Do you want to enjoy a fast and reliable WiFi connection at home? Whether you work from home, stream shows, or browse social media, having a good WiFi network is essential.
Sometimes, your router may not be enough to cover your entire house with a strong signal. That’s why you may need a WiFi range extender to boost your network and eliminate dead zones.
How Wi-Fi Extenders Work
A WiFi range extender is a device that connects to your existing router and amplifies the signal to reach farther areas. It’s a cheaper and easier solution than buying a new router or upgrading your internet plan. They can be set up between your router and the areas with weak or no signal to extend the coverage.
Pros
- Increased Coverage: They can significantly extend the range of your Wi-Fi network, covering dead zones in your home or office.
- Easy Setup: Most Wi-Fi extenders are easy to set up and don’t require any special technical knowledge.
- Cost-Effective: They are generally cheaper than upgrading your internet plan or getting a new router.
Cons
- Reduced Bandwidth: The extended network might have less bandwidth than the original router, which can affect internet speed.
- Separate Network Name: Some extenders create a new network name, which means you might need to switch networks as you move around your home.
If you have areas in your home where the Wi-Fi signal is weak, a Wi-Fi extender can be a good solution. Just make sure to place it in a location where it can get a strong signal from your router.
Here are my top picks for the best WiFi extenders on the market right now.
Cryo360 WiFi Extender
The Cryo360 WiFi Extender covers over 9,000 square footage, so you’ll never have to worry about your signal getting blocked by thick walls in your house or even by trying to connect from outside. It can help to boost the WiFi of up to 45 devices in the home at once without bogging down your stream and has extreme security measures to prevent hackers from breaking into your network. At the time of publishing,g this product had over 20,000 global reviews on Amazon, with 77% giving it 5 stars.
MORE: TOP APPS TO TROUBLESHOOT YOUR WIFI SIGNAL
2023 Generic Newest WiFi Extender
Another great option you can get is the Generic WiFi extender. This one gives 360-degree coverage in up to 4,000 square feet of space. It also comes with a one-touch connection, making it very simple to connect with your WiFi router. It can connect to up to 40 devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, Alexa devices, and more. At the time of publishing, this product had over 4,000 global reviews, with 75% giving it 5 stars.
Get 2023 Newest Generic WiFi Extender
TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender
This WiFi extender can connect to up to 32 devices and covers up to 2,000 square feet. It has a smart indicator light on it that will help you to find the best possible location for it in your home so that you can get the most WiFi coverage on all your devices. It can be compatible with any router and also comes with 3 adjustable antennas to help you get even better coverage. At the time of publishing, this product had over 31,000 global reviews, with 59% giving it 5 stars.
Get TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender
TELEFONMAX WiFi Extender
This WiFi extender has a crazy amount of coverage, extending its range to over 12,000 square feet and covering up to 105 devices. It can help boost your WiFi on your phone, tablet, smart TV, security camera, and more. You’ll have secure network access the whole time, so don’t worry about hackers getting in. It can provide a total rate of about 1200Mbps and has a 360-degree high-speed connection. At the time of publishing, this product had over 1,900 global reviews, with 76% giving it 5 stars.
Krevi WiFi Extender
This Krevi WiFi Extender has a dual dual-band WiFi extender, meaning that it has up to 50% more bandwidth than single-band WiFi extenders. It covers up to 7,000 square feet with 300 Mbps and connects up to 20 devices. It also has universal compatibility and meets the WPA/WPA 2 wireless security protocols. Plus, it can function as a wireless adapter to connect wired devices such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, or smart TVs. At the time of publishing, this product had over 54,000 global reviews, with 88% giving it 5 stars.
Other options to consider
Powerline Adapter
A powerline adapter is a device that uses your existing electrical wiring to extend your network signal to any room in your house. It works by plugging one adapter into an outlet near your router and another one into an outlet near your TV.
Then, you can connect your devices using ethernet cables or WiFi. This way, you can enjoy a fast and stable network connection without having to drill holes or run long wires.
Another option is to use a wireless powerline adapter, which can create a new WiFi hotspot in your home. Unlike a wired powerline adapter, a wireless one does not need an ethernet cable to connect to your TV. However, you still need to plug it into an outlet near your TV and pair it with another unit near your network monitor.
Get my top powerline adapter picks here
Mesh Network
As mentioned above, a Wi-Fi range extender is a device that amplifies the existing Wi-Fi signal from your router and rebroadcasts it to extend the coverage area. It acts as a relay between your devices and the router, improving the signal strength in areas with poor reception. However, it does not create a new network; instead, it repeats the existing network.
On the other hand, a mesh network consists of multiple interconnected devices called nodes or access points. These nodes work together to create a single, seamless Wi-Fi network with extended coverage throughout your home. Unlike a range extender, each node in a mesh network communicates directly with other nodes, forming a self-healing network that can adapt to changes in the environment. This allows for better performance and eliminates dead zones.
You will also need to configure the mesh network using an app or software that may vary depending on the manufacturer. A mesh network is ideal for large homes with multiple floors and rooms or homes with thick walls or other obstacles that block WiFi signals.
Get my top mesh networking picks here
When one WiFi router isn’t enough – Top mesh networking winners
Kurt’s key takeaways
You don’t have to settle for a slow WiFi network, and you certainly don’t have to rush out and purchase an expensive new router. Check out some of these extenders and see if one of them might fit your needs. Having one can be an easy fix to your network connection problems, and soon, your network will be working as it should.
Do you use a WiFi extender in your house? How has it improved your connectivity issues? Let us know by commenting below.
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