WiFiBlast Range Extender
WiFiBlast Range Extender boosts signals from your router so that you can get a better internet signal in rooms or areas of your home that typically get little to no signal. The device provides a more solid connection to these areas but tends to be expensive.
WiFiBlast Range Extender Review
WiFiBlast Range Extender is a wireless signal extender that captures your existing Wi-Fi signal and extends it farther so you can, in theory, access your Wi-Fi from rooms and areas that were once too far away.
The device claims it can bring a signal to rooms that were once dead, provide speeds of up to 300 Mbps, and that the set-up process is simple.
Part of the pitch that makes the Blast Extender so interesting is that, aside from the website where you buy the device, there’s another site that has a news-style story of someone named Rick Bennett.
Bennett is preparing to work from home, the story says, but he’s frustrated with slow internet speeds – checking email takes five minutes to load the page.
Bennett calls his internet provider and they send out two technicians. One of the techs tells Bennett his internet is slow because the service provider is ripping him off. The tech goes to his truck, comes back and plus in a Wi-Fi Blast Extender.
“You didn’t get this from me, man. It’s a WiFiBlast. It reconnects the split channels from your router and blasts it across the house,” the tech tells Bennett. “Trust me, you’re not gonna have any troubles with speed anymore.”
While the story is pretty convincing, we felt it was important to analyze exactly what the WiFiBlast provides, talk about some of the claims its marketing makes and then give you a clear layout of how much it costs.
We’ll also spend a few minutes comparing this extender to others on Amazon that received high ratings from users.
How the WiFiBlast Range Extender Works
The Blast Extender plugs straight into a wall like many of the Wi-Fi extenders you’ll find. To set up the device, you’ll need to plug it in. Then, you’ll have the option of either setting up the extender via your phone/tablet or through your desktop computer.
The phone set-up is much easier, according to a YouTube instructional video from the company:
- Open Wi-Fi settings and connect to “WiFi Repeater”
- Type “192.168.101” into the field that pops up
- Use “admin” and “admin” to log into the next page
- Then, tap “repeater mode”
- Create a customized name and password for the repeater
- Connect to the repeater with the password you created
The installation process for a desktop computer (Windows is the example in the video) is a bit more complex, so we’ve included the set-up video below. The desktop instructions start at 0:57:
Interestingly, photos of the WiFiBlast show a one-touch set-up button but the installation video does not mention it. We tried calling customer support, were told there was a five-minute wait, then hung up after waiting 11 minutes.
The Blast supports up to 300 Mbps internet speeds. Anything beyond that will be limited to 300 Mbps.
Once you set up the device, it will extend the existing signal but the Blast Extender’s website doesn’t say how far it sends your signal. What we do know is what the site tells us:
- “Increased WiFi coverage in larger homes or those prone to dead spots”
- “Boost your existing network range”
- “Boost the range of your existing WiFi and create a stronger signal”
What’s really important to point out here is that signal extenders don’t make your internet speed faster. Rather, they send the existing speed farther. So, if your internet speeds are up to 75 Mbps, your extender will only extend speeds of up to 75 Mbps. The device cannot turn 75 Mbps internet into 300 Mbps internet.
One of the interesting claims the Blaster news story makes is that cable companies are using techniques to limit your internet speeds in a way that benefits them. WiFiBlast claims their extender can remedy the problem. We’ll talk about this in the next section.
Does WiFiBlast Range Extender End Internet Company Greed?
In the news article we mentioned earlier, the internet tech explains to Bennett that internet companies are scamming customers. The companies will send you, say, the 75 Mbps you paid for but they’ll split it into two channels – 37.50 Mbps and 37.50 Mbps, for example – but one of those channels is hidden and you can’t access it.
The point of this trick is to get you to upgrade your internet speed, the article says.
We did some research about this concept and found an interesting article from well-known tech site Gizmodo, as well as some good input from customer service agents at local tech/electronics stores.
Here’s a summary of their thoughts about if internet companies purposely throttle your internet speed as the Range Extender’s marketing suggests.
As Gizmodo reporter David Neal points out, router channels exist kind of like lanes on a freeway. Your devices are cars traveling in those lanes.
The more non-overlapping channels a router provides, the more individual lanes your devices can access and the better speeds they’ll get “without them interfering with each other,” Neal writes.
We called a local Best Buy Geek Squad department, explained what WiFiRange as claiming and the phone rep responded, saying, “I’ve never heard of anything like that. To my understanding that’s not something that should be done.”
We then called a local AT&T store and found out a bit more. The person with whom we spoke, a store manager, told us that some internet providers actually do the split-channel method because they offer wireless hot spots.
What this means, the manager told us, is that your internet is split into two channels: one reserved only for you and one reserved for other customers who may want to connect to the provider’s network when they’re within range of your router.
However, the manager told us, you can access both channels if someone isn’t using half your signal for a hotspot. This assertion is contrary to WiFiBlast’s claims that their router can unlock that second channel—it unlocks for everyone, no matter which device or router they use.
WiFiBlast Range Extender Pricing
The cost of one of these devices gets lower the more you buy. Here were the prices at the time of publishing:
- One WiFiBlast: $39.95
- Two: $69.95
- Three: $99.95
- Four: $129.99
Purchasing four of these extenders ends up costing you $32.50 per device, which is around $17.50 cheaper than buying a single extender.
The extender comes with a 90-day guarantee, the website says. If you don’t like it, you can send it back and get a full refund, minus any shipping you paid to ship the return.
The company’s customer service email is support@mywifiblast.com and their phone number is (833)394-6516.
HighYa Readers’ Reviews of WiFiBlast Range Extender
At the time of this update, this device had three reviews from HighYa readers. All three of those readers gave the product a one-star rating and none of them would have recommended the WiFiBlast to a friend.
Complaints focused on the fact that the device didn’t work well and that there were issues getting a refund. In one case, the customer only received about half of what they paid for the device after returning it, while another customer sent the device back to the address on the box and heard nothing from the company afterward.
How WiFiBlast Range Extender Compares to Similar Devices
We did a quick search for range extenders on Amazon and found several top-rated options that offered the same features as the WiFiBlast:
- NETGEAR EX2700: $24.50, 3.9 stars from 40,394 reviews
- TP-Link N300: $16.99, 3.8 stars from 15,680 reviews
Both of these extenders come from reputable companies and they provide the same speed support—300 Mbps—as the WiFiBlast.
What we noticed is that the TP-Link extender provides the extra advantage of doing a one-touch connection to your router instead of having to go through a set-up process via your phone/tablet or computer.
To accomplish this, you’ll press the “WPS” button on your router then press the same button on your extender and it should connect automatically.
Based on features, reviews and pricing, we believe that the TP-Link extender offers the best value because it has a simpler set-up process and costs less than half what you’d pay for a single WiFiBlast device.
The Final Word: Pros and Cons; Tips for the WiFiBlast Range Extender
Based on our research of this product, we believe its greatest strength is that it’s pretty affordable if you buy four of them. For someone who has a big house, a four-pack for $129.99 is cheaper than many options on Amazon.
The drawback is that buying a single extender is relatively expensive, exceeding by more than $10 the price you’d pay for a device from a well-known company like Linksys or TP-Link. Also, the device offers no one-touch setup in its instruction manual despite having a one-touch button in photos provided by the website.
Whichever extender you decide to buy, remember the following tips and advice that we’ve gathered during our research:
- The average router can reach about 100 to 150 feet.
- Walls and other barriers can reduce how far a wireless signal travels
- Name-brand extenders usually have one-year warranties
If you’re the type of person who prefers reading through reviews before buying a product, we suggest heading to a site like Amazon to do your research. The WiFiBlast has limited reviews on its site and none on any other sites we visited.
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2 out 2 people found this review helpful
UTTER RUBBISH
If you are considering buying the WiFi Blast then think again as the device is complete rubbish and the worst part about it is that the company selling the product knows it. I purchased it and paid over $60.00 for it but when it arrived it did not work. I contacted the seller who prattled on about how to set it up but when I finally convinced them that it didn't work they said that they would refund the full amount only if I returned the device in the packaging that it came in and paid for postage myself which would cost about $12.00 or thereabouts. Otherwise, I could get a 60% refund if I didn't send the device back.
Not sure what is worse, that the device didn't work or that the company had a policy to only refund a small portion of the cost price, either way, they still make a profit even if the device doesn't work.
If you are thinking of buying this device, forget it! The best way to describe it is that it is a scam, so stay away.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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2 out 3 people found this review helpful
Rubbish
At first reduced speed to one-tenth. Reset device. Speed improved to half original. Two days later stopped working, just two permanently lit lights. Will not reset. Have put with the rubbish container, not worth the hassle of getting a refund.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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Was charged for a product never purchased
I was looking at the WiFiBlast online and decided to order one. However, before purchasing the ONE device, I was asked to purchase a second one. That made me suspicious because I couldn't figure out how to only purchase the one. I backed out and never completed the purchase by pressing, "Purchase." However, on December 23rd, some days after the fact (maybe December 10th or so) two separate charges appear for a total of $60.23. They only respond by email with a cryptic message that the issue is under consideration. This should have been resolved in a more timely manner. My next step will be to notify my bank.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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10 out 10 people found this review helpful
Started out then spiraled into the dirt.
I had a feeling this was a scam, fake, or useless device. I thought though, it's only $40.00, what can that hurt? I plugged it in, attempted to get it set up. It started to get set up, then decided to just shut everything down. I unplugged it, hit the reset, and tried multiple times to get it reset. Nothing seemed (seems) to work. I began to look at it a little more closely (which I should have done first, silly me) and like others have mentioned this runs on the 2.4ghz side. I don't use that portion of my internet, I run on the 5ghz side and the biggest issue I have is the fact that my internet is provided by Viasat (another scam I fell for), and is mediocre at best. The other thing I have noticed is that my connection is now listed as medium, when I unplug this "wonder" device I go back up to strong. Imagine that, this actually makes things worse. I'll probably just chuck into the bin of laughable useless things I've bought over the years in the vain hope of something actually delivering what was promised. Save your money, buy something from a reputable company and don't think there's actually a fix to throttling, limiting or just poor internet service.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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1 out 9 people found this review helpful
Strong signal received!
I'm not the best with computer skills, but I did figure this out. It hooked right up, set it for repeater mode, relocated it and am now reaping the benefits! I just hope it lasts! Works great. Thanks!
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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18 out 18 people found this review helpful
Useless
This item is absolutely useless. In fact, it made my internet worse! Didn't increase speed, increased buffering on my steaming apps and also made them all do something crazy with the audio!
Have switched back to my original internet and problems fixed!
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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17 out 17 people found this review helpful
Worthless product
It came, we plugged it in, nothing came up in our WiFi list. Called and was rudely treated two times, asked for a supervisor and was told no one was there. Second time was asked if I had a smart phone, told them no, he kept telling me to push reset and unplug and plug the device back in. Reset button pushed in and would not come back out, it sank back into the device. We are sending it back for a refund, which I hope I get. This is a SCAM. Do not buy this product. Less than one star.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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20 out 21 people found this review helpful
Does NOT connect
I should have done more research on this repeater before buying it. I read one (probably paid) review by who I considered to be a reputable writer, who was pleased with the performance and the abillity to connect in an area that internet connection was difficult and spotty. I have one such area in my home that a good connection would be nice, but not absolutely necessary.
I am an experienced computer and network professional, have had a small computer business for over 20 years. I have set up complex networks, multiple internet connections, and have used other (much more expensive and more powerful) range extenders and repeaters. The price for the WiFiBlast is on the higher side for a simple home repeater, but if it worked, would be worth it.
Attempting to set up this repeater was useless. It mattered not where, in relation to the wireless access point (a powerful Netgear dual-band access point) the WiFiBlast was positioned, it refused to even get past the first step. Even when plugging the WiFiBlast within 4 feet of the access point, and entering into the browser URL the IP address, specified (192.168.10.1), the only result is the message: CANNOT CONNECT. Nothing I tried would obtain a connection. If a connection to the network is impossible, of course no configuration is possible, and no network or internet connection is possible.
If a basic configuration connection is impossible, this WiFiBlast is pure junk. I know from reading several reviews that some have been able to make this thing work, but the unit that I was sold, simply, would not. Perhaps it is nothing other than a defective unit, maybe a returned unit sent to me, or confusion on the 2.4 GHz band, used by a bundle of other things. Of course, this does not matter at this point.
As to the bands used by the WiFiBlast, another important point, the WiFiBlast connects (if you can get it to connect) using ONLY the 2.4 GHz band. For those folks who do not know, the 2.4 band is the most common, the slowest, and most unstable band (the cheapest, too, I might add). Nearly everything in one's household using GHz bands to operate, uses the 2.4 band - microwaves, wireless phones, smartphones (if not configured to use the 5.0 band), wireless connections on computers (if not configured to use the 5.0 band). There can be much interference caused by all the items using and attempting to share the 2.4 band. Multiple devices sharing the same band does reduce the bandwidth to each device, thereby slowing the connection, even moreso.
All was not lost for me, though. I purchased, at a bit higher price, a WAVLINK AC1200 DUAL BAND (both the 2.4 and 5.0 bands) repeater, and it instantly connected, no problems at all no matter where in the house I plugged the WAVLINK in.
My only recommendation to other prospective buyers of the WiFiBlast unit - don't waste your money. Do your own research and buy something that you feel will work for you.
I am going to try to return the WiFiBlast and get my refund, but from what I have read, this can be difficult. There is always the possibility to go through my credit card bank for the refund of WiFiBlast does not comply with their stated return and refund policy.
As to the return policy of WiFiBlast (posted on their website, but NOT in an obvious place, you have to hunt it down), they will refund the purchase price. Does not say if they refund the tax collected (if they don't then they just pocket this money for themselves). THEY WILL NOT refund any shipping costs, and YOU PAY the shipping cost to return the defective device. Shipping costs are $4.95 to get it, and my guess is that it will be at least $5.00 to return it, you you are out $10 already for purchasing a defective product. AWFUL.
My choice to get a FULL refund (product + tax + shipping) is to file a dispute with your credit card company. You have nothing to lose here.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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17 out 17 people found this review helpful
WiFiBlast DID NOT WORK
I bought two WiFiBlast units. I installed it as per the directions.
It would not accept my router password, so I called the helpline. They only do basic troubleshooting (push the reset button). When that did not work, they sent me a second unit, but it also could not log on to the router. When I asked for my money back they told me that they would refund me 60% of the cost of the unit, or I could pay shipping and handling, which was more expensive than the 60%.
I went on the web and found a NETGEAR for $8.00 cheaper. Two days later I installed it. It asked for my router's password and it worked perfectly the first time.
It took longer to boot up than it did to set it up.
Instead of fighting with a WiFiBlast, buy a NETGEAR, you will thank me.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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17 out 17 people found this review helpful
Don't waste your money
Found this product thru my speed test app, and assumed it was a worth trying. Every time I plug it in, it disconnects my internet. I unplug and I have internet again. I will also be returning this product and if I don't get an immediate refund I also will dispute the charges thru my credit card company. I usually read reviews first, and I am upset with myself for not doing so first.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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20 out 20 people found this review helpful
Scam product?
Accidentally "ordered" two instead of one when intending to just review the cost, but then there was no way to undo it.
The product is brittle plastic - one broken just changing the American plug pin unit to the UK.
They simply do not work at all!
And the 90-day guarantee is a scam. They won’t send a return postage label even though they have sent defective products. They offered a 65% refund immediately instead of returning them, but have failed to even pay that much as yet.
I only wish I’d read the reviews before buying.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend