CHIP’s laboratory comparison measures Fritz! repeaters across long-distance, multi-stream and wired-access-point tests, with the Fritz!Repeater 2700 taking the top spot and the 1700 offering a cheaper alternative.
CHIP’s latest comparison of Fritz! Wi-Fi repeaters is built around a controlled laboratory method that aims to measure real-world performance, not just headline specifications. In the test room, each repeater is paired with a router and judged against a notebook fitted with an Intel BE200 wireless module, allowing the benchmark to reflect contemporary Wi-Fi hardware rather than older client devices. The central criterion is throughput, with download and upload measured across several scenarios to show how each model behaves under both favourable and more demanding conditions.
The publication separates the speed test into two main distances. In the “optimal” case, the router sits 12 metres from the repeater, while the “practical” scenario stretches that gap to 30 metres. CHIP also tests each device as an access point, using an Ethernet cable between router and repeater at the 12-metre position, which shows what the hardware can do when the wireless backhaul is removed from the equation. To push the equipment further, the laboratory runs the measurements with eight simultaneous data streams to a server, a more strenuous setup that can expose differences in sustained transfer capacity.
Performance is only one part of the score. CHIP also assesses the range of wireless bands, channel width and support for multi-link operation, alongside physical controls and connectivity. That includes whether the unit can switch its radio on and off from the device itself, whether wall mounting is possible, and how many LAN ports are provided and at what speed. Security and software features are also counted, including default password handling, WPA3 activation, operating modes, mesh integration, LED brightness controls and the quality of the companion smartphone app. Ease of use matters as well, with the testers looking at guided setup, a simplified configuration mode and automatic firmware installation.
Power consumption completes the picture. CHIP measures electricity use in both standby and active operation, then converts those figures into an annual estimate. The weighting is heavily tilted towards speed, which accounts for 35 per cent of the final mark, followed by equipment at 25 per cent and functionality at 20 per cent. Ease of use and power draw each contribute 10 per cent. In its wider ranking, CHIP currently names the Fritz!Repeater 2700 as the test winner, while the Fritz!Repeater 1700 is presented as a lower-cost alternative, underlining how the site tries to balance raw performance with value for money. According to other recent CHIP round-ups, the broader field remains competitive, with several models offering strong mesh support and respectable speeds, while reviews from COMPUTER BILD and TechRadar show that buyers are still weighing speed, range and price across a fast-moving market.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
