WiFi Extender Buyers Guide
Best WiFi Extenders – Buyers Guide
Are Extenders The Answer?
An extender may be the answer to your WiFi woes or it may not. It’s tempting to think one of these wonderfully simple, inexpensive devices can sync up to your WiFi router and light up a large section of your home with screaming fast WiFi. Not so fast there, Buddy! While it’s true a good WiFi extender can extend the range of your home WiFi signal there are limitations.
Those limitations depend on things like the speed of your internet connection, the distance from your WiFI router, the section of your home that needs more coverage, and the demands of the users and devices on your network.
There is no simple way to calculate in advance if the results you’ll get from a WiFi extender will meet your expectations. The only way to find out is to try it for yourself and to save your receipt.
The Thing About WiFi Extenders
The unfortunate thing about many extenders is they play the role of the middle man. On one hand, they’re reaching back to the WiFi router to grab all the Internet goodies they can. On the other hand, they’re simultaneously trying to push it all out to your remote devices.
Having to do all that “double duty” ends up slowing the extenders down and reducing the bandwidth you end up with at the far end of your home by almost 50%. True this is better than the 10% they were getting before but it’s not a perfect solution.
To overcome this many WiFi extenders that have a special 2nd or 3rd band reserved for communication back and forth to the router. This frees up the other band for your devices. Other extenders and some WiFi routers allow you to switch them to AP mode.
This allows you to connect an Ethernet cable from your main WiFi router and the extender/router. This frees up the WiFi side of the device for device communication. Some extenders will allow you to choose between these multiple connection types until you find one that suits you best.
For more on how to use extenders and access points to expand your WiFi coverage and even how to convert old WiFi routers that you may have laying around the house into access points and extenders see the chapter on Extending Your Home Network in the WiFi Guys Home IT Pro Handbook.
The fastest way to connect an extender is by using its WPS feature. Simply press the WPS button on your WiFi router (If it has one.) and do the same on the extender. In a few seconds, they’ll be connected. WPS has some known security holes so it’s best to use this initial connection to connect to the extender web or mobile interface and reconfigure your WiFi network names and passwords.
An Important Difference Between WiFi Extenders And Mesh
One of the biggest differences between extenders and Mesh systems is what I like to call “stickiness” – extenders have it and mesh systems don’t. Stickiness happens when a device is connected to a weak WiFi signal and refuses to let go of the signal until it’s out of range. Traditional WiFi systems don’t have the intelligence to realize a stronger more useful signal is nearby like Mesh systems do.
A Mesh system will drop a weak signal in favor of a stronger one automatically. This is known as “seamless roaming.” Even if your extender has the same SSID and password as your main WiFi router you’ll still need to manually disconnect from one to connect to the other. This is a huge hassle if you regularly roam around your home with mobile devices such as phones and tablets.
Wi-Fi Extenders Setup And Test – Video
When To Use WiFi Extenders
WiFi Extenders are still useful devices when used properly. The best use for an extender is in a home with a strong WiFi signal throughout most of it with a few exceptions such as the bedroom in the far corner of the house or a basement with a single TV or gaming system that’s starving for WiFi.
I wouldn’t go too crazy with extenders by buying too many either because their signals can interfere with each other.
In short, the less you expect from a WiFi extender the less disappointed you’ll be. The devices are not a replacement for a second router or a Mesh WiFi system but they can be a cheap and easy solution for small areas in your home that are suffering from poor WiFi coverage.
When used properly WiFi Extenders can be a quick and easy way to expand the wireless coverage in your home. coverage. They can be tricky to set up at times and may not always provide the performance you’re looking for.
Top 5
1. Netgear Nighthawk X6
Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC2200 Ext.New Retail, EX7700-100PESNew Retail Tri-Band WiFi Mesh
Cool design, exceptional power, and connectivity. The Netgear Nighthawk X6 allows seamless roaming with your current wireless router. The Netgear Nighthawk X6 is a tri-band router that can produce Wi-Fi speeds of up to 3200 Mbps. and deliver superb performance and value at that price. Regrettably, that’s about what you would pay for a Mesh alternative. It may attractive purchase for users who own other Netgear devices and are already in love with the Netgear ecosystem.
Netgear Nighthawk X6 Full Review
2. Linksys RE7000
Linksys WiFi Extender, WiFi 5 Range Booster, Dual-Band Booster, 2,500 Sq. ft...
- ELIMINATE DEAD ZONES AND BOOST AC1900 plus WIFI RANGE: Extend your home WiFi to hard-to-reach locations in your home such as your backyard, garage, or bedroom so you get AC1900 plus WiFi speeds to Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, iPads, tablets, laptops and smartphones to enjoy streaming 4K / HD movies, simultaneous online gaming, social media, and more.The RE7000 has a slim, compact design: plug it into the bottom A/C outlet and you'll still have access to the outlet just above it.
- ELIMINATE DEAD ZONES AND BOOST AC1900 plus WIFI RANGE: Extend your home WiFi to hard-to-reach locations in your home such as your backyard, garage, or bedroom so you get AC1900 plus WiFi speeds to Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, iPads, tablets, laptops and smartphones to enjoy streaming 4K / HD movies, simultaneous online gaming, social media, and more.The RE7000 has a slim, compact design: plug it into the bottom A/C outlet and you'll still have access to the outlet just above it.
- EXTEND NEXT-GEN AC WIFI TO MULTIPLE USERS WITH MULTI USER-MIMO: Next-Gen AC with MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology ensures your WiFi is delivered faster and with more efficient throughput to every MU-MIMO connected device. This means your whole household can surf the Internet, stream 4K and HD movies, play online games, and more simultaneously--without annoying buffering or lag.
- ROOM-TO-ROOM WIFI WITH SEAMLESS ROAMING: The AC1900 plus Range Extender offers Seamless Roaming as you move around your home when linked with a Max-Stream WiFi router. With Seamless Roaming, your enabled wireless devices will automatically switch to the strongest WiFi signal, so you won't have to manually connect to the router or range extender when you move from one room to another--or even to your backyard. This means that you can move freely throughout your home while video chatting or streaming videos without experiencing dropped calls or buffering.
- WORKS WITH ALL WIFI ROUTERS: This range extender is compatible with any WiFi router, including those from Internet service providers. There's no need to adjust your router's settings when installing the extender.
- EASY SETUP OPTIONS FOR OPTIMAL PLACEMENT: Simply press the Push Button Connect feature on the MAX-STREAM AC1900 plus to automatically sync it to your router. Simple setup from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
- BEAMFORMING AND CROSSBAND FOR RELIABLE CONNECTIVITY: Linksys range extenders provide a reliable connection that allows you to enjoy uninterrupted gaming and HD streaming with Cross Band Technology to maximize simultaneous use of both bands for high speed connection
- CONNECT A WIRED DEVICE WITH GIGABIT ETHERNET PORT: Connect a game console, Blu-ray player, or Smart TV to the AC1900's Gigabit Ethernet port to enjoy WiFi up to 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet.
- DUAL BANDS FOR FASTER SPEED AND RELIABILITY: The range extender offers dual wireless bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for combined speeds of up to 1.9 Gbps--double the performance of single band. Newer wireless-AC devices are routed to the higher-speed 5 GHz band, while older wireless-N and G devices utilize the 2.4 GHz band.
- EXPAND YOUR WIFI NETWORK WITH ACCESS POINT MODE: You can configure the RE7000 range extender to act as an AC access point to extend your home WiFi and reduce dead zones. Access Point Mode allows you to add WiFi capabilities to your existing home wired network.
- Amazon exclusive extended 18 month warranty
The Linksys RE7000 Extender is a powerful WiFi extender with MU-MIMO and Beamforming support. Its MaxStream feature makes it an almost irresistible option for owners of MaxStream-compatible WiFi routers who wish to extend coverage without spending the expense of an expensive WiFi mesh system. The Access Point mode feature adds to this extender’s flexibility. The RE7000 extender is flexible, simple to set up, and powerful.
3. TP-Link RE450
TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450), PCMag Editor's Choice, Up to 1750Mbps, Dual...
- Extend Wi-Fi Coverage - Boosts Internet Wi-Fi Coverage up to 2000 Square feet and connects up to 32 devices - Compatible with any Router, Gateway, Access Point (2.4GHz - 450Mbps ; 5GHz - 1300Mbps).
- Eliminate Wi-Fi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free connection to any type of devices, including wired devices via Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Extend Wi-Fi Coverage - Boosts Internet Wi-Fi Coverage up to 2000 Square feet and connects up to 32 devices - Compatible with any Router, Gateway, Access Point (2.4GHz - 450Mbps ; 5GHz - 1300Mbps).
- Eliminate Wi-Fi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free connection to any type of devices, including wired devices via Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Stay connected - Expand coverage for your phone (Galaxy, iPhone, Android etc.), Media Streaming, Gaming, Web Browsing, Alexa, Echo, Ring and more
- Easy Set Up - Smart indicator light helps to install in best optimal location. 3 adjustable external antennas for superior coverage throughout the home
- RE450 is PCMag's Editors Choice Winner. Operating Temperature: 0°C to 30°C (32°F to 86°F)
- All Wi-Fi extenders are designed to increase or improve Wi-Fi coverage, not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput
The TP-Link RE450 WiFi Extender offers excellent range and speed for an affordable price. The easy installation and intuitive setup make any hesitation for an upgrade high. The TP-Link RE450s “Editors Choice” designation for WiFi Extenders stems from the great cost-to-benefit ratio. Unfortunately, OneMesh compatibility is lacking, which prevents this WiFi extender from perfectly meeting the needs of TP-Link wireless router owners.
4. Netgear EX6120
NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120 - Coverage Up to 1500 Sq Ft...
- Extends WiFi range coverage up to 1500 sq ft, and connects up to 25 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more
- Provides up to 1200 Mbps WiFi speed using dual band and patented FastLane (TM) technology for video streaming and casual gaming
- Extends WiFi range coverage up to 1500 sq ft, and connects up to 25 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more
- Provides up to 1200 Mbps WiFi speed using dual band and patented FastLane (TM) technology for video streaming and casual gaming
- Works with any wireless router or cable modem with Wi-Fi. System Requirements-Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 20 or Safari 5.1 or Google Chrome 25.0 browsers or higher
- Simply plug in game consoles, streaming players, or other nearby wired devices using the Ethernet port for maximum speed
- Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols. NOTE : Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Installation and Troubleshooting Steps
- For NETGEAR Customer Support Call-> 1-888-638-4327 or visit https://www.netgear.com/support/default.aspx. High-power external antennas for better performance
Netgear’s EX6120 Extender is a small white and silver plug-in that barely draws attention to itself except for the conspicuous antennas sticking out of its sides. Its small size can actually be considered an advantage, considering that compared to other plug-in extenders, it does not block adjacent electrical outlets. It uses a simple system of LED indicator lights to help place the device.
5.TP-Link AC750
TP-Link AC750 WiFi Extender (RE220), Covers Up to 1200 Sq.ft and 20...
- Dual Band WiFi Extender: Up to 44% more bandwidth than single band N300 WiFi extenders. Boost Internet WiFi coverage up to 1200 square feet and connects up to 30 devices(2.4GHz: 300Mbps; 5GHz: 433Mbps)
- Dual Band WiFi Extender: Up to 44% more bandwidth than single band N300 WiFi extenders. Boost Internet WiFi coverage up to 1200 square feet and connects up to 30 devices(2.4GHz: 300Mbps; 5GHz: 433Mbps)
- Eliminate Wi-Fi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free Connection to any type of devices, including wired devices via Fast Ethernet port. System Requirements - Microsoft Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux
- Stay Connected - Expand Wi-Fi Coverage for your Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more
- Easy Set Up - 2 Simple taps and you are ready to connect, smart indicator light helps to install in best optimal location
- OneMesh Technology - Enables the creation of a OneMesh network for seamless roaming when paired with the Archer A7 Router (more devices to be updated in the future)
- The Ethernet port of RE220 can easily turn your wired Internet connection into a wireless access point. It can also function as a wireless adapter to connect wired devices, like Blu-ray player, game console or smart TV
- All Wi-Fi extenders are designed to increase or improve Wi-Fi coverage, not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput
The TP-Link AC750 Extender is not intended for extremely high-speed transfer speeds, but the connections are solid. The higher-frequency band offers 300Mbps speed while the low-frequency band delivers 433GHz. This is good enough for one or two Wi-Fi devices and a workstation in a room in the far corner of your home. This is a dual-band extender, so you prevent the loss of 50% of the data transfer rate with other extenders.
Buzzwords You Should Know
WPS
WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup. It’s also known as the “push-button” method of WiFi security. Instead of manually creating a network name and password for your WiFi network depressing the WPS button automatically generates a code that connects a device to the wireless router. Unfortunately, there are known security holes in WPS. The best practice is to use it to establish an initial connection and then use the device’s web or mobile interface to manually configure a more secure connection.
Access Point Mode
Many routers and extenders provide an optional “access point” mode for additional flexibility. When a router or extender is switched to access point mode an Ethernet cable can be used to create a connection between the main router and the access point. This in effect creates a 2nd WiFi router that doesn’t suffer from the same loss of bandwidth an extender does
Seamless Roaming
The ability of a Mesh network system to allow a client device to automatically release a weak connection in exchange for a stronger one. Traditional WiFi routers and extenders don’t have this ability.
