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Top Outdoor Access Points (APS) For 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you're setting up a network in a rugged environment, open field, or a sheltered outdoor area, outdoor access points (APs) provide the durability and range needed to deliver reliable WiFi beyond indoor spaces. With advances in WiFi 6 and more robust hardware, outdoor APs are becoming essential for a variety of scenarios, from businesses to rural installations.
Here’s our guide to the top outdoor APs for 2024, including devices from Ubiquiti, MikroTik, and TP-Link:
Ubiquiti UniFi FlexHD – Best Outdoor Access Point in the WiFi 5 Range
The Ubiquiti UniFi FlexHD is a dependable WiFi 5 outdoor solution. While it lacks WiFi 6, its consistent performance and compact design make it ideal for steady connectivity without top-end speeds. It performs well outdoors in sheltered locations.
- WiFi Generation: WiFi 5
- Best For: General outdoor use in WiFi 5 environments
- Key Features: Compact design, easy installation
2. Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Long-Range – WiFi 6 for Sheltered Outdoor Areas
The UniFi U6 Long-Range works well in sheltered outdoor areas like covered patios. This WiFi 6 AP offers extended coverage and faster speeds in an outdoor-friendly design.
- WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
- Best For: Semi-outdoor use in sheltered locations
- Key Features: Extended range, WiFi 6 speeds
SHOP UBIQUITI UNIFI U6 LONG-RANGE
3. Ubiquiti UniFi Swiss Army Knife Ultra – Indoor/Outdoor Flexibility
The UniFi Swiss Army Knife Ultra is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering WiFi 5 connectivity in fluctuating conditions. It’s a good choice for users needing reliable connectivity indoors and outdoors.
- WiFi Generation: WiFi 5
- Best For: Mixed-use, flexible indoor/outdoor installations
- Key Features: Adaptable design for multiple environments
SHOP UBIQUITI UNIFI SWISS ARMY KNIFE ULTRA
4. Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Mesh – Robust WiFi 6 Outdoor Solution
The UniFi U6 Mesh is a rugged outdoor WiFi 6 AP capable of handling faster speeds and higher device volumes, making it ideal for larger outdoor areas.
- WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
- Best For: Full outdoor environments, high device volume
- Key Features: Increased capacity, outdoor-ready
5. MikroTik wAP LTE Kit (2024) – Outdoor AP with LTE Connectivity
The MikroTik wAP LTE Kit (2024) combines WiFi and LTE for outdoor setups where traditional broadband isn’t available, using a SIM card for connectivity.
- WiFi Generation: LTE and WiFi support
- Best For: Rural and remote setups with LTE connectivity
- Key Features: SIM-based connectivity, compact design
6. MikroTik NetMetal ax – High-Performance WiFi 6 for Harsh Environments
The MikroTik NetMetal ax offers WiFi 6 in a rugged design suited for industrial or outdoor environments needing robust, high-capacity APs.
- WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
- Best For: Harsh environments, industrial use
- Key Features: Rugged build, supports additional antennas for increased range
7. TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor – Basic Outdoor WiFi 5 Access Point
The TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor is an affordable WiFi 5 AP for basic outdoor networking needs in WiFi 5 setups, ideal for small businesses or personal use.
- WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
- Best For: Small outdoor networks on a budget
- Key Features: Affordable, easy to install
8. TP-Link AX1800 Outdoor WiFi 6 Access Point – WiFi 6 in a Durable Design
The TP-Link AX1800 Outdoor AP offers robust WiFi 6 connectivity with a durable design for demanding outdoor environments, ideal for future-proofing outdoor networks.
- WiFi Generation: WiFi 6
- Best For: Businesses requiring durable, high-speed outdoor coverage
- Key Features: Durable build, WiFi 6 performance
SHOP TP-LINK AX1800 OUTDOOR WIFI 6 ACCESS POINT
Choosing the Right Outdoor Access Point for Your Needs
Selecting the best outdoor AP comes down to understanding your environment and connectivity needs. For fully weatherproof solutions, consider the Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Mesh, MikroTik NetMetal ax, and TP-Link AX1800. For budget-friendly or semi-outdoor needs, the TP-Link EAP225 or Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Long-Range offer reliable performance. For areas without fixed internet, the MikroTik wAP LTE Kit provides SIM-based LTE connectivity.
For more information on the full range of APs available from MS Dist, feel free to contact our friendly team, who are more than happy to assist with any queries you might have.