The finest Wi-Fi extenders can offer you greater range without slowing down your connection or adding to your workload.
By extending your Wi-Fi coverage across a broader region, the finest Wi-Fi extenders may remove wireless dead spots in your house.
You may extend the range of your home network without breaking the bank by sending a signal farther than your current router can.
These compact and economical gadgets, also known as Wi-Fi boosters, Wi-Fi repeaters, or signal boosters, may expand your Wi-Fi signal where you need it for a fraction of the cost of upgrading to one of the best mesh routers.
We’ve extensively tested and assessed various common Wi-Fi extenders, ranging from low-cost wall plugs that can be concealed under a couch to desktop ones that favor power above aesthetics, and here is how they compare to powerline adapters.
While there are several features and functionalities to consider, the finest Wi-Fi extender for you is the one that enhances your Wi-Fi coverage the most effectively (they can even boost network speed if placed in the right location).
We’ve tried them all, big and little, cheap and costly, to give you the best advise when looking for a Wi-Fi extender.
The finest Wi-Fi extender for you will fulfill your coverage requirements, be easy to operate, and be affordable.
The design, range, throughput, setup procedure, and which parameters you may alter are all factors we considered while ranking these devices.
Our suggestions are based not only on speed and coverage, but also on price, so you can discover the ideal gadget for your requirements without breaking the bank.
Which Wi-Fi Extenders Are The Best?
The TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender is the best Wi-Fi extender on the market, according to our in-depth lab testing and hands-on use in a real home.
It offers excellent range and performance in a plug-in configuration that is simple to set up in almost any space.
It also comes with a smartphone app that makes network management a breeze.
With Wi-Fi 6 speeds and built-in mesh compatibility, the Editor’s Choice Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20) is the most powerful extender we’ve examined, but it’s a bigger desktop device that’s not as simple to conceal.
The Greatest Wi-Fi Extenders On The Market Right Now
#1. TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender
Best Wi-Fi extender overall
Specifications
- Antennas/Removable:Â 4 external/No
- Wi-Fi Spec:Â AC2600 802.11ac dual-band
- Ports:Â 1 gigabit Ethernet
- Size:Â 6.3 x 3.0 x 1.8 inches
Reasons to Purchase
- Excellent performance
- Exceptional user interface
- App for phones and tablets
Reasons to Stay Away
- It has the potential to restrict nearby outlets.
With a handy plug-in design and extended range for large households, the TP-Link RE650 wins the top spot as the finest Wi-Fi extender overall.
It has a lot of power and can reach speeds of up to 75 feet per second.
The TP-Link RE650’s sole flaw is that the plug-in device is big enough that it will likely block surrounding outlets, but it’s a minor issue given the extender’s superb performance.
The TP-Link RE650’s performance was second only to our top overall recommendation, but it provides competitive speeds in a convenient, easy-to-install design.
The TP-Link RE650 is a wonderful solution for big households, with four external antennas and dual-band wireless-AC capability.
You can also use TP-Tether Link’s app to set up and manage your extended network, which provides sophisticated settings and security capabilities right on your phone or tablet.
#2. Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20)
The best extender with Wi-Fi 6 support
Specifications
- Antennas/Removable:Â 4 internal/No
- Wi-Fi Spec:Â AX1800 802.11ax dual band
- Ports:Â 4 gigabit Ethernet
- Size:Â 9.5 x 6.7 x 2.5 inches
Reasons to Purchase
- Support for Wi-Fi 6 and 802.11ax operations
- Customization and security built-in
- Mesh interoperability with other Netgear devices is available.
Reasons to Stay Away
- Design for a large desktop
- There are no USB ports.
The Netgear AX1800 Mesh Extender (EAX20) was already a contender for the greatest Wi-Fi extender you can purchase, with Wi-Fi 6 speeds and even mesh functionality built right in.
While its huge desktop style – without a plug-in design, this extender can’t be hidden behind the sofa or in the corner – and a price that’s more than other routers won’t appeal to everyone, the evidence is in the performance.
And wow, does the Netgear EAX20 live up to its name, with category-leading speeds and a whopping 95-foot range.
The Netgear EAX20 accomplishes one thing very well: it extends faster and farther-reaching networks than the competition.
When you throw in a few customizing choices and a layer of internet security to assist secure your home network, it’s easy to see why this extender is well worth the money.
#3. Rock Space AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender
A great affordable Wi-Fi extender
Specifications
- Antennas/Removable:Â 2 external/No
- Wi-Fi Spec:Â AC1200 802.11ac dual band
- Ports:Â 1 gigabit Ethernet
- Size:Â 3.4 x 3.1 x 2.0 inches
Reasons to Purchase
- The design is simple and inconspicuous.
- Two antennas that may be adjusted
- Townhouses are preferable.
Reasons to Stay Away
- Wi-Fi 6 isn’t supported.
- A mediocre showing
Consider the Rock Space AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender if you’re looking for a low-cost, high-capacity Wi-Fi extender.
This small Wi-Fi extender is a terrific method to cover the occasional dead spot in your Wi-Fi coverage, or to push stronger wireless signals out to your back patio or garage, thanks to its decent basic Wi-Fi performance and dead-simple setup.
You can simply tuck the Rock Space extension out of the way with to its tiny plug-in design and adjustable antennae, and setup takes only minutes with no additional software to worry about.
It’s also a wonderful solution for townhouses and other multi-floor homes, with good middle-of-the-road performance that works equally well across levels as it does room-to-room.
Just don’t expect lightning-fast connections or extensive customizing choices – this is just basic Wi-Fi.
#4. Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender
A great Wi-Fi extender with a low profile
Specifications
- Antennas/Removable:Â 4 external/No
- Wi-Fi Spec:Â 802.11ac dual band
- Ports:Â 1 Gigabit Ethernet
- Size:Â 4.9 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches
Reasons to Purchase
- The design is straightforward.
- Operation in two bands
- Software that is useful
Reasons to Stay Away
- It heats up.
- Unremarkable performance
Do you want to improve the coverage and range of your Wi-Fi network but don’t want to use an extender that sticks out? The Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi range extender is small and low-profile, so it won’t obstruct other outlets or seem like a gaudy gadget item.
It’s easily the greatest Wi-Fi extender we’ve encountered for folks who prefer a non-obtrusive design over an antenna-laden brick that blocks nearby outlets.
Apart from the understated look, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ provides decent throughput speeds and setup assistance to help you select the best location for maximum performance.
The overall performance is decent, but the set-up aid makes it an excellent pick for anybody who needs a little assistance getting things set up properly.
#5. D-Link DAP-1720 Wi-Fi AC1750 Range Extender
Best for two-story homes
Specifications
- Antennas/Removable:Â 3 external/No
- Wi-Fi Spec:Â 802.11ac dual band
- Ports:Â 1 Gigabit Ethernet
- Size:Â 6.4 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches
Reasons to Purchase
- Plug with two prongs
- Excellent multi-story performance
- Setup is simple with the help of a mobile app.
Reasons to Stay Away
- It has the potential to obstruct a nearby outlet.
- Inconsistent performance
The DAP-1720 from D-Link is simple to set up, has a mobile app for controlling device settings, and can help fill a house with Wi-Fi.
It’s a powerful tool for extending the reach of your router, with handy features like a built-in Ethernet connector that can handle Gigabit speeds and a physical on/off switch, but it has spotty performance and is so huge that it risks obstructing nearby AC outlets.
Despite some inconsistencies in performance, the D-Link DAP-1720 excels in pushing signal to a floor above or below.
Because of its verticality, it’s one of the finest Wi-Fi extenders for providing signal to every level of a multistory house, making it ideal for anybody whose Wi-Fi connection drops out as they move up or down stairs.
Is A Wi-Fi Extension Required?
How do you determine which choice is ideal for you when it comes to updating your home network, such as obtaining a new router or mesh router, or installing a Wi-Fi extender or powerline extender?
If your current Wi-Fi router is capable of serving the majority of your home, you may not need to purchase a new one.
If you have a room or an area of your home where your internet constantly appears to drop out, a Wi-Fi extender is the ideal answer.
Wi-Fi extenders are wonderful for eliminating a particular dead spot, giving you a bit more signal with a little more range, enough to reach that distant room or giving your Wi-Fi a boost to make it to the next level.
If you have big areas of your house or property where Wi-Fi isn’t available, you may need to upgrade to one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems, which combine many devices to form a larger shared network.
A mesh kit is the best option if you have numerous rooms with inconsistent service, a remote end of the home that your router can’t reach, or want to expand your coverage out to the garden or garage.
How Do You Choose The Finest Wi-Fi Extender For Your Needs?
- How Much Should a Wi-Fi Extender Cost? Keep an eye out for low-cost range extenders, such as the one we reviewed in our Super Boost Wireless-N Wi-Fi Repeater review. The appealingly cheap price comes at the cost of really poor performance.
- Plug-In or Desktop? While most signal boosters are simple plug-in models that plug into a wall socket, they aren’t the only choice. Some of the greatest Wi-Fi extenders have bigger designs that look like a standard router and sit on a desk or shelf. The size and weight limits of plug-in units do not apply to these bigger devices, allowing for greater antenna positioning and internal hardware. Plug-in models, on the other hand, are often less costly and easier to set up.
- Match Wi-Fi Standards:Â While you may not pay much attention to your router’s wireless standard, it will have a significant influence on how useful your extender is. If your wireless router supports the 802.11ac standard, be sure your extension does as well. The older 802.11n standard is slower and often confined to a single band, causing a bottleneck in your Wi-Fi coverage and slowing down all of your surfing and streaming. However, this is only an issue if your network provides faster speeds. If you have an older wireless-N router, an extension that matches it will suffice.
- Placement Is Everything:Â Radio waves are used by both wireless routers and Wi-Fi extenders to send data back and forth with your internet connection. You’ll need to choose a location near enough to the router to capture a strong signal for rebroadcasting, but far enough away to expand the network’s range to where it’s required. Do you need further assistance? Check out our Wi-Fi extender placement guide.
- Consider an Upgrade:Â If your wireless network isn’t giving you the speeds or coverage you desire, it’s probably best to forego the Wi-Fi extension and get a new router instead. Newer versions have improved performance, and mesh routers allow you to extend your wifi coverage across your whole house. (One of our editors upgraded to a Netgear Orbi mesh system from his router and extension.) “This mesh router is the finest thing I got during the epidemic,” he says.)
How We Put Wi-Fi Extenders To The Test
Every Wi-Fi extender we examine is put through its paces in a real-world environment, with in-depth performance testing and hands-on use.
This combination of real-world usage and controlled benchmark testing provides a clear picture of each device’s performance.
To assess throughput at various distances and environmental circumstances, we employ Ixia’s IxChariot testing software.
This involves putting the extender 50 feet and 75 feet away from the router for testing.
The program measures data flow back and forth while simulating traffic in a congested wireless network.
At a distance from the extender, the results are shown in megabits per second (Mbps), with larger numbers indicating greater performance.
We can assess the effective range of an extender by measuring throughput at different distances, giving you a clearer idea of how effectively a gadget will reach the furthest corners of your house.
We also put each device to the test in a real house, which features signal-blocking brick walls and the kind of solid structure that cheap routers can’t handle.
We utilize the network for everything in that setting, from listening to music and streaming videos to doing further testing and even writing the evaluation.
All of our evaluations provide extra information regarding the device’s setup procedure, design oddities and unique features, and all of the device’s settings and administrative capabilities.
If you’re interested in learning more about any of the top Wi-Fi extenders featured above, read the entire evaluations for additional information.
Term Definitions For Wi-Fi
Do you have a hard time understanding what these wireless phrases mean? With these explainers, we’re here to assist you.
You can use an older router as a Wi-Fi extender if you have one.
You should also read our advice on how to get the greatest signal from your Wi-Fi extension.
If you’re deciding between an extender and a mesh router, you should read What is a Mesh Wi-Fi Router and Do You Need One?
Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6e, and Wi-Fi 7 are only a few of the latest Wi-Fi protocols available.
Knowing what they are and how they function can assist you in selecting the most appropriate system for your house.
