Having the best WiFi extender is a great way to improve the WiFi coverage in your home, office, or garden without having to buy a whole new router. Although a good WiFi router and a high-speed line go a long way to solving your connection issues, some dead zones in your home can only be solved by adding a WiFi extender into your environment.
We’ve reviewed a bunch of different WiFi extenders, and we’re presenting the best ones in our list of the Top 11 Best WiFi Range Extenders. Check out our list below for more information on how providers like TP-Link, Netgear, and Ziyizirui can improve your home internet connectivity. So, which is the best WiFi extender?
Top 11 Best WiFi Range Extenders Ranked
Each of the WiFi Extenders on our list has a different use case. We’ll show you how to extend WiFi range with each one of these wireless devices, so check out our list below for a quick rundown on each one:
- TP-Link Deco Mesh — Designed to provide a robust network of multiple mesh devices, providing the maximum connectivity possible over a given area.
- Netgear Orbi Outdoor Tri-Band — A weather-resistant mesh WiFi system designed for outdoor use. It’s built to be a strong internet extender even in extreme rain, snow, sun, and more.
- TP-Link AC1750 — A dual-band WiFi router that provides fast and reliable coverage. This WiFi booster has a built-in signal light that indicates the best places in your home for a WiFi extender.
- Ziyizirui Home Signal Booster — This device combines high-speed connectivity with an affordable price to bring you a better internet connection.
- Krevi Dual Band WiFi Booster — Boasts a comprehensive 24/7 support callout offer, should anything go wrong, as well as a two-year warranty.
- TP-Link AC1900 — Dual-band wireless booster with speeds of up to 1900Mbps. Smart Roaming makes it easy to move from router to WiFi extender without your connection dropping.
- TP-Link RE650 v1.0 — A WiFi range extender that provides fast and stable connection speeds with Beamforming and a Smart Indicator that helps you find the best spots to position the device.
- Cryo360 Broad Signal Booster — A high-performance internet booster that delivers a stable bandwidth for gaming, streaming, and video conferencing while connecting up to five devices. With a speed of 600Mbps and WPA2 security protocols, this wireless router provides value for money and can be set up quickly using a single-tap WPS connection.
- Ziyizirui Extender — Powerful and reliable WiFi extender that can spread your wireless network coverage over an area of up to 8000 square feet while supporting up to 32 devices. It’s easy to set up using the WPS button or your smartphone’s web browser and is compatible with both wireless routers and cable modems with WiFi.
- Netgear Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 — A high-performance mesh network system that covers over 8,000 square feet and offers a 10Gbps Ethernet port and Netgear Armor security.
- EJRR WiFi Repeater — Can connect up to 40 devices and comes with an easy plug-and-play setup using a WPS button. With two external antennas, it can extend WiFi coverage up to 8,500 square feet and simplify network administration with individual signal lights for each function.
Top-Rated WiFi Extenders Compared
There are a number of different products available for boosting your WiFi signal. Check out the options below to see which one’s right for you and separate the WiFi extenders from the WiFi pretenders.
Name | Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
TP-Link Deco Mesh | Best overall | $109.99 | Small | 802.11ac | up to 5, 500 square feet | 1,200 Mb per second | 6 |
Netgear Orbi Outdoor Tri-Band | Great outdoor connectivity | $199.99 | Small | 802.11ac | 2,500 sq. ft. | 3,000 Mb per second | 1 |
TP-Link AC1750 | Great penetration | $46.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 2,500 sq. ft. | 1,750 Mb per second | 3 |
Ziyizirui Home Signal Booster | Portable and affordable | $39.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g | 7,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 2 |
Krevi Dual Band WiFi Booster | Great support | $39.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 3 |
TP-Link AC1900 | Seamless connections | $66.38 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 1,900 Mb per second | 1 |
TP-Link RE650 v1.0 | Stable connections | $122.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 10,000 sq. ft. | 2,600 Mb per second | 1 |
Cryo360 Broad Signal Booster | Wide range | $36.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 600 MB per second | 1 |
Ziyizirui Extender | Affordable gaming option | $24.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 8,000 sq. ft. | 300 Mb per second | 2 |
Netgear Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 | Premium model | $1,099.99 | Large | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 5,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 Mb per second | 5 |
EJRR WiFi Repeater | Durability | $39.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 8,640 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 3 |
Top 11 WiFi Signal Boosters Reviewed
Not all WiFi Signal Boosters are built equal. You could just buy a best buy WiFi extender, but before you do, check out our list to find the best WiFi extenders you can buy online.
1. TP-Link Deco Mesh — Our Number One Choice for Overall Best Mesh WiFi System
TP-Link’s Deco Mesh is the perfect solution for extending your home WiFi network when you’re dealing with dead zones by providing seamless, reliable, and secure WiFi coverage.
Each individual Deco Mesh device acts as a WiFi extender, sending signals to every other mesh network device and ensuring you have a strong signal in every corner of your home.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Best overall | $109.99 | Small | 802.11ac | Up to 5, 500 square feet | 1,200 Mb per second | 6 |
It’s easy to set up and convenient to manage. All you need to do is sync each device to your WiFi network and then place them in the dead zones in your house or office. The Deco app – which isn’t available for all TP-Link WiFi extenders – allows you to manage each individual device from your phone. And as a three-pack set, you have plenty of scope to cover a substantial area.
The Deco app transforms the Deco Mesh from just another WiFi Extender into a full WiFi management system. There’s a full parental control system built in, which means that you can manage content filters and time limits for your child’s devices. It’s perfect for setting a bedtime for your kids.
It’s highly convenient, too. Alexa voice commands let you manage the Deco Mesh without needing to log into the app from your phone.
It’s also fully integrated into your existing WiFi network for seamless home roaming, so you won’t have to enter a new password when you move between access points. You’ll automatically access the strongest signal available, and the system self-heals if one unit drops out, so you never lose your connection. One single set of credentials gets you access to your whole network – and there’s also an extremely useful guest mode.
Multiple devices aren’t a problem for the Deco Mesh, either. It supports up to 100 connected devices at once, thanks to an AC1200 bandwidth rating, handling dozens of smart home devices and simultaneous media streams. There are also two Gigabit Ethernet ports per Deco Mesh device, so you can run a wired connection from your router to the access point. Our experts point to it as the best mesh WiFi extender on the market.
Pricing
The Deco Mesh S4 costs $109.99 for the three-device pack, which covers between 3 and 5 bedrooms. In optimal conditions, this pack can cover up to 5,500 square feet, although this will be reduced by thick walls and height differences. Additional units are $49.99 each, so buying the three-pack saves you money immediately. We rate the set as the best WiFi booster for home use.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and manage using the Deco app
- Includes full parental control system
- Supports Alexa voice commands
- Supports up to 100 connected devices over a mesh network
- Best home WiFi extender
Cons:
- Requires several mesh devices for full coverage
2. Netgear Orbi Outdoor Tri-Band — Great Outdoor Connectivity In All Weather
The Orbi Outdoor unit is built to provide consistent WiFi connection even when you’re dealing with extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, and low or high-temperature extremes. The Orbi achieves this using a Tri-Band WiFi system that provides WiFi connectivity across multiple broadcast wavelengths.
An IP66 rating means it’s totally covered against dust ingress into the device, as well as strong water jets. It’s also able to operate in temperatures from -20°C to +50°C.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Great outdoor connectivity | $199.99 | Small | 802.11ac | 2,500 sq. ft. | 3,000 Mb per second | 1 |
One Orbi is enough to cover your WiFi needs outdoors, and it can deliver superfast 3Gb per second connections. It also works as a mesh network with Orbi RBK50 WiFi Mesh Systems, though, supporting additional units to cover dead zones in your house.
The Orbi is easy to set up and manage, thanks to a step-by-step installation wizard provided through the Orbi app, which guides you through the whole process. Once you’re set up, the app allows you to manage access for children and guests. There’s a partitioned WiFi setting that allows you to welcome guests onto your internet connection while keeping your internal network safe.
WPA3 is also enabled by default, as well as anti-virus and malware protection that keeps attackers at bay for maximum security. The app allows you to monitor data usage, connected devices, and other WiFi metrics that let you keep an eye on your network’s safety. There are many different Netgear WiFi extenders, but the Orbi is a unique product that delivers maximum online safety, whatever the weather, and is praised by users for its outstanding performance.
Pricing
The Orbi Satelite unit costs $199.99, which is rather pricey compared to other devices on our list, but the Orbi satellite is a great choice for increasing your connectivity, even in the face of adverse weather conditions.
Pros:
- Consistent WiFi in extreme weather with Tri-Band WiFi
- Single unit or mesh network with Orbi RBK50 WiFi Mesh Systems
- Easy setup and management with the Orbi app
- WPA3 security and anti-virus/malware protection
- Best outdoor WiFi extender
Cons:
- Additional mesh devices cost extra
3. TP-LINK AC1750 WiFi Range Extender (RE450) – Great WiFi Penetration
The TP-Link AC1750 uses dual-band technology to provide speeds of up to 450Mbps on 2.4GHz radio bands and up to 1,300Mbps on 5GHz. That’s a whopping 1,750Mbps over your combined devices, ensuring you have lightning-fast connectivity for up to 50 connected devices on the internal network.
It’s designed as a true WiFi extension tool, going beyond just providing an extra antenna for your network in multiple ways. Most importantly, the TP-Link router comes with an intelligent signal light on the front of the device that tells you when you’re receiving optimal WiFi coverage from your main access point.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Great penetration | $46.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 2,500 sq. ft. | 1750 Mb per second | 3 |
It also works as an additional access point for your wired devices thanks to a Gigabit Ethernet port, as well as a USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0 port, both of which can be used to send files and add internet connectivity to otherwise wired USB devices.
The AC1750 doesn’t use WPA3, but it’s still got high-security WPA2 compliance which ensures hackers will be deterred from attempting to crack into your network. Coverage from the AC1750 is often superior to other devices, penetrating through walls and delivering consistent WiFi coverage where other devices are unable to deliver a consistent voice call. It also enables smart roaming and unified network management.
The device offers great coverage at an affordable price, and includes excellent features like parental controls, a guest network, and a VPN, as well as integration with Alexa.
Pricing
At only $46.99, the TP-Link AC1750 is one of the cheaper WiFi extenders on our list. It’s one of the best extenders on our list for pairing with high-speed connections. As such, it’s a great choice for an Xfinity WiFi extender.
Pros:
- Dual-band tech for speeds up to 1750Mbps
- Signal light shows optimal coverage
- Gigabit Ethernet and USB ports for extra access points and file sharing
- Ideal for voice calls and high-bandwidth activities.
Cons:
- Doesn’t support WPA3
4. Ziyizirui Home Signal Booster – Portable WiFi Signal Enhancement at an Affordable Price
The Ziyizirui Home Signal Booster is a one-stop shop for all your connectivity needs in a small and easily transported package. A dual-band WiFi extender gives you 300Mbps of bandwidth over 2.4GHz, and 1,200Mbps over 5GHz, so plenty of devices can connect. The Ziyizirui can handle twenty different IoT devices without breaking a sweat.
Its light weight and wall-mounted design make it easy to set up and get started, and the Smart Signal Indicator assists in identifying the perfect placement for the the WiFi extender.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Portable and affordable | $39.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g | 7,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 2 |
There are three different function modes, Repeater, Access Point, and Router, depending on how you need to set up your network. Repeater works as a WiFi extender, increasing the range of your WiFi connectivity throughout a home on a single seamless connection, with no additional credentials needed.
The device can also create a new WiFi hotspot access point. The router function, meanwhile, works as standard, creating an internet bridge when plugged into a modem and serving as an independent router.
The Ziyizirui was built with convenience in mind. You can connect instantly to an existing router using the WPS button built into Home Signal Booster, which allows it to sync up instantly with any activated WiFi router in the area. It’s also got an Ethernet port that lets it communicate with any wired device. You’ll be able to hook up your favorite Blu-ray player, games console, or smart TV without extra hassle.
Pricing
The Ziyizirui Home Signal Booster is exceptionally well priced at only $39.99, making it one of the most inexpensive WiFi extenders on our list. If you need a cheap WiFi booster that can take some punishment on the go, the Ziyizirui is for you.
Pros:
- Portable and compact design for on-the-go connectivity needs.
- Can handle up to 20 IoT devices
- Three different function modes: Repeater, AP, and Router
- Ethernet port for wired devices
- Easy one key connection with WPS button
Cons:
- Other devices are faster
5. Krevi Dual Band WiFi Booster – Comprehensive Support Coverage
The Krevi Dual Band WiFi Booster ensures you’ll be able to keep your devices connected no matter where you are in the house, thanks to a 360-degree broadcast range distributed by the device’s four antennas. This lets you connect up to 30 devices, including your Playstation, Xbox, or mobile phone. After all, there’s no point in having a great laptop if you can’t get a WiFi signal.
Krevi’s got a great policy when it comes to support. Not only are their routers built for maximum security and convenience, but if anything goes wrong, you’ll have instant access to a 24/7 support team who are ready to help you with any issue you might have.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Great support | $39.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 8,500 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 3 |
There are two functional modes for the Krevi Dual Band WiFi Booster, AP and Repeater. With the AP mode, you can plug in your smart devices and use the booster as a network bridge, whereas Repeater mode acts more like a traditional WiFi booster which increases the area of your network.
There’s also a 180-day return or replacement warranty, and technical support is covered for the lifetime of the device. It’s a highly configurable, high-performance device – and it comes at an affordable price.
Pricing
The Krevi offers great value for a low price of $39.99. This makes it one of the cheaper choices on our list, but the enhanced signal coverage from four antennas makes this a great choice for households needing broad coverage. The Krevi also includes two different operating modes, doubling your value for money.
Pros:
- Provides up to 1200Mbps high-speed stable signal
- Full 360-degree signal coverage up to 9000 sq. ft with 4 high gain external antennas
- Configurable Repeater and AP modes
- 180 days return or replacement quality warranty
- 24/7 lifetime technical support
Cons:
- Must be updated often
6. TP-Link AC1900 – Ideal For Roaming HD Audio Calls
The TP-Link AC1900 is a dual-band wireless router that provides fast and reliable WiFi coverage. With spectacular speeds of up to 1,900Mb split over two bands, it’s one of the fastest WiFi extenders on our list.
You’ll get up to 600Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1,300Mbps on 5GHz, which is three times faster than standard 802.11n speeds. This makes it an excellent choice for bandwidth-intensive HD streaming, especially considering the superior coverage afforded by the tri-antenna broadcast.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Seamless connections | $66.38 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 1,900 Mb per second | 1 |
Smart Roaming makes it easy to integrate the AC1900 into the rest of your network setup, as you’ll be able to move from router to WiFi extender without your connection dropping. The intelligent signal light makes it easy to place the device for the best effect, and you can connect it to a OneMesh router to build a mesh network. It also offers WiFi 6, which is great for speed.
In practice, users find the connection is absolutely seamless when moving between access points when streaming HD content and taking phone calls. The TP-LINK Tether App, meanwhile, makes administration of your network super easy from iOS or Android devices.
Pricing
A single WiFi extender will set you back $66.38. It’s a bit more expensive for a pure WiFi extender than some of our other suggested devices, but the high-speed connection justifies the price.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable WiFi coverage
- Dual-band with speeds up to 1900Mbps split over two bands
- Smart Roaming for seamless integration with the rest of your network
- Tri-antenna broadcast for superior coverage
- Tether app for easy network administration
Cons:
- Can be difficult to plug into some wall outlets
7. TP-Link RE650 v1.0 – The Best For Stable Connections
The TP-Link RE650 v1.0 is a WiFi range extender that helps extend your existing network’s wireless coverage. It’s the fastest device on our list, with dual-band speeds of 800Mbps over 2.4GHz and 1,733Mbps over 5Ghz.
The RE650 uses MU-MIMO Wave 2 technology which allows the internet booster to communicate with several devices simultaneously using Beamforming. This new method of broadcasting allows the WiFi extender to send directly targeted radio waves to a nearby access point over four antennas, which drastically increases connection stability.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Stable connections | $122.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 10,000 sq. ft. | 2,600 Mb per second | 1 |
This makes it the best WiFi extender for gaming, as it’s the closest you’ll get to 100% connection uptime over WiFi – so it’s worth just as much as a first-rate graphics card.
There’s no more guessing over the best place to put your WiFi extender, either. A Smart Indicator built into the device gives you real-time feedback on how strong the WiFi signal is, so you can move around your house and find the best place to put it without endlessly connecting and disconnecting your devices to it.
A Gigabit Ethernet port gives you the option of using your extender as a WiFi Access Point instead, which is ideal for situations where you otherwise only have access to a wired connection. Even if you can’t wire your devices together, WPS connectivity means that setting up your device is as easy as pressing a button. If you still have trouble connecting the device, TP-Link offers a two-year support warranty for any technical issues.
Pricing
The TP-Link RE650 is a little more costly than the other pure extender devices on our shortlist at $122.99. The four-antenna design may be a little overkill for users looking for a simple WiFi extender, but the Beamforming functionality is perfect for anyone who needs consistently solid connections over a long distance.
Pros:
- Dual-band speeds of 800Mbps over 2.4GHz and 1,733Mbps over 5Ghz
- Beamforming allows communication with multiple devices simultaneously
- Smart Indicator provides real-time feedback on WiFi signal strength
- Gigabit Ethernet port enables use as WiFi Access Point
- WPS connectivity for easy setup
- Two-year support warranty for technical issues
Cons:
- Four antennas obstruct some wall fittings
8. Cryo360 Broad Signal Booster – Wide-Range Broadcast Signal
The Cryo360 Broad Signal Booster offers exceptional value for money, delivering stable bandwidth for online gaming, video conferences, and 4K HD video streaming.
With the capacity to connect up to five devices, Cryo360’s internet booster with an Ethernet port delivers interference-free and high-speed data capabilities to tablets, smart speakers, Alexa devices, IP cameras, and other cutting-edge tech gadgets. It pairs a 600Mbps speed with WPA2 security protocols, ensuring that your WiFi connection is thoroughly protected. This makes it an ideal home WiFi booster.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Wide range | $36.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 600 MB per second | 1 |
Whether you’re running a business, taking online classes, or streaming to multiple devices, Cryo360’s 5 Mode wireless router delivers exceptional value for money. You can choose between Router, Repeater, Access Point, Client, or WISP mode to start streaming on your network connection in seconds. Of particular note is WISP mode, which acts as a full WAN access point for multiple devices by wirelessly bridging the gap to a WiFi hotspot.
Setting up the device is easy and straightforward, taking less than 30 seconds with the single-tap WPS connection that allows you to start enjoying the device immediately. Unlike other range extenders that require endless micromanaging in complex web interfaces, Cryo360’s range booster offers a hassle-free and fast setup process.
You can also connect it to a OneMesh router to set up a mesh network for your location. As with the best WiFi extenders, it also has single-click WPS button setup and a smart signal indicator so you can gauge connection strength.
Pricing
At $36.99, the Cryo360 is one of the cheaper options on our list. Some of the other devices outclass it in terms of speed or stability, but very few of them come with the wide range of functionality available from the Cryo360.
Pros:
- Stable bandwidth for online gaming, video conferences, and streaming 4K HD video
- Can connect up to 5 devices without bogging down the connection
- Easy to set up with Single-Tap WPS
- 5 modes available: router, repeater, access point, client, or WISP mode
- Comes with a satisfaction guarantee or your money back
Cons:
- No WPA3 support
9. Ziyizirui Extender – The Best For Gaming Wirelessly On A Budget
The Ziyizirui Extender is the solution to your WiFi coverage woes when space is at a premium. It’s one of the best WiFi extenders for gaming, extending your wireless network coverage up to 8,000 square feet and supporting up to 32 devices as well as offering two ethernet ports.
Compatible with both wireless routers and cable modems with WiFi, the Ziyizirui WiFi range extender offers Repeater, Bridge, Client, Router, and AP mode options to meet your specific needs in any type of environment. Plus, with an Ethernet port, you can connect wired Ethernet devices such as smart TVs and PlayStations to expand your options.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Affordable gaming option | $24.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 8,000 sq. ft. | 300 Mb per second | 2 |
Setting up the Ziyizirui WiFi range extender is quick and easy. You can use the WPS button to pair the extender with your WiFi network in seconds – provided your router has a WPS function – or you can set it up in just 3 minutes using your smartphone’s web browser.
This highly-affordable device is a great option for extending your WiFi network for your home or office and offers powerful signal strength penetration.
Pricing
The Ziyizirui Extender is the cheapest device on our list at only $24.99. It’s an affordable yet powerful extender that packs many different WiFi modes into a very small device.
Pros:
- Supports up to 32 devices
- Has Repeater/Bridge/Client/Router/AP Mode
- WPS button pairs WiFi range extender in seconds
- Can be set up in 3 minutes via your smartphone’s web browser
- Provides customer support for any problems during or after setup
Cons:
- Covering multiple devices can be costly
10. Netgear Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 – Powerful But Expensive
The Netgear Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 is a high-performance mesh network system that goes beyond normal internet extender devices. It takes advantage of WiFi 6 across a Tri-Band antenna system that broadcasts between both Orbi devices as well as other WiFi devices.
What makes the Orbi different from other extender devices is a dedicated backhaul band used to transfer data between Orbi devices on a high-bandwidth dedicated channel. This makes it far easier to set up a mesh network without worrying about increased latency when you add more devices.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Premium model | $1,099.99 | Large | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g, 802.11ax |
5,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 Mb per second | 5 |
When the Orbi is set up, you’ll be able to cover over 5,000 square feet with WiFi 6 with the router and satellite device. You’ll also be able to connect other wired devices into the network with a 10Gbps Ethernet port, ensuring the mesh network isn’t bottlenecking the rest of your network.
It isn’t just performance that makes the Orbi Tri-Band worth the cost, either. Netgear Armor is a comprehensive suite of real-time security tools used to protect against network attackers. You get a year for free when you purchase the Orbi, which gives you access to tools like a Bitdefender VPN, WiFi vulnerability scans, remote device management software, and much more.
The Orbi Tri-Band also performs well when integrated into a smart home. Not only can you administrate your whole mesh network from an integrated app but also from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant smart voice devices.
This gives you unparalleled control when it comes to managing your WiFi signal booster. Add in parental controls, network partitioning for your guests, and full compatibility across IoT devices, and it’s not hard to see why the Orbi is on our list.
Pricing
The Orbi Tri-Band is a truly premium product at $1,099.99. The difference between the Tri-Band and many other products on our list is that it’s a truly next-gen mesh system that supports high-speed Wi-Fi 6. We can’t recommend the Tri-Band over the other products on this list unless you absolutely need the enhanced network stability and security afforded by backhaul broadcasting and Netgear ARMOR.
Pros:
- Latest WiFi 6 technology for increased speed and capacity
- Easy setup with the Orbi app or web-based wizard
- Advanced security features, including WPA3 encryption, automatic firmware updates, and parental controls
- Multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other options
11. EJRR WiFi Repeater – Durable and Built to Last
The EJRR WiFi repeater lets you boost coverage over your Wi-Fi networks for all types of different devices. It can act as a bridge and connect up to 45 devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, speakers, IP cameras, IoT devices, Alexa devices, game consoles, and more.
It’s easy to plug and play, thanks to a WPS button, you’ll be set up in seconds after you plug the EJRR into your network. Simply press the WPS button on your router and then press WPS on the WiFi extender to establish a fast connection. With two external high-gain antennas, you can enjoy a strong and reliable wireless signal in every corner of your home.
Best For | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
Durability | $39.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 8,640 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 3 |
Each WJRR repeater increases the range of a network to around 8,500 square feet. This massively extends the average home network.
Individual functions have their own signal lights on the EJRR, so you can easily check signal strength and if one band is suffering from connection issues, making network administration a breeze. All in all, it’s a highly effective device that is easy to set up and use.
Pricing
The EJRR is relatively well-priced for being a two-in-one WiFi extender and booster. At only $39.99, it won’t break the bank for faster speeds and a stronger signal.
Pros:
- Boosts WiFi coverage and connects up to 40 devices
- Eliminates dead zones with 2 external high-gain antennas
- One-touch connection for easy setup
- Smart indicator light for simplified installation
Cons:
- Some other devices have more comprehensive help instructions
How Do WiFi Extenders Work?
WiFi extenders work by acting as an extra antenna for your WiFi router. When you plug a WiFi extender into your router with an Ethernet cable, you’re adding extra power to your router’s existing WiFi capability. Ideally, you should position the extender to face the router to broadcast the signal.
This means you can run an Ethernet cable through walls, underground, or around blocking objects and then plug it into an Extender without having to deal with poor or inconsistent connections. If you can’t use a cable or need to broadcast to larger areas, you might consider using independent boosters, a wireless repeater, or a mesh WiFi extender network.
And you can also use WiFi boosters to bridge devices without WiFi onto your network directly by plugging them in. As long as you’ve got an ethernet port, you can span the gap with a WiFi booster, and the network will be none the wiser.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a WiFi Booster
Here are some of the key factors to consider when looking at buying a WiFi booster and determining what is the best WiFi extender for you:
Range
There’s nothing more vital than making sure your WiFi booster has a good signal range and strength. Each device will indicate the maximum range it can operate at, whereas WiFi mesh systems will also give you guidelines on the total coverage area when they’re all set up. Bear in mind that these are often assuming optimal operating conditions. Interference from other devices and solid objects between wireless devices can reduce the effective range.
Price
There are many different WiFi boosters out there that come at a wide range of price points and with different functionality. We’ve chosen devices with a range of prices to satisfy a variety of use cases, but each one represents real value for money and the ability to deliver satisfying connection speeds.
Security
When you use a WiFi network, you’re trusting the device to keep all of your network traffic safe from roaming snoopers and devious hackers. Insecure WiFi devices can easily leak your traffic to whoever’s in the nearby area, so it’s vital you pick a device with strong security. At the very least, you should look for WPA2-enabled devices, but WPA3 is now the gold standard for high-trust encryption that’s nearly impossible to crack.
Ease of Use
Each device on our list is easy to set up, although some feature additional conveniences such as mobile application support, on-call 24/7 technical support, and Alexa integration. Less technically inclined users will still be able to set up many of the devices on our list through their phones. One feature we’re particularly keen on is the adaptive signal light which comes with many TP-Link products, allowing you to gauge how strong the WiFi signal is without spending hours connecting and reconnecting devices in different parts of the house.
WiFi Extender Guides and Resources
Going beyond this article, our team of experts have put together a range of guides and resources on the best WiFi technology available today, including:
- The best WiFi extender for the UK
- The best WiFi extender for Australia
- The best WiFi router for the UK
- The best WiFi router for Australia
- The best mesh WiFi system for the UK
- The best WiFi mesh for Australia
Conclusion – What’s the Best WiFi Extender to Buy in 2023? TP-Link Deco Mesh
So, which of these WiFi extenders is the best? While it really depends on your needs, we think that the best WiFi booster overall is the TP-Link Deco Mesh.
The TP-Link Deco Mesh offers an impressive mix of speed, reliability, range, and ease of use. Being a mesh network, it is inherently easier to use and more reliable than traditional WiFi range extenders, and it offers a lot more flexibility in terms of the area covered, as it has multiple nodes. All of this means it’s great for a wide range of scenarios.
Click the button below to get the TP-Link Deco Mesh now, which we rate as the very best WiFi extender.
WiFi Extender Software FAQs
Do WiFi extenders really work?
What’s the difference between a WiFi extender and a booster?
What WiFi extender has the farthest range?
Do WiFi extenders slow down WiFi?
Do WiFi extenders work for weak WiFi?
How far should my WiFi extender be from my router?
What are the disadvantages of a WiFi extender?
Does it matter what brand WiFi extender I use?
How can I extend my WiFi to 300 feet outside my home?
References
- Determining your Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI) (University of Michigan LSA Technology Services)
- Developments and current trends in Ethernet technology (Conference: Information & Communication Technology Electronics & Microelectronics)
- Is Your WiFi Limiting Your Home Internet Performance? (The University of Chicago Data Science Institute)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- Wi-Fi Site Survey and Analysis of Dead Zones (International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology)