Best Wi-Fi Extenders

Living in todays interconnected society having a strong and dependable Wi Fi connection has become more crucial than ever. It plays a role in supporting various activities such as remote work managing smart home gadgets and enjoying uninterrupted streaming services. However many of us frequently encounter dead zones and sluggish connections that can disrupt both our productivity and entertainment experiences. If you’re fed up with witnessing your Wi Fi signal weakening as you move around your space it’s time to look into notch Wi Fi extenders available, in the market. These convenient devices can greatly enhance the coverage of your network ensuring that every nook and cranny of your home or workplace receives the connection it needs. Delve into our guide to discover which Wi Fi extenders shine brightest and how they could potentially resolve your connectivity issues.

Top 5 Wi-Fi Extenders:

1. TP-Link RE715X – Best Wi-Fi Extender Overall

 

 

Deciding between the RE715X and the RE550 can pose a dilemma especially as both options come with their set of advantages. The RE550 stands out as a Wi Fi 5 extender known for its impressive range and ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously. On the hand if you’re after faster speeds the RE715X, equipped with Wi Fi 6 technology is the way to go.
The RE715X boosts your network speed. Theres a detail worth noting. The 5 GHz band divides into two streams, each of delivering speeds up to 1,200 Mbps. To fully utilize this feature your device must support 160 MHz channels—typically found in Wi Fi 6 laptops. Many popular Wi Fi 6 smartphones only support 80 MHz channels limiting your speed to 600 Mbps per stream or a total of 1,200 Mbps.

The compact design of the socket mounted RE715X extender may not offer the coverage provided by larger models but it comes packed with useful features like OneMesh support and an integrated access point mode. If you own a TP Link router with OneMesh technology this extender seamlessly integrates into your existing network setup.

In conclusion if you value data transfer rates and have devices that are compatible with its specifications then the RE715X emerges as the top choice, for you. If you’re looking for extensive coverage and increased device capacity the RE550 remains a great option. Regardless both extenders are designed to improve your internet experience.

 

2. NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 – Best Premium Wi-Fi Extender

 

 

Installing a Wi extender is a common practice to enhance wireless coverage but the Netgear EAX80 goes beyond by introducing the “seamless smart roaming” function. This feature allows you to move around your house without having to switch between networks as it works under your existing SSID. This convenience is among the standout features of this band Wi Fi 6 mesh range extender. It is compatible with routers supports speeds of up to 6 Gbps and can accommodate over 30 devices. Moreover it extends coverage by up to 2,500 feet making it perfect for small to medium sized homes.

Setting up with the Nighthawk app is simple and allows you to troubleshoot and monitor your network efficiently. However one drawback is the inability to customize device names which can be inconvenient when managing devices with generic names. Nevertheless the EAX80 shines in two areas; seamless roaming and thoughtful design.

With smart roaming technology your devices maintain a stable connection as you move around your home ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Unlike plug in extenders the EAX80 has a standalone router like appearance that offers flexibility in placement. It also boasts four Ethernet ports for connections and a USB A port for peripherals such, as printers.

The Netgear EAX80 is an option, for those looking for fast speeds, wide coverage and useful features. If you value Wi Fi and flexibility this router is a smart buy.

 

3. Linksys RE9000 – Best Wi-Fi Extender for Range

 

 

Looking for a solution to enhance your Wi Fi coverage? The Linksys RE9000 could be what you’re looking for. Unlike other extenders it resembles a router offering strong performance and an additional 5 GHz band for smoother connections. While its maximum speed reaches up to 3,000Mbps across all three bands – which’s lower than some models like the NETGEAR EAX80 with 6,000Mbps – it excels in various aspects.

This unique extender prioritizes coverage over speed providing a maximum range of up to 10,000 square feet. To give you an idea of its reach the Linksys MR9000 router only covers around 3,000 feet. If you have a home or office that requires extensive coverage the RE9000 has got you covered.

That’s not all it offers in terms of features. The RE9000 also boasts four Gigabit Ethernet ports, for connecting wired devices. One of these ports can even serve as a wired connection back, to your router ensuring stable and high speed connectivity. Additionally when paired with a Linksys Max Stream router and other compatible extenders you’ll enjoy seamless roaming capabilities. This means you can move freely within your space without experiencing dropped connections or having to switch networks.

To sum it up the Linksys RE9000 provides Wi Fi coverage, reliable performance and valuable features such, as Gigabit Ethernet ports and smooth roaming.

 

4. NETGEAR WiFi Mesh EX7300 – Best Wi-Fi Extender for Speed

 

 

The Netgear Nighthawk EX7300 stands out as an option for those looking for fast and reliable connectivity. Being a dual band range extender it excels in delivering gigabit data rates making it a perfect addition to high speed routers and mesh systems. With a speed of 2.2 Gbps and strong throughput capabilities the EX7300 delivers top notch performance thanks to its MU MIMO technology allowing it to handle up to 40 devices simultaneously with its four antennas.

While some universal range extenders may pose setup challenges connecting the EX7300 to your router can be as easy as pressing the WPS button. Once connected Netgear’s Smart Roaming Mesh Technology kicks in merging all your access points and routers into one network for smooth transitions and reliable connectivity across your home or office.

You may notice that the Nighthawk EX7300 has a bulky design, similar to other advanced networking hardware from Netgear. Its size is akin to that of a mesh Wi Fi access point. Reflects its extensive capabilities and superior hardware quality. The investment, in this range extender is well worth it considering the performance enhancements and comprehensive connectivity experience it offers.

To sum it up the Netgear Nighthawk EX7300 goes beyond being a simple range extender. It serves as a solution, for individuals seeking fast and dependable internet coverage across a spacious area allowing seamless management of numerous devices without any sacrifices.

 

5. TP-Link RE220 – Best Budget Wi-Fi Extender

 

 

The TP Link RE220 stood out as a pick in my initial home tests back in 2020 not only due to its affordability but also for its outstanding performance. It’s more than your average Wi Fi extender; it’s fast reliable works well with almost all Wi Fi routers and is incredibly user friendly.

Setting it up is a breeze. Just plug it in press the WPS button. It will easily connect to your home network. Once connected it broadcasts its networks on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands ensuring consistent speeds throughout your house. In my tests I consistently achieved download speeds of at 75Mbps on the 5GHz band in every part of the house along with strong upload speeds. The RE220 maintained a connection and delivered reliable performance day after day whether during busy daytime hours or quiet evenings.

While it may not feature the Wi Fi 6 technology, the RE220s simplicity and reliable performance make it an excellent value for money. It may not reach the speeds of high end models but if you want to expand your Wi Fi coverage to a distant room, without spending too much money the TP Link RE220 is an excellent choice. Make sure to watch for any information or follow ups but don’t worry this extender is still a reliable and affordable option.

 

Things to Cosider Before Buying a Wi-Fi Extender:

Are you fed up with dealing with areas where your Wi Fi signal’s weak and inconsistent at home or work? You’re not alone! A Wi Fi booster could be the answer. Its important to consider a few key factors before making a decision to ensure you choose the right one, for your requirements. Take into account the size of your area how devices you need to connect and the type of online activities you do most frequently. By researching you can find a booster that gives you dependable, speedy and extensive coverage.

Coverage Area and Range

While it may seem obvious, the coverage area and range of your Wi-Fi extender are crucial considerations. You need to ensure the extender can reach all areas of your home or office where you want Wi-Fi access.

Number of Devices to be Connected

Devices play a significant role in determining the type of Wi-Fi extender you need. If you have multiple devices connected to your network, you’ll require an extender that can handle the load.

Understanding how many devices will be connected to your network will help you choose an extender with sufficient capacity. This includes smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Speed and Bandwidth Requirements

On average, you’ll want a Wi-Fi extender that can provide speeds of at least 300 Mbps to ensure smooth online experiences. However, if you have multiple devices streaming high-definition content, you may need faster speeds.

Plus, consider the type of online activities you’ll be doing. If you’re just browsing the internet, you may not need extremely fast speeds. But if you’re streaming 4K content or online gaming, you’ll require faster speeds and lower latency.

Interference and Obstacles

Requirements for Wi-Fi extenders vary depending on the presence of interference and obstacles. If you have thick walls, floors, or ceilings, you may need an extender with stronger signals to penetrate these barriers.

For instance, if you live in an apartment with shared walls, you may experience interference from your neighbors’ Wi-Fi networks. In this case, look for an extender with features like MU-MIMO technology to minimize interference.

Compatibility with Router and Devices

Little things like compatibility can make a big difference in your Wi-Fi extender’s performance. Ensure the extender is compatible with your router and devices to avoid any connectivity issues.

Connected devices should also be compatible with the extender’s frequency band. If you have devices that use the 5 GHz band, ensure the extender supports this frequency.

Check for Compatibility with Your Router

Along with the type of Wi-Fi extender, ensure it is compatible with your router’s brand, model, and frequency band. This will guarantee seamless communication between the devices.

Consider the Number of Antennas and Their Direction

On average, Wi-Fi extenders come with two to four antennas. The number and direction of antennas affect the coverage area and signal strength.

Plus, some extenders have adjustable antennas, allowing you to direct the signal to specific areas of your home or office. This feature is particularly useful if you have a large space with many obstacles.

Look for MU-MIMO Technology

Right from the start, look for Wi-Fi extenders with MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology. This feature enables the extender to serve multiple devices simultaneously, reducing congestion and increasing overall performance.

The MU-MIMO technology ensures that each device receives a dedicated signal, resulting in faster data transfer rates and a more reliable connection.

Check for Guest Network and Access Control Features

Consider Wi-Fi extenders that offer guest network and access control features. These features allow you to create a separate network for guests, limiting their access to your main network and sensitive data.

Check if the extender allows you to set up custom access controls, such as password-protected networks, to ensure maximum security.

Read Reviews and Check Ratings

Features and specifications are crucial, but they don’t tell the whole story. Read reviews from other customers to get a sense of the extender’s real-world performance.

With this information, you can make a more informed decision, avoiding extenders with poor performance or reliability issues.

Not Considering Interference and Obstacles

There’s more to Wi-Fi extenders than just range and speed. You need to consider physical obstacles like walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as interference from other devices. Failing to do so can result in poor performance and dropped connections.

Mistakes like not considering interference and obstacles can be costly. To avoid this, look for an extender with features like mesh networking, beamforming, and MU-MIMO technology, which can help mitigate interference and obstacles.

Not Reading Reviews and Checking Ratings

<p[Any Wi-Fi extender can look good on paper, but real-world performance is what matters. Not reading reviews and checking ratings can lead to a poor purchase decision. Look for reviews from reputable sources and check the overall rating before making a purchase.

When buying a Wi-Fi extender, don’t rely solely on the manufacturer’s claims. Read reviews from other customers who have used the product to get a sense of its real-world performance. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid a costly mistake.

To Wrap Up

In conclusion you now have a grasp of the important aspects to think about when purchasing a Wi Fi extender for your home or workplace. By evaluating your space and coverage requirements selecting the extender type and features you are prepared to make a well informed choice. Make sure to focus on your needs and take the time to research and read reviews to discover the ideal extender that enhances your Wi Fi signal and removes any dead zones.