Wi-Fi Router Coverage Test South Africa: Which is Best?
Our Wi-Fi router coverage test South Africa reveals the top performers for local homes. 📶 We tested leading brands like TP-Link, ASUS, and Netgear through thick walls and double storeys to find the ultimate router for stable, fast internet. Stop guessing and find your perfect signal! 💪
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Is your Wi-Fi signal weaker than a Monday morning? You’ve got blazing-fast fibre, a beastly gaming rig… but you’re still getting lag spikes in the one room you actually want to use. You're not alone. Many South African homes, with their classic thick brick walls, are Wi-Fi black holes. Forget guesswork. It’s time to run a proper Wi-Fi router coverage test and find out exactly where your signal is letting you down. 📶
TP-Link Deco M5 AC1300 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System - 3 Pack / Wi-Fi dead-zone killer / TP-Link HomeCare / Enhanced 11AC speeds / Connects over 100 devices / Seamless Roaming / NET-TL-DECO-M5-3PK
R3499.00In Stock
TITAN Silica N300 Wireless Router / Fast Connection / Energy Saving / 32 Users / TIT-CF-WR613N
R399.00In Stock
TP-Link Deco Voice X20 AX1800 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System with Alexa Built-In, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ports, Coverage up to 4000 ft2 ,1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU, HomeShield Security, Pack of 3
R7499.00In Stock
TP-LINK RE505X AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender / Built-In Access Point Mode / Gigabit Ethernet Port / Intelligent Signal Light / Cutting-Edge Wi-Fi 6 / Expand Coverage / Adaptive Path Selection / RE505X
R899.00In Stock
TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi AXE11000 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh Network System(Deco XE200) - Replaces Wireless Internet Router and Extender, 10Gbps Ethernet Port, Compatible with Alexa, 2-Pack / NET-DECO-XE200-2PK
R13999.00In Stock
Tp-Link Deco X10 AX1500 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System, Supports OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, Covers up to 5,600 Sq.Ft - NET-TL-DECO-X10-3PK
R3399.00In Stock
Understanding Wi-Fi Coverage in South Africa
Before we test, let's understand the enemy. In SA, it's not just about distance. The biggest culprits killing your Wi-Fi performance are physical obstructions.
- Brick & Concrete Walls: Unlike drywall, these materials absorb Wi-Fi signals like a sponge. A signal that’s strong in the lounge might barely exist in the braai room.
- Metal & Appliances: Your fridge, microwave, and even metal door frames can reflect and scatter signals, creating frustrating dead zones.
- Neighbourhood Congestion: In dense suburbs or apartment blocks, your router is fighting for airtime with dozens of others. This interference can throttle your speed and stability.
A basic ISP-provided router often just can't cope. Conducting a quick router test in your South African home will give you the data you need to fight back.
How to Conduct Your Own Wi-Fi Router Coverage Test
You don’t need fancy lab equipment for this. Your smartphone is the only tool you'll need to map out your home's signal strength. It’s a simple process that gives you a clear picture of your network's health.
Step 1: Get a Wi-Fi Analyser App
First, grab a free app. For Android, WiFi Analyzer is a classic. For iPhone users, Apple’s own AirPort Utility has a hidden scanner you can enable in the settings. These apps measure signal strength in decibels-milliwatts (dBm).
Step 2: Map Your Home & Key Areas
Draw a rough floor plan of your house. Mark the location of your router and the key spots where you need flawless internet: your gaming setup, the smart TV, your home office, and maybe that one corner on the patio where you like to stream music.
TP-Link Deco M5 AC1300 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System - 3 Pack / Wi-Fi dead-zone killer / TP-Link HomeCare / Enhanced 11AC speeds / Connects over 100 devices / Seamless Roaming / NET-TL-DECO-M5-3PK
R3499.00In Stock
TP-LINK RE505X AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender / Built-In Access Point Mode / Gigabit Ethernet Port / Intelligent Signal Light / Cutting-Edge Wi-Fi 6 / Expand Coverage / Adaptive Path Selection / RE505X
R899.00In Stock
Cudy AC1200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Mesh System - 1 Pack / 10/100Mbps Ethernet Ports + 2 Internal Antennas / 867Mbps on 5GHz and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz / M1200-1PACK
R499.00In Stock
TP-Link Deco Voice X20 AX1800 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System with Alexa Built-In, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ports, Coverage up to 4000 ft2 ,1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU, HomeShield Security, Pack of 3
R7499.00In Stock
Cudy AC1200 4G LTE CAT 6 Wi-Fi Router / 4G CAT 6 with Max 300Mbps DL / 4x Gigabit Ethernet Port / 2x Nano SIM Slots / 4-Stream Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5 / LT700
R1899.00In Stock
TP-Link Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE22000 Whole Home Mesh System (Deco BE85) | 12-Stream 22 Gbps 2× 10G + 2.5G Ports Wired Backhaul, 8× High-Gain Antennas VPN, AI-Roaming, 4×4 MU-MIMO, HomeShield(2-Pack) / NET-DECO-BE85-2PK
R20999.00In Stock
Step 3: Walk, Test, and Record 📝
Stand right next to your router and note the dBm reading. It should be excellent, around -30dBm to -50dBm. Now, walk to each key area you marked on your map. Stand still for 30 seconds and record the dBm reading.
- -30 to -60 dBm: Excellent. You're sorted for 4K streaming and competitive gaming.
- -60 to -70 dBm: Good to Okay. Fine for browsing, but you might see buffering or lag spikes under load.
- -75 dBm & below: Poor. This is your problem zone. Disconnects and lag are almost guaranteed.
If your PC is in a weak spot but can't be moved, a simple hardware upgrade like installing new wireless adapters can often make a massive difference by providing better antennas and newer Wi-Fi technology.
TIP FOR YOU
="Check Both Bands!" , Most modern routers broadcast on two frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 5GHz band is faster but has shorter range. The 2.4GHz band is slower but better at penetrating walls. Make sure you test both to see which one performs better in different rooms!
Analysing Your Results: How to Fix Wi-Fi Dead Zones
So, you've found a few dead zones. What now? Don't stress, you have several options to improve your router's coverage and get the performance you're paying for.
If your entire home has mediocre signal, the problem is likely the router itself. The free units supplied by ISPs are built to a budget. Upgrading to a quality aftermarket router, especially one from our powerful range of fibre routers, can provide a night-and-day improvement in both speed and range. Look for models with Wi-Fi 6 (AX) technology for the best performance with modern devices.
For larger homes or tricky layouts, a single router might never be enough. For specific, hard-to-reach areas, affordable wireless range extenders can grab the existing signal and rebroadcast it, effectively eliminating a dead zone. For seamless whole-home coverage, a Mesh Wi-Fi system is the ultimate solution.
TITAN Silica N300 Wireless Router / Fast Connection / Energy Saving / 32 Users / TIT-CF-WR613N
R399.00In Stock
TP-Link Archer MR400 AC1350 Wireless Dual Band 4G LTE Router / Cutting-edge 4G network / Plug a SIM card and play / 2× Detachable External 4G LTE Antennas / 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz / ARCHER-MR400
R1499.00In Stock
TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi AXE11000 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh Network System(Deco XE200) - Replaces Wireless Internet Router and Extender, 10Gbps Ethernet Port, Compatible with Alexa, 2-Pack / NET-DECO-XE200-2PK
R13999.00In Stock
TP-Link Deco X50 AX3000 Whole Home AI-Driven Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System, Dual-Band with Gigabit Ports, Coverage up to 4,500 ft2, Connect up to 150 devices, 1 GHz Dual-Core CPU, HomeShield Security, Pack of 2 / NET-TL-DECO-X50-2PK
R4199.00In Stock
TP-LINK ER605 Omada Gigabit VPN Router / Integrated into Omada SDN / Centralized Management / Five Gigabit Ports / Up to 4 WAN Ports / NET-ER605
R1199.00In Stock
TP-LINK RE505X AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender / Built-In Access Point Mode / Gigabit Ethernet Port / Intelligent Signal Light / Cutting-Edge Wi-Fi 6 / Expand Coverage / Adaptive Path Selection / RE505X
R899.00In Stock
Finding the Best Router for Maximum Coverage in SA 🚀
When you're ready to upgrade, look for features designed to maximise range and stability.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): This isn't just about speed. Wi-Fi 6 is significantly more efficient at handling multiple devices and performs better in congested environments.
- Beamforming: This tech is brilliant. Instead of broadcasting the signal equally in all directions, it focuses the signal directly towards your connected devices, like a Wi-Fi spotlight.
- High-Gain Antennas: More, larger antennas generally mean better signal propagation. Don't underestimate their power.
Choosing the right device is the most critical step. A solid router is the heart of your home network, and getting it right ensures every device runs smoothly. Take a moment to explore Evetech's curated selection of high-performance wireless routers to find the perfect fit for your space and budget.
Ready to Banish Lag for Good? Your test results are in, and the solution is clear. Explore our complete range of wireless networking gear to build a powerful, reliable home network that keeps up with your every click.
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TP-Link Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE22000 Whole Home Mesh System (Deco BE85) | 12-Stream 22 Gbps 2× 10G + 2.5G Ports Wired Backhaul, 8× High-Gain Antennas VPN, AI-Roaming, 4×4 MU-MIMO, HomeShield(2-Pack) / NET-DECO-BE85-2PK
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Cudy AC1200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Mesh System - 3 Pack / 10/100Mbps Ethernet Ports + 2 Internal Antennas / 867Mbps on 5GHz and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz / M1200-3PACK
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TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi AXE11000 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh Network System(Deco XE200) - Replaces Wireless Internet Router and Extender, 10Gbps Ethernet Port, Compatible with Alexa, 2-Pack / NET-DECO-XE200-2PK
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TITAN Silica N300 Wireless Router / Fast Connection / Energy Saving / 32 Users / TIT-CF-WR613N
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TP-Link Archer MR400 AC1350 Wireless Dual Band 4G LTE Router / Cutting-edge 4G network / Plug a SIM card and play / 2× Detachable External 4G LTE Antennas / 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz / ARCHER-MR400
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For double-storey homes, a mesh system like the TP-Link Deco or a powerful Wi-Fi 6 router like the ASUS RT-AX86U often provides the best coverage, eliminating dead zones upstairs.
You can use free mobile apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android or AirPort Utility for iOS. Walk around your home and note the signal strength (measured in dBm) in different rooms.
Absolutely. For the best coverage, place your router in a central, elevated location, away from thick walls, large metal objects, and other electronic devices like microwaves.
Yes, Wi-Fi 6 routers generally offer better range and performance, especially in homes with many connected devices, thanks to technologies like OFDMA and improved Beamforming.
To improve Wi-Fi signal through thick walls, consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system, using a Wi-Fi extender, or positioning your router to minimize the number of walls it must pass through.
A mesh Wi-Fi system is definitely worth it for larger South African homes or those with complex layouts and thick walls, as it provides seamless, consistent coverage throughout the property.
