Top 4 Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Fast Home Internet
If the problem is not just with your router, then you have to boost those Wi-Fi signals with Range Extender. But if you have a really big house or a particularly problematic location, you may want to focus on upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi network for best results.
Check out the quick reviews below of our top five Wi-Fi extender and mesh systems, or keep scrolling for complete information and useful reviews of these models and other high-ranking options.
With lagging internet speed, it can be difficult to determine if your entire router needs to be replaced, or if you can just opt for an extender. If your signal works fine close to the router, but stops in some areas such as the basement, top or patio, then a cheap extender is essential for you. An extender simply needs to be placed somewhere where it can access the router's signal, so that it can rebound cast again to cover more area.
However, Extender will not be as fast as your typical router, and they may reduce your bandwidth further. If you find that the speed of your internet is everywhere in your home, then it may be worth improving your entire system. In these cases, we recommend going with a mesh Wi-Fi system, which can replace your router and any extender to make units around your home more seamless coverage without having a separate network.
As mesh systems are becoming more popular, they are becoming more affordable as well - although new systems will still cost a lot more than the average render. In addition to the six standard extender we have suggested, we have also included three mesh systems at the bottom of this roundup that we have tested and recommended.
Netgear Nighthawk EX8000
The giant size of the Nighthawk may have a grain box, but it holds six internal antennas, providing a strong signal and near-blanket coverage. It dedicates one of its three bands to communication with the router, so there is never any competition between the two. Netgear claims that the EX8000 Mesh Extender does not reduce the current speed of your router, and it also adds Wi-Fi coverage under a network name. Also, its four Ethernet ports allow wired connections to be hooked to multiple devices.
TP-Link RE220 AC750
TP-Link RE 200 was already one of the most widely recommended extender, and the company's new RE20 model only improves the price, while retaining the same low price tag.
It also maintains the same space-saving design with the same features as before, with three antennas and a dedicated Ethernet port, but adds cloud-based app support for easy setup and configuration. The RE220 is universally compatible with any router, but can also function as part of a seamless mesh system when paired with an Archer A7 router.
TP-Link RE650 AC2600
Many of today's extenders are now thoughtful units that look like a nightlight or air freshener, but the RE650's four antennas make it clear that it is transmitting something. While it's bulkier and pricier than many other plug-in extenders, many reviewers like PC Gamer and Tom's Guide praise its range of performance and features, including AC2600 speed and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
In addition, it has a smart light indicator that helps you find the right location if you are unsure of the right area to place your extender.
Netgear EX6200 AC1200
Ideal for video streaming or gaming, the Netgear EX6200 will match your gaming computer with its large, but sleek and aggressive design. The dual-band extender features four antennas for powerful coverage of up to 1200 Mbps, perfect for covering a few more devices - but that's not, say, 15- in a remote room or backyard. When you need a wired connection to devices such as hardwired printers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles, there are a total of five Ethernet ports.
If the problem is not just with your router, then you have to boost those Wi-Fi signals with Range Extender. But if you have a really big house or a particularly problematic location, you may want to focus on upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi network for best results.
Check out the quick reviews below of our top five Wi-Fi extender and mesh systems, or keep scrolling for complete information and useful reviews of these models and other high-ranking options.
With lagging internet speed, it can be difficult to determine if your entire router needs to be replaced, or if you can just opt for an extender. If your signal works fine close to the router, but stops in some areas such as the basement, top or patio, then a cheap extender is essential for you. An extender simply needs to be placed somewhere where it can access the router's signal, so that it can rebound cast again to cover more area.
However, Extender will not be as fast as your typical router, and they may reduce your bandwidth further. If you find that the speed of your internet is everywhere in your home, then it may be worth improving your entire system. In these cases, we recommend going with a mesh Wi-Fi system, which can replace your router and any extender to make units around your home more seamless coverage without having a separate network.
As mesh systems are becoming more popular, they are becoming more affordable as well - although new systems will still cost a lot more than the average render. In addition to the six standard extender we have suggested, we have also included three mesh systems at the bottom of this roundup that we have tested and recommended.
Netgear Nighthawk EX8000
The giant size of the Nighthawk may have a grain box, but it holds six internal antennas, providing a strong signal and near-blanket coverage. It dedicates one of its three bands to communication with the router, so there is never any competition between the two. Netgear claims that the EX8000 Mesh Extender does not reduce the current speed of your router, and it also adds Wi-Fi coverage under a network name. Also, its four Ethernet ports allow wired connections to be hooked to multiple devices.
TP-Link RE220 AC750
TP-Link RE 200 was already one of the most widely recommended extender, and the company's new RE20 model only improves the price, while retaining the same low price tag.
It also maintains the same space-saving design with the same features as before, with three antennas and a dedicated Ethernet port, but adds cloud-based app support for easy setup and configuration. The RE220 is universally compatible with any router, but can also function as part of a seamless mesh system when paired with an Archer A7 router.
TP-Link RE650 AC2600
Many of today's extenders are now thoughtful units that look like a nightlight or air freshener, but the RE650's four antennas make it clear that it is transmitting something. While it's bulkier and pricier than many other plug-in extenders, many reviewers like PC Gamer and Tom's Guide praise its range of performance and features, including AC2600 speed and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
In addition, it has a smart light indicator that helps you find the right location if you are unsure of the right area to place your extender.
Netgear EX6200 AC1200
Ideal for video streaming or gaming, the Netgear EX6200 will match your gaming computer with its large, but sleek and aggressive design. The dual-band extender features four antennas for powerful coverage of up to 1200 Mbps, perfect for covering a few more devices - but that's not, say, 15- in a remote room or backyard. When you need a wired connection to devices such as hardwired printers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles, there are a total of five Ethernet ports.
