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Best Wifi Extender 2022 Guide
Ever wondered why banking halls have stronger Wi-Fi signal than most homes?
Simple. Even with hidden routers, banking halls have fewer walls than your ordinary house.
When the Wi-Fi router is placed in the bank’s server room, the signal has about one strong wall to conquer.
But in a house, it faces a battalion of concrete walls, multiple floors, and endless bricks to negotiate with.
That spells dead zone, areas where the Wi-Fi signal can’t reach. Any device trying to access the signal from there misses out.
What then?
Should you call your Internet Services Provider to sell you a much higher package or throw out your old router and bring in another one?
None of the above is necessary, at least not yet.
With a Wi-Fi extender, you stand a chance to supply every device craving for the Wi-Fi signal in your house and the yard with such.
How Do Wi-Fi Extenders Work?
The Wi-Fi range extender sits between the router and the dead zone, captures the Wi-Fi signal from the router, amplifies it, and rebroadcasts it to reach devices sitting in the deadzone so they can access the Internet.
Besides expanded physical coverage, Wi-Fi range extenders increase the number of devices that can join the Wi-Fi party hence more browsing, more gaming, and more streaming. That introduces a new problem, congestion.
But there’s a way out. Since most extenders use two bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz like your ordinary router, one band transmits, and the other receives the Wi-Fi signal.
That sounds orderly, but it comes at the expense of the bandwidth; it goes down by half! And with more devices joining the internet party, a user surfing near the router ends up with a stronger signal than the one at the poolside.
Not as bad as not having a signal at all, though.
The truth is, no matter how good your Wi-Fi range extender is, the signal it discharges can’t measure up to that from the router.
And in both cases, it degrades with distance. So expect slower connectivity as you move away from the extender.
Most Wi-Fi range extenders also form a separate extended network requiring users to log in whenever they leave rooms serviced by the router’s original network to go to those under the extender and back.
New technology, however, allows seamless roaming so users can move in and out of the two networks without needing to log in.
Such is the case of Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender.
What To Consider Before Buying Best Wi-Fi Range Extender For a Strong Wi-Fi Signal?
Don’t rush out to buy a Wi-Fi extender until you know what to look for. The reason, the type of extender you use determines the signal strength. Here are a few things you need to know.
Compatibility
Since the Wi-Fi range extender must talk to your router, confirm that your router is willing to accommodate it.
Make sure both use of the same standard; if the router uses 802.11ac, the extender should use the same.
Sticking to the same vendor is also a great idea, but not necessary. In the list of extenders below, you will see those that marry across the board.
Status Indicators
Wi-Fi range extenders come with a variety of LEDs to show their status.
Some even help to tell if you are setting them up too far from the router.
That level of intelligence comes in handy when searching for the best place to plug the extender.
Easy of setup
Most extenders are easy to set up; at a push of a button, they get synced with the router, and you are in business. Others go further to use web applications.
Type
Without adequate space for the Wi-Fi range extender, no desk at all, you have no choice but to avoid the desktop type and opt for plug-in version. Ensure you have a power socket nearby.
Technology used
This is a wide but continuous topic. But where applied, the way your Wi-Fi signal is handled by the extender means a lot.
Some terms to watch out for including Crossband technology, Beamforming and MU-MIMO (Multi-User – Multiple Input Multiple Output). These technologies are explained in the list below.
On the physical aspects, check if your Wi-Fi range extender has Ethernet and USB ports.
Do further research to see if it has amplifiers and antennas; they are necessary for amplifying and rebroadcasting the boosted signal, respectively.
Before unleashing the list of best Wi-Fi extenders in 2019, let’s address this nagging question once and for all.
Do Wi-Fi boosters work?
First, the words extender, repeater, and booster have been used to mean the same thing. But this is how we analyze it; an extender amplifies then repeats or rebroadcasts a boosted signal.
If extending the signal still doesn’t meet your needs, consider updating your router’s firmware, replacing its antennas, and configuring it to operate on the 5GHz band, not the 2.4GHz, through the administrator interface.
If that doesn’t paste a smile on your face, either buy a more recent router using 802.11ac standard and its respective extender or migrate to the mesh-based system instead of using routers and extenders.
That should cure the problem for the next few months before you get tired of the whole system and perform another overhaul.
With what you know so far, choose the extender that appeals to you most and gets your party started!
Top Wi-fi range extenders List
Amped Wireless Athena-EX High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE2600M) – Best value
Unlike others in its league, the Athena AC2600 Wi-Fi range extender believes in inclusivity.
Not only does it come with the usual wireless connectivity, but it also has four gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB ports; 2.0 and 3.0 for file sharing.
It expands your network up to an additional 15,000 square feet at high speeds courtesy of its 16 amplifiers, four high gain external antennas, 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, and 128 MB DDR3 RAM. That eliminates all the dead zones allowing you to surf, game, and stream at will.
Athena AC2600 Wi-Fi range extender employs MU-MIMO technology to optimize data delivery to the respective devices without the need to wait.
It supports routers from major brands and countless service providers worldwide.
Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7300)
Most extenders are quick to create a new network requiring you only to access such a separate username and password. Not so with Nighthawk X4 AC2200 Wi-Fi range extender.
Once firmware upgrade and factory reset are done, you have access to its mesh functions, giving you extended coverage in one huge network embracing smart roaming.
Setting up the network takes the touch of a button.
The Wi-Fi range extender then employs MU-MIMO to ensure the simultaneous streaming of data to all devices within your household.
Say goodbye to dead zones and buffering. This is made possible by the extender’s high power amplifiers, internal antenna, and Beamforming+ technology.
You are treated to up to 2.2Gbps speed on both wireless and wired connectivity.
The extender has one gigabit Ethernet port for your Smart TV or any other device that demands a wired connection.
TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE450)
TP-Link is a networking industry’s household name.
That explains why TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi extender, though small, has the power to deliver an additional 12,000 square feet in coverage at 1.7Gbps.
Its three adjustable antennas ensure that you get a reliable Wi-Fi connection where you need it.
Knowing the exact spot to place an extender is tricky. But with TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi range extender all you need is to watch the intelligent signal light, turn blue from red, and you have your sweet spot.
To set it up, press the extender’s RE button, then your router’s WPS button and the two devices will do the rest. No technician needed.
The extender guarantees a new Wi-Fi access point apart from your original network manageable using TP-Link Tether App on your smartphone.
You also have one gigabit Ethernet port for the device you believe needs to remain wired. All others can milk the juice through wireless connectivity.
Despite being a big brand, this extender isn’t selective on what partner to marry; it works well with a wide variety of routers. It may not do well around those running open-source software, though.
But for adhering to the community of branded routers, you are assured of less signal interference, optimal coverage, and reliable Wi-Fi in every corner of your office or house.
Amped Wireless High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender With MU-MIMO (REC44M)
If you want to extend the range of your Wi-Fi by an additional 12,000 square feet and elevate its performance to cater to multiple devices in your home with one gadget, this is it.
While other extenders take you the extra mile at the expense of speed, this one doubles it! The Amped Wireless high power AC2600 Wi-Fi range extender delivers data speeds of up to 2.53Gbps to satisfy all your devices.
But that’s not all; through MU-MIMO technology, each device is served without having to wait for its neighbor, as per its needs.
The extender is armed with 16 high power amplifiers, two internal high gain antennas, two external antennas, and a high power dual-core processor ready to put an end to every dead spot while manipulating busy traffic within your ever-busy network.
You are assured of lag-free streaming, browsing, and gaming all day long.
It allows you one wired devices at gigabit speeds and up to eight networks so members of your household and guests can operate their own ‘offices’ without fear of interference.
You can even keep unwanted users off the network at will! But don’t let all these features fool you, setting it up is simple.
Once plugged into a power socket, you can access the setup menu through your laptop, scan and select the network of your choice.
D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1650
While its shape and size aren’t so much to write home about, D-Link DAP 1650 extender delivers data at up to 1.2Gbps.
You are guaranteed of smooth data flow with less interference from neighboring devices courtesy of dual-band technology.
It also allows two concurrent wireless networks to engage your devices on any desired buffering-free.
Any device requiring wired connection can use any of the four Gigabit Ethernet ports while all others enjoy high-speed wireless connectivity.
Setting it up is blissful; no cables needed. You can either use setup wizard and Wi-Fi protection setup or the designated mobile app.
It marries well with a wide range of routers and accepts backward compatibility to keep all your devices in the party.
It’s one of the cheapest Wi-Fi extenders on this list.
Linksys RE6700 AC1200 Amplify Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender – Best Price
Tired of guessing where to place your Wi-Fi extender for optimum results?
Linksys RE6700 Dual-Band Wi-Fi range extender employs mobile-guided range extender setup using Spot Finder Technology to get the sweet spot in your house.
You only need to use your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to locate it, and from there, expect an additional 10,000 square feet of coverage.
That brings all your devices to the Wi-Fi party!
Linksys understands your detest for extension cables, that’s why this extender has a power outlet integrated.
You don’t have to shift your other gadget to make space for it.
Just plug it on the extender’s pass-through function and carry on as usual; it works like a normal power outlet whether or not the extender is at work.
Sharing is caring.With so much real estate to cover, Linksys RE6700 Dual-Band Wi-Fi range extender feeds both the devices with Wi-Fi connectivity and those demanding to remain wired through a gigabit Ethernet port.
Should you experience uncalled for turbulence while streaming, update the firmware, perform a factory reset then configure the extender once again.
Make sure to test your signal often without the extender during such times before pointing fingers at the device.
Other benefits you can’t afford to miss include; focused strong signal for all devices in the network courtesy of Beamforming hence endless gaming, streaming and browsing, compatibility with all routers, simultaneous use of both bands; 2.4GHZ and 5GHz, for fast and stable media transfer all the time through Crossband technology and almost tripped data speed.
Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE1750A)
Any device boasting of blazing-fast speed had better have proof of the claim.
But for a Wi-Fi range extender equipped with 12 amplifiers and three external antennas, Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi range extender owns the throne.
Once plugged into your original Wi-Fi network, you are guaranteed of six times the speed and additional 12,000 square feet coverage. Good for large houses in particular.
The desktop Wi-Fi extender doesn’t exclude wired devices out of the party, with five gigabit Ethernet ports, your PC, TV, and the relatives not only get connectivity but also bridging services where necessary.
Add to that the presence of one USB port to help you share files from your storage device anytime, and you have a home office.
Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi range extender is wizard-guided, making it easy to complete in a matter of minutes.
It supports a wide variety of routers, both single and dual-band.
Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender
How would you like to walk from one room to another streaming a movie on your smartphone without the annoyance of being asked to log into a new network to carry on with the fun?
Linksys RE7000 Max-stream Wi-Fi Range extender employs seamless roaming to allowing you to switch to the strongest Wi-Fi signal wherever you go.
No more manual connection to your router or range extender; once covered, always covered.
Like other Linksys Wi-Fi range extenders, RE7000 also allows you to locate the sweet spot between the dead zone and your router to connect your extender using Spot Finder and your smartphone.
Use the Push Button connect on your Max-Stream extender to synchronize it with your router to set it up.
Once connected, the RE7000 Max-Stream Wi-Fi range extender avails an additional 10,000 square feet coverage.
You are assured of strong, consistent signal courtesy of Crossband technology and focused signal with less interruption due to Beamforming.
It also employs MU-MIMO hence ensuring simultaneous surfing, streaming, and gaming on multiple devices while eliminating all chances of buffering or lagging.
Due to its slim, compact figure, Linksys RE7000 Max-stream Wi-Fi Range extender avails one gigabit Ethernet slot for devices that demand wired connection.
All others must remain wireless. The extender marries well with a wide range of routers, making it ideal for all networks.
TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE580D)
While looking like an ordinary extender, TP-Link RE580D Wi-Fi range extender prides itself in its ability to deliver data at a lightning-fast speed due to its ability to use both bands at once.
It transmits on one channel and receives on the other, keeping both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands active. The activity is made possible by its 1GHz Dual-core processor.
Together with its 700mW amplifiers and three external dual-band antennas, your Wi-Fi signal receives a new breath of life to resuscitate all dead zones in your office.
The desktop Wi-Fi range extender employs Beamforming technology to guarantee Wi-Fi-dependent device ever in your office efficient Wi-Fi connection through accurate focusing the signal to it.
That ensures the proper utilization of your Wi-Fi bandwidth. But for wired devices, there are five Gigabit Ethernet ports at your disposal; your TV, PC, gaming console, and relatives will never go dry. The wireless speed goes up to 1.9Gbps.
TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE650)
Looking for balanced a Wi-Fi range extender that’s fair to all members of your family?
TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi Range extender is built with an Intelligent Processing engine to ensure that all devices feeding on your Wi-Fi receive adequate signals according to their needs.
Their data speed remains fast and without interruption courtesy of the 880MHz Dual Core processor.
The Wi-Fi range extender ensures focused beaming of the Wi-Fi signal to every device in need through Beamforming. It also uses MU-MIMO to avoid uncalled-for delays while you surf, stream, or game.
It increases coverage with an additional 14,000 square feet using four external antennas.
Being a compact plug-in type of an extender, there isn’t enough space for USB ports, but it comes with one gigabit Ethernet port for your wired devices.
Use the Intelligent signal light to locate the best spot for the Wi-Fi range extender for the best results. When blue, you are assured of a good connection, red light means the extender is too far from the router.
But that’s not all with TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi Range extender; the gadget has built-in Access Point to enrich the wired network with Wi-Fi powers.
And should your router only provide a single band for no apparent reason, this extender continues to provide your network with dual bands to prevent unnecessary interruptions.
Netgear AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6150
Netgear AC1200 Plug-in Wi-Fi range extender guarantees you of 1.2Gbps data speeds throughout your extended Wi-Fi coverage eliminating dead zones with more than ‘just a signal’.
Its two external antennas make sure of extended coverage while the FastLane technology, using both Wi-Fi bands, gives high-speed connection for multi-device use without interference regardless of the purpose.
Like its Netgear relatives, the AC1200 employs MU-MIMO driving satisfaction to your household of devices and their users through simultaneous streaming.
It comes with one gigabit Ethernet port for your PC, Blu-ray, game console, or TV while ensuring that the wired device enjoys the Wi-Fi speed treatment. It works with any router without discrimination, and the installation is easy.
For optimal performance, use the free Wi-Fi Analytics App to see if where you have located the extender allows you to have the best output.
Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 Mesh Range Extender
Before replacing your router or paying for a different package from your Internet Service Provider, consider adding Nighthawk X6 Mesh range extender to your network for complete Wi-Fi coverage of your entire office at fast speed.
The Mesh extender employs a special 866Mbps 5GHz Wi-Fi band, FastLane Technology, to communicate to your router to avoid halving the Wi-Fi bandwidth as is common with other extenders.
That leaves the two other bands free to address transmission issues with the devices connecting to the extender at the untampered speed of up to 2.2Gbps without congestion.
The Wi-Fi coverage is extended by 2,000 square feet.
It also comes with smart roaming capability enabling you to use one Wi-Fi network name though moving from your router’s network to the extender’s and back.
Your transition is seamless, and your device won’t require to log into a new network as you walk around from one room to another. You won’t even feel the difference.
Should you have devices that need wired connections, there are two gigabit Ethernet ports at your disposal; hook up your PC or TV there and enjoy.
Setup takes about five minutes guided by the touch of a button and after that the formation of a network that can carry up to 40 devices all surfing, gaming or streaming according to the user’s needs.
For best management, use Nighthawk App.
D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender
Though small and easy to ignore, the DAP-1320 wireless range extender is easy to set up; it uses the WPS button or QRS mobile app for both Android and iOS.
You may need to do the initial set up close to the router, but once done, move it to a more suitable point where value for extending coverage is worth.
Devices working from the same room as the extender realize up to 35Mbps while those a different room may have as low as about 0.4Mbps. It marries well with routers from different vendors from its own.
The portable plug-in range extender leaves adequate space on the wall socket to plug in another device instead of using an extension cable.
It comes with internal embedded all-sides antennas.
Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi extender
Another way to expand Wi-Fi coverage in your house or office is by using plug-in nodes.
That’s where Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi extender comes in; it’s a node used in the existing Mesh Wi-Fi system to link to a Linksys MR8300 Mesh Wi-Fi Router, AC2200, MU-MIMO.
Being a plug-in device, it occupies a power socket and links wirelessly to the router and is managed via Linksys App to monitor and manage your home network from your smartphone.
You can create a separate network with password protection for your guests away from your family’s Wi-Fi network. Take time to specify devices that deserve priority where speed is concerned.
Depending on the size of your house or office, you may need more than one node. A studio apartment can do with one, but not a three-bedroom home.
Before plugging it on the wall, make sure your mobile device picks between one and three signal bars from your router. It covers up to 1,500 square feet.
While some devices in the list of best Wi-Fi range extenders fall in the extender category mesh system, making an informed choice is key. Change how your gang addresses surfing, gaming, and streaming in 2019.