The “IQ-tax” rumor started because people plugged a $9 box into a dead-black corner and expected magic. 

A repeater is not a miracle amplifier—it’s a relay runner. Put it where the baton (your router’s signal) is still breathing and it will sprint the last mile. Park it in a zero-bar tomb and it will happily relay… nothing.

Three buying rules to turn cents into coverage

1. Position = ½ the performance  

Rule of thumb: half-way between router and dead zone, where you still see two bars. Use any free Wi-Fi analyzer app; aim for –60 dBm or stronger.

2. Speed grade must ≥ the router  

Gigabit router + 100 Mbps repeater = instant 100 Mbps ceiling for every device behind it. Match or beat the router’s tier:  

• 300 Mbps ISP → 300 Mbps repeater minimum  
• 500 Mbps+ ISP → AC1200 dual-band  
• AX router → AX repeater (or you waste Wi-Fi 6 gains)3. Dual-band > single-band every time  

2.4 GHz travels, 5 GHz delivers speed. A dual-band repeater gives you both lanes; single-band is a one-lane traffic jam.

Pick your tier

CF-WR300S – 300 Mbps, single-band  

$12-ish, wall-plug. Perfect for grandma’s Kindle on the back porch.

CF-WR1200R – AC1200, dual-band  

$25, external antennas. Covers the whole flat when the main router sits in the foyer.

CF-AX3000 – AX3000, Wi-Fi 6  

$60, four-stream. Keeps OFDMA and 160 MHz intact if you already rock an AX router and want 500 Mbps in every corner.

Bottom line  

A repeater isn’t snake-oil—it’s a scalpel. Buy the right speed, park it in the right place, and you’ll spend pocket change instead of rebuilding your whole network.