Finding the best WiFi extender in the UK can be a challenge, but it’s worth it to solve common connection issues in your home. Can’t reach a far away router from your living room? Does Netflix keep buffering all the time in your bedroom? Is your house filled with annoying WiFi dead zones that cause your voice calls to drop?
Instead of patching over the problem with a more expensive broadband connection, using the best WiFi extender can solve the real issue. With a WiFi extender, you can enjoy seamless connections without unexpected dropoffs due to signal dead zones. In this article, we’ll discuss the intricacies of WiFi extenders, what to look out for in a WiFi extender, and our top 10 best WiFi extender picks. Keep reading to find out more.
The Best WiFi Range Extenders Ranked
Our extensive research has led us to rate these 10 WiFi range extenders as the top in their class. Looking at speed, budget, range, and ease of use, all of these products bring significant benefits to the table:
- TP-Link AC1900 Gigabit Mesh Extender – A high-end plug-type WiFi range extender that offers fast speeds, a wide range, and easy setup through an app. It has a patented 3-antenna design and an intelligent signal light that helps users troubleshoot internet problems – but it is also on the higher end of the price range.
- Tenda Nova MW6 Mesh System — A powerful and versatile mesh network device that can support up to 90 connected devices at once, with each node covering an impressive 2,000 square feet. The Tenda WiFi app makes setup and management of the network easy and quick, and it includes built-in parental controls, with a 3-year product warranty and customer support available.
- Amazon eero WiFi 5 — A stand-alone router that provides fast and reliable WiFi coverage to up to 140 sq.m of your living space. Comes with eero’s TrueMesh technology, automatic updates, and straightforward setup through the eero app.
- Beseloa 2.4GHz Booster — Offers fast and reliable connectivity speeds of up to 300Mbps with two external antennas to expand your existing WiFi coverage. With three working modes and the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, it’s compatible with almost all WiFi routers, it’s easy to set up and is designed to match any decor.
- Netgear Orbi 6 Mesh — This high-performance mesh network system uses a dedicated backhaul band and offers coverage of over 8,000 square feet, making it an ideal option for those with large homes. It also offers Netgear Armor for real-time security, 10Gbps Ethernet ports, and compatibility with smart home devices, making it a versatile and reliable choice for high-speed internet connectivity.
- Tenda PH5 AV1000 — An easy-to-use powerline adapter that offers a high-speed data transfer rate of up to 1,000 Mbps and comes with multiple Ethernet ports. With its WiFi Clone technology, the process can be completed just by pressing a button. Additionally, its intelligent power-saving technology helps save over 85% of power consumption.
- WONSUN 300Mbps WiFi Extender — A Dual-Band WiFi range extender with high-powered amplifiers and 2 high-gain adjustable antennas that can expand any WiFi to at least 1,000 sq. ft. It has an Ethernet port for wired devices and is easy to install, making it ideal for large homes with multiple devices and heavy online media usage.
- Tenda Nova MW3 Mesh WiFi System — A WiFi mesh network that provides whole home WiFi coverage with support for up to 60 simultaneously connected devices. It’s easy to set up using the Tenda WiFi app and features seamless roaming and built-in parental controls – although the Tenda Nova MW6 3-Pack or MW6 2-Pack are recommended for broadband speeds greater than 100Mbps.
- Asus RT-AX86U Pro — A high-end WiFi 6 router that offers speeds of up to 5,700 Mbps and features a Mobile Game Mode. With built-in AiProtection Pro and ASUS Instant Guard, it also offers commercial-grade security and seamless roaming with any AiMesh-compatible router.
- QLOCOM WiFi Booster — A budget WiFi repeater designed to fit comfortably into your home’s decor without taking up too much room. It’s easy to set up thanks to a setup guide and a walkthrough, which takes you through every issue step by step.
Reviews of the Best WiFi Extenders for Home
We’ve looked at a whole bunch of different devices trying to find the best WiFi range extender, and we’ve ranked them according to their overall usefulness. Check out our list below for our take on the best WiFi extenders in the UK.
1. TP-Link AC1900 – Overall Best Choice for a High Bandwidth Home WiFi Booster
First on our list is the TP-Link AC1900. The TP-Link AC1900 is a plug-type WiFi range extender that’s located at the upper mid-range. Bringing a good mix of speed, range, and ease of use to the table, this device is great for anyone looking for a generalist WiFi range extender, with a bit of a premium touch that you can expect from all TP-Link WiFi extenders.
When it comes to speed, the TP-Link AC1900 is tough to beat. With speeds going as high as 1,900 Mbps, this WiFi range extender is blazing fast, and the dual-band 3-antenna design significantly boosts your odds of getting a signal.
The quality of life offered by the TP-Link AC1900 is nothing to sneeze at either. Boasting an incredibly easy setup process with the help of the app, the TP-Link AC1900 is top of the line when it comes to ease of use. Simply install this plug-in WiFi booster in the desired location and then manage all the settings through the TP-Link Tether app.
The TP-Link AC1900 also offers an intelligent signal light. This signal light will display red when the signal is weak, allowing you to make sure that you’ve placed the TP-Link WiFi extender in an appropriate location where the WiFi range extender is getting a good signal. This makes it easier to troubleshoot any problems with your internet overall, as it shows you where the problem areas and dead zones are in your home.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£39.98 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 1900 Mb per second | 1 |
Pros:
- Fast and reliable WiFi coverage
- Dual-band with speeds up to 1,900Mbps 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
- Best WiFi booster for the UK
Cons:
- Can be difficult to plug into some wall outlets
Pricing
The TP-Link AC1900 is on the higher end of the price range for a socket-type WiFi range extender at £39.98, putting it at a slight premium compared to all the other socket-type WiFi range extenders. However, it’s worth investing in one regardless of whether you’re streaming HD content or have lots of users on your network.
2. Tenda Nova MW6 Mesh System — Overall Best Mesh WiFi System
The Tenda Nova MW6 WiFi Mesh is a powerful and versatile option for enhancing your home WiFi network. Instead of acting as a single WiFi booster, the Tenda Nova MW6 works in tandem with other Tenda WiFi devices to eliminate WiFi dead zones in your home or office.
With support for 802.11S, this is a true WiFi mesh extender that can handle the demands of modern smart homes with multiple devices connected to the internet. It can also be used as a WiFi extender and powerline replacement and is compatible with all internet service providers.
The Tenda Nova mesh network can support up to 90 connected devices at once, and each node can cover an impressive 2,000 square feet. This makes it an easy task to place several mesh network devices in tandem, so you’ll be able to enjoy seamless roaming around the house. This is ideal for working from home when you’re on a VoIP call or simply avoiding the inconvenience of being disconnected from your cloud apps as you move around.
The Tenda WiFi app makes the setup, monitoring, and management of your home WiFi mesh network quick and easy. The app allows you to monitor your network status without having to connect to the booster device. It also includes built-in parental controls to schedule Internet access for your children.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£62.99 | Small | 802.11ac | 4,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 2 |
Pros:
- Works in tandem with other Tenda WiFi devices to create a true WiFi mesh network
- Supports 802.11S
- Can be used for Ethernet over Powerline
- Supports up to 90 connected devices at once
- Includes built-in parental controls to schedule internet access for children
Cons:
- Requires several mesh devices for full coverage
Pricing
The price for the Tenda Nova MW6 WiFi Mesh is £62.99. While this might seem like a bit of a premium, the product’s features should speak for themselves. Combined with the fact that this item regularly goes on sale, we believe this item is one of the best WiFi extenders on the market right now for speed, reliability, ease of use, and the quality-of-life features available for the money.
3. Amazon eero WiFi 5 — Best Integrated Smart Home WiFi Booster
Our next recommendation comes straight from Amazon. The eero mesh WiFi extender is designed to improve your home internet experience by connecting to your existing modem. You can add as many devices as you need to improve your office WiFi or living space, delivering fast and reliable WiFi across an area of up to 5,000ft.
With eero’s straightforward design, you can add this device anywhere in your home. Considering there’s no need for a wall mount thanks to a USB-C power port – and the actual router is incredibly small at only 96 by 96 by 60mm – it’s an easy fit into any modern home.
Setting up your network is a breeze with the eero app, which walks you through the process without you needing to connect to the router through a web browser. Within minutes you’ll be able to enjoy WiFi anywhere in your home, making poor connections a thing of the past.
The eero also boasts a secure design, using WPA2 to keep your network safe and secure. The eero is also regularly updated, meaning that any security holes will be patched out by Amazon’s dedicated software teams.
The cherry on top is Beamforming, which directs the signal from mesh device to device in the most efficient way possible to avoid congestion, buffering, and loss of connection. Add support for Alexa and Apple HomeKit on top of this, and you’ve got a very solid mesh network with long-term support guaranteed.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£51.99 | Small | 802.11ac | 1,000 sq. ft. | 1,300 Mb per second | 2 |
Pros:
- One of the smallest WiFi Routers
- WPA2 security and regular firmware updates
- Beamforming technology sends the signal direct to your device
- Alexa and Apple HomeKit support
Cons:
- Not very durable
Pricing
The price for the Amazon eero Mesh is £51.99. While this might be a bit on the pricier side, if you’re looking for integration with Alexa, this is easily your best option. In fact, there’s a 30-day return and refund window in case you aren’t satisfied.
4. Beseloa 2.4GHz Booster – Great IoT Support
The Beseloa WiFi Signal Booster is a great solution for expanding your existing WiFi coverage. With connectivity speeds of up to 300Mbps and two external antennas, this WiFi booster isn’t the fastest, but it delivers a pretty strong signal. The sleek black look is pretty stylish, too. Whether you’re browsing recipes in the kitchen or gaming in the bedroom, it’s easy to fit the Beseloa into your existing network.
The Beseloa WiFi Signal Booster is universally compatible with almost all IoT devices you can think of. Whether you’re connecting your Playstation, Xbox, tablet, laptop, mobile phone, or WiFi camera, the Beseloa handles each device with ease. Thanks to the dual antenna setup, the Beseloa can handle up to ten devices at the same time.
You get a fair amount of bang for your buck as well. With three working modes, the Beseloa WiFi Signal Booster can function as an Access Point, Repeater, or Router to meet your specific needs. The Access Point works as an entirely new network entry point, while the Repeater and Router functions help extend your existing network seamlessly.
We found that the setup process for the Beseloa WiFi Signal Booster to be straightforward, and the LED lights provide clear indications of the extender’s status. Overall, it’s a cheap WiFi booster that’s got a lot to offer for the price.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£17.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 2,000 sq. ft. | 300 Mb per second | 3 |
Pros:
- Handles up to 10 IoT devices at once
- Three working modes: Access Point, Repeater, and Router
- Straightforward setup process
Cons:
- Doesn’t support WPA3
Pricing
The Beseloa is only £17.99, making it one of the cheapest devices on our list. We feel it’s great value for money, offering three different WiFi device modes and a strong broadcast signal for extending WiFi networks.
5. Netgear Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 – Expensive but Powerful
The Netgear Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 is an advanced mesh network system that outperforms traditional internet booster devices. Its Tri-Band antenna system, enabled by WiFi 6 technology, ensures seamless coverage for both Orbi devices and other WiFi-enabled devices.
What sets the Orbi apart from other extenders is its dedicated backhaul band, which uses a high-bandwidth channel to transfer data between Orbi devices and avoids latency issues when additional devices are added to the network.
Once installed, the Netgear WiFi extender can cover an area of more than 8,000 square feet with the latest WiFi 6 technology. In addition, the network has a 10Gbps Ethernet extender port that enables you to connect other wired devices without causing any bottleneck in the network.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Orbi Tri-Band also comes packed with Netgear Armor, a suite of advanced security tools that provide real-time protection against network attacks. Upon purchase of the Orbi, you’ll receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Netgear Armor, which includes features such as the Bitdefender VPN app, WiFi vulnerability scans, remote device management, and more.
The Orbi Tri-Band mesh network system seamlessly integrates into a smart home environment. It offers convenient administration through an integrated app – which makes Netgear WiFi extender setup very easy – as well as compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice devices, allowing for unprecedented control of your WiFi signal booster.
Additionally, the Orbi supports parental controls and network partitioning for guests and is fully compatible with IoT devices, making it a versatile and practical choice for any home.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£599.99 | Large | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g, 802.11ax |
8,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 Mb per second | 5 |
Pros:
- Latest WiFi 6 technology for increased speed and capacity
- Easy setup with 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:
- Expensive compared to other options
Pricing
The Orbi Tri-Band is a top-of-the-line product that comes with a price tag of £599.99. It stands out from other products on our list by offering a cutting-edge mesh system with fast WiFi 6 support, dedicated backhaul broadcasting, and the comprehensive Netgear ARMOR suite. While it may not be necessary for all users, those looking for the highest level of network stability and security will find the Tri-Band to be a worthwhile investment.
6. Tenda PH5 AV1000 – Portable WiFi Signal Enhancement at an Affordable Price
The Tenda PH5 AV1000 Gigabit Powerline Adapter is another great option for a WiFi booster with high-speed data transfer, ease of use, and multiple Ethernet ports. With the Homeplug AV2 standard, this powerline adapter offers data transfer rates of up to 1,000 Mbps. It’s not the fastest product on our list, but it’s no slouch, either.
The Tenda PH5 AV1000 Gigabit Powerline Adapter can convert any power outlet into a WiFi access point, as well as taking advantage of your home’s powerline to create additional wired connections. This feature is plug-and-play, making it easy to set up as soon as you plug it into your wireless router.
No powerline adaptor would be complete without multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports. This enables you to connect multiple devices at once, such as game consoles, desktop PCs, smart TVs, and multiple other networking devices. Simply plug the Ethernet cable into the Tenda PH5, and you’re good to go.
Adding to the immense ease of use when you try the PH5 is WiFi Clone technology, which makes the PH5 really easy to use. With just a press of the “WPS” button on your router and the “WiFi” button on the PA6, you’ll connect both devices in seconds.
Unlike other plugged WiFi boosters, the PH5 uses intelligent power-saving technology. When the booster is not in use, it enters a low-power mode which saves over 85% of normal power consumption. A great choice if you’re worried about energy costs!
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£39.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g | 4,000 sq. ft. | 1,000 Mb per second | 2 |
Pros:
- High-speed data transfer up to 1,000 Mbps
- Converts any power outlet into a WiFi access point
- Multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting multiple devices at once
- Intelligent power-saving technology saves over 85% of normal power consumption
Cons:
- No WPA3 support
Pricing
At its affordable price point of £39.99, the Tenda PH5 AV1000 Gigabit Powerline Adapter is an excellent option for those looking to extend their home network. It’s both a great WiFi booster and a great powerline adaptor, meaning walls won’t get in your way.
7. WONSUN 300Mbps WiFi Extender – Affordable Ethernet Support
The next WiFi range extender on our list is the WONSON WiFi Booster. This WiFi extender has 2 high-gain adjustable antennas for maximum WiFi coverage and penetration, expanding any WiFi network by at least 1,000 sq. ft.
The WONSON WiFi booster uses Dual Band technology which broadcasts over two different radio bands, allowing you to simultaneously enjoy lag-free HD video streaming, online gaming, emailing and web browsing without interruption.
This Wireless Range Extender employs adaptive wireless technology that selects the flexible 2.4G frequency for a stable signal, making it an excellent choice for streaming video or playing games. It extends the coverage of your existing wireless network at speeds up to 300Mbps, penetrating walls with a strong and reliable signal. Additionally, it provides a coverage distance of up to 1,000 square feet, making it possible to enhance the WiFi signal in hard-to-reach areas.
The WiFi Booster is compatible with all common wireless routers, including 802.11n/g/b standards. It is equipped with an Ethernet port that can function as a wireless adapter for wired devices, allowing it to connect to any wireless network, router, or WiFi-enabled device, such as smartphones, iPhones, iPads, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
This WiFi Booster is easy to install and use, featuring a wall plug design and portability that makes it ideal for home, corporate, and travel use. It includes a quick installation guide, and there is no need to install any software. Simply follow the user manual, and you will find the setup for phone and PC to be quite straightforward.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£14.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g | 1,000 sq. ft. | 300 Mb per second | 1 |
Pros:
- Dual-Band technology extending coverage at speeds up to 300Mbps
- Equipped with an Ethernet port for wired devices
- Easy to install and use
Cons:
- Poorer coverage range
Pricing
The price for the WONSON WiFi Booster is very appealing at only £15.99. Although the coverage range is poorer than other devices on this list, it’s still a great option for anybody looking for a budget WiFi range extender for their home.
8. Tenda Nova MW3 Mesh WiFi System – Great Choice On A Budget
The Tenda Nova MW3-3 is a WiFi mesh network that provides whole home WiFi coverage. It creates a seamless, single WiFi network for all your devices and supports up to 40 connected devices simultaneously with a coverage of up to 3,500 sq. ft.
This mesh network supports 802.11S, making it perfect for smart homes with internet-hungry devices. It’s an ideal replacement for your existing WiFi extender and powerline solutions.
The Tenda Nova MW3-3 uses strong WPA-PSK2 encryption to ensure your home network is secure once you’re broadcasting a stronger WiFi network. It’s also possible to create a guest network on top of your regular network, giving guests a seamless roaming experience while keeping your personal network private.
Even better, you can manage the whole thing from your phone thanks to the Tenda WiFi app. It even includes built-in parental controls that allow you to set bedtimes for your children and block certain types of content.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£38.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 3,500 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 1 |
Pros:
- Seamless single WiFi network for up to 40 devices with 3,500 sq. ft. coverage
- Supports 802.11S
- Strong WPA-PSK2 encryption for security
- The Tenda WiFi app allows you to manage parental controls and the guest network from your phone
Cons:
- Slower than the MW6
Pricing
While we recommend the Nova MW6, the MW3 is a great budget choice at only £38.99. The devices are compatible with each other, making upgrading or augmenting your mesh network a simple task when your network requirements grow.
9. Asus RT-AX86U Pro – The Best WiFi Extender for Wireless Gaming
The ASUS RT-AX89X is one of the best WiFi 6 routers for gaming, with consistent lightning-fast connections. It provides ultrafast speeds with the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) technology and speeds of up to 5,700 Mbps.
The RT-AX89X is built for integration with your gaming pc from the ground up. There’s a dedicated wired 2,500 Mbps port which prioritises all network traffic to it, ensuring you’ll never be put at a disadvantage when other people are on the network. You can set this up through the ASUS Router app, which also features several other settings designed to prioritise WiFi gaming for minimal lag.
The RT-AX89X boasts true 2 Gbps wired and wireless speeds with aggregated 2 Gbps WAN connections, a wired 2.5 Gbps port, and WiFi 6. It’s perfect for homes that require high-speed internet access.
Commercial-grade security is built-in, thanks to AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro. Even when you’re away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click sharable secure VPN.
The router is easy to extend with any AiMesh-compatible router. This means you can enjoy seamless roaming with rich, advanced features
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£262.99 | Large | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 5,700 MB per second | 4 |
Pros:
- Stable bandwidth for online gaming, video conferences, and streaming 4K HD video at faster speeds
- 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
Pricing
The ASUS RT-AX89X is the choice when it comes to keeping your connection quality consistent while gaming. It’s pretty expensive at £262.99, but it’s absolutely worth it for gaming traffic prioritisation. However, if you’re only looking for wireless internet boosting, there are plenty of cheaper options that will keep you online for a significantly lower price.
10. QLOCOM WiFi Booster – Easy to Set Up
The QLOCOM WiFi Booster extends your WiFi coverage by up to 2,000 sq.ft., eliminating any dead zones in your home. It’s easy to install, and you’ll be up and running in no time, thanks to the user-friendly instructions and quick installation guide. It’s an ideal broadband booster for a small house.
The QLOCOM WiFi Booster is compatible with all common WiFi routers and supports wireless standards 802.11n/g/b/a/ac. It also features an Ethernet port that allows the booster to be used as a wireless adapter to connect wired devices.
Thanks to the dual-band technology, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless and stable WiFi connections, as well as lag-free HD video streaming, online gaming, emailing, and web browsing without interruption. Plus, with its sleek and compact design, the QLOCOM WiFi Booster blends in seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic.
Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
£29.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 2,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 2 |
Pros:
- Easy setup thanks to a quick installation
- Portable design
- Stylish aesthetic
Cons:
- Less powerful than other devices on our list
Pricing
The QLOCOM isn’t the cheapest device at £29.99, but it’s easy to use with a walkthrough that keeps you in the loop as you go through the setup steps.
Best WiFi Boosters 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.
Name | Price | Size | WiFi Standard | Range | Speed Rating | Ports |
TP-Link AC1900 Gigabit Mesh Extender | £39.98 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 1,900 Mb per second | 1 |
Tenda Nova MW6 Mesh System | £62.99 | Small | 802.11ac | 4,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 2 |
Amazon eero WiFi 5 | £51.99 | Small | 802.11ac | 1,000 sq. ft. | 1,300 Mb per second | 2 |
Beseloa 2.4GHz Booster | £17.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 2,000 sq. ft. | 300 Mb per second | 3 |
Netgear Orbi 6 Mesh | £599.99 | Large | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g, 802.11ax |
8,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 Mb per second | 5 |
Tenda PH5 AV1000 | £39.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g | 4,000 sq. ft. | 1,000 Mb per second | 2 |
WONSUN 300Mbps WiFi Extender | £14.99 | Medium | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g | 1,000 sq. ft. | 300 Mb per second | 1 |
Tenda Nova MW3 Mesh WiFi System | £38.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 3,500 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 1 |
Asus RT-AX86U Pro | £262.99 | Large | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 9,000 sq. ft. | 5,700 MB per second | 4 |
QLOCOM WiFi Booster | £29.99 | Small | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g | 2,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 Mb per second | 2 |
How to Choose the Best WiFi Extender for You
When going through such an extensive list of potential options, how are you supposed to know you’re looking at a legit product? Not too tech savvy and want to inform yourself about WiFi boosters? We’ve got you covered.
We’ll talk about some key factors which are important to consider when buying a WiFi range extender for any sort of setting. To keep it short, these factors are mainly speed, range, affordability, and quality of life. We also check out customer WiFi extender reviews to make sure our experience is consistent with what other users are seeing.
- Speed is important for everyone these days with how heavy websites seem to have become, but it is especially important for anybody who likes to use streaming services like Netflix and for gamers. Of course, any sort of technical work that requires a fast connection is also included in this list by default.
- Range is another key factor. How big is your house? Are there any objects blocking the way to certain areas? What about potential signal interference? The answers to these questions will determine how important range is for you. If you have a big house, naturally, you’ll want to gravitate towards a large range, but ideally, you might even just want to go for a mesh system. Any potential signal interference makes features like dual-band and triple-band even more vital to avoid said interference. Bear in mind that the ranges quoted in our list are often assuming optimal operating conditions. Interference from other devices and solid objects between wireless devices can reduce the effective range.
- Affordability is also important. If you’re on a budget, the price matters. If money is no object, though, you’ll most likely want to check out the top-end premium options.
- Quality of life can range from how easy a given WiFi extender is to set up and manage to miscellaneous features such as intelligent signal lights, external applications, and the number of ports. Having external applications makes setting up and managing these systems a breeze and is a key feature to look out for. Intelligent signal lights are another one, as they make finding the ideal spot for your WiFi range extender a breeze. Having a mesh network is also included here, as they do not require you to change networks as you walk around in the house.
Are Wired or WiFi Mesh Extenders Best?
Wired extenders use Ethernet cables to extend your network, which can provide a more stable and faster connection than WiFi. They are typically best suited for larger homes or offices with many walls or obstacles that can interfere with a WiFi signal. Wired extenders can also be useful in situations where you need to connect devices that do not have WiFi capability.
On the other hand, WiFi mesh extenders are designed to provide a seamless and consistent WiFi signal throughout your home or office by using multiple nodes that work together. They are ideal for environments with many WiFi devices, such as smart homes, and can be easily expanded by adding more nodes. However, they may not provide the same level of speed and stability as wired extenders.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a fast and stable connection and have the ability to use Ethernet cables, a wired extender may be the better option. If you need a flexible and easy-to-expand solution that can provide consistent WiFi coverage throughout your home or office, a WiFi mesh extender may be the better choice.
How to Use a WiFi Extender – Step-by-Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the TP-Link AC1900 to improve the WiFi signal in your home or office:
- Choose the right location: First, find the right spot for your WiFi extender. Ideally, it should be placed halfway between your router and the area where you need stronger WiFi signals. The area should also be free from any obstructions like walls, metal objects, and mirrors.
- Connect the extender to the power source: Once you’ve found the right location, plug in the AC1900 to a power outlet.
- Connect your computer or mobile device to the extender: You’ll need to connect your computer or mobile device to the WiFi extender’s network. The network name and password can be found on the label or instruction manual that comes with the extender.
- Configure the extender: Open your web browser and enter the web address provided in the AC1900’s instruction manual. You can also log in from the Tether app on your phone. Either way, this will open the AC1900’s configuration page. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the extender.
- Connect the extender to your router: Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the WiFi extender to your router. You’ll either need to connect the AC1900 by ethernet or sync it up to your WiFi router by pressing the WPS button.
- Test the connection: Once you’ve set up the AC1900, test the connection by moving around the area where you need a stronger WiFi signal. You should now have a stronger and more reliable WiFi signal in the area covered by the extender. If you’re not happy with the signal, it’s as simple as unplugging the AC1900 and plugging it into another power outlet until you’ve found the optimal WiFi coverage for your space.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll be able to set up the AC1900 to boost your wireless signal in no time at all.
WiFi Extender UK FAQs
How do WiFi extenders work?
What is the strongest and best WiFi extender?
Is there a difference between a WiFi extender and booster?
Which WiFi extender has the longest range?
How close does a WiFi extender need to be to the router?
What’s the best WiFi booster for Sky?
Conclusion – What’s the Best WiFi Extender to Buy in the UK in 2024?
Although each entry on our list has its own use case, we rate the TP-Link AC1900 as the best WiFi booster for home and commercial use because of its excellent speed, range, and ease of use. With speeds going up to 1,900 Mbps and its powerful 3-antenna design, this WiFi range extender offers blazing-fast connection speeds and a more consistent connection overall.
The device is easy to set up and manage with the TP-Link Tether app, making it a top-of-the-line choice for ease of use. The intelligent signal light feature is also a unique quality-of-life addition that allows users to troubleshoot any internet problems and locate dead zones easily. All these features combine to make the TP-Link AC1900 a generalist WiFi range extender with a premium touch that’s hard to beat.