The most effective Wi-Fi boosters will increase your network’s reach without slowing it down or causing additional headaches.
If you have trouble connecting to the internet in certain areas of your home, consider investing in one of the top-rated Wi-Fi extenders on the market. By extending the range of your existing router’s signal, you may increase your home network’s coverage without spending a fortune.
Often costing considerably less than upgrading to one of the best mesh routers, these compact and inexpensive devices may expand your Wi-Fi signal where you need it. They are also known as Wi-Fi boosters, Wi-Fi repeaters, and signal boosters.
We’ve tried and assessed various common Wi-Fi extenders, from cheap wall plugs that can be hidden under a sofa to desktop ones that favour power above aesthetics, and here’s how they stack up against powerline adapters.
The ideal Wi-Fi extender for you is the one that effectively increases your Wi-Fi coverage, so don’t get distracted by the many features and options available (they can even boost network speed if placed in the right location). Whether you’re looking for a budget option or a high-end model, we’ve tried them all and can give you the finest recommendations possible.
You should look for a Wi-Fi range extender that can provide the necessary coverage, is easy to set up, and is within your price range. We evaluated these products based on their design, range, throughput, ease of setup, and configurability.
To help you pick the ideal gadge without breaking the bank, we consider factors beyond speed and coverage when making our suggestions.
What Are the Best Wi-Fi Extenders?
Based on our in-depth lab tests and hands-on usage in a real home, the best Wi-Fi extender on the market is the TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender. It boasts tremendous range and performance in a plug-in configuration that’s easy to install in practically any space. It also features a nice smartphone app that makes controlling your network easier.
The Editor’s Choice Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20) is the most powerful extender we’ve examined, with Wi-Fi 6 speeds and built-in mesh compatibility, but it’s a bulkier desktop type that’s not as easy to hide.
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The Best Wi-Fi Extenders You Can Buy Today
1. TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender
The TP-Link RE650 is the greatest Wi-Fi range extender on the market because of its simple plug-in installation and impressive transmission distance, making it ideal for large households. It carries a lot of power and offers amazing speeds at up to 75 feet. The TP-Link RE650’s plug-in unit is very bulky, so it may obstruct nearby outlets, but this is a minor complaint given the extender’s stellar performance.
The TP-Link RE650’s performance was second best overall, but it still offers fast speeds and a simple, straightforward setup. The TP-Link RE650 is an excellent option for mansions due to its four exterior antennas and support for dual-band wireless-AC. Additionally, TP-Tether Link’s app makes it easy to set up and monitor your extended network by putting powerful features like advanced settings and security tools in the palm of your hand.
2. Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender
Even before its release, the Mesh Extender (EAX20) was among the top Wi-Fi extenders on the market. Not everyone will be thrilled by the price, which is more than that of some routers, or the fact that the desktop form factor makes it impossible to conceal the extension behind furniture or in a corner. However, the performance speaks for itself. And the Netgear EAX20 does not disappoint, with class-leading speeds and an outstanding 95-foot range.
The Netgear EAX20 has one purpose and it fulfills it admirably: it extends networks at higher speeds and farther distances than its rivals. In addition to its high price, this extender offers a number of useful features, such as the ability to safeguard your home network with an extra layer of internet security and a variety of configuration options.
3. Rock Space AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender
The Rock Space AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender is a cheap option for a powerful Wi-Fi signal booster. This small Wi-Fi extender is a wonderful way to extend your wireless network’s range to the backyard or garage, with its decent basic Wi-Fi performance and dead-simple setup.
With a compact plug-in design and adjustable antennas, you can easily tuck the Rock Space extender out of the way, and setup can be done in just minutes, with no extra app to worry about.
It has a good, middle-of-the-road performance that is equally effective between floors as it is within individual rooms, making it an excellent option for townhouses and other multi-story residences. If you’re looking for high-end features and customizing possibilities, look elsewhere; this is only for basic Wi-Fi.
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4. Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender
Do you want to enhance the range of your wireless network but are concerned about its aesthetics? There is no need to worry about the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi range extender blocking other outlets or becoming an eyesore thanks to its sleek and unobtrusive design. If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi range extender that doesn’t seem like a brick covered in antennas that take up valuable wall space, this is your best bet.
The Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ may be understated in appearance, but it certainly isn’t in the performance, thanks to its speedy throughput and intuitive setup wizard. The overall performance is satisfactory, and for those who need some assistance in setting up, the setup assistant makes it an excellent option.
5. D-Link DAP-1720 Wi-Fi AC1750 Range Extender
The DAP-1720 from D-Link helps to blanket a house with Wi-Fi, and it’s simple to set up and use thanks to a helpful mobile app for adjusting the settings of the device. It has a Gigabit Ethernet port and a physical on/off switch, so it may be used to increase your router’s range, however, it has spotty performance and may block adjacent AC outlets because of its size.
The D-Link DAP-1720’s performance is inconsistent, although it shines when relaying a signal to an upper or lower floor. If your Wi-Fi signal weakens when you move up or down the stairs, this is the Wi-Fi extender for you because of its exceptional verticality.
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Do you need a Wi-Fi extender?
How do you choose between a new router, a mesh router, a Wi-Fi extender, and a powerline extender when you have so many alternatives for improving your home network?
If your present Wi-Fi router is able to sufficiently cover most of your house, you may not absolutely need to buy a new one. If you have one specific room or area of your home where your internet connection keeps dropping, a Wi-Fi extender is the right solution.
Wi-Fi extenders are wonderful for eliminating specific wireless dead spots, giving your Wi-Fi signal a bit more range to reach that far room, or for giving your Wi-Fi a little oomph to make it to the next floor.
However, if significant swaths of your home or property lack sufficient Wi-Fi, you may want to invest in a top-tier mesh Wi-Fi system. This type of system uses numerous devices to form a single, expansive network. A mesh kit is ideal if your router has trouble reaching numerous rooms, the far end of the house, or if you want to extend your coverage to the backyard or garage.
How We Test Wi-Fi Extenders
The Wi-Fi range extenders we test and analyze are put through rigorous performance evaluations and real-world household use. We get a comprehensive view of each device’s performance thanks to this combination of real-world use and controlled benchmark testing.
For evaluating Wi-Fi extenders and other networking equipment, we use Ixia’s IxChariot testing software to analyze throughput at a variety of distances and environmental conditions. This is done by testing the extender at a distance of 50 feet and 75 feet from the router.
This software mimics traffic on a crowded wireless network while analyzing how data moves back and forth. Distance from the extender results is displayed in megabits per second (Mbps), with higher numbers indicating better performance.
We can tell you how well an extender will fare in providing a more robust wireless signal to the farthest reaches of your home by measuring the throughput at different distances.
We also put each item through its paces in a real-life setting, where it must contend with brick walls and other obstacles that can be difficult for standard routers to handle. There, we listen to music and watch videos online, as well as conduct other testing and write reviews, all while connected to the network.
Details on the setup procedure, including the device’s unique features, cool aesthetic elements, and full range of configurable options and administrative controls, are included in each of our assessments. Check out the entire reviews if you want more information on any of the aforementioned top Wi-Fi extenders.
Check out our testing methodology for Tom’s Guide here!
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Wi-Fi terms Explained
Are you confused by the plethora of wireless terminology? The purpose of these explanatory pieces is to lend a hand. You may convert an older router into a Wi-Fi repeater. To get the most out of your Wi-Fi extender, be sure to read our setup manual. But if you’re debating whether to stick with an extension or spring for a new mesh router, the article What is a mesh Wi-Fi router, and Do You Need One? will be of great help.
New Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6e, and Wi-Fi 7, are also widely available. Learning about these systems and how they function can help you pick the one that is ideal for your household.
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