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The best Wi-Fi extenders in 2022

The all-time Wi-Fi extenders in 2022

Included in this guide:

best Wi-Fi extender
(Paradigm credit: Shutterstock)

The best Wi-Fi extenders eliminate networking dead spots in your home and stretch your Wi-Fi coverage. By providing a betoken where your regular router tin can't, yous can improve your home network without busting your upkeep.

Whether you call them Wi-Fi boosters, Wi-Fi repeaters or a signal boosters, these small and affordable devices provide stronger Wi-Fi where you need it, oftentimes for much less coin than upgrading to 1 of the best mesh routers.

Nosotros've reviewed several popular Wi-Fi extenders, from cheap wall plugs that can be hidden behind a sofa to desktop units that prioritize power over aesthetics.

There are plenty of functions and features to consider, but the all-time Wi-Fi extender for yous is the one that can most efficiently expand your Wi-Fi coverage. Big or modest, cheap or expensive, nosotros've tested them all to give you the best advice when shopping for a Wi-Fi extender.

  • Want signal everywhere? Cheque out the best mesh Wi-Fi routers
  • Check out how to make Wi-Fi faster

The best Wi-Fi extender for you will come across your coverage needs and be convenient to employ, as well as fitting your budget. Overall, our rating criteria include design, range, throughput, setup and which settings you can suit. But our recommendations aren't purely about speed and coverage, simply besides cost, so you can discover the correct device without spending also much money.

What are the best Wi-Fi extenders?

Based on our in-depth lab tests and hands-on usage in a real habitation, the best Wi-Fi extender on the market is the TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender. It has cracking range and performance in a plug-in design that'southward piece of cake to install in almost any room. It also has a handy smartphone app that makes managing your network easier.

If you're willing to pay for top functioning, the Editor's Choice Netgear AX1800 iv-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20) is the most capable extender nosotros've reviewed, with Wi-Fi half dozen speeds and built-in mesh support, but information technology's a larger desktop model that's not as easy to hide.

The best Wi-Fi extenders y'all can purchase today

TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender

(Image credit: TP-Link)

Best Wi-Fi extender overall

Specifications

Antennas/Removable: 4 external/No

Wi-Fi Spec: AC2600 802.11ac dual-band

Ports: 1 gigabit Ethernet

Size: 6.3 x 3.0 ten 1.eight inches

Reasons to purchase

+

Practiced functioning

+

Excellent interface

+

Telephone/tablet app

Reasons to avoid

-

Can block side by side outlets

The TP-Link RE650 takes a top position every bit the best Wi-Fi extender overall, with a convenient plug-in design, and long range for big homes. It packs a lot of power, and delivers cracking speeds at upward to 75 anxiety. Really, our only trouble with the TP-Link RE650 is that the plug-in unit is large enough that it volition probably block side by side outlets, but that's a pocket-sized quibble for the excellent performance this extender provides.

That performance came 2d only to our top overall option, but the TP-Link RE650 offers competitive speeds in a handy, easy-to-install design. With iv external antennas and dual-band wireless-AC support, the TP-Link RE650 is a dandy choice for large homes. Yous can also ready and monitor your extended network with TP-Link's handy Tether app, which puts advanced settings and security tools right on your telephone or tablet.

Read our full TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender review .

Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20)

(Epitome credit: Netgear)

2. Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender (EAX20)

The all-time extender with Wi-Fi six support

Specifications

Antennas/Removable: 4 internal/No

Wi-Fi Spec: AX1800 802.11ax dual ring

Ports: iv gigabit Ethernet

Size: nine.v x 6.7 x 2.5 inches

Reasons to purchase

+

Wi-Fi 6 support with 802.11ax operations

+

Customization and congenital-in security

+

Offers mesh compatibility with other Netgear devices

Reasons to avoid

-

Large desktop design

-

No USB ports

With Wi-Fi 6 speeds and even mesh capability built correct in, the Netgear AX1800 Mesh Extender (EAX20) was already a contender for the best Wi-Fi extender you can get. While not anybody will be excited about it's large desktop blueprint – without a plug-in blueprint, in that location's no hiding this extender behind the couch or in the corner – and a price that's more than expensive than some routers, the proof is in the performance. And male child, does the Netgear EAX20 evangelize, with category-leading speeds and an crawly 95-human foot range.

The Netgear EAX20 does one matter and does well: it extends networks that are faster and have a longer range than the competition. Throw in a handful of customization options, and add together a layer of online security to help protect your dwelling network, and it'south not hard to say that this admittedly pricey extender is worth every penny.

Read our full Netgear AX1800 Mesh Extender (EAX20) review .

Rock Space AC1200 WiFi Extender

(Paradigm credit: Rock Space)

3. Stone Space AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender

A great affordable Wi-Fi extender

Specifications

Antennas/Removable: 2 external/No

Wi-Fi Spec: AC1200 802.11ac dual ring

Ports: 1 gigabit Ethernet

Size: 3.4 x 3.1 x 2.0 inches

Reasons to buy

+

Small, unobtrusive design

+

Two adaptable antennas

+

Better for townhomes

Reasons to avoid

-

No Wi-Fi half-dozen support

-

Mediocre functioning

For an affordable, but capable Wi-Fi extender, you lot might want to consider the Stone Space AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender. With solid basic Wi-Fi performance and dead-elementary setup, this piffling Wi-Fi extender is a slap-up style to encompass the odd dead spot in your Wi-Fi coverage, or to push stronger wireless signals out to your back patio or garage.

With a meaty plug-in design and adjustable antennas, you can easily tuck the Rock Space extender out of the way, and setup can exist washed in merely minutes, with no extra app to worry about. And with solid middle of the road functioning that works also between floors as it does room-to-room, it's also a great choice for townhouses and other multi-flooring homes. Just don't expect blazing speeds or advanced customization options – this is strictly for basic Wi-Fi.

Read our full Stone Infinite AC1200 WiFi Extender review .

Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender

(Image credit: Linksys)

4. Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender

A corking Wi-Fi extender with a low profile

Specifications

Antennas/Removable: 4 external/No

Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac dual band

Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet

Size: four.nine x three.2 x one.7 inches

Reasons to buy

+

Simple design

+

Dual-band operations

+

Applied software

Reasons to avoid

-

Gets hot

-

Unexceptional performance

Need to beef up your Wi-Fi network coverage and range, but don't want an extender that stands out? The Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi range extender is compact and low-profile, with a pattern that won't block other outlets or stand out equally a garish tech production. It's easily the best Wi-Fi extender we've seen for people that want an unobtrusive design, instead of an antenna-festooned brick that blocks next outlets.

But aside from the subtle design, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ offers solid throughput speeds and set-up assistance that helps you discover the right spot for optimal performance. The overall functioning is pretty good, only that set-up assistant makes it a not bad choice for anyone that wants a piffling help getting things set up simply right.

Read our full Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender review .

D-Link DAP-1720 Wi-Fi AC1750 Range Extender

(Image credit: D-Link)

All-time for two-story homes

Specifications

Antennas/Removable: 3 external/No

Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac dual band

Ports: i Gigabit Ethernet

Size: 6.four 10 3.iii ten ane.5 inches

Reasons to purchase

+

2-prong plug

+

Skillful multistory performance

+

Like shooting fish in a barrel setup with mobile app

Reasons to avoid

-

Can block adjacent outlet

-

Spotty performance

D-Link'due south DAP-1720 is piece of cake to set, provides a convenient mobile app for managing device settings and can help fill a dwelling with Wi-Fi. Handy features like a born Ethernet port that can handle Gigabit speeds, and a concrete on/off switch get in a capable tool for extending the achieve of your router, but information technology serves upwards patchy performance and is so large that it risks blocking adjacent AC outlets.

Despite some irregular performance, the D-Link DAP-1720 does particularly well when pushing signal to a floor to a higher place or below. That verticality makes it 1 of the best Wi-Fi extenders available for getting signal to every floor of a multistory home, making it the perfect choice for anyone who finds their Wi-Fi signal dropping out when they go up or down stairs.

Read our full D-Link DAP-1720 Wi-Fi AC1750 Range Extender review .

Do you need a Wi-Fi extender?

With so many options for upgrading your home network, similar getting a new router or a mesh router, or calculation a Wi-Fi extender or powerline extender, how exercise you know which is the best option for you?

If nigh of your business firm is fairly served past the Wi-Fi router you lot already ain, you may not need to buy a new one. A Wi-Fi extender is the perfect solution if you've got one room or ane department of the house where your internet ever seems to cut out. Wi-Fi extenders are great for knocking out a specific dead spot, for giving you a petty more point with a trivial more range, enough to reach that far room or give your Wi-Fi a picayune oomph to brand it to the next floor.

Notwithstanding, if yous have large portions of your dwelling or property that don't get adequate Wi-Fi, yous may need to step upwardly to ane of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems, which use multiple devices to create a larger shared network. If you take multiple rooms with spotty coverage, or a far end of the house that your router tin can't reach, or want to extend your coverage out to the backyard or garage, then a mesh kit is the better choice.

How to choose the best Wi-Fi extender for you

  • How Much Should a Wi-Fi Extender Toll? The cheapest Wi-Fi repeaters volition ofttimes sell for less than $50, and our electric current budget choice sells for one-half that. Newer signal boosting devices accept support for the latest wireless standards and offering technologies like beam-forming and Mu-MIMO for enhanced functioning will often toll more than, but even the best extenders tin be had for less than $200. And watch out for cheap discount range extenders, similar the ane in our Super Boost Wireless-N Wi-Fi Repeater review. The attractively low cost also brings extremely poor operation.
  • Plug-In or Desktop? While most bespeak boosters utilise modest plug-in designs that connect straight to a wall outlet, they aren't the simply option. Some of the best Wi-Fi extenders use larger designs that sit on a desk or shelf, more than like a traditional router. These larger devices don't have the same size and weight limitations of plug-in units, allowing for improve antenna placement and amend internal hardware. Plug-in models, on the other manus, will often be less expensive and more than convenient to install.
  • Match Wi-Fi Standards: While you may non pay much attention to which wireless standard your router uses, it volition definitely have an impact on how helpful your extender is. If your wireless router uses the current 802.11ac standard, y'all'll want to be certain your extender does, besides. The older 802.11n standard is slower and ofttimes is limited to one band, which will create a bottleneck in your Wi-Fi coverage, slowing down all of your browsing and streaming. Only that's  a problem merely if your router is offering improve speeds. If you lot have an older wireless-N router, then a matching extender will do the job merely fine.
  • Placement Is Everything: Both wireless routers and Wi-Fi extenders use radio waves to share data back and forth with your internet connexion. You lot demand to find somewhere that'southward shut enough to the router to grab a strong signal to rebroadcast, but far enough abroad to extend the network's range to where it'south needed. Demand more than help? Bank check out our guide to Wi-Fi extender placement.
  • Consider an Upgrade: If your wireless router isn't providing the speeds or coverage you want, it may be better to skip the Wi-Fi extender entirely and go a new router. Newer models offer better functioning, and mesh routers will let yous expand your wireless coverage across even the largest home. (One of our editors traded in his router-and-extender combination for a Netgear Orbi mesh system. Come across why he says "This mesh router is the best thing I bought during the pandemic.")

How we test Wi-Fi extenders

Every Wi-Fi extender nosotros review is evaluated based on a combination of in-depth performance tests and easily-on usage in a real dwelling. This mix of real-world use and controlled benchmark testing gives usa a articulate picture of how well each device performs.

We use Ixia'southward IxChariot testing software to measure throughput at a variety of distances and environmental conditions. This includes testing with the extender placed at 50 feet and 75 feet from the router. The software simulates traffic in a busy wireless network while measuring data flow back and forth. The results are shown in megabits per 2d (Mbps) at a altitude from the extender, with higher numbers indicating improve performance.

Measuring the throughput at various distances too lets u.s.a. decide the constructive range of the extender, giving you a meliorate understanding of how well a device will do in covering the farthest corners of your home.

We also use each product in a real home, which has signal-thwarting brick walls and the sort of sturdy construction that bones routers struggle to contend with. In that surround nosotros apply the network for everything from listening to music and streaming video to performing boosted tests and even writing the review.

All of our reviews include additional details nearly the set-up process, the quirks and cool aspects of design, and all of the settings and direction functions the device offers. If you lot desire to learn more about any of the best Wi-Fi extenders listed above, just check out the full reviews for more detailed information.

Check out all of our abode networking coverage:

All-time Wi-Fi routers | Best mesh routers | Best gaming routers | Best powerline extenders | Best cablevision modems

  • Modem vs. Router: How They're Unlike and What They Do
  • Go better betoken: How to set upwards your Wi-Fi extender
  • Wi-Fi extenders vs powerline adapters: Everything you need to know
  • How to see who'due south using your Wi-Fi network

Brian Westover is an Editor at Tom's Guide, covering everything from TVs to the latest PCs. Prior to joining Tom'southward Guide, he wrote for TopTenReviews and PCMag.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-wifi-extenders,review-2225.html

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