To get the best and fastest possible WiFi in your home, we always recommend a cutting-edge mesh wireless system like the eero 6+. There’s just one problem with systems like that, however: they’re very expensive. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars and you only have a handful of WiFi dead spots to address, then a WiFi extender is perfect for you. The expert product reviewers at BGR have tested dozens of different WiFi extender models, and we’ll recommend the best options based on your unique needs.
Our top picks
- Best overall: TP-Link RE650 WiFi Range Extender
- Best for apartments: Rockspace AC750 WiFi Repeater
- Best cheap WiFi extender: NETGEAR EX6120 Wifi Range Extender
- Best coverage: AOOEPU WiFi Extender
- Best WiFi 6 range extender: TP-Link RE715X WiFi 6 Range Extender
Want to learn more about why we chose each of the WiFi extender models above? Check out our quick reviews down below.
1. Best overall: TP-Link RE650 WiFi Range Extender
TP-Link RE650 WiFi Range Extender
Rating: 5 Stars
Extend the range of your Wi Fi with the dual band RE650, compatible with any type of Router / Gateway / Access Point (2.4GHz 800Mbps / 5GHz 1733Mbps)Quad Antenna design for ultimate coverage for all areas of your homeMU-MIMO Wave 2 technology allows the RE650 to talk to Multiple devices at once for optimal Performance between devices. Beamforming Technology sends targeted Wi Fi signal to individual devices for stronger connectionsSmart indicator lights help provide optimal placement. Should be installed between the Router and the desired areaGigabit Ethernet port connects wired devices to your network for high speed connectionEasy to install Experience stable connections for any type of applications such as Retail POS, Internet, Gaming, Mobile phone, Alexa, Echo and moreAll Wi-Fi extenders are designed to increase or improve Wi-Fi coverage, not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput
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Pros: MU-MIMO Wave 2 technology lets it talk to multiple devices at once, 2600 Mbps of performance
Cons: Some customers have found it doesn’t last as long as others
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The TP-Link RE650 WiFi Range Extender is one of the most powerful Wi-Fi Range extenders on the market. This versatile booster works with any type of router (2.4GHz 800Mbps / 5GHz 1733Mbps) and can deliver an unrivaled 2600Mbps of performance.
It features four adjustable antennas that provide uninterrupted coverage throughout your home, in addition to a Gigabit Ethernet port to give your network an ultra-high-speed connection. It can be used by almost any device you need it to in your home or office.
This is great for your mobile phone, Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, gaming consoles, or even a retail POS. The device even features a smart light indicator that gives you a better idea of where to place your extender for optimal connectivity. That ensures uninterrupted Wi-Fi service without making any major concessions to your pre-existing setup. This is easy to set up and can talk to two devices at once.
2. Best for apartments: Rockspace AC750 WiFi Repeater
Rockspace AC750 WiFi Repeater
Rating: 4 Stars
Eliminate Dead Zone: The internet booster’s exterior antennas allow signals to cover up to 1292 square feet. Especially considering the fact that most wifi extender signals get caught on walls and floors, rockspace provides ultra-stable Internet and video conferencing speeds.Highspeed Transform: rockspace WiFi signal booster comes with two external high-performance antennas, can also provides more steady and 2.5 times faster speed signals than N300 extenders, and amplifies wireless signals to locations where your router can’t be reached.Universal Compatible: AC750 wifi range extender is viable with all wifi-empowered gadgets and all WiFi-5 devices. With WPA/WPA2-PSK security, the rockspace WiFi repeater empowers you to avoid protection data spillage when utilizing the web
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Pros: Covers 1,292 sq. ft., extends network easily
Cons: No indicator light other than a bad or good signal
If you’re someone who uses a multitude of smart devices contingent on high-speed internet at once, the Rockspace AC750 WiFi Repeater is a spectacular option. This item is particularly great for apartments or mid-sized homes, as it provides speeds of 300Mbps for 2.4GHz and 867Mbps for 5GHz and up to 1167 Mbps of combined dual-band speed that can cover up to 1292 sq. ft. at once.
This intuitive extender will automatically adjust to a higher-quality band for better performance when necessary, making it a great option for streamers, gamers, and content consumers, in general.
It’s also pretty versatile, as it has a two-in-one connection mode. This will extend the network by pressing the WPS button for eight seconds. It is compatible with 99% of routers. There is a multi-secure connection, good for small businesses too. It can be hard to realize if it’s actually doing anything, thanks to the light indicators.
3. Best cheap WiFi extender: NETGEAR EX6120 Wifi Range Extender
NETGEAR EX6120 Wifi Range Extender
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Adds WiFi range coverage up to 1500 sq ft, and connects up to 32 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more.AC1200 WiFi (up to 1200Mbps speed) performance using dual-band and patented FastLane(TM) technology for video streaming and casual gamingWorks with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFiPlug in game consoles, streaming players or other nearby wired devices using the one 10/100M port for maximum speed.Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocolsSimply press the WPS button to connect to your router. Use the NETGEAR WiFi Analyzer app for optimal locationMade for use in the US only
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Pros: Connects up to 15 devices, very inexpensive
Cons: Doesn’t have the best range
For those looking to go a little cheaper — yet still ultra-effective — the NETGEAR EX6120 Wifi Range Extender can cover up to 1,500 square feet at a super reasonable price. It can also connect up to 15 different devices. It works for your laptop, smartphone, gaming console, camera, speaker system, and more.
Featuring an impressive 1200Mbps performance using dual-band combined with patented FastLane technology, this extender is powerful enough to deliver flawless WiFi performance throughout your home.
It also comes with a wired Ethernet port, so you can plug your router, computer, gaming system, and more for maximum speed and uninterrupted connectivity. Factoring in price, power, and speed, this is a great bang-for-your-buck purchase, period. The cost efficiency of this allows it to make sense for so many. It may not be the best if you’re doing a lot of HD streaming.
4. Best coverage: AOOEPU WiFi Extender
AOOEPU WiFi Extender
Rating: 4 Stars
Get 12880 sq. ft Coverage: The wifi range extender is equipped with 4 external antennas, covering up to 12880 sq.ft with higher penetration and no signal loss through walls. From bedrooms, bathrooms, garages, basements to gardens, just enjoy the WiFi signal as you want. Say goodbye to wifi dead zones.
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Pros: 12,880 sqare feet of WiFi coverage, supports up to 105 simultaneous connections
Cons: Not a well-known brand
Give your home 360° of coverage when you have the AOOEPU WiFi Extender. This fixes dead zones and can cover up to 12,880 sq. ft. You can also connect up to 105 devices to it. It can pass through walls, so those won’t cause interruptions. Lag-free connections will be available throughout your home. The WPS needs only a single tap to be set up.
There are five different application modes, so you can choose repeater, bridge, client, access point, or router mode. This provides speeds of 300Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200Mbps for 5GHz. The only real downside is that this model isn’t made by a well-known brand, so you won’t get top-notch product support if you run into any issues.
5. Best WiFi 6 range extender: TP-Link RE715X WiFi 6 Range Extender
TP-Link RE715X WiFi 6 Range Extender
Rating: 5 Stars
WiFi Extender Signal Booster For Home: Expand high-performance WiFi with RE715X featuring 4 high-performance amplifiers to reach hard-to-cover areas and external antennas to ensure best signal receptionWiFi Booster with WiFi 6 Speeds: Enjoy smoother and more reliable streaming, gaming, downloading, and more with dual-band WiFi speeds up to 3 Gbps (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz)Connect More Devices to Your Network: Connect more devices that are out of range from your main router while eliminating poor performance and weak WiFiWiFi Extender with Gigabit Ethernet Port: Experience wired speed and reliability anywhere in your home by connecting your favorite device to the gigabit ethernet portOneMesh Compatible: Create a seamless WiFi network using compatible routers and range extenders so you never have to switch networks or lose signal.Easy Set Up in Minutes: Easily set up and manage your WiFi in a few quick and easy steps using the TP-Link Tether app (Android, iOS). Find the optimal location for the best WiFi connection with intelligent signal indicatorUniversal Compatibility: The AX3000 range extender is compatible with all WiFi-enabled devices and routers or access points. It even supports new AX phones, laptops and other devices¹Please note that all Wireless Extenders are designed to increase or improve WiFi coverage and not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput
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Pros: Ultra-fast WiFi 6 support with speeds up to 3Gbps, easy setup, reliable
Cons: A bit expensive for some budgets
Anyone in search of the best WiFi 6 range extender should look no further than the TP-Link RE715X WiFi 6 Range Extender. This model is fast, easy to set up, and very reliable.
TP-Link is obviously known far and wide as one of the top networking companies out there. That’s as true today as it was a decade ago, and the company’s WiFi 6 lineup is a perfect illustration of that. You get blazing-fast wireless speeds, but you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars.
If you already have a WiFi 6 router and you’re looking to extend your network to eliminate some dead zones, the RE715X is the best option to do it. It’s ultra-fast with speeds up to 3 Gbps (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz), and it’s so easy to set up. This is also a great option if you want to exend your WiFi network to cover your entire backyard or front yard.
What are the best Wifi extenders?
After thoroughly comparing, and based on our BGR award metrics and scoring system, our pick is the TP-Link RE650 Wifi Range Extender. The reason is that not only does it offer stellar performance and range, but the RE650 has four adjustable antennas so you can fine tune where you want that Wi-Fi coverage to be. An upgraded pick would be the TP-Link RE715X WiFi 6 Range Extender with Plug & Play Mesh Technology at $120.
What is a Best Buy wifi extender people like?
People do tend to search Best Buy when it comes to computer and electronic products. Some of the favorites on there include the Linksys – AC750 Boost Range Extender, which has 4,875 reviews, and the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 AC220 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender, which has 2,548 reviews. The wifi extender Best Buy has a sale on right now is the Nighthawk.
Do WiFi extenders & boosters really work?
These can definitely boost your WiFi, but there are circumstances that you need to be aware of. The speed of your Internet is a huge factor, as the faster Internet can be boosted more easily. How much WiFi you use is also a big factor, as it can be harder for more devices to share a signal.
How far away you are from the router and or extender will also change the effectiveness. Also, where you live matters, as secluded areas with lots of trees can find it harder to pick up signals.
What is the difference between a WiFi extender and a WiFi booster?
A WiFi extender is a device that you place between your router and any dead spots in your home. That way, your dead spots are more limited. A WiFi extender falls under the WiFi booster umbrella, as a WiFi booster refers to a device that helps broaden your WiFi signal area.
Do WiFi extenders make WiFi faster?
WiFi extenders can, in a sense, make your WiFi faster. They eliminate dead spots in your home and help broaden your WiFi signal so your devices can start to work more efficiently and quickly. But they don’t add overall speed to your network connection.
How can I boost my WiFi signal in my home?
If you live in a place with many dead spots, a WiFi booster device is a smart choice. An extender or booster will add to your regular WiFi signal to eliminate dead zones.
How can I increase my WiFi speed at home?
If you’re looking to get the most out of your current WiFi connections, a WiFi extender and booster can help. You can also upgrade your current Internet package if you’re looking for more speed.
Does a WiFi extender slow down Internet speed?
No. On the contrary, it helps speed up the WiFi, eliminating dead zones and making your devices faster.
Can I use 2 WiFi extenders?
Yes. This is even encouraged if you live in a large place with many dead spots.
Can a router be used as a WiFi extender?
You can configure an old router to be used as an extender. You can modify it so that it grabs the strong WiFi signal and redistributes it to harder-to-reach areas.
How can I boost my WiFi range extender?
Make sure you put it in the right place to get rid of the dead spots.
Which is better, a repeater or an extender?
A WiFi repeater connects to your network wirelessly and then uses that network signal and sends it out again. A WiFi extender connects directly to your router in order to create a new WiFi network. That way, you can connect to the new WiFi network for a boosted signal. Repeaters aren’t great for areas where the original signal is weak.
How can I boost my WiFi signal for free?
Moving your router to a better area is an easy way to do this. You should also make sure the antenna is pointing in the right direction. Another option is to adjust your router settings to better accommodate what you need.
What is the maximum range of WiFi?
The traditional 2.4GHz band can reach up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, while 5GHz reaches a shorter distance.
How do I extend my WiFi signal to another building 400 feet away?
You will need a lot of help, such as an antenna, a WiFi booster, a bridge, a mesh WiFi system, and more. It can be done, but you’ll have to set everything up properly to make it happen.
Can WiFi go through walls?
Yes, but it will struggle to go through metal and brick.
What is a mesh WiFi extender?
Mesh Wifi is meant for your entire home as it is nodes that are placed in each room to help boost the coverage of your home. The Wifi extender is placed between the dead spots and your router to extend the WiFi area.
Should WiFi extenders have the same SSID?
Yes, this way, your device that connects to Wi-Fi can seamlessly roam from one access point to another. Otherwise you would have to manually disconnect from the weak network and manually connect to the strong network.
How can I fix a weak WiFi signal?
Placing a WiFi extender will help fix a weak signal. A WiFi repeater won’t be as successful if the signal is weak and you’re not using ethernet to connect them.
The post Best WiFi extenders to eliminate dead zones, based on expert testing appeared first on BGR.
