Home Wifi Booster Best Buy
The Best Wireless Range Extenders for 2019. Don't be so quick to run out and buy a new router. Chances are, a range extender will get the job done. The Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras. The best WiFi boosters can provide more than 10,000 square feet of extra WiFi area, meaning you can use your smartphone, laptop or smart devices without the annoyance of the internet disconnecting. We spent over 100 hours rigorously testing WiFi range extenders to find the best way to boost your WiFi. Shop for Wireless Range Extenders & Repeaters in Networking. Buy products such as TP-Link N300 Wireless WiFi Range Extender, Booster (TL-WA850RE) at Walmart and save. NETGEAR Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender: Broaden your network connection with a range extender that gives you extra Wi-Fi coverage in your home. Smart LED indicators will direct you to the optimal location to plug the extender into the wall, so you can easily enjoy improved range and speed on your mobile and wired devices.
Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band WiFi Extender
News & Updates (June 2018) Our new top pick for wireless range extenders is the Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000. With potent tri-band support, impressive range and speed, and optional mesh support for multiple repeaters, it's the best option you can buy. NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX3700 - Coverage up to 1000 sq.ft. And 15 devices with AC750 Dual Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 750Mbps speed), and Compact Wall Plug Design 3.9 out of 5 stars 44,666. The best Wi-Fi extenders will ensure that your wireless network reaches every nook and cranny of your home or office, especially if you’re trying to cover a substantial space. In this list you.
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 (September 2019)
- Wi-Fi 6 is barely on the market and Wi-Fi 7 is already under development. Find out everything we know about Wi-Fi 7 (so far).
- Video streaming demands strong Wi-Fi signal, and it looks like Roku is entering the Wi-Fi extender market with the Roku Relay. The company is developing a signal booster that's so optimized for streaming; it may not even work with non-Roku products.
- If you've got a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender, 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
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
Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender
Wifi Booster Reviews
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.
Wifi Booster
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
Best Buy Wifi Booster For Home
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.
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.
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.
The best Wi-Fi extenders will make sure that your wireless network gets into every nook and cranny of your home or office, particularly if you’re trying to cover a significant amount of space. In this list you'll learn about the very best Wi-Fi extenders which have the sole purpose of boosting your Wi-Fi network, ensuring that your devices can securely and reliably connect to the internet.
The best Wi-Fi extenders can make such a large difference if you find your devices crippled from slow network connections – or even dropped connections, at that – without you having to drop a huge amount of money on routing network cables all through your property.
Wi-Fi extenders work by covering wherever the Wi-Fi network begins to break down. They connect to the original network and then increases the signal’s range so that you have more wireless coverage.
The best Wi-Fi extenders we’ve rounded up are worth looking into for those who live or work in a big building or space, as you’ll see your Wi-Fi network getting weak – or maybe disappear entirely – in the farthest corners of the building.
If you’re wanting to super-charge your Wi-Fi network, take a look at our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders you can buy in 2019.
1. Plume Superpods
Bands: 802.11b/g/n/ac Connectivity: 2x Gigabit LAN ports Features: Parental controls, Cloud-based ad-blocking and cybersecurity
Needing to increase your network coverage and get network-based cybersecurity as well? The Plume Superpods will get the job done, though they don’t come cheap. You see, the Plume SuperPods act as one of the best Wi-Fi extenders straight out of the box. But perhaps more importantly, they also come with a subscription service to protect your network from cyber-attacks, as well as remove ads from the internet. Nonetheless, even if you don’t care about the extra software, the excellent performance is more than enough to make this Wi-Fi extender worth your consideration at the very least.
Read the full review: Plume SuperPods
2. Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150
Bands: 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port Features: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS), Extender/Access Point mode switch, power button
Over the last couple years, Netgear has essentially turned itself into a household name in the networking world. And, they’ve put their extensive expertise to impressive use with their AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6150. This terrific extender is a simple device that you can discreetly plug right into any electrical outlet, and definitely has our vote for one of the best Wi-Fi extenders in 2019. As an additional bonus, the EX6150 boasts quick and easy installation, free of any hassling installation software. Just follow the easy-to-read instructions and you’ll have fast and dependable Wi-Fi covering your entire home or office.
3. D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1520
Compact solution
Bands: 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz Connectivity: N/A Features: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS), two internal antennas
D-Link's Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender (DAP-1520) is small and inconspicuous, so that while it provides exceptionally robust performance, enhancing your Wi-Fi network coverage throughout your home or office, it’s also almost unnoticeable to anyone who isn’t explicitly looking for it.
The modest design does come with some inherent issues, however. For one, it doesn’t come with an Ethernet port for extending a wired connection. Also, distinct from some of the other best Wi-Fi extenders, the antennae are internal, and while that does allow it to hide in the background, it does mean the range is a bit more limited. Despite these drawbacks, it is still one of the best Wi-Fi extenders 2019 has to offer.
4. TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender
Simple and easy to use
Bands: 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz Connectivity: 1 x Ethernet Features: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS), LED shows connection strength for easy placement
TP-Link is a Chinese networking company that has been steadily gaining popularity in the west, and for good reason. With devices like the TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range extender, it’s easy to get why: this extender – among the best Wi-Fi extenders you can buy right now – does the job well, and it’s affordable. It’s not going to be the fastest Wi-Fi extender out there, but with the range this extender provides at the price it’s available at, it’s a steal. Finally, thanks to an LED signal indicator on the front, installation is a breeze.
5. Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender
Another powerful choice
Bands: 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz Connectivity: 4 x Ethernet, Audio Jack Features: Linksys Spot Finder Technology, music streaming, easy setup
The Linksys RE6500 AC1200 is yet another Wi-Fi extender which could be mistaken for a router. This tougher design lets Linksys include four gigabit Ethernet ports, which basically empowers you to increase your network to internet-connected devices that need an ethernet connection. It also has an audio output jack so it can connect to an audio system, letting you stream digital music from your PC to your audio receiver. This is a pretty robust and versatile product, and one of the best Wi-Fi extenders for the money.
6. D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender
Small and cheap
Bands: 802.11n 2.4GHz Connectivity: N/A Features: WPS, internal antennae
If you’re needing a reasonably affordable way to beef up your Wi-Fi network, and you’re ok with settling a little on performance and features, then the D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender may just be one of the best Wi-Fi extenders for you.
This tiny device comes sans any Ethernet ports, and it doesn't feature dual bands or 802.11ac, which is presently the fastest form of Wi-Fi. However, it is designed well and is built to last. And best of all, it's a fast, easy and cheap way of boosting your Wi-Fi network as long as you don’t expect too much network traffic.
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the TP-Link RE350
7. Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender
Layman’s mesh Wi-Fi comes at a cost
Bands: 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet per unit (1 WAN and 1 LAN each) Features: App-based setup; dual-stream (2x2), 802.11ac networking; 716MHz quad-core ARM Cortex A7 processor, beamforming
The Linksys Velop offers a solid argument for a wireless mesh network’s ease of setup. Looking to replace both your router and your now-antiquated range extender, the Velop comes at a time when companies like Google and Netgear are trying to accomplish the same thing. The main way Linksys hopes to stand out from its competitors in the wireless mesh networking space is with a user-friendly setup that anyone with a smartphone can easily do. With just a visit to the App Store or Google Play marketplace, you’ll have the Linksys Velop up and running in a matter of minutes. It's certainly a worthy addition to our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders in 2019.
Read the full review: Linksys Velop
8. Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2
Two birds with one stone
Bands: : 802.11n (up to 300Mbps) 802.11ac (up to 866Mbps) Connectivity: : 3x Gigabit LAN ports Features: : 300m range over electrical power lines, Auto-connects to other TRENDnet powerline adapters, QoS Management support
If you need a great way to upgrade your network so you can have fantastic coverage anywhere in your house, a powerline adapter is a remarkable option. Not only do they offer the same functionality as the best Wi-Fi extenders, but the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline might just be a dream come true.
It’s not exactly visually pleasing, and the price tag may be a bit much. However, this unit more than makes up for those issues with sheer performance. And, unlike other powerline adapters, the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere features a clone button that will clone the SSID and WPA key of your network so that it can double as a Wi-Fi extender.
Read the full review: Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere powerline 1200 AV2
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Linksys Velop
Product | Plume Superpods | Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150 | D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1520 | TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender | 5. Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender | D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender | Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender | Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2 |
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Bands | 802.11b/g/n/ac | 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz | 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz | 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz | 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz | 802.11n 2.4GHz | 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz | 802.11n (up to 300Mbps) 802.11ac (up to 866Mbps) |
Connectivity | 2x Gigabit LAN ports | 1x Gigabit LAN ports | N/A | 1x Gigabit LAN ports | 4 x Ethernet, Audio Jack | N/A | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet per unit | 3x Gigabit Ethernet ports |