I pre-ordered this product 6 months before it was released. Three different release dates came and went until finally it arrived at my door without notice. When I opened the Amazon box, I saw the first problem. Although I ordered it in black, I received a white one. I was replacing a white one so I figured, what the heck, let’s go with it. I opened it up, looked at the very sparse instructions, plugged it in and within a few minutes it was up and running. However I wanted to use this as an access point and not any of the other three options offered on the setup wizard. More on that later.
Prior to this arriving I would comb through the dozens of questions people posted on the pre order page. One of my favorites was repeated by several people, “Do I still need internet service if I get this”? OF COURSE YOU DO! That’s like asking if you still need food if you get a new refrigerator. If you are asking this question, I highly recommend you enlist a qualified professional to help you assess your needs and get you set up. With that out of the way, let’s get into what this little guy can do.
As Wireless Range Extender (Repeater):
Think of this as a relay race where one runner reaches a mark, hands off the baton to the next runner, who then takes it to the next mark. This assumes you already have the first runner and of course the baton. So to use this as a wireless repeater you need an existing internet connection and wireless router. You will put the Almond 3 somewhere in your house where you get a good wireless signal using any other device such as a smart phone, laptop or tablet. Check to see you have most of your bars on your device, find a wall plug and fire up the almond 3 and follow the on screen directions to set up a “Range Extender”. (The device is just for checking the signal, not for setting up the Almond 3) If you put the Almond 3 too far from your existing wireless router, you will have the same crappy wireless speed you do now. Only you will be confused because you will see you have all the bars on the device which will be coming from the Almond 3. Remember, the Almond is only handing off the same signal it gets. If the signal is bad, that’s what you will get. So keep the Almond 3 as close to the existing wireless router to the point where you just start losing bars on your devices. However don't put it too close to the existing wireless router, or the signals may compete with each other.
As A Wireless Router:
This assumes a few things. First, that you have an existing internet connection. Second, that you are comfortable replacing the main router in your house. This means you will be taking the internet connection from your provider, disconnecting and turning off the the main router and plugging this in its place. In the case of cable internet, you will have to at least have a cable modem from your provider. (NOTE: Only qualified network engineers would ever have two routers in one home). If you set up the Almond as a router and you already have a router, you will start experiencing all kinds of network issues up to and including completely crashing your network and internet connection. Once you have put this in place of your existing router, simply fire it up and follow the on screen wizard.
As A Mesh Network:
If you don’t know what a mesh network is, then do not attempt to try this. Just use one of the above choices. If you know what a mesh network it, simply fire up the Almond 3 and follow the on screen prompts.
As An Access Point:
Again, unless you know the difference between a router and an access point, you are better off choosing one of the first two configurations. To start with, an access point assumes you have an actual Ethernet cable coming from an existing router somewhere in the house. This could be next to the router, or anywhere in the house using a switch or a switched port on the main router. If you are already lost, stop here and choose one of the first two options. If you know what you are doing, then follow these steps. Connect the Almond as a router with your network cable in the WAN port. Configure the setup wizard as a router (its ok to do that for now). When you complete the setup, go to the home screen, select the MORE icon followed by the Access Point icon. Once that’s done you can set up the SSIDs the way you want. It’s unfortunate that Access Point is not an option at startup. It seems an obvious deficiency.
Once You Are Set UP:
Once you get through the first setup screens you get the option to configure the Almond trough an App on your phone. I would download the Almond App before you get started on any of the above options. That will make the final steps of the wizard go much easier. Follow all the prompts to configure the App. (NOTE: this does not connect your phone to your new wireless connection; it only connects the App for future use). Once you get your phone connected to the new wireless connection and get the App set up, you can configure some of the more frequently used options right from your phone. Also don’t forget to update the firmware by going into the setup icon from the device. Finally, make sure you password protect the Almond 3 display so no one can change you configuration.
The App:
The app is a great tool for many reasons. With the optional smart home dongle you can connect all sorts of devices to automate your home. But right out of the box, you can track your family coming and going using their smart phones as sensors. You can be alerted every time someone connects to your network. You can turn on a “guest” network when you have company. The guest network is segregated from your home network so you don’t have to worry about prying eyes on your other network devices. . I am not sure how much I trust this, but a quick test did in fact block traffic from the guest network to the rest of the house. Just make sure you remember to turn it off or your neighbors will be stealing your internet. Finally you can rename your wireless connection from the App for both the 2.4 and 5.7 MHz connections. I suggest using the same wireless name (SSID) and password for both. (NOTE: never name your wireless connection your real name).
The Range & Conclusion:
The range is outstanding! I have a full 5 bars everywhere in my house. My wireless speeds in my bedroom went from 10 to 15 Mbps to 65 – 70 Mbps. My wife is very happy about that. Happy wife, happy life. There is no perfect electronic device and this is no exception. I am using Samsung’s Smartthings for my smart home, so I may not ever get around to playing with that feature on the Almond 3, but one never knows. For the price, the features and performance of this device is far superior to anything I have seen on the market to date. It rivals some of the $800.00 Cisco Meraki enterprise wireless devices we use at work. The free App & cloud service is just icing on the cake.
Whether you are a network engineer or complete novice, most people should be able to get this to work if they select the right options at startup. I am very happy with this purchase and so far it was well worth the wait.
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The best tech support you will ever get from a tech company. In fact, prior to Almond 2015 I had the original Almond for which the warranty has long expired. Securifi provided me tech support over the phone for an out-of-warranty device. Most amazingly, when I called it was outside business hours for their support, so I hang up. A couple of hours later a tech called me up to my caller ID to see if I needed any help. Quite remarkable.
As for the Almond 2015 - an awesome device. I use it as a range extender rather than a router and its the best extender I found, after trying several others. The 2015 model supports home automation too. They even threw in a surprise 'one more thing' in the package (yeah, they actually wrote 'one more thing' on the box..) - a Peanut. Its their wireless power monitoring switch. You sync it with the Almond, and control it via an iPhone app. I hooked it to a floor lamp and now I can turn the light on and off via my phone. Super cool.
One caveat - the Almond firmware was a bit buggy and I had to call tech support and get a new firmware emailed to me to resolve the issues. But given the awesome tech support as mentioned above it was a breeze to resolve.
I bought this more expensive device to use as a ranger extender when we had to set up a home office that required the modem/router to be upstairs. Our home is about 2400 sq feet, with the office in a bonus room upstairs. I have this unit located at the bottom of the stairs and we have Comcast Xfinity internet.
I chose this based on the Amazon reviews of the ease of use, dependability, and customer service. I'm not tech savvy, so I was looking for something that would not require an advanced degree to use. This fits the bill for a person like me. I was able to set it up with ease, really almost 'plug and play'. We have multiple devices connecting to it and have seen no slow down, no dropping anywhere we are in the house. I haven't tested it out in the backyard yet.
Yesterday, our internet dropped and I had to reset the modem. I noticed that the Almond was having trouble holding the signal and appeared to be offline, but yet I had no problem getting the signal furthest from the modem. I went to Securifi's website to FAQ. I saw that there was an issue with the Almond 'appearing' offline, but was actually online, and a simple update would fix it. I followed the instructions, but my Almond needed to go to the next step which required it to be done with UI, which of course, I had to google to find out what UI means, lol. At this point, I'm thinking I need a cord and I'm not sure what to do, so I call tech support.
A Mr. Raju answers my call. I notice this is probably an overseas call center. I usually dislike getting the overseas call centers because most of the time, even if the person speaks English, there is something lost in context and it can be difficult to get the customer service/tech support agent to understand my issue. Not in this case. Mr. Raju not only speaks excellent English, but he had no trouble understanding my situation and what I needed to do. I did not get the 'run-around', I didn't get 'scripted' responses, I didn't get a condescending attitude, I just got step by step, EXTREMELY COURTEOUS help. He explained everything I needed to do, stayed with me on the phone about 20 min or so to make sure everything was up and running properly after the update, AND he even gave me some very good advice should my internet drop again and how to reset the modem and my Almond. It was so refreshing to have a kind, patient and polite individual to help me and treat me respectfully. In the day and age of 'no-customer service', this was a pleasant surprise and I would recommend this product and the company to friends and family. For me, it was worth the extra money for the peace of mind and ease of use!
I also want to give a plug to Amazon. I've been a prime member for almost 3 yrs. I was late to get into shopping with Amazon, and only because I got the freebie Prime trial when I bought my mother a kindle. I LOVE it. I do a lot of shopping with Amazon, especially on subscribe and save. And anytime I need honest reviews on an item, even if I don't purchase the said item from Amazon, I go here to see what people are reporting. Also, the only other time I have had a good experience with an overseas call center was with Amazon. I have had a couple of minor issues that required me calling customer service. Sometimes I get people in the US, and sometimes in the Philippines. Every time I have gotten the Philippines, it's the same as with Securifi tech support. The Amazon call centers in the US and Philippines have been so nice, so easy to talk with, 0 problems in communication and every issue has been handled beyond my expectations. Kudos to Amazon and their employees.!
I had my doubts about this unit. I have a man cave 75 feet from my house. The walls in my house are 3/4 inch tongue and grove on all inside and outside walls. My WFI single has to go through all this to reach my man cave. I have been so frustrated because I could not get a decent WIFI single to my cave for my laptop and security camera. I had to run an underground CAT6 Ethernet wire to my man cave to even be able to stream on my laptop.This was the third WIFI Extender I tried.
The unit came in and I thought no way is this little box going to do the job of other more expensive extenders I have tried. Well in three minutes it was up and running. I did the install in the house right next to my router. I powered the unit down and took it outside and power it up in my man cave. I was amazed!! I have full WIFI now for my Security Camera, Cells Phones and Laptop if I choose to go from Ethernet to WIFI. My son can now come over and connect with his phone or laptop. This is going to be great this year for Fantasy Football!!
This product is just amazing, I love it and would recommend it 100% as a WIFI extender. I would buy another one but I don't need it. This one does the job in all directions.
This is a preliminary review, as I just received mine two days ago and installed it yesterday. I haven't pushed anything to the limits, haven't run speed tests, none of that. But here's where I am so far.
I needed to cover 2500 sq feet over 3 floors with working wifi. I had an Apple Airport Extreme that I was using as our home's wifi hub, but it was getting long in the tooth and I no longer trusted the hard drive with my backups. Drives only last so many years.
So I received the Almond 3, unplugged the Apple Airport, and started from scratch, connecting the primary Almond directly to my cable modem router. The second unit is on another floor connected to the first unit via ethernet. And the third unit is on the final floor connected to the others wirelessly (no ethernet drop there).
Updating firmware for the primary unit and software for the other units was easy. Not the speediest process in the world, but so what? How often do you need to update firmware? If it takes 10 mins occasionally, that's pretty normal.
Set up is done via the touch screen, each unit comes with a built in (if slightly difficult to access) plastic stylus, and I had it create a mesh in no time. I now have it running a 5ghz network, a 2.4 ghz network, and a guest network. I've connected my home security cameras to it, all our ipads and iphones, some guests on the guest network. Each time, the ios app informs me that a new device has been added.
It also informed me when my xbox signed on, and when my directv unit signed on. I'm assuming there's a way to let it know which units to treat as "known" so I don't get bombarded with "an unknown directv device is using your network" every day, but haven't bothered looking how to do that just yet.
Came with a door sensor for security, haven't installed it yet.
Here are my current questions and areas of concern:
first, haven't run any speed tests yet. I'm very happy that my cameras all work well with the house wifi for the first time ever, no lag or broken video due to poor wifi. But I can't tell you (yet) what speeds I'm getting on each network.
Sonos working through new network perfectly as well (an unknown sonos device has joined...).
Also, I've added a new external hard drive via usb to the primary router, intending to use it as my new backup drive. The system sees it, but won't let me access it, and I haven't figured out how to fix that yet. I'm quite sure it's easy, and I'll resolve that today. But an email to Securifi support sent Sat morning has yet to be answered 24 hours later.
I also emailed them (also no answer) asking what differentiates the Almond 3 from the upcoming Google Wifi routers. Which seem almost identical except minus the touch screen, and you can still get the Google mesh routers for $300, a price point that seems to be gone now from Almond (it was a preorder price only).
I've hooked up my Amazon Echo to the Almond, that's working, but haven't set up any scenes or automated smart home functions just yet.
I'm currently debating if I should get the Google Wifi router and compare the two systems, and return the one that doesn't work as well. Or if I stick with the Almond 3 which, again, is working really well at the moment. Haven't decided just yet.
Update 11/22: -- apparently you can only hook up PC formatted USB drives. So for us Mac users who want to attach a USB drive to use as a Time Machine backup, no can do. They claim this will be addressed in an update... but not a current function. This one issue drops it to 4-stars for me. If it's addressed, I'll go back to 5-stars.
Feature Product
- EASY SETUP: Ridiculously easy to set it up in minutes using the Touchscreen Wizard; NO PC/Mac/CD needed for Setup or Management
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Almond 3 covers 1,300 sq. Ft. Add extra Almond 3 units to create a network for total home Wi-Fi coverage
- SPEED and RELIABILITY: Smart Home Wi-Fi System covers your entire home with Ultra Fast and reliable Wi-Fi.
- INTEGRATED SUPPORT for Phillips Hue, Nest and Amazon Echo. UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE with almost all the ISP's modem/router (Comcast, Verizon, TimeWarner etc.)
- SMART HOME FUNCTIONALITY: Almond 3 doubles as a hub to transform your house into a Smart Home. REMOTELY ACCESS and CONTROL connected sensors using the free Almond iOS and Android apps
Description
Update #2: This review is for the Almond 3, my third purchase of the Almond series. I have had flawless performance and support from Securifi previously. I needed a third device for my home and this product needed to support dual band as I had just upgraded my Spectrum Router to 5G. In a nutshell, this unit is performing flawlessly. Setup was easy although it did take slightly longer (five minutes maybe) as I had to link to 2G and 5G networks (dual band). I was up and running quickly though and it actually took me longer to connect all my devices to the new Almond 3 range extender than it did to connect the Almond 3 to the internet. I also downloaded the Almond app which is fantastic. Easy to use and very clear to understand I can monitor all my Securifi units with this one app. Fantastic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended!
Update: After a year and a half the touch screen on my unit became so faded I could barely read it. I contacted the company and after exchanging several emails, Securifi agreed to replace the unit EVEN THOUGH it was six months out of warranty. I have never received this kind of support from any company and it shows the commitment Securifi has to their products. Everything I stated in my original review (below) still stands. The Almond is the best range extender I have ever purchased and I've tried a few. I purchased and installed a second Almond for a different residence than the original and again, set up and making (and keeping) the internet connection was easy. The connection is of the highest quality. I not only highly recommend the product but the company as well. Thank you Securifi!
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The phrase that attracted me to this product immediately was "3 Minute Setup". I needed a range extender that actually worked and was easy to setup. I've owned several different brands of range extenders and they have all been problematic. Some flat out didn't work at all. Fortunately for me this one by Securifi did. Less than three minute setup. I was up and running in no time and my wireless signal was boosted to maximum. I use this for my computer, streaming to my TV and several other devices (Roku, Chromecast). Before the Almond I couldn't stream at all without lagging, interruptions, or it just wouldn't stream at all. Now I have no problems at all. Highly recommended. I bought this for a second home, I'm going to buy another for my residence.
When my current router started to give out, I research online to check my options. My criteria: 1) Simple, intuitive set up, 2) Something, I could use without the aid of a laptop/pc 3) Could double as an extender if needed and 4) Customer Support. I decided to go with the Securifi Almond 2015 because it checked off all my boxes. I have been using this router since March of last year and have nothing but good things to say about it.
The set up process was a breeze. The simple to use touch screen walked me through and within a few minutes, my internet was set up. If you need to change the name of the router or the password, you can do that easily on the touch screen.
Below is a review on the Tech Support that I received from Almond
Just recently, I was having trouble with my internet. I called my cable company and they told me that the modem that I was provided was working fine and the issue was coming from the router. So, I called Almond tech support to see if they can help me. I spoke to a gentleman by the name of Nitesh.
He started out by verifying that I did indeed having internet by connecting a direct line from my laptop to the modem. Once that was established, he walked me through the process of resetting my router. After that, he helped me get with updating my firmware so the issue wouldn't happen again. The whole process did not take long but it's the way he assisted me that made me feel even more confident in the product and their service.
He went above and beyond by contacting me a few days later to follow up to check that everything was in proper working order. I couldn't have been more grateful to him and his service. If I had to recommend a router for any tech novice, I would highly recommend Almond. Not only because the product is great but their customer service is even better.
I have wanted to get myself a new wifi router and came across this product. After reading about it I figured it was the right one. After receiving it and installing it found it to be extremely easy. I have since gotten the Alexa Echo and have started getting items for my home. Smart lights, plugs, keyless door, Security sensors and Thermostat, This has been a great device. With many of these new items, I have to have a Hub to work it all or an app on my phone for each one. Not with the Almond 3, It is also a hub that works with everything, I only have the app for the almond on my phone. But it controls all my lights,plugs door, lights, and thermostat. Alexa sees everything and works thru the Almond router/hub. If you are looking to make yourself a smart home and security this is the way to go. You are able to connect multiple devices and brands without having to purchase different hubs to run it all. This is the All in One. Also if you every have an issue getting something to connect then support is just a click away. I have contacted them 2 times and both times they helped walk me through it and connect what I was trying to do. This is something I would highly recommend to my friends or anyone that is looking to making their home a Smarthome.
I originally purchased two Almond 3 Wireless Extenders. They had basically just come out when I purchased them, and I had to call their customer service a number of times to get all the problems sorted ut and fixed. I have waited over 18 months, so I could give an accurate review. Firstly the customer service was in India, which I felt were the worst customer service personnel hands down in the whole world! However this was not the case with this company. I was taken back with their patience, their kindness and their willingness to work with me to find a solution! Once we worked through the problems, the Almond 3 has been an outstanding piece of equipment. I have had no problems for well over a year, and the Almond 3 performs its given tasks in an outstanding way. I highly recommend the company Securifi, their product and those who work in the customer service office. If you want a good product that works, then I would have to say that this is it!
We're using this as a router -- we had new renters move in next door and almost immediately noticed that our wifi connections slowed WAAY down and began dropping out shortly after they moved in. After several months of really slow wifi, and not being sure what the cause of our slow internet was -- I ordered this as a range extender to see if it would help. It did extend our range quite a bit (out into the back yard even) but didn't help with the slowness or connection issues. Not being really tech oriented when it comes to router security, our neighborhood is a small friendly one and we had never had a problem before, I decided to use the Almond as my router -- I was able to EASILY set it up in just minutes as our router and was easily able to adjust the security setting to the highest setting. As I suspected, immediately after setting up the Almond router with stronger security settings and an extremely complicated password, our wifi speed IMMEDIATELY increased back to it's original speed, with NO MORE dropped connections, and has STAYED THAT WAY (fortunately the scumbag renters were evicted a few months later)! This is definitely the easiest router I've ever used and it was great having all the security options so easily available. So that gets 5 stars.
That said, the reason for my 4 star rating, is because it only lasted 9 months before the touchscreen went -- now it's so faint that you can barely read anything on it and I just needed to change some settings and was not able to do it because I can't see the screen well enough to see what I'm doing. (photos attached) I noticed some other reviewers have had the same problem. But I love this router so much, I just ordered a new one. And I just contacted Securefi to see if they will honor the warranty on this one, and I'll update this review with the outcome!
UPDATE: Just changed my rating to 5 stars!! Securefi honored the warranty and sent me a UPS return label to return the nonworking Almond! I'm very pleased with Securefi's customer service -- they were very prompt and courteous. Their web site says the warranty period on the replacement will expire at the same time the original router would have. I would suggest if you buy one these, to be SURE to check it every few weeks -- it's easy just to set it and forget it and not realize that the screen is going until it's too late and the warranty has expired or is close to expiring. If your wifi is slowing down and you are losing your connections, I would strongly suggest that you make sure to set your Almond router at the highest security setting (WPA/WPA2 PSK) and use an online secure password generator to get an extremely complicated password. Also do not use the name Almond in your router name, as that gives hackers a clue as to how to hack it. I set up my replacement Almond as a wifi range extender, and again, don't use the Almond name for the Almond range extender, and give it a SEPARATE password to log in to it. It will automatically use the same password as your router, but you should change it to something else.
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