If you're experiencing weak WiFi signals in your basement or backyard, it might be a good idea to consider the best WiFi extender. These budget-friendly devices, as their name implies, expand the coverage of your home's WiFi network. Given the increasing number of people working from home and the multitude of connected devices in one household, having dependable coverage that reaches every corner of your property is more crucial than ever.
 | TP-Link AX3000 | |
 | TP-Link RE605X | |
 | TP-Link AX1750 | |
 | D-Link EaglePro AI | |
 | TP-Link AC1750 | |
 | Linksys RE7310 | |
 | TP-Link AC1200 | |
 | Netgear Nighthawk AX8 |
While upgrading your entire WiFi router system is a significant and costly decision, WiFi extenders in 2024 offer a more affordable solution to enhance coverage throughout your home. We conducted tests on various WiFi extenders to identify our top recommendations.
The top WiFi extenders can make your WiFi router cover more space and eliminate those WiFi spots that don't work well in your home. They are also way cheaper than getting a new router and are easy to set up in just a few minutes.
We tried out eight of the most popular models available today to help you choose the right WiFi extender for your home. We rated them based on how fast they are, what features they have, and how easy they are to use. To really understand how well each one works, we did testing in the real world and also used controlled benchmark testing.
The best WiFi extenders of 2024
1. TP-Link AX3000 Mesh WiFi 6 Extender
The Best WiFi Extender Overall
The TP-Link AX3000 Mesh WiFi 6 Extender, also known as the RE715X, stands out as a reliable and efficient solution for enhancing your WiFi network. This dual-band extender operates on the advanced WiFi 6 technology, providing users with improved speed, better capacity, and enhanced performance compared to its predecessors.
One of the key advantages of the RE715X is its straightforward installation process. Users can easily set it up without much hassle, ensuring a quick and seamless integration with their existing WiFi 6 router. This makes it a user-friendly option for individuals who appreciate simplicity and efficiency in their networking solutions.
The versatility of the RE715X extends beyond its compatibility with TP-Link routers. It can be employed to establish a mesh network, particularly when paired with a compatible TP-Link router. This mesh capability is advantageous for users seeking extended coverage without the need to invest in an entirely new mesh system, offering a cost-effective alternative for those satisfied with their current routers.
In performance tests, the RE715X demonstrated commendable results, showcasing solid throughput scores. Notably, its performance on the 5GHz tests was particularly impressive, achieving a notable 410Mbps nearby (same room). This performance characteristic makes it a reliable choice for areas where a strong and consistent WiFi signal is crucial.
Beyond its role as a mesh alternative, the RE715X caters to individuals with recent WiFi 6 routers from various manufacturers. It becomes an ideal companion for those seeking a bit of extra range to extend their WiFi signals to distant areas like spare bedrooms or outdoor spaces like the back deck.
Overall, the TP-Link AX3000 Mesh WiFi 6 Extender (RE715X) emerges as a versatile and efficient networking solution, combining the power of WiFi 6 technology with ease of use and compatibility, making it a suitable choice for users looking to enhance and extend their WiFi coverage.
Pros
- Easy to install and manage
- Fast throughput performance
- Supports 160MHz channels
- OneMesh ready
Cons
- Bulky
- No pass-through outlet
2. TP-Link RE605X
A Good Option as the Second-best WiFi Extender.
The TP-Link RE605X stands out as a standout choice among WiFi extenders, boasting features that make it a top contender in its category. The RE605X is an extender that fits into several budget ranges and meets a variety of customer needs and preferences. It is manufactured by TP-Link, a reputable company well-known for its popular networking solutions.
Priced at $100, the RE605X may not be the most budget-friendly extender available, but its robust AX1800 design, coupled with comprehensive support for the latest WiFi 6 speeds and features, makes it a worthy investment for those seeking enhanced connectivity. The adjustable antennas contribute to its versatility, allowing users to optimize signal reception based on their specific environment.
One of the notable strengths of the RE605X lies in its user-friendly control app, accessible on both Android and iOS platforms. The app has received commendable reviews, highlighting its intuitive interface and effectiveness in managing the extender's settings. This adds an extra layer of convenience for users looking for a hassle-free and straightforward experience.
In terms of performance, the RE605X excels, particularly in extending the router's signal over different floors and rooms. During testing at the Wifi Perfect Smart Home, the extender showcased significant improvements in both upload and download speeds.
This extender excelled across the whole 5,800-square-foot home, surpassing others by delivering the fastest upload speeds for both WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 devices. Additionally, it secured the top spot for average download speeds on WiFi 6 devices and held the second-fastest position for WiFi 5 devices.
The extender's default setup includes generating its own separate network upon initial pairing with the router. This network mirrors the original one, sharing the same password and SSID with the addition of “-EXT” at the end. This default configuration is more secure compared to extenders that create unsecured networks. Users can simplify the process by using the app to remove the “-EXT” suffix, seamlessly integrating the extender with the original network.
In summary, the TP-Link RE605X emerges as an outstanding choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performance WiFi extender. With advanced features, easy controls, and impressive test results, it's a valuable addition for users looking to improve their home network.
Pros
- Affordable WiFi 6 range extender
- Easy to install
- Works with any router
Cons
- Only dual-band support
- 1800Mbps speed
3. TP-Link AX1750
The Best Budget WiFi Extender
The TP-Link AX1750 is a notable WiFi router known for its reliable performance and advanced features. As part of the AX series, it operates on the WiFi 6 standard, ensuring improved speed, capacity, and efficiency in handling multiple devices simultaneously.
With its dual-band capability, the AX1750 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, providing flexibility in connecting a variety of devices with different connectivity needs. The router's total data transfer rate of 1750 Mbps makes it suitable for handling bandwidth-intensive tasks such as online gaming, 4K streaming, and video conferencing.
Setting up the TP-Link AX1750 is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals with varying technical expertise to get their network up and running quickly. The intuitive web interface and the TP-Link Tether app further simplify the setup process and provide convenient control over the router's settings.
One standout feature of the AX1750 is its compatibility with TP-Link HomeShield, a comprehensive security system designed to protect connected devices from online threats. This adds an extra layer of security, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize the safety of their online activities.
In terms of design, the TP-Link AX1750 sports a sleek and modern appearance that blends well with various home environments. Its four external antennas contribute to enhanced signal coverage, ensuring a stable and reliable connection throughout your living space.
Performance-wise, the AX1750 delivers on its promise, offering a smooth and lag-free online experience. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or simply browsing the internet, the router's capabilities contribute to a seamless and responsive network.
Overall, the TP-Link AX1750 is a commendable choice for those seeking a reliable WiFi router with WiFi 6 capabilities. With its user-friendly setup, advanced features, and solid performance, it caters to a wide range of users looking to elevate their home networking experience.
Pros
- Solid throughput performance
- Access control settings
- Good signal range
- Easy to install
Cons
- Bulky
- Requires OneMesh router to share a single SSID
4. D-Link EaglePro AI
Top WiFi Extender for a Good Mix of Performance and Value
The D-Link EaglePro AI is a budget-friendly WiFi 6 extender that brings both affordability and functionality to the table. While it may not lead the pack in terms of speed, its $40 price tag makes it a highly attractive option, especially when compared to pricier alternatives. This makes the EaglePro AI a noteworthy choice for those looking to upgrade to WiFi 6 without breaking the bank.
One of its standout features is the newly designed control app, available on both Android and iOS platforms. This intuitive app simplifies the setup process and provides users with easy control over the extender's settings. Additionally, adjustable antennas provide customization, optimizing signal strength for enhanced performance in specific environments.
The EaglePro AI's design offers a convenient feature: it automatically syncs with your router during setup, creating a unified network for seamless and hassle-free integration. Pale blue accents elevate the extender's aesthetic appeal, departing from the typical white plastic design. This not only adds a visual element but also introduces a pleasant break from the mundane.
While it may not top the charts in terms of speed, the EaglePro AI still delivers a commendable performance. With average download speeds of 114Mbps for WiFi 6 devices and 112Mbps for WiFi 5 devices across various rooms, it proves to be a reliable option, especially for homes with a 150Mbps fiber plan in multi-story setups.
Although upload speeds, particularly in challenging dead zones, may be lower, it's essential to consider the extender's intended coverage area. Designed for smaller homes, the EaglePro AI is well-suited for spaces that match its specifications, providing an effective and cost-efficient solution for those seeking WiFi 6 benefits without overextending their budget.
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple, app-based setup
- Units usually remain enmeshed
- Great signal
Cons
- Dated design
- No USB jacks
- App needs improvement
5. TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Range Extender
Best WiFi 5 Range Extender Overall
The TP-Link AC1750 is a noteworthy WiFi router that stands out for its reliable performance and robust set of features. Operating on the 802.11ac standard, it provides dual-band WiFi, supporting both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This dual-band capability offers flexibility in connecting a variety of devices with different connectivity needs.
With a total data transfer rate of 1750 Mbps, the AC1750 is well-equipped to handle bandwidth-intensive activities such as online gaming, 4K streaming, and video conferencing. This makes it suitable for households with multiple users engaging in diverse online activities simultaneously.
The TP-Link AC1750 is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. The router's user-friendly web interface and TP-Link Tether app make setup easy and offer convenient control over settings.
In terms of design, the AC1750 sports a sleek and modern appearance that blends well with different home environments. Its three external antennas play a crucial role in ensuring extended coverage and a stable connection throughout your living space.
The TP-Link AC1750 prioritizes security with WPA/WPA2 encryption, protecting your network from unauthorized access. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize the protection of their online activities.
Performance-wise, the AC1750 delivers consistent and reliable results, providing a seamless online experience. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or browsing the internet, the router's capabilities contribute to a responsive and lag-free network.
Overall, the TP-Link AC1750 stands as a reliable and versatile WiFi router suitable for a range of users. With its user-friendly setup, advanced features, and solid performance, it caters to those seeking a dependable networking solution for their home.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Good throughput and range performance in testing
Cons
- Bulky
- No pass-through outlet
6. Linksys RE7310
A Solid Sixth Choice for Best WiFi Extender
The Linksys RE7310 emerges as a robust and commendable WiFi range extender, delivering impressive performance and reliability for home networks. While it closely trails TP-Link for the top spot, its overall effectiveness makes it a noteworthy choice for users seeking enhanced connectivity.
In the Wifi Perfect Smart Home, equipped with a fiber internet plan supporting speeds of up to 150Mbps for both uploads and downloads, the RE7310 demonstrated its capabilities. With an average WiFi 6 download speed of 132Mbps across the entire multistory residence, it showcased strong performance, lagging only slightly behind the leading TP-Link option by 4Mbps. The upload speeds further solidified its position, achieving an average speed of 124 Mbps for the entire home, a mere 2 Mbps difference from the top-performing TP-Link extender.
RE7310 excels overall, though it lags with older WiFi 5 devices. Great for extending coverage in tricky areas. Valuable for robust, reliable WiFi expansion beyond a single router's limits. RE7310, Linksys' best extender, delivers solid and dependable connectivity. Its slightly bulky look doesn't hinder its worth, providing reliable WiFi enhancement. During sales, it's an appealing choice for users seeking optimal home network performance without compromise.
Pros
- Good performance
- Dual-band operations
- Spot Finder technology
Cons
- No app
- Large for a plug-in extender
- Lacks ports
7. TP-Link AC1200
Another Best Budget WiFi Extender
The TP-Link RE315 WiFi extender bears a close resemblance to the RE705X in appearance but comes with diminished specifications, positioning it as a $50 device. Its capabilities include speeds of up to 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, catering to an area spanning up to 1,500 square feet.
For larger areas, consider a pricier extender for better coverage.An important consideration is the absence of WiFi 6 support in the RE315, which could be a decisive factor for users who recently adopted a WiFi 6 router.
Nevertheless, it compensates by offering support for OneMesh, which is particularly beneficial for households already equipped with a OneMesh system. Delving into the nuanced differences in specifications, my hands-on experience with the RE315 closely mirrored that of the RE705X. The setup process was comparably straightforward, leveraging the Tether mobile app.
Despite slightly lower speeds observed in my tests, the discernible variance in real-world use was minimal. Priced at $50 regularly and frequently obtainable for approximately $30 during sales, the RE315 emerges as a cost-effective choice for individuals in search of an economical solution to address WiFi dead zones within their homes.
Pros
- Affordable
- Updated user interface
- Guest network bandwidth controls
Cons
- USB 2.0 ports
- Slow storage performance
8. Netgear Nighthawk AX8
The top choice for People who Need numerous Ports in a WiFi Extender
The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 WiFi Mesh Extender (EAX80) stands out as a distinctive option in the realm of WiFi extenders. Unlike its counterparts, it diverges from the typical plug-in design, opting instead to rest on a desk or table. Although its larger size occupies more space, it compensates by providing four gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port, facilitating seamless data transmission across your network.
Much like the TP-Link RE705X, the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 WiFi Mesh Extender boasts the capability to utilize wide 160 MHz data channels. Its architecture incorporates advanced features such as MUMIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output), 1024 QAM modulation, and beamforming.
In practical testing scenarios, it demonstrated an impressive speed of 358 Mbps at a distance of 10 feet, covering a range of 85 feet. Notably, this extender can be integrated into an Orbi mesh network, albeit exclusively as an extender rather than functioning as another mesh node.
The EAX80, with its unique design and enhanced features, caters to users who prioritize additional connectivity options and are willing to accommodate its larger footprint. If you have the space and intend to fully leverage its multiple ports, the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 WiFi Mesh Extender proves to be a worthwhile investment, despite its higher price point.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- 160MHz data channel option
- One USB port and four Ethernet ports
Cons
- Bulky and expensive
- Support is limited to 90 days
FAQs
Q: Which WiFi extender is the best?
A: The best WiFi extender for you depends on what you need and how much you want to spend. The ASUS PCE-AC88 is a good choice because it's easy to use, affordable, and supports WiFi 6 for faster speeds. However, if you want top-notch performance or have a big home, a mesh extender system might be a better option.
Q: Why should I get a new WiFi extender?
A: If your WiFi at home isn't working well—like if it's slow or keeps cutting out—you might want to get a new extender. Newer extenders can handle many devices at once, offer better security, and provide faster connections, which is great for streaming.
Q: How do we check WiFi extenders?
A: We test WiFi extenders by looking at how much area they cover in a house and how fast they are. We also check how stable the connection is, meaning how often it drops. Additionally, we consider features like parental controls, and security settings, and how easy they are to set up.
Q: How to buy a WiFi extender?
A: When you're buying a WiFi extender, think about your internet speed, the size of your home, and how many devices will be connected. Look for extenders with WiFi 5 or 6 for faster speeds, and consider mesh systems if you have a large home. Also, make sure the extender is easy to set up and has good security features!
