- 8.20/10 1. Premium pick: NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX8000
- 8.00/10 2. Editors choice: TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450)
- 8.00/10 3. Best value: TP-Link AC750 WiFi Extender (RE220)
- 6.20/10 4. Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender
- 8.20/10 5. NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX7300
- 7.20/10 6. D-Link AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender
- 7.80/10 7. Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Gigabit Range Extender
While there are many modern routers that offer long-range, reliable connections, sometimes you just can't seem to get rid of the dead spot in your home. Rather than investing a lot of money into purchasing a new router, opting for a Wi-Fi extender is a low-cost alternative to extend the range of your wireless network.
With more people working from home and more devices being used in our households, Wi-Fi extenders can provide a stable amount of bandwidth via a boosted signal.
Here are the best Wi-Fi extenders for a range of budgets.
The NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX8000 supports MU-MIMO data streaming, which allows your Wi-Fi router to connect with multiple simultaneous devices, in turn speeding up your network.The wireless throughput in performance testing with this Wi-Fi extender is very good but isn't a match for a cheaper alternative like the TP-Link AC1750, considering the price point.Using the same SSID is very useful but isn't a deal-breaker given the cost. However, the 5GHz radio band is hugely appealing, freeing up the remaining two bands.
- Large coverage and up to 55 devices
- Smart roaming
- Parental controls
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Ports: 5
- Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Speed: 3,000 Mbps
- Range: Up to 2,500 square feet
- Easy to install
- Can use one SSID
- Offers MU-MIMO support
- Very expensive
The TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450) is an excellent choice if you're looking to extend your network's wireless reach. One of the most appealing features of this Wi-Fi extender is how easy it is to install and setup, along with TP-Link's helpful Tether app.Compared to other Wi-Fi extenders, the TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450) doesn't offer many LAN ports---just one---and it doesn't have a pass-through outlet. However, it is a great performer with an attractive price tag.
- TP-Link Tether App for easy installation
- Gigabit ethernet port for high-speed wireless connectivity
- Universal compatibility
- Brand: TP-Link
- Ports: 1
- Wi-Fi: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11ac
- Speed: 2.4GHz @ 450Mbps, 5GHz @ 1,300Mbps
- Range: Up to 2,000 square feet
- Very easy setup
- Good range and throughput
- LED indication lights
- Big and bulky
The TP-Link AC750 WiFi Extender (RE220) offers a stylish and simple design without the bulky nature of the TP-Link AC1750 while providing a reliable 2.4GHz performance.With one-button installation, even those less comfortable with technology will be able to install this affordable Wi-Fi extender so that you can enjoy high-performance Wi-Fi all-around your home.While the 5GHz performance is less than desirable, the price attached to this Wi-Fi extender is hard to grumble at. However, you won't find advanced features like MU-MIMO or beamforming support.
- Dual Wi-Fi bands
- Signal indicator
- Management via Tether app
- Brand: TP-Link
- Ports: 1
- Wi-Fi: 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
- Speed: 2.4GHz @ 300Mbps, 5GHz @ 433Mbps
- Range: Up to 1200 square feet
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Stylish
- Average 5GHz performance
The Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender is an all-around decent Wi-Fi extender with a hefty price tag. However, it may be worth the investment as the unit offers decent 2.4GHz performance and high-quality 5GHz connections. This Wi-Fi extender is easy to install and setup for all experience levels, with a web-based management tool with plenty of settings for those who are tech-savvy.The main appeal here is the generous amount of ports the Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender offers, as well as USB 2.0 connectivity.
- USB file sharing
- Five Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Adjustable and removable antennas
- Brand: Amped
- Ports: 5
- Wi-Fi: 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11g
- Speed: 2.4GHz @ 450Mbps, 5GHz @ 1,300Mbps
- Range: Up to 12,000 square feet
- Easy setup and installation
- Decent 2.4GHz throughput performance
- Wide range of ports
- Average 5GHz throughput
The NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX7300 can offer wireless connections in hard to reach places. Its easy one-click installation is a real selling point and makes an excellent choice for many users.Professional tests often put this Wi-Fi extender's 5GHz output above many more expensive extenders. Consequently, it offers reliable performance and MU-MIMO streaming.Although the product itself is a little bulky and less stylish than some of its counterparts, it doesn't shy away from serving up great value for money coupled with fast speeds.
- Connect up to 35 devices
- Universal compatibility
- Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Ports: 1
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac
- Speed: 2,200Mbps
- Range: Up to 2300 square feet
- Solid throughput
- MU-MIMO support
- Easy setup
- No pass-through outlet
The D-Link AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender is a mid-range extender with a low cost and mediocre performance. Given the price, you shouldn't expect mind-blowing speeds.However, if you're looking to extend your existing Wi-Fi reach to dead zones in your home, the D-Link AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender will do the job, and it's very easy to setup.For beginners or users looking to provide Wi-Fi in hard to reach places, you'll be able to create a stable bridge connection with the D-Link AC1200.
- Dual-band performance
- One-touch easy setup
- Smart LED signal
- Brand: D-Link
- Ports: 1
- Wi-Fi: 802.11n/g/b/a
- Speed: 2.4GHz @ 300Mbps, 5GHz @ 867Mbps
- Range: Not available
- Easy setup
- Antennas are adjustable
- WPA2/WPA wireless encryption
- Poor 2.4GHz performance
The Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Gigabit Range Extender offers seamless roaming for those with a compatible Linksys Max-Stream router. It's a solid choice compatible with any router if you're looking to extend your Wi-Fi reach.The helpful Spot Finder allows its users to find the optimal plug-in location for the best performance possible. In close proximity, the Linksys RE7000 outperforms many other Wi-Fi extenders but unfortunately lacks in range performance.At a slightly higher than average price for a mid-range device, you'll still be able to enjoy MU-MIMO streaming and easy installation with the Linksys RE7000 AC1900 Gigabit Range Extender.
- Seamless roaming
- Spot finder technology
- Works with all Wi-Fi routers
- Brand: Linksys
- Ports: 1
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a/g, 802.11b
- Speed: 2.4GHz @ 300Mbps, 5GHz @ 1733Mbps
- Range: Up to 10,000 square feet
- Easy setup
- Good close proximity throughput
- MU-MIMO support
- Mid-range performance
FAQ
Q: What Is the Difference Between Wi-Fi Booster and Wi-Fi Extender?
Wi-Fi boosters, extenders, and repeaters are generally the same thing. Wi-Fi booster used to be a catch-all phrase that described devices that extended Wi-Fi signal but is now more commonly known as a Wi-Fi range extender or wireless range extender.
Q: Is Mesh Wi-Fi Better than an Extender?
If you want to extend the Wi-Fi in your home, you'll have a choice between a Wi-Fi range extender and a mesh system. A Wi-Fi extender connects to your existing wireless network with a new name. It repeats the Wi-Fi signal, which could slow your wireless connection down. Mesh systems are a complete replacement of your existing Wi-Fi network, replacing the router and extender setup you would have with a Wi-Fi extender. Instead, multiple identical units are placed across your home, creating a seamless wireless network with improved bandwidth and security.
Q: Are Wi-Fi Extenders Repairable?
Like any electronic product, Wi-Fi extenders can break. As a result, they may not power on or broadcast your network. The good news is that you can physically dismantle a Wi-Fi extender and fix the issue in some cases. However, locating the breakage or problem with Wi-Fi extenders can be more trouble than it's worth, especially considering you can get a decent replacement at an affordable price.