- Best Range Extenders For Wifi
- Best Range Extender For Mac
- Range Extender Setup
- Best Wifi Range Extender For Mac
- Best Wifi Range Extender For Mac
- Range Extender Reviews
Even though this machine is fairly expensive it does have a universal range extender mode which means it is compatible with almost any existing router. In addition to this, it is also compatible with Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, PC, Windows, Xbox and Andriod systems. In comparison, plug-in range extenders range in price from around $70 up to around $100, and desktop range extenders go for around $70 up to $170 or so, depending on features. The Netgear WN3000RP-200INS is the best Wifi range extender that is easy to set up and has impressive range. It works only on 2.4GHZ frequency and supports 802.11n and older 802.11g and b devices. It features a 100Mbps Ethernet port at the side along with buttons to reset the router and disable wireless signal.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- NETGEAR EX3700 (AC750) at Amazon“Features two external antennas for enhanced Wi-Fi coverage.”
- Netgear Orbi at Amazon“Setup is easy and intuitive via either a mobile app or web browser.”
- NETGEAR AC1200 at Amazon“Powerful dual-band extender that’s both versatile and affordable.”
- NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 AC2200 (EX7300) at Amazon“Brings MU-MIMO technology to a convenient plug-in range extender.”
- TP-Link AC1200 (RE305) at Amazon“One of the best extenders for long range.”
- D-Link DAP-1520 (AC750) at Amazon“It’s small, easy to install, cheap and offers an impressively strong wireless signal for the package.”
- Netgear Nighthawk X6 Wi-Fi Mesh Extender at Amazon“This model includes a few new features that are pretty amazing.”
- Google Wi-Fi at Walmart“The ease of use and simple setup make Google Wi-Fi a serious contender for a whole house or apartment.”
- TP-Link RE2200 at Amazon, 'Perfect for those who don’t want to deal with a complicated setup or configuration settings.'
- D-Link DAP-1650 (AC1200) at Amazon“Offers dual-band Wireless-AC connectivity and will look good wherever you place it.”
Our Top Picks
NETGEAR EX3700 Wi-Fi Range Extender (AC750)
The low-cost NETGEAR EX3700 Wi-Fi extender plugs directly into a wall socket. It’s dual-band and compatible with Wireless-AC technology (the latest wireless standard), and it offers throughput of up to 750Mbps.
The EX3700 features two external antennas for enhanced Wi-Fi coverage, as well as the option to create a new Wi-Fi access point or hotspot through a wired Gigabit Ethernet port. This is ideal if you want to create a separate network for guests. NETGEAR also includes its Wi-Fi Analytics App, which allows you to gauge the strength of your Wi-Fi signal, check on its status or identify crowded channels.
These few extra features may be extraneous for some, but the fact that it’s all found in a relatively inexpensive package suggests it’s a better purchase than the competing D-Link DAP-1520. Buy the NETGEAR EX3700 if you want a bit more versatility for your budget.
Netgear Orbi
Another relatively affordable mesh networking system, Orbi offers a three-pack of its tall, rounded towers for around $300. What makes this system unique is two-fold: Netgear packs in three bands for flexible connectivity, using one exclusively for backchannel networking to the router it’s connected to, avoiding any congestion on the other two bands. Netgear also promises a range of 5,000 square feet of coverage at up to 1.2Gbps of data flow to all your gadgets. That’s a ton of bandwidth for Netflix, online gaming, and video conferencing.
Each satellite tower connects to the router tower, making this more of a hub and spoke arrangement than true mesh networking, but Netgear says its working on a firmware update to let all the satellites connect with each other. Each tower comes with four Ethernet ports, too, making them ideal to connect wired devices like printers and such. Plus, setup is easy and intuitive via either a mobile app or web browser, and you can easily see the devices’ status with a blue (good), orange (average), or red (not connected) LED status light atop each tower.
NETGEAR AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Range Extender
If you need a Wi-Fi Extender, the NETGEAR AC1200 is the best option for most situations. It is a powerful dual-band extender that’s both versatile and affordable. It supports the newest Wireless-AC standard and can double as a second Wi-Fi access point. It’s important that any Wi-Fi extender you purchase has dual-band functionality (for reasons mentioned in the intro), meaning it can stream on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. The AC1200 operates on both Wi-Fi bands and offers up to 1200Mbps of throughput. It also features five Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are significantly faster than the Fast Ethernet standard. This allows the AC1200 to function as a (quite speedy) wired access point. It also includes a dual-core processor for optimal performance, as well as high-power amplifiers and two high-gain 5dBi antennas. And it can be found for as low as $95.
All this should extend your router’s coverage area by several hundred square feet. Both user and professional reviews seem to back up that claim, making the NETGEAR EX6200 one of the best all-around Wi-Fi extenders on the market.
Check out our guide to the best Netgear routers you can buy today.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 AC2200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7300)
The NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 AC2200 Wi-Fi Range Extender brings Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology to a convenient plug-in range extender. That technology allows it to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, which means the whole family can stream heavy content without buffering.
As with all of the others on this list, it’s a dual-band extender that can reach speeds of up to 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,733Mbps on the 5GHz band. On top of that, it supports beamforming technology, which sends data directly to clients instead of using a broad spectrum. It’s a bit larger, measuring 6.3 by 3.2 by 1.7 inches but has an internal antenna array instead of an external one. The Nighthawk X4 AC2200 is also a cinch to set up, so you can be up and running with better internet in just a few minutes.
TP-Link AC1200 (RE305)
It might not be the fastest extender at close range, but the dual-band RE305 is one of the best extenders for long range. Its two bands run at 2.4GHz (up to 300Mbps) + 5GHz (up to 867Mbps) and it has a Fast Ethernet port that lets you connect to a wired device. That’ll help boost your Wi-Fi to stream to your heart’s desire.
The RE305 is probably best described as “cute”; it is white with rounded edges and two short antennas. It has three LED lights on the front that indicate whether it’s properly connected, which make its setup a cinch. If you have any doubt, rest easy knowing that it also comes with a two-year warranty plus around-the-clock technical support.
D-Link DAP-1520 Wi-Fi Range Extender (AC750)
The dual-band D-Link DAP-1520 plugs right into any wall socket and can extend your router’s coverage area at the push of a button. It features Wireless-AC technology with throughput of up to 750Mbps (300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 433 Mbps on 5GHz). You can also save and restore the device’s settings—ideal for power outages or factory resets—and monitor the traffic on your network. It’s small, easy to install, cheap and according to most reviews it offers an impressively strong wireless signal for the package.
That said, it’s small and inexpensive for a reason. When you downsize to a wall socket Wi-Fi extender you sacrifice a few features some folks might find indispensable. There’s no Ethernet, USB, or audio inputs, for example, and no network bridging functionality.
This is a solid, affordable gadget for basic Wi-Fi extending. It’s ideal for people who have limited technological know-how. It’s not meant for networking wizards who are looking to outfit a press conference or LAN party. Buy the DAP-1520 if you want a simple Wi-Fi extender without all the bells and whistles.
Best Range Extenders For Wifi
Netgear Nighthawk X6 Wi-Fi Mesh Extender
The X6 AC2200 is the newest Wi-Fi extender in Netgear’s Nighthawk line, and just like the regular Nighthawk mesh receivers, it does its job really well. But this model includes a few new features that are pretty amazing for those looking to amp up their home’s Wi-Fi coverage. First off, there’s the smart roaming technology, which automatically connects your mobile devices to whatever Wi-Fi connection point is strongest, without lag or delay. Pair that with the new FastLane3 tech, which establishes a strong, independent connection point to the primary router (rather than daisy-chaining and dividing signal). And of course, the speeds are blisteringly fast, offering you up 2.2 Gbps on the 5GHz band. It all ladders up to the latest Nighthawk tri-band system, which can be easily controlled with a standalone mobile app. This extender works with any brand Wi-Fi router.
Google Wi-Fi
If you want to start up with mesh networking but don’t want to mess with a confusing, expensive router and additional extenders, you might want to take a look at Google’s Wi-Fi offering. It comes in a three pack of discrete, white round “pucks,” similar in size and shape to Amazon’s Echo Dot. Each of the three little devices can cover 1,500 square feet, giving you a total of 4,500 square feet of solid, mesh-style Wi-Fi network.
While they don’t have physical ports like some other extenders on this list, making it impossible to connect hard-wired devices, the ease of use and simple setup — as well as an affordable mesh networking tech — make Google Wi-Fi a serious contender for a whole house or apartment. Each device is its own router, as well; you can connect any of the three gadgets to your internet provider’s modem, and the other two will act as extenders. They run on a quad-core Arm CPU with 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of eMMC flash memory and boast both 802.11ac and 802.11s (mesh) tech along with a Bluetooth radio. They use both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and while you can’t choose which band your devices connect to, Google’s beamforming technology ensures the best signal across each band.
Ease of setup is key for anything like this, and Google provides a fantastic, intuitive app to manage your network, letting you forward ports, set up guest Wi-Fi networks, and test your speeds. Google Wi-Fi is likely the best way to get a mesh network up quickly, stylishly, and for relatively less money.
TP-Link RE2200
The inexpensive TP-Link RE220 is perfect for those who don’t want to deal with a complicated setup or configuration settings. It should prevent you from having shoddy signal while HD streaming, gaming, or using smart gadgets such as Alexa/Echo devices or smart home products.
This open-source application allows you to capture and stream live video from any Mac, Windows, or Linux computer. Best settings for obs on mac. One widely used option is.
Plugging straight into a wall outlet, the dual-band TP-Link is small and sleek. There’s even room enough to use the second outlet. When you set it up, the extender will indicate the optimal location in order to get the best possible connection. From there, TP-Link says you can get started with just the press of a button.
With the TP-Link app, you can easily manage and customize your network. You can choose what devices are able to connect to Wi-Fi, as well as schedule your network to turn on and off (perfect for parents who might want to enforce a no-internet rule at bedtime). Additionally, turning on High-Speed Mode uses one band to only support streaming and gaming, giving you an even more solid connection.
D-Link DAP-1650 Wi-Fi Range Extender (AC1200)
If you’re looking for a stylish, fast, capable Wi-Fi range extender, the D-Link DAP-1650 should be on your list. Costing less than $70, this extender offers dual-band Wireless-AC connectivity and will look good wherever you place it. It’s got four Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well, making it ideal to set up next to a smart TV, wired PC, or non-wireless printer.
Users find that the setup is simple, especially with the Wi-Fi Protected set up one-touch connection, and the included media server option is a breeze to enable. The DAAP-1650 is compatible with any standard wireless router, and provides backward compatibility with 802.11n, b, g, and a, offering WPA or WPA2 security as well. While it does connect back to your router on the same band it uses itself (potentially introducing some network congestion), that may not be an issue for your specific network setup, as the 5GHz band offers 867 Mbps throughput (with 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHx band). The design is pretty great, too, without any unsightly antennas coming off the stylish black, cylindrical device.
Summarizing, archive files and their compressed versions present a very practical option, particularly in cases of small and medium size backups. Best free backup software for mac.
Tested by
How We Tested
Our reviewers spent 355 hours testing eight of the most popular Wi-Fi extenders on the market. They took them home, set them up, and watched a lot of Netflix to figure out what their strengths and flaws really were. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these Wi-Fi extenders and we've outlined them here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Wi-Fi Extender
Wi-Fi compatibility -Since an extender’s job is to rebroadcast your router’s signal, splurging on a fancy extender won’t get you very far if your router doesn’t support the latest standards. But if your router doesn’t support at least N standards, consider upgrading anyway.
Single- or dual-band - Dual-band extenders feature a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band. If your router has dual bands, you’ll want to get an extender to match, ensuring the fastest speeds.
Security -If security is an issue — and it should be! — buy an extender with the latest Wi-Fi Protected Access version, which is WPA2-PSK (AES). This encryption method prevents just about anyone from logging onto your network.
See Which Wi-Fi Extender Features We Loved Most
Test Results: NETGEAR EX3700 Wi-Fi Range Extender (AC750)
What We Like
Easy setup
Good range
No loss in network speed
According to our testers, this Wi-Fi extender was very easy to set up. One reviewer also liked its small size and style: “It blends into to any place you want to use it,” he said. And it performs well, too. In fact, one reviewer cut straight to the point and revealed the real reason he needed a better Wi-Fi signal: “I used it to reach my bedroom, so I could browse social media in bed,” he said. (We’re sure you can relate.) Best anti virus for mac and pc.
Test Results: Netgear Orbi Home Mesh Wi-Fi System
What We Like
Fast speeds
Simple setup process
Configurable options
Netgear’s Orbi earned a perfect five-star rating from our testers because of its fast, reliable connection and large range. “The Orbi system provides seamless connectivity throughout the entire home,” reported one tester, “which is a big advantage for larger spaces, as devices don't need to switch networks as you move around.” However, our reviewers wished it came in more than one color — “preferably black, so consumers have a choice based on their home decor,” one explained.
Test Results: NETGEAR EX6200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (AC1200)
What We Like
Easy setup
Carries video-quality Wi-Fi
Simple to use
What We Don't Like
Cumbersome design
Very little customization
Best printer for mac os x lion. Can be installed via USB or network unless otherwise indicated.
Our reviewers found this extender to be easy, attractive, and effective. One tester summed up his experience by saying, “I used to have issues getting video-capable Wi-Fi in our bedroom and haven't thought twice about it since the extender was set up.” Installation was a breeze too: “I've set up home routers once or twice before, and this was by far the easiest,” wrote one reviewer.
Test Results: NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 AC2200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7300)
What We Like
Amazing range
Maintains great speeds
Works through walls and doors
Our reviewers noticed an improved range when using this router: “I have a long house and we barely get Wi-Fi reception in the back,” said one, “and with this product, we were able to get service in the backyard.” On the flip side, the Nighthawk X4 AC2200 can be a little tedious to set up, according to one tester, but the payoff is worth it.
Test Results: TP-Link AC1200 RE305
What We Like
Small design
Impressive range
Intelligent Signal Indicator Light
What We Don't Like
High learning curve for setup
Inconsistent connection
One of our testers was very impressed with this extender’s range: “Especially when I’m outside my home — which in the past has had no coverage at all — the extender seemed to be able to permeate through the walls better than routers that I've used in the past,” he said. Although the connection is strong, one reviewer described it as “flaky” when it came to carrying gaming-quality Internet.
D-Link DAP-1520 Wi-Fi Range Extender (AC750)
What We Don't Like
Limited functionality
One of our testers, who wanted to extend his Wi-Fi strength from his living room to his bedroom — which is three rooms away — thought this extender strengthened the previously weak signal in that room. A seamless setup experience was also a plus. However, one of our reviewers wished that the extender indicated the strength of the projected signal in any given place (to help pick the best spot to put it).
Test Results: Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC2200 Wi-Fi Mesh Extender
What We Like
Strong connection
Improved range
Portability
This extender delivered in every way: It was easy to set up and connect devices, and our testers found that it vastly improved the Wi-Fi connection across their homes. One reviewer summed up his experience with real-world results: “Places in my home where I couldn't stream movies or do work before because of Wi-Fi connectivity issues have now become my favorite places to hang out,” he said.
Test Results: Google Wi-Fi
What We Like
Best Range Extender For Mac
Attractive design
Great range extension
Simple installation
According to our testers, this product provided a noticeably faster and better Internet connection than the systems they’d used in the past. One reviewer also loved its design, noting that it looked even better in person than on the box. One downside was that it didn’t have an integrated modem: “It’s difficult to install when one can only wire it a few feet away from a modem,” observed one tester.
Best Extender OverallNetgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band WiFi Extender
It's big and expensive, but if you want Wi-Fi throughout your house, the Nighthawk X6S Tri-Band Extender is a must-have.
Best ValueCoredy E300 Mini WiFi Range Extender
If affordability in a Wi-Fi extender is all that matters, get the $26 Coredy E300, which offers basic performance and coverage.
Best for Large HomesTP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender
It might be big for a plug-in extender and it's as expensive as some routers, but TP-Link's RE650 has the power to extend a network into uncovered areas of large homes.
We've tested and reviewed more than a dozen of the best Wi-Fi extenders to help you fix your Wi-Fi dead spots and boost signal strength to every corner of your home. These small and inexpensive Wi-Fi signal boosters provide a quick solution for weak wireless signal and spotty coverage.
Based on our rigorous testing, which includes in-depth lab tests and hands-on evaluation in a real home, the best extender on the market is the Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000. It offers fast speeds, excellent reach and an array of features that make it easy to use. Our top value pick is the Motorola MX1200, which gives you a Wi-Fi boost for under $50.
News & Updates (August 2019)
- Video streaming demands strong Wi-Fi signal, and it looks like Roku is entering the Wi-Fi extender market to provide just that with the Roku Relay. The company is developing a signal booster that's optimized for streaming; so much so that it may not even work with non-Roku products.
- If you've got a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender, like the RE650 Range Extender we recommend for larger homes, you need to upgrade the firmware. A flaw in several TP-Link devices could let an attacker take over the device, seeing everything you do online. Thankfully, it's an easy fix.
Best Extender Overall
Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band WiFi Extender
SPECIFICATIONS
Antennas/Removable: 6 internal/No | Wi-Fi Spec: AC3000 802.11ac tri-band | Ports: 4 gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 | Size: 8.9 x 6.7 x 3.7 inches
Range Extender Setup
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band Extender emerged as the best range extender we've tested by a large margin, with faster data speeds and an enormous range.
The Nighthawk X6S uses a desktop design that's much larger than the average plug-in signal booster, but that size allows for more antennas (six in total) and beefier hardware that offers tri-band coverage out to 168 feet. You can even use multiple X6S extenders to create a mesh network for larger homes. It's big and expensive, but it's worth every penny.
Best Value
Coredy E300 Mini WiFi Range Extender
SPECIFICATIONS
Antennas/Removable: 2 external/No | Wi-Fi Spec: N300 802.11n single-band | Ports: 2 100Mbps Ethernet | Size: 2.9 x 2.1 x 1.6 inches
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
If you want the lowest possible price, there's no beating the Coredy E300 Mini, which offers added range and simple setup for under $30. Besides that, it offers all-day, error-free performance and a plug-in design that won't hog all the space for your outlets.
If you're just looking for the most affordable way to push your Wi-Fi signal to that one corner of the house that never seems to get a signal, the E300 Mini offers an affordable solution, with a compact plug-in design that can add as much as 75 feet of range to your network and still deliver enough bandwidth for streaming media in 4K. Sure, it's limited to single-band, wireless-N performance, but you're unlikely to find a cheaper option that gets the job done.
Best for Large Homes
TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender
SPECIFICATIONS
Antennas/Removable: 4 external/No | Wi-Fi Spec: AC2600 802.11ac dual-band | Ports: 1 gigabit Ethernet | Size: 6.3 x 3.0 x 1.8 inches
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The TP-Link RE650 takes a top position as the best plug-in range extender we’ve tested, and our pick as the best repeater for big homes. It packs a lot of power, and delivers great speeds at up to 75 feet.
That performance came second only to our top overall pick, but the TP-Link RE650 offers competitive speeds in a handy plug-in design. With four external antennas and dual-band wireless-AC support, the TP-Link RE650 is a great choice for large homes. You can also set up and monitor your extended network with TP-Link's handy Tether app, which puts advanced settings and security tools right on your phone or tablet.
Best Value for Large Homes
Netgear EX6200 Dual Band AC1200 WiFi Range Extender
SPECIFICATIONS
Antennas/Removable: 2 external/Yes | Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac dual band | Ports: 5 Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 | Size: 9.7 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The Netgear EX6200 gets a nod as the budget-firendly alternative for large homes, offering a less expensive alternative to the TP-Link RE650 that gets our top recommendation. It lacks a few features, most significantly a dedicated backhaul channel for data, but it balances that omission with a great price. On top of that, you'll get excellent performance, great range, and a flexible setup that can position the extender horizontally or vertically.
Other Wi-Fi Extenders Reviewed
The Lowest Profile Extender
Best Wifi Range Extender For Mac
Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender
SPECIFICATIONS
Antennas/Removable: 4 external/No | Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac dual band | Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet | Size: 4.9 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Need to beef up your Wi-Fi network 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 design that won't block other outlets or stand out as a garish tech product. But aside from the subtle design, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ offers solid performance and set-up assistance that helps you find the right spot for optimal performance.
Best for Two-Story Homes
D-Link DAP-1720 Wi-Fi AC1750 Range Extender
SPECIFICATIONS
Antennas/Removable: 3 external/No | Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac dual band | Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet | Size: 6.4 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
D-Link's DAP-1720 is easy to set up, provides a mobile app and can help fill a home with Wi-Fi, but it serves up 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 above or below, making it a smart choice for multistory homes.
How we test Wi-Fi extenders
We rigorously test every Wi-Fi extender we review to get a clear picture of how well each device performs. This testing is performed in our Utah testing facility and our reviewer's suburban home, in addition to hands-on use. Overall, our rating criteria include design, range, throughput, setup, and which settings you can adjust. In the final analysis, though, it all comes down to value — which extender provides the most for the lowest cost.
Best Wifi Range Extender For Mac
We use Ixia's 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, as well as testing between floors in different configurations. The software simulates traffic in a busy wireless network while measuring data flow back and forth. The results are shown in megabits per second (Mbps) at a distance from the extender, with higher numbers indicating better performance.
Measuring the throughput at various distances also lets use determine the effective range of the extender, giving you a better understanding of how well a device will do in covering the farthest corners of your home.
Do I need an extender, booster or a repeater?
Confused about the difference between Wi-Fi extenders, signal boosters, and wireless repeaters? While each term gets used frequently, this is one bit of tech jargon that shouldn't be confusing, because they all mean the same thing.
Range Extender Reviews
A Wi-Fi extender works by rebroadcasting your Wi-Fi signal, both strengthening poor signal and expanding the area it covers. So, calling a Wi-Fi extender by another term, such as a wireless repeater or range extender, is entirely correct. As long as your Wi-Fi signal booster is set up properly, it won't matter what you call it.
The one time it may not be quite so simple is with a mesh router system. Mesh routers also extend the Wi-Fi coverage in your home, but instead of just repeating your wireless signal to give Wi-Fi a boost, they use a more complex system of individual devices producing signal, multiple data channels and automatic configuration, providing more seamless coverage and better overall performance.
Quick tips for shoppers
- How Much Should a Wi-Fi Extender Cost? The cheapest Wi-Fi repeaters will often sell for less than $50, and our current budget pick sells for half that. Newer signal boosting devices have support for the latest wireless standards and offering technologies like beam-forming and Mu-MIMO for enhanced performance will often cost more, but even the best extenders can be had for less than $200.
- Plug-In or Desktop? While most Wi-Fi extenders use small plug-in designs that connect directly to a wall outlet, they aren't the only option. Some use larger designs that sit on a desk or shelf, more like a traditional router. These larger devices don't have the same size and weight limitations of plug-in units, allowing for better antenna placement and better internal hardware. Plug-in models, on the other hand, will often be less expensive and more convenient to install.
- Match Wi-Fi Standards: While you may not pay much attention to which wireless standard your router uses, it will definitely have an impact on how helpful your extender is. If your wireless router uses the current 802.11ac standard, you’ll want to be sure your extender does, too. The older 802.11n standard is slower and often is limited to one band, which will create a bottleneck in your Wi-Fi coverage, slowing down all of your browsing and streaming. But that's a problem only if your router is offering better speeds. If you have an older wireless-N router, then a matching extender will do the job just fine.
- Placement Is Everything: Both wireless routers and Wi-Fi extenders use radio waves to share data back and forth with your internet connection. You need to find somewhere that's close enough to the router to grab a strong signal to rebroadcast, but far enough away to extend the network's range to where it's needed. Need more help? 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 get a new router. Newer models offer better performance, and mesh routers will let you expand your wireless coverage across even the largest home.