The best Wi-Fi extenders are cost-effective network solutions for some connectivity-related issues. If you’re having problems with dead spots in coverage, or maybe that router isn’t reaching the furthest parts of your home or office, one of these network boosters can fix those issues without you spending more on a new router.
Also known as Wi-Fi repeaters or Wi-Fi boosters, these devices take a wireless router’s signal and extend its coverage far beyond its original boundaries. They also ensure that internet signals are stronger in areas where connections were previously unstable.
That said, if your router is a little on the long side, it might be worth spending the extra money on one of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers around. They’re an upgrade from any traditional router setup, and a more expensive solution to any internet issues you may have.
If this is new or unfamiliar to you, don’t worry. We’ve tested and reviewed many Wi-Fi boosters, so we know what to look for and will guide you to the best options, keep an eye out for any new models in this guide and update accordingly. We’ve also tried to answer your Wi-Fi extender questions below so you can understand yours.
From budget to premium models, we’ve rounded up the best Wi-Fi extenders for the home and office to get you on the road to a better internet connection. Don’t forget to use our included price comparison tool to find some of the best Wi-Fi extender deals.
1. Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band WiFi Extender
If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi extender that delivers top-notch performance to extend your home’s wireless network, look no further than the Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-Band WiFi Extender. You can use this booster to create a mesh network that has a single large Wi-Fi network instead of smaller separate networks.
By doing this, it allows your devices to seamlessly maintain the same connection as you go from one area of your home to another. If this sounds complicated, don’t be alarmed. The Nighthawk app should easily guide you through the process. It also offers fast speeds and reliable overall network coverage. With three Wi-Fi bands, it’s also ideal for networks that connect many devices, including smart home devices. All of this comes at a steep price, but if you want the best Wi-Fi extender you can buy right now, this is what you can get.
2. Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender
If you want a small, discrete Wi-Fi extender that can reliably extend your network coverage into your home or office, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender is a great choice .
It’s small enough that it won’t block other power outlets (as some larger Wi-Fi extenders can do), and it offers pretty good performance for the low price. Best of all, it comes with a “dead spot” finder that lets you find where your network strength is at its weakest. By installing it here, you should see a huge boost to your Wi-Fi.
3. TP-Link RE605X WiFi 6 Range Extender
If you’re looking to extend your newly created Wi-Fi 6 network to all four corners of your home, TP-Link’s RE605X WiFi 6 Range Extender is worth a look. It’s just as affordable and easy to set up as the RE650 extender, while being backward compatible with older Wi-Fi 5 routers. However, it’s not just for less savvy users. The RE605X also offers a web browser interface for experienced users who want more control over their network settings.
4. Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 Mesh Range Extender
使用 Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 將網狀網絡的強大功能和便利帶到您的家中。 這不僅擴展了您的 Wi-Fi 網絡區域，而且在您的家庭或辦公室中創建了一個無縫的 Wi-Fi 網絡 – 因此您在四處走動時無需切換網絡。
借助 Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 內部強大的硬件，您可以流暢地傳輸 4K 內容、玩遊戲並將各種設備連接到您的 Wi-Fi 網絡。 隨附的以太網端口也是將您的網絡連接到有線設備的一個很好的補充。
5. TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender
TP-Link 是一家中國網絡公司，它在西方穩步獲得人氣，這是有充分理由的。 使用像 TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi 範圍擴展器這樣的設備，很容易理解為什麼：這個擴展器——你現在可以買到的最好的 Wi-Fi 擴展器之一——做得很好，而且價格實惠。 它不會是目前最快的 Wi-Fi 擴展器，但以這個擴展器提供的價格範圍，它是一個偷竊。 最後，多虧了前面的 LED 信號指示燈，安裝變得輕而易舉。
6. Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender
Linksys Velop 為無線網狀網絡的易於設置提供了堅實的論據。 但是，如果您不想使用節點並且想要一些可能有點微妙的東西，它的網狀 Wi-Fi 擴展器也是一個令人信服的案例。 您可以讓這個節點連接並擴展您的 Linksys Velop 智能網狀 Wi-Fi 路由器的覆蓋範圍，而不是獲得一個節點。
這種插入式擴展器易於設置，不像常規節點那樣需要任何電纜或電線，並且可以適合大多數牆壁插座，這意味著您可以在您的空間中傳播該信號，只要有一個好的插座可用。 它只是您現有 Velop 系統的更無縫、簡約的解決方案。 當然，這也意味著您應該擁有 Velop 系統。 不幸的是，這不適用於其他路由器。
7. Devolo Mesh WiFi 2
使用 Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 將您的網絡穿過厚牆延伸到您空間的最遠角落。擁有網狀 Wi-Fi 功能和多功能電力線連接，該設備甚至可以跟隨您和您的移動設備，自動將您切換到 最近的適配器和最快的 Wi-Fi 頻段。 它甚至具有三個適配器，可為您提供五個千兆以太網端口，以實現快速的有線連接。 這是遊戲機、智能電視和其他最適合有線連接的設備的最佳 Wi-Fi 擴展器。
8. Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2
如果您需要一種很好的方法來升級您的網絡，以便在家中的任何地方都能獲得出色的覆蓋範圍，那麼電力線適配器是一個不錯的選擇。 它們不僅提供與最好的 Wi-Fi 擴展器相同的功能，而且 Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 可能只是夢想成真。 它在視覺上並不令人愉悅，而且價格標籤可能有點高。 然而，這個單位的純粹性能彌補了這些問題。 而且，與其他電力線適配器不同，Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere 具有一個克隆按鈕，可以克隆您網絡的 SSID 和 WPA 密鑰，以便它可以兼作 Wi-Fi 擴展器。
If you need a great way to upgrade your network for great coverage anywhere in your home, a powerline adapter is a great option. Not only do they offer the same features as the best Wi-Fi extenders, but the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline might just be a dream come true. It’s not visually pleasing, and the price tag might be a little high. However, the sheer performance of this unit more than makes up for these issues. And, unlike other powerline adapters, the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere has a clone button that clones your network’s SSID and WPA key so it can double as a Wi-Fi extender.
How to Choose the Best WiFi Extender for You
You want to make sure your Wi-Fi extender is fast enough to give you the solid connection you need. That means at least the wireless standard of 802.11ac, which is the default on most current routers. And, if you want to be future-proof, consider Wi-Fi 6, the successor to 802.11ac that’s slowly taking over.
Installation and setup is always an issue, so look for one that’s easy to connect to your existing network. And, if you want to connect a device that requires a physical connection, such as an old computer, make sure it has the required ports.
If you plan on extending with more than one extender – perhaps you need it for a larger enterprise – then consider a mesh extender as you can add additional units and the best signal path is automatically found for you. In this regard, consider your budget. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are expensive. However, if you need multiple extenders or also need to replace your router, buying a Mesh Wi-Fi router will be more cost-effective in the long run.
How We Test WiFi Extenders
We test Wi-Fi extenders in a number of ways, including how easy they are to connect and set up, the apps or software they may come with, and of course, wireless internet coverage.
Features will be documented, we check if Wi-Fi 6 is supported, and if they are able to connect to any existing routers, and if the product is dual or tri-band compatible. Since Wi-Fi extenders are designed to support existing routers, rather than being dedicated routers themselves, you may want to check that your wireless router is up to par before spending a lot of money on an extender.