Sometimes even the best wireless routers struggle to beam a signal across your entire space due to the size of an area, thick walls, and other factors. That’s what the best Wi-Fi extenders, like our favorite, the Netgear EAX20, are designed to fix. So, you can enjoy better connectivity without replacing a perfectly good router. With CES 2024 coming, we may even see more innovative options for extending the range of your Wi-Fi.
TL;DR – These are the Best Wi-Fi Extenders:
- Netgear EAX20
- TP-Link RE505X
- Netgear Nighthawk EAX80
- Linksys RE9000
- TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter
- Asus ZenWiFi AX6600 XT8
- Netgear Orbi Pro Wi-Fi 6 Mini Mesh System
The best Wi-Fi extenders boost your Wi-Fi signal beyond your existing router’s reach. But not all are created equal, as some are an absolute pain to set up, while cheaper ones may not repeat the same signal strength, defeating the purpose. Luckily, we’re here, bringing you quality, basically plug-and-play solutions that make extending your Wi-Fi network a breeze.
Best Wi-Fi Extenders
1. Netgear AX1800 Dual-band WiFi 6 Mesh Extender (EAX20)
Best Wi-Fi Extender
Fast, boasting Wi-Fi 6 support and mesh compatibility, plus online security – the Netgear EAX20 does more than boost your router’s signal up to 1,500 square feet. It also ensures that you’re still getting the same level of connectivity even when you’re far away from the router’s original reach while enjoying an extra layer of security when you’re online. That’s while using the same Wi-Fi name and password for convenience.
It also supports Wi-Fi 6, the most common standard, for the best gaming routers, laptops, smartphones, and other devices. This allows you to stream in Ultra HD 4K/8K smoothly, for example, while sharing the network with other users and devices connected. The Nighthawk app guides you through a pain-free initial setup and lets you easily manage your extended connectivity when it’s up and running. It is a little on the pricey side and won’t blend seamlessly in your home due to its size, but none of those are deal-breakers for what you’re getting in return.
2. TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE505X)
Best Budget Wi-Fi Extender
The under $100 TP-Link RE505X gives you the signal extension you need to reach the far corners of your space on the cheap. The device is compact and relatively simple to install, and after it is, you’ll enjoy 1,500 SQ FT of extended coverage to eliminate dead zones in your home. There’s also one Ethernet port on hand for better wired speed and reliability, which can come in handy when gaming or working in space far from your router.
This extender supports Wi-Fi 6, though it's compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 technology if you haven’t upgraded your devices just yet. The TP-Link RE505X’s 5GHz band has a solid throughput, delivering a decently speedy signal rate of up to 1,200Mbps. And TP-LINK Tether app support lets you manage your settings without much hassle, including access control and power scheduling.
3. Netgear Nighthawk AX6000 Wi-Fi Mesh Extender (EAX80)
Best Wi-Fi 6 Extender
Some consumers require a premium Wi-Fi range extender that’s at the top of its line, and if you’re one of them, you should consider the Netgear Nighthawk EAX80. It’s a little more expensive than most would spend, with an asking price of $250. However, its state-of-the-art features are precisely what people with a massive area and a busy network need.
This Wi-Fi mesh extender will expand your router’s original area of coverage and help ease the congestion if you have multiple devices with demanding network needs using it. Among its marquee features is the combined WiFi 6 speeds of up to 6Gbps, up to 2,500 square feet of extended coverage, and Smart Roaming, which lets your devices automatically connect to the strongest Wi-Fi signal when you’re moving around your space. It can also handle up to 30 devices simultaneously and has four Gigabit Ethernet ports for much more robust connectivity for devices that need it.
4. Linksys RE9000 MU-MIMO WiFi Extender
Best Wi-Fi Linksys Extender
With a 10,000 square feet maximum range, the Linksys RE9000 MU-MIMO is the Wi-Fi extender you need if you have a multi-million dollar mansion or are running a mid-sized company. It’s not just its area of coverage, however. It also boasts a tri-band frequency, which ensures you get the fastest Wi-Fi connection while juggling a long list of devices. MU-MIMO technology also works to maintain a smooth internet experience even if you have a busy, crowded network. Of course, if a device does need a speedier, more robust connection, one of the four Gigabit Ethernet ports should do the trick.
All those premium features and the best part about the RE9000 might be that it doesn’t cost as much as you think. It happily sits under $100, so although it isn’t what you’d consider budget, it’s still pretty accessible for most people.
5. TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter
Best Wi-Fi Extender Powerline Adapter
If you’re considering a more wired alternative, there’s always a powerline adapter range extender. Such a range extender piggybacks on your space’s electrical current, allowing it to theoretically move data anywhere where there’s an AC outlet. For that, the TP-Link TL-PA9020P is a terrific option, boasting a range that’s longer than most powerline extenders out there (up to 1,000 feet over existing electrical wiring) as well as extras like AC passthrough so you don’t lose an outlet. It also features a pair of Ethernet ports so you can hard-wire up to two devices. 2x2 MIMO with Beamforming also has your back so you never have to worry about a thing when it comes to connectivity, no matter the number of devices.
Don’t let the term “powerline adapter” intimidate you. This feature-rich powerline extender is so easy to set up, even the least tech-savvy folks can do it. In fact, it’s really just mostly plug and play, with virtually no configuration or special surge protector required.
6. A Mesh Network
Sometimes, you need more than just a Wi-Fi extender. Drastic times call for drastic measures, and if that’s what your current network needs, you might find upgrading to one of the best mesh routers is the most ideal solution. A good mesh system uses tri-band technology and provides seamless connectivity as you move around the house. Many also have Ethernet connectivity for even better performance and network management via an easy-to-use smartphone app.
If you opt for a mesh router system, however, bear in mind that you might have to spend a little bit more than you’d spend on a range extender. The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) will set you back $400 for a pack of two. Meanwhile, the slightly more affordable Netgear Orbi Pro Wi-Fi 6 Mini Mesh System wants $400 of your hard-earned money for a three-pack.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.
