment for both private use and professional environments.
In addition, the company offers a wide range of devices for the Smart Home system. The opening of a D-Link representative office in Russia allowed not only to significantly expand the sales market, but also to make the company’s products available to domestic consumers.
Since the Russian branch of D-Link develops equipment and network products that are primarily focused on Russian conditions and requirements.
The world’s largest companies, telecom operators and industrial production use D-Link products because they are confident in its quality and the high level of service that D-Link provides to its customers.
Official website of the manufacturer “D-Link”: www.dlink.ru
Add your company to the Top rating.
TP-Link No. 3 in the ranking of the best manufacturers.
TP-Link is a manufacturer of networking equipment that enables its customers all over the world to enjoy high-quality Internet connections.
The company carries out its own development, which guarantees the quality of products in any price segment.
You can buy an inexpensive router, or a home Wi-Fi system – the quality of the Internet in any case will be impeccable!
In addition, TP-Link manufactures a wide range of business equipment – switches, routers, and access points that will ensure the stability of the Internet anywhere – at home, in the office, in the car.
TP-Link® launches new solutions for corporate and home networks
TP-Link®, the world’s leading provider of networking solutions, announces the launch of new devices for use in corporate and home networks.
Productive dual-band routers Archer C54 and Archer C24 are ideal for creating a home local …
Official website of the manufacturer “TP-Link”: www.tp-link.com
Add your company to the Top rating.
Grandstream No. 4 in the ranking of the best manufacturers.
Grandstream Networks provides IP telephony and video surveillance products to customers worldwide.
Today, it is the development of innovative products, the introduction of modern developments, and constant updating that make Grandstream Networks a market leader.
A wide range of products, as well as comprehensive solutions for private clients and businesses, allow you to provide reliable information protection and reduce costs.
IP phones, video conferencing devices, intercom systems manufactured by Grandstream Networks combine high quality and affordable price, which makes the products attractive to consumers.
Grandstream Adds Two New Models to its Wi-Fi Access Point Series – GWN7615 and GWN7605LR
Grandstream has announced the release of two new additions to the GWN series of Wi-Fi hotspots.
The new Grandstream GWN7605LR is a weather-resistant, remote Wi-Fi access point with dual-band 2×2:2 MU-MIMO technology and a range of 250 meters, ideal …
Official website of the manufacturer “Grandstream”: www.grandstream.ru
Add your company to the Top rating.
Hotspot all the best novelties of 2022-2023 …
Reviews and comments!
Latest News.
New Zyxel Switch Series: Effortless Migration to Multi-Gigabit Zyxel Networks has introduced the new XMG1930 series of managed multi-gigabit Lite-L3 smart switches.
With their help XMG1930 com….
May 30, 2023
The matte series of mechanisms is supplemented with new devicesThe range of matte mechanisms has been replenished with cross and through switches, dimmers, thermostats, sockets with backlight….
May 30, 2023 desktop power supplies, easy installation on any surface, compact body and stable ….
May 30, 2023
Zyxel’s L3 access switches help customers increase their network bandwidth Zyxel Networks has introduced a new series of XGS2220 Layer 3 access switches.
The novelty is designed to increase the gap….
May 25, 2023
Zyxel’s High-Performance Outdoor Wi-Fi 6 Zyxel’s WAX655E Access Point provides multi-gigabit wireless connectivity in large outdoor venues such as stadiums, cars.
..
May 25, 2023
EKF blades – reliable EKF saves you time and money: we have expanded our range of replacement blade sets for strippers.
First, you don’t need to buy…0001
- Main
- Professional security systems
- Computer equipment
- Access points
Buy a router in Kaliningrad, Prices for a router, WI-FI router, access point, WI-FI bridge, A wide selection of POE equipment, best prices and a guarantee for the entire range, switches, mikrotik, mikrotik, keenetic, kinetic Kaliningrad
access points, Wi-Fi bridges
Filter:
B400
Check with the manager for availability
Read more
WI-CPE111-KIT
Check with the manager for availability
More
wAP LTE kit (RBwAPR-2nD&R11e-LTE)
In stock
Read more
Navigator Group of Companies is your reliable partner in the selection and installation of access points and Wi-Fi bridges from leading manufacturers such as Mikrotik, Keenetic, TP-Link, Asus, D-Link and others.
