The D-Link N300 DAP-1325 WiFi range extender is a super affordable way to boost your home network range while offering speed and simplicity.
Yes, this isn't as fast as a lot of the competition and nor will it extend as far, but for the price it will get the job done in most smaller scale situations that day to day users need it for.
Setup is super simple and app support means you know what's going on all the time, so you feel in control of your WiFi network. The unobtrusive looks also mean you won't be stuck with an eyesore sticking out of your wall.
If you've got a big house or want to setup an office with high-speed capabilities and need to cover a lot of ground, check out the best WiFi boosters to see if a little more power and expenditure will work for you.
Of course, before you buy a WiFi booster you should consider whether that's really what you need too. It could be that your internet problems stem from your wireless router, or maybe just that you're not with the best internet provider.
So is this the best WiFi extender for your needs? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the D-Link N300 DAP-1325 Wi-Fi Range Extender.
D-Link N300 DAP-1325 review: Design and build
The D-Link N300 DAP-1325 is super minimal with a clean white finish and two external antenna to help boost that WiFi signal as far as possible. This is a wall plug device which means it won't take up room on the side and is super easy to install on your socket.
On the top is an easy to see from above LED light. This is helpful to tell you, at a glance, how good your signal is at any time. The changing colors help to denote the connection – also useful in setup but more on that below.
Also on the top is a WPS button for super simple one touch setup with no need for passwords. On the bottom is a LAN Ethernet port that allows you to use this as a hard wired access point repeater for your network.
The unit weights in at just 3.42oz and stands at 3.9 inches high, 1.9 inches wide and stands out two inches from the wall. All that means this sits flush in the socket and won't be in danger of hanging or slipping.
D-Link supports the N300 DAP-1325 with a one year limited warranty.
WiFi rating: AC1200
WiFi spec: 802.11g/n
Antennas: 2 external
Ports: Ethernet
Range: 4,000+ sq ft
D-Link N300 DAP-1325: Features
The D-Link N300 DAP-1325 extender's top feature, other than that price, has to be ease of use. This is made to be setup by anyone, even someone who has never worked with networking before.
The backing of an app and that LED light combine to help you setup this unit in the ideal spot for the best possible signal boost.
Speeds can then be decent thanks to that double antenna system which offers a 300Mbps top end. Yup, that might limit some people but for a smaller space, like an office or hallway boost, this can do the job well.
That Ethernet port makes this a viable access point extender. By using that cable connection it means you get the maximum signal into the extender before that is broadcast out again to the new area of your property.
The setup wizard, included with the app, is also worth a mention as that really helps with setup initially if you're not going the WPS route.
D-Link N300 DAP-1325: Performance
The performance level of the D-Link N300 DAP-1325 is decent. Expect to get good speeds at around the 50 yard mark with a good few thousand square feet of coverage potential.
As mentioned the setup is super simple. Plug this in, check the light is green to the most bars, so you know the signal from the router is being received strongly. If it's yellow then you can it move closer to the router. Then open the app and follow the instructions of the setup wizard for a network extension that's up a running in literally minutes.
All that said, there is a one-touch WPS setup option. If your router also has this WPS button then it's as simple as pressing it on each and they will connect themselves without you needing to do anything.
Real world speeds, despite that top-end 300Mbps claim, are likely to be closer to the 20Mbps mark. Fine for streaming 4K Netflix then, so, for the price, it does the job.
Should I buy the D-Link N300 DAP-1325?
The D-Link N300 DAP-1325 is a very affordable and super simple to setup WiFi range extender option for anyone that wants a basic booster. Speed and range are limited, compared to the higher end, but then the price is far less.
The one year warranty is a nice addition but with an easy setup and very little to go wrong you should know if this is for you within minutes of taking it out of the box.
