Over the last couple of years, we’ve realized that working from home can be just as productive as working at an office. In fact, lots of jobs are completely remote now and, as such, it only makes sense that we maximize all of our options when it comes to staying connected. If you like to work out on your patio or on a chaise lounge by your swimming pool, you may need to extend your home’s WiFi so that you have a reliable connection at all times. That’s where WiFi extenders come into play! The criteria to make it into our buying guide required ease of installation and an extension of at least 2500 square feet. Our experts have chosen the best products available for online purchase. Check out our buying guide below!
Frequently Asked Questions?
What do WiFi extenders do?
These devices can help expand your existing WiFi network to areas that your primary router doesn’t cover. They can also be effective at improving your WiFi speed without having to pay for a more expensive Internet plan. Generally speaking, they connect to your existing network, duplicate it and rebroadcast it to cover a larger area. There are many reasons to install one. First of all, they will work with any existing router, so you don’t need to purchase a new one. Secondly, if you position it in the right place, you can get lots of additional coverage that includes your outdoor areas. Finally, they are generally easy to install and don’t take up much room. WiFi extenders can allow your home or business network to have more thorough and greater coverage. They are also an ideal solution for networks that experience low or no connection in nearby areas where you wish to use your devices.
What are the different types of WiFi extenders?
There are four basic categories when it comes to these devices. The first is an external antenna. These can connect to wireless divides to send and receive WiFi signals. Oftentimes they are plug and play and require very little technical knowledge to install. The second type is called a powerline adaptor. This will allow the existing electrical circuit to send an Internet signal. The kit will generally come with two plugs – one that goes to the router and the other that installs on the device you wish to connect. This is a good option for gaming systems and smart televisions. The third type is a weather-proof extender. These models can boost the signal and are efficient at adding coverage to adjacent areas like a back yard, a basement and other hard to connect areas. Router/extender combinations plug into your modem and leverage a satellite that receives, repeats and boosts the original signal.
Buying Guide
If you wish to extend your WiFi from your home or business’ main router, there are some tips that you should keep in mind while shopping. Fortunately, lots of these devices are very simple to install and use.
- Brand: By and large, your WiFi extender does not need to be the same brand as your router, but sometimes extenders that are used with the same brand of routers may have a few extra features or be easier to set up than if you mix brands.
- Placement: A WiFi extender usually needs to be within 100 to 400 feet from the router, but this doesn’t guarantee that all areas will be covered. You should try to place your router in a central location so that you can get the most coverage out of your extender.
- Speed: Check what WiFi standards/speeds are supported by the extender. You want one that supports the latest standard, which is 802.11ac. This delivers wireless speeds up to 2.8 times faster than wireless N so you can stream HD quality video and play online games without glitches or lag times.
- Wired backbone or WiFi mesh: WiFi mesh devices wirelessly connect to your router and then repeat the signal to the new area. The problem with this system is that a lot of bandwidth is used up by its communication with the router. Wired-based devices use a wired connection to connect to the WiFi router, which saves the wireless bandwidth for your wireless devices. This results in a WiFi signal that is as fast and strong as possible.
- Dual band: The best WiFi extenders offer dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. This is important because the 2.4 GHz band is generally crowded with a lot of devices, including cordless phones, baby monitors and microwaves. The 5 GHz band is cleaner and less crowded.
Cryo360 by Macard WiFi Extender
Best Overall
Expand Your Network Coverage
This device will cover up to 8470 square feet and 47 devices. It is set up easily and is compatible with Alexa, Fire Stick and Ring. It has a data transfer rate of 300 megabytes per second and makes connections faster than ever. Engineered in the US, this WiFi repeater wireless signal internet booster is compatible with Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon, AT&T and other ISPs, routers or modems.
Pros:
- Bank level security crypto protocols
- Sleek compact design
Cons:
- Directions may be confusing for some
Never think about your WiFi again when you expand your strong and reliable signal in all corners of your home. Set this up by pressing the WPS button to quickly connect your router. This “future-proof” device features advanced 3D antennas and a central processor. Just plug this into an outlet to power it up.
TP-Link Store WiFi Extender
Most Customizable
Instantly Boost Your Coverage
An intelligent signal light will help you to determine the best location for optimal WiFi coverage by displaying signal strength. 3 antennas are adjustable to maximize your coverage and give you reliable connections. A smart roaming feature gives you uninterrupted streaming when moving around your home and the whole network can be managed in one Tether app. This will cover 2800 square feet and support 35 devices.
Pros:
- Works with any Wi-Fi router
- Great stability and performance
Cons:
- Some may find that it works better without enabling the mesh
This OneMesh WiFi extender works with thick walls and floors and offers a seamless whole home streaming experience. Enjoy high performance dual band WiFi up to 1900 Mbps for use when streaming, online gaming, video calls and more.
Kebel WiFi Extender
Easiest To Use
The WiFi Repeater that “Talks”
This device will cover up to 6000 square feet. It features 3 modes and multiple functions, including “home,” “hotel” and “office/cafe.” Low power consumption and an environmentally friendly design, this is stable with low radiation. It will effectively extend your coverage to hard to reach areas and enhance your signal.
Pros:
- Slim profile
- Secure heat dissipation design
Cons:
- Poor signal connection may cause slow speeds or dropped connection
The ethernet port can connect to any wired device such as a smart TV, a multimedia player, a game console, a PC or to your WiFi network as a media bridge.
Riousv WiFi Extender, Booster, Repeater
Simplest Setup
8 Seconds Gets a Strong Signal
4 external antennas make your walls paper thin and cover up to 6000 square feet. This is a great option for use in the home, the office or a hotel. Just press the WPS button on the router, press the WPS button on the repeater and you’ll be set up in seconds. Wide compatibility allows for the signal to be linked by 15 devices and is very suitable for HD devices as well.
Pros:
- Strong wall penetration
- Slim profile
Cons:
- Password will not support special characters
Compatible with 99% of routers on the market, this device offers network security and prevents others from stealing your data.
Netgear Orbi Outdoor Satellite WiFi Extender
Coolest Design
Compatible With Any Router, Gateway or ISP
This WiFi extender is not only attractive to look at, but it’s weather resistant and can be used on its stand or wall mounted. Award winning tri-band mesh WiFi technology provides the fastest Internet speeds available. IP66 rating keeps you connected outdoors rain or shine and extends coverage for up to 2500 square feet.
Pros:
- Ethernet connectivity
- Weighs only 5.45 pounds
Cons:
- Not compatible with Orbi WiFi 6 systems
This works with your existing router and enables you to stream seamlessly as you move from indoors to outdoors with one WiFi name for all of your connected devices. Included in the box is the unit, a power adaptor, a wall mount, bracket and screws, a tabletop stand and a quickstart guide.
