Editor’s Note: This product has been removed from our side-by-side comparison because it has been discontinued. You can still read our original review below, but Top Ten Reviews is no longer updating this product’s information.
The D-Link DAP-1330 certainly isn’t in the same league as the best Wi-Fi boosters on the market, like the Netgear Nighthawk EX7000 and its performance doesn’t compare to that of a mesh router. Still, it’s very easy to set up, comes with a 300 Mbps throughput rating and costs less than $30. If you live in a small house or apartment with dead spots in your wireless signal, the DAP-1330 might be your best option. There’s no need to spend more than is necessary when the DAP-1330 easily fills out the holes in your wireless signal.
When you live in a small home or apartment, your best option to fill dead spots might be to simply upgrade your router, especially if you’ve been using the same one for years. An upgraded router is likely going to provide the best wireless signal, and you won’t have to sign in to more than one network – it can be frustrating to have two wireless networks in a small area. For example, moving 10 feet from your dining area to your living room could require signing on to a second network. That said, not everybody can afford to upgrade their router, which is why an affordable Wi-Fi booster is a good option.
As an N300 range extender, it’s rated for 300 Mbps throughput, which is fast enough to provide decent speed for most networks. The boosted signal isn’t going to be as fast as your main signal, in part because the DAP-1330 only works on the 2.4GHz band, but also because Wi-Fi range extenders are typically about half as fast as your main network signal.
The DAP-1330’s easy setup is one its best features. It only takes a few minutes – you simply plug it into a wall outlet, press the WPS button on your router, press the corresponding WPS button the DAP-1330 and you’re done. You can also use the D-Link mobile app to walk you through the steps and adjust the settings.
Its design is simple but effective. The DAP-1330 is small and plugs directly into any outlet you want, so you can place it in the optimal spot to cover dead spots. It also features LED lights that let you know how strong the signal is. In addition, the antennas are adjustable, which give you great control over the horizontal and vertical placement of the signal.
The DAP-1330 isn’t perfect. It only has one Ethernet port for wired devices, and it only runs on a single band. Users often say the effective range is shorter than they expected, which is a common complaint with Wi-Fi boosters. There are certainly better performing range extenders, but not at this price.
The D-Link DAP-1330 is the best option for small homes and apartments that need a Wi-Fi signal in tricky areas. At less than $30, it’s not a major investment, and it’s an easy way to upgrade your wireless network.
