Best Wi-Fi Extender to Buy in 2019 Maximize Your Internet Connection ReachByVaidyanathan Subramaniam-October 18, 2019 “2/2.1341.png” Choosing the best Wi-Fi Extender is not too difficult as long as you keep in mind some criteria. It should be remembered that for even more range, most Wi-Fi extenders can also act as access points and some are even a part of a mesh network. In general, opting for a dual-band configuration or more is often advisable. Using two bands reduces the chances of interference considerably and can also provide you with the selection choices for specific devices. The other considerable factor is speed. In general we find Wi-Fi extenders running at speeds that are slower than the speed of the router. This is to be expected, as the ping times are increased. Hence choose a Wi-Fi extender which offers the highest possible speeds. Last but not always needed, the presence of Ethernet and USB ports can help greatly to directly connect other devices such as media servers. Taking into account the above criteria, we’ve been narrowing down on the 11 best Wi-Fi extenders that can offer great value and performance for your money.
1. NETGEAR EX6200
NETGEAR EX6200 Features: Dual-band (2.4 + 5) Dual-core ARM CPU Dual high-gain 5 dBi Beamforming+ Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps No. of Ethernet / USB Ports: 5/1 (1x USB 3.0) $99.99?$33.0066.99 The NETGEAR EX6200 is easily one of the best Wi-Fi Extender available on the market today. With the latest software update it can be used as both a single router and a range extender. The EX6200 is a dual-band router delivering a maximum 1.2 Gbps throughput. If you want to go the wired route it also has 5 Ethernet ports. The USB 3.0 port helps connect storage devices over the network to share media files. Thanks to its dual-core ARM CPU, this Wi-Fi extender rarely lags in day-to-day operations. Coverage should not be an issue because of the presence of dual high-gain 5 dBi antennas. Installing and setting up the EX6200 is easy but the first time you turn on the device, you might want to check for updates. Although performance is not a problem the support of NETGEAR can be one. You get 90-day phone support for free, but we would advise you to check with NETGEAR what exactly support options apply. There have also been some problems getting the router to function well with Apple and Sonos products, but NETGEAR recently released some updates that hopefully address the issue. Pros: Good velocities and Ample Ethernet portsWireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 750 Mbps No. Ethernet / USB Ports: 1/0 Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.63 x 7.01 x 3.9 in $46.99?$17.00$29.99 Router configuration takes less than 2 minutes but be sure to follow the step-by-step directions. The NETGEAR EX3700 also features a Fastlane feature which basically isolates each band only. It is of little use when linking only a few devices but may be useful in crowded homes. Note that given speed limitations, if your main router has a higher speed, you won’t get that performance level from this. Expect more ping times too. Pros: Good value for money Can work as dedicated AP Cons: Slower speeds than most routers Extender mode can lead to drops in speed and increased ping times
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh X6S Offer “2/2.1344.jpg” NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh X6S Features: Tri-band (2.4 + 5 + 5) Fastlane3 MU-MIMO AP Wireless Protocols mode: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 3 Gbps Dimensions (W x H x D): 8.1 x 10 x 5.2 inches $199.99 ? $20.00 $179.99 The NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh X6S can work as both a mesh router and as a Wi-Fi extender. Thanks to its tri-band setup, it offers excellent speeds and coverage, and can reach combined maximum speeds of up to 3 Gbps. The third band presence allows wireless backhaul to the satellite so that speeds do not decrease when multiple devices connect to the network. The Nighthawk X6S can extend the existing wireless network without changing the SSID, unlike most wireless extenders. This means that the clients can roam wherever the nodes are present, without frequent network changes. The included NETGEAR program will help determine the intensity of the signal at each node and can automatically select the best band and channel for the linked device. While the Nighthawk X6S performs well without any hiccup users have observed that setting the device to maximum performance in AP mode is better than in extender mode. Also if you have set up WPS you need to manually reconfigure it for the 5 GHz band again. Pros: Good performance and range Wireless backhaul dedicated band
4. TP-Link RE650
Offer “2/2.1345.jpg” TP-Link RE650 The efficiency of the TP-Link RE650 is excellent and an excellent range of up to 75 foot can be easily obtained and covers about 14000 sq. Without a significant drop in speed, ft. An 800 MHz processor makes sure things run smoothly without hiccups. There is no USB port but there is also a Gigabit Ethernet port. TP-Link offers the Tether app, allowing you to easily control the Wi-Fi extender from your iOS or Android device. You can also adjust the strength of the signal, or set the extender to turn on or off at defined times. Overall the TP-Link RE650 is one of the best with a good range of Wi-Fi extenders. The only downside is that on the higher side it’s priced a little but it offsets that with excellent performance. Pros: Excellent range Good number of customization options Cons: Large for an Expensive
5 wall socket. Google Wi-Fi System “2/2.1346.jpg” Google Wi-Fi System Features: 1500 sq.ft dual band (2.4 + 5). Coverage per point Network Assist Family Wi-Fi controls Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps Dimensions (W x H x D):4.2 x 4.2 x 2.7 in $249.98 The Google Wi-Fi system functions both as a wireless mesh network and as a versatile Wi-Fi range extender. Google Wi-Fi is compatible with modems from all major Internet providers and each system node can provide up to 1500 sq.ft of coverage. It’s extremely simple to set up Google Wi-Fi, and the device has a network assist feature that does all the background work to select the best channel and band for the client devices. It also offers a companion app for quick delegation of access to guests and overall network efficiency. Although Google Wi-Fi is compatible with most router systems, the Google OnHub routers work best. Remember that it may take some time to activate the 5 GHz band, while the 2.4 GHz band is immediately available. A potential firmware update will remedy this. Pros: Good speed and coverage Facilities setup
6. NETGEAR Orbi
Offer “2/2.1347.jpg” NETGEAR Orbi Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 2.2 Gbps No. Ethernet / USB Ports: 3/0 Dimensions (W x H x D):6.7 x 8 x 3.1 in $299.99?$65.01 $234.98Offer ‘ 2/2.1348.jpg ‘ D-Link DAP-1520 Features: Dual-band (2.4 + 5) Easy setup QRS Mobile App Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 750 Mbps Dimensions (W x H x D): 2.2 x 3.6 x 1.4 in $59.99?$50.009 If you are on a tight budget the D-Link DAP-1520 is just what the doctor has ordered. The DAP-1520 is an easy to setup, dual-band Wi-Fi extender. Just plug in a socket at the wall and you’re ready to go. The speeds aren’t the highest out there but we can overlook that given the price. The bundled QRS software helps keep the DAP-1520 easy to monitor. It does not offer some of the advanced controls found in more expensive offers but it does offer some traffic monitoring settings. No Ethernet or USB ports are available, so you can only use the DAP-1520 as a Wi-Fi extender, and nothing else. Pros: Easy to configure and install
8. D-Link DAP-1650
“2/2.1349.jpg” D-Link DAP-1650 Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps No. Ethernet / USB Ports: 4/1 (1x USB 2.0) Dimensions (W x H x D): 4.3 x 5.7 x 3.6 in $79.99 There is no external antenna on the DAP 1650 but coverage should not be an issue. When you consider the performance it is an excellent wireless extender. The only gripe is that the automatic detection of channels can sometimes result in interference on the same channel from other neighboring routers. Pros: Very good speeds and coverage Cons good aesthetics: signal interference due to selection of auto channels
9. Linksys RE7000 Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.2 x 4.9 x 1.7 in $129.99?$30.02$99.97 The Linksys RE7000 is an esthetically designed Wi-Fi range extender that compliments well your living space. As an air freshener, the RE7000 plugs into the wall, and is very compact. There are no external antennas and only one indicator light is available, so that the RE7000 can be well hidden in plain sight. The Linksys RE7000 is a wireless-AC dual-band range extensor with a total 1.9 Gbps throughput. Linksys provides cross-band technology which can automatically send data to either of the best-suited bands. Although the RE7000 supports any host router that you get when you connect it to a Linksys Max-Stream router with Seamless Roaming. Seamless Roaming allows you to move across different areas of your home, without worrying about the strength of the signal. Thanks to Spot Finder technology, the single LED indicator light can let you know whether you’re at an optimal distance from your host router. Beamforming support and MU-MIMO ensure multiple clients can be served at the same time without bandwidth restrictions. That said the RE7000 has no dedicated backhaul channel. The RE7000’s performance is superb as expected. The antennas are internal and can not be replaced but the Wi-Fi range extender can cover 70 feet and approximately 10,000 sq. Ft. So even in fairly large houses dead spots can be eliminated. The RE7000 is relatively trouble-free to set up, and the software offers a fairly large number of customization options. You can also use the Android and iOS app from Linksys to change the fast settings. The Linksys RE7000 is among the best under $100 Wi-Fi extenders on the market. Its overall performance is certainly not class-defining but providing adequate Wi-Fi coverage across your home or office space does an excellent job. Pros: Good range Easy to set up Fit
10. Plume SuperPods
“2/2.1351.jpg” Plume SuperPods Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps No. Ethernet / USB Ports: 2/0 Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.4 x 3.8 x 1.4 in Most Wi-Fi Extenders come with a decent selection of built-in security features but the Plume SuperPods take it a little higher. The Plume SuperPods are designed for highly safety-conscious users who don’t mind spending extra for additional protection. The SuperPods come in a three-unit set that can directly plug into any free wall outlet. The pods sport a very minimal design that only has one light indicator and a pair of Ethernet ports. How you want to set up the pods is up to you, and largely depends on the size of your home. The Plume setup is relatively straightforward, and can be done directly with the Plume app from your smartphone. Each pod can be easily assigned to recognize names like Kitchen Living Room etc. Pros: Lots of security features Home Pass AI-enabled bandwidth and security checks Cons: security features require an annual subscription
11. TRENDnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2
TRENDnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2 Features: Dual-band (2.4 + 5) Powerline kit Pre-encoded Wi-Fi access Wi-Fi clone Beamforming Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps No. of Ethernet / USB Ports: 2/0Offer ‘ 2/2.1348.jpg ‘ D-Link DAP-1520 Features: Dual-band (2.4 + 5) Easy setup QRS Mobile App Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 750 Mbps Dimensions (W x H x D): 2.2 x 3.6 x 1.4 in $59.99?$50.009 If you are on a tight budget the D-Link DAP-1520 is just what the doctor has ordered. The DAP-1520 is an easy to setup, dual-band Wi-Fi extender. Just plug in a socket at the wall and you’re ready to go. The speeds aren’t the highest out there but we can overlook that given the price. The bundled QRS software helps keep the DAP-1520 easy to monitor. It does not offer some of the advanced controls found in more expensive offers but it does offer some traffic monitoring settings. No Ethernet or USB ports are available, so you can only use the DAP-1520 as a Wi-Fi extender, and nothing else. Pros: Easy to configure and install
8. D-Link DAP-1650
“2/2.1349.jpg” D-Link DAP-1650 Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps No. Ethernet / USB Ports: 4/1 (1x USB 2.0) Dimensions (W x H x D): 4.3 x 5.7 x 3.6 in $79.99 There is no external antenna on the DAP 1650 but coverage should not be an issue. When you consider the performance it is an excellent wireless extender. The only gripe is that the automatic detection of channels can sometimes result in interference on the same channel from other neighboring routers. Pros: Very good speeds and coverage Cons good aesthetics: signal interference due to selection of auto channels
9. Linksys RE7000 Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.2 x 4.9 x 1.7 in $129.99?$30.02$99.97 The Linksys RE7000 is an esthetically designed Wi-Fi range extender that compliments well your living space. As an air freshener, the RE7000 plugs into the wall, and is very compact. There are no external antennas and only one indicator light is available, so that the RE7000 can be well hidden in plain sight. The Linksys RE7000 is a wireless-AC dual-band range extensor with a total 1.9 Gbps throughput. Linksys provides cross-band technology which can automatically send data to either of the best-suited bands. Although the RE7000 supports any host router that you get when you connect it to a Linksys Max-Stream router with Seamless Roaming. Seamless Roaming allows you to move across different areas of your home, without worrying about the strength of the signal. Thanks to Spot Finder technology, the single LED indicator light can let you know whether you’re at an optimal distance from your host router. Beamforming support and MU-MIMO ensure multiple clients can be served at the same time without bandwidth restrictions. That said the RE7000 has no dedicated backhaul channel. The RE7000’s performance is superb as expected. The antennas are internal and can not be replaced but the Wi-Fi range extender can cover 70 feet and approximately 10,000 sq. Ft. So even in fairly large houses dead spots can be eliminated. The RE7000 is relatively trouble-free to set up, and the software offers a fairly large number of customization options. You can also use the Android and iOS app from Linksys to change the fast settings. The Linksys RE7000 is among the best under $100 Wi-Fi extenders on the market. Its overall performance is certainly not class-defining but providing adequate Wi-Fi coverage across your home or office space does an excellent job. Pros: Good range Easy to set up Fit
10. Plume SuperPods
“2/2.1351.jpg” Plume SuperPods Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps No. Ethernet / USB Ports: 2/0 Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.4 x 3.8 x 1.4 in Most Wi-Fi Extenders come with a decent selection of built-in security features but the Plume SuperPods take it a little higher. The Plume SuperPods are designed for highly safety-conscious users who don’t mind spending extra for additional protection. The SuperPods come in a three-unit set that can directly plug into any free wall outlet. The pods sport a very minimal design that only has one light indicator and a pair of Ethernet ports. How you want to set up the pods is up to you, and largely depends on the size of your home. The Plume setup is relatively straightforward, and can be done directly with the Plume app from your smartphone. Each pod can be easily assigned to recognize names like Kitchen Living Room etc. Pros: Lots of security features Home Pass AI-enabled bandwidth and security checks Cons: security features require an annual subscription
11. TRENDnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2
TRENDnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2 Features: Dual-band (2.4 + 5) Powerline kit Pre-encoded Wi-Fi access Wi-Fi clone Beamforming Wireless Protocols: 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 Gbps No. of Ethernet / USB Ports: 2/0