Wifi Extender – Is your home Wifi network in need of an extra room’s worth of coverage?
A Wifi range extender may be exactly what you need.
The best Wifi extenders may eliminate wireless dead spots in your home by spreading your Wifi service across a broader region.
You may extend the range of your home network without breaking the bank by transmitting a signal farther than your existing router can.
These compact and inexpensive devices, sometimes known as Wifi boosters, Wifi repeaters, or signal boosters, may expand your Wifi signal to where you need it while frequently costing much less than upgrading to one of the best mesh routers.
We thoroughly tested and assessed various common Wifi extenders, ranging from low-cost wall plugs that can be hidden under a sofa to desktop ones that favour power above aesthetics, and this is how they compare to powerline adapters.
While there are numerous features and capabilities to consider, the ideal Wifi extender for you is the one that most effectively expands your Wifi coverage (they can even boost network speed if placed in the right location).
We tested them all, big or tiny, cheap or expensive, to give you the best advise when looking for a WiFi extender.
The finest Wifi extender for you will meet your coverage requirements, be easy to operate, and be within your budget.
Our ranking criteria for these devices include their design, range, throughput, setup process, and available settings.
Our suggestions are based not only on speed and coverage, but also on pricing, so you may pick the best gadget for your needs without spending too much money.
Table of Contents
What are the best Wifi extenders?
The TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wifi Range Extender is the best Wifi extender on the market, according to our extensive lab testing and hands-on usage in a real home.
It offers excellent range and performance in a plug-in configuration that is simple to install in almost any space.
It also includes a smartphone app to help you manage your network.
If you’re ready to pay for superior performance, the Editor’s Choice is the way to go.
With Wifi 6 speeds and built-in mesh capability, the Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20) is the most capable extender we’ve examined, but it’s a larger desktop device that’s more difficult to conceal.
The greatest Wifi extenders available now are as follows:
1. TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wifi Range Extender – Best Wifi extender overall
Specifications
Antennas/Removable: 4 external/No Wifi Spec: AC2600 802.11ac dual-band Ports: 1 gigabit Ethernet Size: 6.3 x 3.0 x 1.8 inches
Reasons to buy
- Good performance
- Excellent UI
- Phone/tablet app
Reasons to avoid
- Can cause nearby outlets to become clogged
With a handy plug-in design and long range for large homes, the TP-Link RE650 takes the top spot as the finest Wifi extender overall.
It has a lot of power and can reach speeds of up to 75 ft. The only issue we have with the TP-Link RE650 is that the plug-in unit is large enough to block surrounding outlets, but that’s a minor nitpick given the amazing performance this extender provides.
Only our top overall pick outperformed that performance, but the TP-Link RE650 offers competitive speeds in a convenient, easy-to-install design. The TP-Link RE650 is an excellent solution for large households, thanks to its four external antennas and dual-band wireless-AC capabilities. You can also use TP-Tether Link’s app to set up and monitor your extended network, which provides advanced settings and security capabilities right on your phone or tablet.
2. Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20) – The best extender with Wifi 6 support
Specifications
Antennas/Removable: 4 internal/No
Wifi Spec: AX1800 802.11ax dual band
Ports: 4 gigabit Ethernet
Size: 9.5 x 6.7 x 2.5 inches
Reasons to buy
- Wifi 6 compatibility with 802.11ax operations
- Mesh connectivity with other Netgear devices
- Customization and built-in security
Reasons to avoid
- Large desktop design
- No USB ports on the
The Netgear AX1800 Mesh Extender (EAX20) was already a candidate for the finest Wifi extender, with Wifi 6 speeds and even mesh functionality built in.
While its huge desktop style – without a plug-in design, there’s no hiding this extension behind the sofa or in the corner – and a price that’s more expensive than some routers won’t appeal to everyone, the proof is in the performance.
And boy does the Netgear EAX20 deliver, with category-leading speeds and a whopping 95-foot range.
The Netgear EAX20 excels at one task: it extends networks that are quicker and have a greater range than the competitors.
Add a few customising choices and a layer of internet security to help protect your home network, and it’s easy to argue that this admittedly pricy extension is well worth the money.
3. Rock Space AC1200 Wifi Range Extender – A great affordable Wifi extender
Specifications
Antennas/Removable: 2 external/No
Wifi Spec: AC1200 802.11ac dual band
Ports: 1 gigabit Ethernet
Size: 3.4 x 3.1 x 2.0 inches
Reasons to buy
- Small, unobtrusive design
- Two adjustable antennae
- Better for townhomes
Reasons to avoid
- No support for Wifi 6
- Poor performance
Consider the Rock Space AC1200 Wifi Range Extender for an economical but capable Wifi extender.
This small Wifi extender is a terrific method to cover the odd dead spot in your Wifi coverage, or to push stronger wireless signals out to your back patio or garage, with decent basic Wifi performance and dead-simple setup.
You can easily tuck the Rock Space extension out of the way with to its tiny plug-in design and adjustable antennas, and setup takes only minutes with no additional app to worry about.
With good middle-of-the-road performance that works equally well between floors as it does room-to-room, it’s also an excellent choice for townhouses and other multi-story homes.
Just don’t expect lightning-fast speeds or extensive customising choices – this is only for basic Wifi.
4. Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wifi Range Extender – A great Wifi extender with a low profile
Specifications
Antennas/Removable: 4 external/No
Wifi Spec: 802.11ac dual band
Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet
Size: 4.9 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches
Reasons to buy
- Design is straightforward.
- Operation in two bands
- Software that is useful
Reasons to avoid
- Gets heated
- Average performance
Need to improve your Wifi network’s coverage and range but don’t want a visible extender?
The Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wifi range extender is small and low-profile, with a design that won’t interfere with other outlets or stick out as a flashy tech item.
It’s without a doubt the greatest Wifi extender we’ve seen for folks who prefer a subtle design versus an antenna-festooned brick that blocks adjacent outlets.
Aside from the understated style, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ provides decent throughput speeds and set-up assistance to help you select the best location for optimal performance. The overall performance is rather decent, but the set-up assistant makes it an excellent pick for anyone who needs a little assistance getting things exactly right.
5. D-Link DAP-1720 Wifi AC1750 Range Extender – Best for two-story homes
Specifications
Antennas/Removable: 3 external/No
Wifi Spec: 802.11ac dual band
Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet
Size: 6.4 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches
Reasons to buy
- Two-prong connector
- Good multistory performance
- Simple setup using mobile app
Reasons to avoid
- Can obstruct an adjacent outlet
- Inconsistent performance
The DAP-1720 from D-Link is simple to set up, has a mobile app for managing device settings, and can help fill a home with Wifi.
Its useful features, such as a built-in Ethernet connection capable of Gigabit speeds and a physical on/off switch, make it a powerful tool for extending the reach of your router.
But its performance is uneven and it is so huge that it risks blocking neighbouring AC outlets.
Despite occasional inconsistencies in performance, the D-Link DAP-1720 performs exceptionally effectively when signalling to a floor above or below.
Because of its verticality, it is one of the greatest Wifi extenders for obtaining signal to every floor of a multistory home, making it the ideal solution for anyone whose Wifi connection drops off when they go up or down stairs.
Other extenders worth considering
- Linksys RE7310 – A solid second choice
- D-Link EaglePro AI – Best balance of performance and value
- TP-Link RE220 – The best on a budget
- Asus RP-AX56 – Great performance (with a big caveat)
- TP-Link RE505X – Solid performance for the price
- Netgear Nighthawk X4S (EX7500) – Great ease-of-use, so-so performance, poor value
- D-Link DAP-X1870 – Wait for a sale
- TP-Link AC1750 Wifi Range Extender (RE450) – Best Budget Wifi 5 Range Extender
- TP-Link AX1750 Wifi 6 Range Extender (RE603X) – Best Budget Wifi 6 Range Extender
- Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 WiFi Range Extender (EX7300) – Fastest Wifi 5 Range Extender
- Amped Wireless AC1750 Wifi Range Extender (RE1750A) – Best Wifi 5 Range Extender for Lots of Management Options
Do you need a Wifi extender?
How do you determine which option is ideal for you when it comes to updating your home network, such as obtaining a new router or a mesh router, or installing a Wifi extender or powerline extender?
If your current Wifi router can sufficiently cover the majority of your home, you may not need to purchase a new one.
If you have one room or portion of your house where the internet always seems to cut out, a Wifi extension is the perfect solution.
Wifi extenders are ideal for eliminating specific wireless dead spots, providing your Wifi signal with a little more range to reach that far room, or providing your Wifi with a little extra power to reach the next floor.
However, if vast areas of your home or property lack acceptable Wifi coverage, you may need to upgrade to one of the best mesh Wifi systems, which employ numerous devices to create a bigger shared network.
If you have numerous rooms with inconsistent service, or if your router can’t reach the far end of the home, or if you want to expand your coverage out to the backyard or garage, a mesh kit is the best option.
How to choose the best Wifi extender for you
How much should a Wifi extender cost? The cheapest Wifi extenders are frequently less than $50, but our current budget option is half that price.
Newer signal boosting devices support all of the most recent wireless standards and include technologies such as beam-forming and Mu-MIMO for improved performance.
Even the best Wifi extenders may be acquired for less than $200, despite the fact that they cost more as a result.
Also, keep an eye out for low discount range extenders, such as the one featured in our Super Boost Wireless-N Wifi Repeater review.
The appealingly low price is accompanied by really poor performance.
Plug-in or desktop? Although most signal boosters are compact, plug-in devices that plug into a wall outlet, they aren’t the only alternative.
Some of the best Wifi extenders are larger and sit on a desk or shelf, similar to a typical router.
These larger devices are not constrained by the same size and weight constraints as plug-in units, allowing for better antenna positioning and improved internal hardware.
Plug-in variants, on the other hand, are frequently less expensive and easier to install.
Match Wifi standards: While you may not pay much attention to whatever wireless standard your router employs, it will undoubtedly affect how useful your extension is.
If your wireless router supports the current 802.11ac standard, ensure sure your extender does as well.
The older 802.11n standard is slower and frequently confined to one band, creating a bottleneck in your Wifi coverage and slowing down your surfing and streaming.
However, this is only an issue if your router provides faster speeds. If you have an older wireless-N router, a matching extender will suffice.
Location is everything: Wireless routers and Wifi extenders both employ radio waves to share data with your internet connection.
You must pick a location that is close enough to the router to receive a strong signal yet far enough away to expand the network’s range to where it is required.
Think about upgrading: If your wireless router isn’t giving the speeds or coverage you require, it may be wise to forego the Wifi extension and instead purchase a new router.
Newer models provide higher performance, while mesh routers allow you to extend wireless coverage across even the largest homes.
(One of our editors upgraded his router and extender to a Netgear Orbi mesh setup.)
“This mesh router is the best item I got during the pandemic,” he says.
How we test Wifi Extenders
Every Wifi extender we analyse is assessed using a combination of rigorous performance tests and hands-on use in a real-world environment.
This combination of real-world application and controlled benchmark testing gives us a clear image of how well each device works.
We utilise Ixia’s IxChariot testing software to measure throughput at various distances and environmental circumstances while benchmarking Wifi extenders and other networking equipment.
This includes testing the extension at 50 and 75 feet from the router.
This software mimics wireless network traffic while measuring how data moves back and forth.
At a distance from the extender, the results are displayed in megabits per second (Mbps), with higher numbers indicating better performance.
Measuring throughput at different distances also allows us to establish the effective range of each extender, giving you a clearer understanding of how well a device will perform when it comes to covering the most remote regions of your home with a stronger wireless signal.
We also test each product in a real-world setting with signal-blocking brick walls and the kind of robust building that cheap routers struggle with.
We use the network in that environment for everything from listening to music and streaming video to running additional tests and even writing reviews.
All of our reviews provide additional information about the setup process, such as design oddities and cool features, as well as all of the device’s settings and administration capabilities.
The Best Wireless Range Extender Deals This Week
Deals are selected by our commerce team
- Netgear EX3700 AC750 Wifi Range Extender — $27.77 (List Price $39.99)
- TP-Link RE500X AX1500 Wifi 6 Extender — $69.99 (List Price $89.99)
- TP-Link RE220 AC750 Dual-Band Wifi Extender — $22.99 (List Price $34.99)
- TP-Link RE450 AC1750 Wifi Extender — $59.99 (List Price $99.99)
- TP-Link RE300 AC1200 Wifi Extender — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)
How to Extend Wifi Range
6 Ways to Increase Wifi Range
1. Reposition your existing router in a better location.
2. Purchase a newer, better router.
3. Purchase a mesh Wifi kit.
4. Purchase a Wifi extender/booster.
5. Purchase a powerline networking adapter kit that includes Wifi.
6. Reduce the frequency from 5GHz to 2.4GHz.
FAQs
How far will a WiFi range extender reach?
But how far away from the router can a WiFi extension be? In general, the WiFi extender can be 100 to 400 feet away from the router.
This is determined by a number of factors, including your WiFi network, the layout of your home, the type of extender you have, and the placement of these devices within your home.
Can I use Google Wifi as an extender?
Can I use Google Wifi to extend my network? Google Wifi cannot be used to expand or repeat your present router’s signal. Google Wifi uses one or more Google Wifi stations to replace your router.
Are AT&T WiFi extenders worth it?
AT&T Wifi extenders are the way to go if you want a dependable wireless internet connection.
These devices are extremely convenient and simple to use. Once installed, these devices will improve local coverage.
What is better WiFi extender or booster?
Wifi boosters, as opposed to extenders, provide higher speeds and support more devices at once.
What does Google Wifi extender do?
To construct your Wi Fi network, Google Wifi connects to your internet provider’s modem or gateway.
Place the extra Google Wifi point wherever in your home that need more coverage. Get the most out of your services and connected home devices by streaming 4K videos, listening to music, and making video calls.
Do FIOS WiFi extenders work?
Yes. Fios Extender provides a direct Ethernet or Coax connection from the router to the extender.
Ethernet ports on the rear of the Extender are also available for gaming consoles, set-top boxes, laptops/desktops, and other Ethernet-capable devices.
Conclusion
WiFi Extenders Are Definitely Worth It (Usually) Cost, performance, and your needs will all be factors.
There are too many moving pieces in WiFi for a one-size-fits-all approach. It is up to you to diagnose them and select the appropriate instrument for the job.
