Best Wi-Fi Extenders to buy

Summary –

Gone are the days when we used to spend our time getting bored or running around looking for some information. Today people all over the world make use of the internet for their day to day needs ranging from browsing information, shopping, social interaction, and more. With the advent of mobile devices, wireless internet has become invaluable in our daily lives. Sadly, most home Wi-Fi routers have a bad rap for being quite unpredictable in terms of range and connectivity. To fix this issue we can go for Wi-Fi Extenders which help to extend the coverage and ensure that you get seamless connectivity for all your internet needs. Here are some of the best Wi-Fi Extenders available for purchase today.

See also: Best cheap Android TV Boxes

Best Wi-Fi Extenders

One of the Most Versatile and Affordable Wi-Fi Extenders

D-Link Wireless DAP 1650

The D-Link Wireless DAP-1650 comes with next-generation AC1200 technology, dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple antenna technology for better coverage, great compatibility with wireless routers, secure WPA/WPA2 security, and supports up to 1300 Mbps max speed for 5 GHz and 450 Mbps for 2.4 GHz connections. It is also one of the better-looking Wi-Fi Extenders available in the market with its unique cylindrical design and black semi-gloss finish.

It acts as a media server as well as an access point which is very convenient to have especially at such a low price. It utilizes a web-based management console where you can perform a variety of functions such as changing SSID, switching networking modes, channel selection, etc. You can also configure the DAP-1650 as a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) server and share music, pictures, and video through the network.

The setup is quite easy and takes only a few minutes. Once connected, it takes less than 60 seconds before you can start enjoying the improved signal coverage area. You get impressive speeds on the 5 GHz connection even at a range of 50 feet. Performance through the 2.4 GHz connection is pretty good but not as great as the 5 GHz band. Compared with the other Wi-Fi Extenders, this is a great, versatile, and affordable brand that will improve your network coverage area.

Who should buy this?

• It’s perfect for those who are looking for a versatile and affordable Wi-Fi Extender.
• It’s ideal for people who want a Wi-Fi Extender with a simple design.
• It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a good Wi-Fi Extender for their 5 GHz band.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best, Discreet Wi-Fi Extenders

Linksys Max Stream RE7000 (AC1900)

The Linksys RE7000 Max Stream comes with spot-finder technology, advanced dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, coverage of 10,000 square feet, crossband and beam-forming technologies, and supports combined speeds of up to 1.9 Gbps. Design-wise, the Max Stream RE7000 has nothing to boast about. The design is pretty traditional and the same as what you expect from Wi-Fi Extenders. However, the Linksys Max Stream RE7000 is quite small in size at 2.36 x 3.4 x 4.76 inches and can be tucked away easily in a corner or anywhere.

Performance-wise, it is compatible with most of the Wi-Fi routers and even Multi-user MIMO routers. Seamless roaming technology allows you to connect instantly with the strongest signal whenever you are in the range of the Wi-Fi Extender. You can also use it as an AC Wi-Fi access point to further extend your home network. The next generation MU-MIMO technology helps you to enjoy good internet speeds while sharing it with other members of your household by providing an efficient connection to all devices. With the web-based management console, you can locate your Wi-Fi network and select the one you want to extend. You also get to see if the placement of the Extender is ideal or not for best connectivity and speeds.

According to the manufacturer, you can get an amazing network coverage range of 10,000 square feet which is great to have. You can get up to a maximum combined speed of 1.9 Gbps in theory. Actual speeds will differ based on your connection and signal strength. It also comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port if you want to connect your gaming console or computer. Everything considered the Linksys RE7000 Max Stream is an affordable and discreet Wi-Fi Extender that has a very good range and good performance capability.

Who should buy this?

• It’s the ideal choice for those who prefer simple designs over something that looks futuristic or overtly complicated.
• It’s perfect for people who want a discreet Wi-Fi Extender as it can be placed almost anywhere without drawing attention.
• It’s a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable Wi-Fi Extender with great range.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Performing Mid-Range Wi-Fi Extenders

NETGEAR Mesh Range Extender EX7300

The NETGEAR Mesh Range Extender EX7300 comes with a Wi-Fi range of up to 2,000 square feet, seamless smart roaming, AC2200 Wi-Fi speed, universal compatibility with wireless routers, WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols, and patented Fast Lane technology for superior performance. It looks pretty unique with a tapered chassis, side air vents, and white semi-gloss body. At 5.63 x 7.01 x 3.9 inches in size, it’s not exactly discreet but it looks good enough to display openly in your room.

As far as performance is concerned, it is one of the best products available at this price point. You get good and consistent speeds both on the 5 GHz band as well as the 2.4 GHz. According to the manufacturer, it supports speeds up to 2,200 Mbps. Realistically, you would be getting somewhere around 350-400 Mbps on the 5 GHz band at proximity. What’s pretty great about this device is that you can get up to 66.7 Mbps even at 75 feet from it. The 2.4 GHz band speeds will, of course, be a lot lower but you will still be able to get speeds up to 60 Mbps at proximity and about 18.7 Mbps at 75 feet.

Installation is very easy as all you have to do is plug it in and switch the power button on. You can access the web-based console where you can enable or disable each band, change passwords or even limit speeds on any particular band. You can also select the Fast Lane option for improved performance. However, this is to be used only when both your clients are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. This is one of the best performing Wi-Fi Extenders that comes at a great price while providing very good speeds even over long distances.

Who should buy this?

• It’s ideal for those who want a Wi-Fi Extender that gives a consistent and reliable performance at an affordable price.
• It’s perfect for people who need a Wi-Fi Extender that can provide very good speeds.
• If you are looking for a Wi-Fi Extender that can support MU-MIMO streaming and comes with parental controls, this is a great choice.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Low-Priced Wi-Fi Extenders

D-Link DAP-1520

The D-Link DAP-1520 comes with dual-band coverage, WPA/WPA2 wireless security encryption, next-generation AC750 technology for increased performance, backward compatibility, and supports total speeds up to 750 Mbps (300 Mbps for 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps for 5 GHz). Design-wise the DAP 1520 is very compact and looks pretty sleek. There is nothing flashy about the design but it’s simple, small, and elegant. It measures just 2.25 x 1.4 x 3.6 inches in size making it an absolute joy to carry around. Due to its small size, you won’t get an Ethernet port, so be wary about that before buying.

When it comes to performance, the D-Link DAP 1520 will truly surprise you by providing very reliable and fast speeds even at considerable distances. This product is meant for the casual user but it performs like a mini-pro especially when you consider its very low price point. At 150 feet you can easily get up to 13 Mbps on the 5 GHz band which is outstanding for such an affordable Wi-Fi extender. For the 2.4 GHz band, you will most likely get around 6 Mbps at a distance of 100 feet.

The setup is very easy and only takes a minute or two. Using the D-Link web-based management console you can either use the Wi-Fi connection setup wizard or manually connect it. Once any connection is detected, it will automatically extend the signal and you can be on your way to a better internet experience. If you are looking for a small but powerful Wi-Fi Extender at a mind-numbingly low price, then the D-Link DAP 1520 is the one for you.

Who should buy this?

• It’s perfect for those who want a low-priced Wi-Fi Extender for home use.
• Ideal for people who need a Wi-Fi Extender that is not only compact but is also reliable and offers consistent good speeds.
• It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a Wi-Fi Extender that is easy to set up.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Compact Wi-Fi Extenders

TP-Link RE220

The TP-Link RE220 comes with smart indicator lights, universal router compatibility, one-button setup, AC750 wireless technology, and supports speeds up to 433 Mbps for 5 GHz and 300 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz band. The design is fairly simple and compact. You won’t find any bells or whistles on this one because it doesn’t need any. At 4.33 x 2.59 x 2.2 inches in size it is one of the most compact Wi-Fi Extenders available in the market today. One unique design aspect is its use of 5 status lights on the front panel which indicates the strength of your internet connection based on location.

The RE220 performs quite excellently by providing reliable and consistent speeds on both bands. Realistically you can get up to 48 Mbps on the 5 GHz band at a distance of 30 feet whereas, on the 2.4 GHz band, you will be getting around 28 Mbps. You also have the option to choose the RE220’s High-Speed mode which selects the band you choose to act as a dedicated backhaul band. However, when you do so, you won’t be able to connect multiple devices to the same band but you will get improved speeds (up to 100 Mbps for the 5 GHz band and 55 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz band).

As far as installation is concerned, all you have to do is plug it in and start the TP-Link’s Tether app (available on Android and iOS). You get tons of useful options to customize your internet usage experience. You can set schedules and can manage your network the way you like. You also have the option for blacklisting a device or create a power schedule where you can set the Extender to go to sleep at a designated time. If what you are looking for is a feature-rich, compact, and incredibly affordable Wi-Fi Extender that offers great value for money, then the TP-Link RE220 is easily one of the better choices to go for.

Who should buy this?

• It’s perfect for those who want a compact and affordable Wi-Fi Extender for medium speed internet connections.
• It’s ideal for people who need a Wi-Fi Extender that has good customizability options.
• If you are looking for a Wi-Fi extender that offers great value for money, then this is a great choice.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best High-End Mesh Wi-Fi Extenders

NETGEAR OrbiRBK50

The NETGEAR Orbi comes with tri-band technology, dedicated back-haul 2×2, 2 Ethernet ports, mesh Wi-Fi capability, a range of 5,000 square feet, and can support internet speeds up to 3 Gbps. The Orbi is easily one of the best-looking Wi-Fi Extenders out there today with an eye-catching oval cross-section main host and a separate satellite extender. They come with color-coded LEDs which lets you know when it is powering up and the strength of the signal at a particular location. At 6.7 x 3.1 x 8.89 inches in size, it is also one of the biggest Wi-Fi Extenders in the market today.

Unlike a lot of its competitors, the Orbi utilizes the tri-band technology instead of the dual-band one which helps in providing consistent high speeds even when multiple devices are connected to the same network. Both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios can provide a combined speed of 3 Gbps but it also uses a separate 5 GHz radio as a dedicated backhaul for ensuring a very stable connection between the Orbi and your devices. It also comes with a Qualcomm IPQ4019 Wi-Fi control chip and a 710 MHz quad-core ARM-based processor for extra performance.

Realistically, you can get around 550 Mbps at close range and about 370 Mbps at 100 feet which is pretty incredible. Other products can support greater speeds at longer distances but none that can provide the same consistency or reliability as the Orbi. When you look at the great range, consistent performance and amazing looks, the NETGEAR Orbi RBK50 is easily the Wi-Fi Mesh Extender to beat.

Who should buy this?

• It’s perfect for those who want a beast of a Wi-Fi Extender.
• It’s ideal for people who need a Wi-Fi Extender that can cover a long distance while providing consistent high speeds.
• This smart Wi-Fi Extender is a great choice for those who are looking for one with unique looks and can add to the ambience of the room.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Wi-Fi Extenders for High-Speed Connections

TP-Link RE650

The TP-Link RE650 comes with dual-band connectivity, smart indicator lights, MU-MIMO Wave 2 technology, quad antennas, beam-forming technology, and supports speeds up to 800 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz band and 1733 Mbps for the 5 GHz band. The design is pretty unique as it comes with four antennas for superior signal retention. It comes with a three-prong plug on the back and measures about 6.4 x 3.4 x 2.63 inches in size. It’s certainly one of the larger Wi-Fi Extenders in the market today but it easily makes up for the big size by its amazing performance.

One of the unique aspects of this product is the Intelligent Processing Engine which picks the most efficient way for data to travel through the router, extender, and client. It doesn’t even require a dedicated data channel like its competitors which gives it an advantage over them. Thanks to the 4 x 4 MU-MIMO technology, you can connect multiple devices to your network while preventing any sort of network congestion. At around 50 feet you can get up to 156 Mbps which is great. You can get up to 530 Mbps if you have a high-speed connection even at a distance from the router.

Similar to all TP-Link products, the installation and user interface is easy and very intuitive. The ring of lights on the front displays the quality of the signal you are getting. You can use it to find the perfect place for plugging in the Extender. The TP-Link RE650 might be a bit pricey but if you want a Wi-Fi Extender with great range and that can support high speeds, then you should consider going for it.

Who should buy this?

• For those who want a Wi-Fi Extender with great range and reliable connection, this is a perfect choice.
• It’s ideal for people who have a high-speed internet connection.
• It’s a great choice if you are looking for a Wi-Fi Extender that can easily allow you to stream 4k content or even play online games at a considerable distance away from the router.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Wi-Fi Extenders for 2.4 GHz Single Band Connections

Opticover Wi-Fi Extender

The Opticover Wi-Fi extender comes with universal compatibility with routers, repeater mode, AP mode, router mode, and supports speeds up to 300 Mbps for 2.4 GHz band. The design is pretty cool in this one as it features dual antennas, green neon display lights on the front and a black glossy body. Thanks to the lights, you can easily see everything on the Extender even in the dark. The front panel displays Wi-Fi signal strength at the centre which will let you know if the current location of the Extender is good or not. The rest of the indicators are pretty basic such as WLAN, power button, LAN, etc. At 4.5 x 4.1 x 2.1 inches in size, it is pretty compact and easy to travel with.

Performance-wise this Wi-Fi Extender is a 2.4 GHz band extender and will help you to boost the signal, increase coverage, and eliminate any dead zones you might have. The maximum speed it can support is around 300 Mbps although realistically you would be getting a lower number. It also comes with repeater mode, AP mode, and router mode. The repeater mode helps to extend the Wi-Fi coverage whereas the AP mode is mainly for covering a wired network to a wireless one. The router mode as the name suggests creates an instant wireless network to enable internet usage over multiple devices.

The setup is very easy with this one and takes no time at all. This product is targeted more towards casual use at homes and can be used with various devices such as Alexa, Echo, PlayStation, etc. If you only have a single band (2.4 GHz) connection and want to extend its coverage as much as possible, then the Opticover Wi-Fi Extender might be the right choice for you.

Who should buy this?

• Ideal for those who want a Wi-Fi extender for casual use at home.
• The perfect choice for people who have low to medium speed connections.
• It’s the right choice for those who are looking for a Wi-Fi Extender for their 2.4 GHz connection.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Affordable Wi-Fi Extenders with Touchscreen Display

Securifi Almond Wireless Router/Extender

The Securifi Almond comes with a touchscreen display, multi-purpose usage as a Wi-Fi router/extender/wireless bridge/access point, and a 1-year warranty. It can support speeds up to 300 Mbps. The Securifi Almond is a cool looking Wi-Fi Extender with a semi-gloss black body and a vibrant display on the front. The unorthodox design is something that will catch your eye when you look at it. It’s also very small in size at 1.89 x 4.8 x 4.29 inches.

Features-wise this one comes with a dazzling array of different options and uses. You can use it simply as a wireless router or you can use it as a range extender/repeater. As a range extender, it isn’t compatible with every other router out there, but it is with most of the well-known ones such as Apple, Netgear, Linksys, Cisco, Belkin, D-link, Asus, Verizon, etc. You can also pair it with Alexa and control other smart devices with just voice commands. It comes with parental controls and the ability to create guest networks which comes in handy if you have more people at home.

Moreover, you can also get notifications on your smartphone whenever anyone joins or leaves your network and you can block unwanted devices according to your needs. All you have to do is install the Almond app on your smartphone and you can customize the various options available according to your personal preferences. The Securify Almond certainly isn’t the best standalone Wi-Fi Extender available in the market today but it has amazing versatility and various cool features unlike most of its competitors.

Who should buy this?

• It’s perfect for those who want a Wi-Fi extender with great versatility.
• It’s ideal for people who prefer having a touch screen display over traditional buttons.
• It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a smart Wi-Fi Extender that can also be used as a wireless router.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Value for Money Wi-Fi Extenders

NETGEAR EX6200

The NETGEAR EX6200 comes with dual-band connectivity, universal router compatibility, 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0 port, range of 85 feet, and supports combined speeds of 1.2 Gbps. One of the best aspects of its design is that you can place it both vertically and horizontally by snapping it on its base. The glossy black and red color combination goes well with its perforated body and will surely turn some heads. However, it is quite big at 12.01 x 10.12 x 3.19 inches and surely this is one Wi-Fi Extender that you don’t want to travel with.

As far as performance is concerned, it comes with a Qualcomm Wi-Fi chip that re-transmits the router’s signal across the dual channels. It also uses the latest MU-MIMO technology as well as beam-forming to provide consistent and reliable internet speeds for multiple devices with no interruptions or lag. You can also get realistic speeds of up to 500 Mbps on the 5 GHz band at a distance of 100 feet and 430 Mbps at 150 feet. It also comes with the FastLane feature which can combine both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for better efficiency.

You can rotate and move the antennas in different directions to get the strongest signal. This is a very handy feature to have especially if you are particular about getting the maximum potential internet speeds. Similar to its main competitors, you can use it as an access point too for better Wi-Fi distribution. Considering its great performance, good range and its versatility in placement, the NETGEAR EX6200 is a complete bargain for its price point.

Who should buy this?

• It’s a great choice for those who want a Wi-Fi Extender with good range and excellent performance capability.
• It’s ideal for people who prefer having a good-looking Wi-Fi Extender over a traditional looking one.
• It’s perfect for those who are looking for a smart Wi-Fi extender that can also connect printers and multiple data storage devices.

See it on Amazon

One of the Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Heavy-Duty Streaming and Multi-Player Gaming

NETGEAR EX8000

The NETGEAR EX8000 Wi-Fi Extender comes with a range of 2,500 square feet, seamless smart roaming, AC3000 Wi-Fi speed, tri-band technology, universal router compatibility, and 4 Ethernet ports. It can support a combined speed of up to 3 Gbps. The EX8000 also features a unique design that can improve the visual impact of your room. It is also bigger than the Orbi at 8.08 x 10.01 x 5.2 inches and pretty much towers over its competitors. At the top of the device, you will find 8 LED lights that show the current status as well as other information such as data flow to clients, USB activity, etc.

Performance-wise it utilizes the FastLane 3 technology which uses one of its 5 GHz bands to transfer data between the router and the extender. It blows its competition out of the water when it comes to internet speeds. It can easily provide up to 520 Mbps at a distance of 50 feet and 470 Mbps at 75 feet. It can extend the signal efficiently through walls and even up to a floor. The signal goes weaker only when there are multiple walls in between and even then you will get around 316 Mbps.

Thanks to beam-forming technology and MU-MIMO technology you can connect up to 50 devices to your network and still enjoy great speeds with no significant dip in signal strength. The EX8000 comes with a quad-core processor, 6 amplified antennas, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a USB port making it perfect for online gaming on your desktop or laptop. It might be a bit pricey but with all the features you get plus its amazing performance, the NETGEAR EX8000 is perfect for those who require consistent high speeds.

Who should buy this?

• Ideal for those who want a Wi-Fi Extender that can support up to 3 Gbps.
• Great choice for people who prefer having a good-looking Wi-Fi Extender that can handle heavy-duty streaming or multi-player gaming.
• It’s perfect for those who are looking for a Wi-Fi Extender that can effectively wipe out all dead zones in the house and provide consistently high speeds.

See it on Amazon

One of the Coolest Wi-Fi Extender/Router Combos

Eero Pro

The Eero Pro is a complete home Wi-Fi system that comes with a router, extender, internet booster, backward compatibility, tri-band mesh network capability, and 1,500 square foot range. It can support medium to high-speed internet connections. The Eero Pro is easily one of the best-designed Wi-Fi mesh systems available in the market today. The base router unit and the two satellite units come with a white glossy plastic exterior and are shaped beautifully in a rounded rectangular form. The satellite units also come with a nightlight which you can control with the Eero app.

One of the best aspects of this product is that you can pretty much control everything through the app itself. You can even perform a built-in speed test, set guest user accessibility, create family profiles and use parental controls. You can also subscribe to the Eero Plus for additional security features. With the help of the tri-band feature, it can mitigate potential interruptions by using a dedicated third band for data transfer. You can also get up to 140 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 77 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz on a 100 Mbps connection, which is impressive.

The ease of use and the great user experience it provides is unmatched as far as home mesh Wi-Fi systems are concerned. The price might be high but if you are looking for a brilliantly designed complete home Wi-Fi system packed with cool features and latest technologies, the EeroPro easily comes up at the top of the list.

Who should buy this?

• It’s perfect for those who want a gorgeous looking Wi-Fi Extender.
• It’s ideal for people who prefer having a smart Wi-Fi system they can tweak and customize according to their preferences.
• It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a premium Wi-Fi Extender with great performance.

See it on Amazon

Conclusion

Buying the best Wi-Fi Extender might be a bit overwhelming if you aren’t sure of what you want to get. There are so many different types of products with unique features, various technologies, and different price points. Not only do you see some ridiculously high-priced ones but you also see dozens of low-priced, cheap-quality ones too. To ensure that you buy only the best quality ones, you need to spend some time and do some diligent research online. Once you have decided on a budget and the type of Wi-Fi Extender that you require, then you can safely be on your way to purchasing the right product to meet your specific needs.