Are you tired of weak Wi-Fi signals when you move a bit away from your Router?
Is your router not capable of giving you long-range Wi-Fi signals?
I know it’s very frustrating when such things happen to us. But if you read this article completely, you’ll have the solution to these problems.
In this article, I’ll talk about the best Wi-Fi Range Extenders that you can consider buying and save money that you’d otherwise spend on buying a new long-range Wireless Router.
It is a very common problem for a big house or a big office that Wi-Fi signals don’t reach beyond a particular range and due to this you are unable to browse the internet on your devices, whether its a Laptop, iPad, or a Smartphone.
It becomes more frustrating when a signal drop happens in the middle of something, for example, while streaming a video or sending a video on WhatsApp.
It is a bit adjustable when it happens not so frequently but when it starts to happen every now and then, its time to solve this problem permanently.
There are two permanent solutions to this problem…
One is to buy a new Long Range Wireless Router that could cost you a hefty amount of money.
The second solution is to buy a Wi-Fi Range Extender that will solve the problem without costing you much.
Yes, the Wi-Fi Range Extenders can extend the range of Wi-Fi signals to a long distance (it depends on the specification of the extender) and eventually give you an uninterrupted and seamless internet browsing experience.
The price of the best Wi-Fi Range Extenders can vary from $50 to as high as $300.
While someone who hasn’t given Wi-Fi extenders a try before or those who aren’t much tech-savvy could end up buying the wrong product that results in a waste of time, if they read this article completely, they will have a fair idea about Wi-Fi range extender and how to choose the best one.
Our team of experts after use and thorough research about the best Wi-Fi Range Extenders chose the top 5 Range Extenders that could easily resolve weak Wi-Fi signals problem without making a bigger hole in your pocket. Keep reading.
What are Wi-Fi Range Extenders?
Before we move ahead with Extender reviews, let us start with understanding what Wi-Fi extenders actually are.
As the name suggests, the Wi-Fi Range Extenders help you extend the range of Wi-Fi signals that are emitted through your Wireless router’s antenna.
If you have weak Wi-Fi signals, you wouldn’t be able to access the internet on your devices.
Not all wireless routers are capable of transmitting Wi-Fi signals to a large range. They only cover the surrounding areas of a few feet radius.
However, some wireless routers are pretty good and able to cover a larger area but they’re costly.
If you are one of those whose Wireless router is not able to broadcast Wi-Fi signals to a longer distance, you may consider extending the Wi-Fi range with the help of an extender.
The Wi-Fi Range Extenders are not as costly as a new wireless router otherwise it doesn’t make sense to buy one.
Anyone would rather buy a high-end router than a range extender then.
Hence if your budget is low and you want to resolve a weak Wi-Fi signal problem, you can buy the best Wi-Fi Range Extender.
The Wi-Fi Range Extender which is also called Wireless Repeater takes the signal from the source (your wireless router) and broadcasts it further and creates a second network that your devices could connect with and enjoy wireless internet facility.
Also see: Best Wireless Routers
How does Wi-Fi Range Extenders work?
It is very simple to understand how Wi-Fi Range Extenders work.
It takes a signal from the Wireless router and further broadcast the signal to create an all together second network.
For example, consider you have two rooms A& B which are a distance apart. The wireless router is placed in the room “A” and your desktop computer is placed in room “B”.
It becomes frustrating if you want to access the internet on the desktop computer and signals don’t reach this room.
In that case, if you put a Wi-Fi Range Extender somewhere at mid-point, the problem would get resolved easily.
The role of the Wi-Fi Range Extender would be to take signals from the Wireless router that you have placed in room “A” and rebroadcast those signals to create a new network that your desktop computer which is placed in room “B” could connect to and gives you seamless internet browsing experience.
Configuring Wi-Fi extenders is a piece of cake, specially the ones that we have recommended in this article.
However, the exact process of installation may vary from one company extender to another.
Every Wi-Fi Range Extender comes with an installation guide that makes the process super easy.
How to find Right Wi-Fi Range Extender for your Router?
It is very important to select the right Wi-Fi Range Extender for your house or office if you have to increase Wi-Fi signal reach.
There are plenty of products available in the market which the companies claim to have good specifications and best fit your needs but they actually aren’t that good.
Below are some important points that you have to keep in mind while looking for the best Wi-Fi Range Extenders.
Desktop or Plug-in?
There are two types of Wi-Fi Range Extenders that you can consider buying.
One is Desktop Wi-Fi Range Extender that looks more or less the same as your wireless router that you can put on a table.
Wi-Fi Range Extenders are almost of the same size as wireless routers too.
They have several LAN ports for connecting external devices such as TV or gaming consoles.
Apart from that, Wi-Fi Range Extenders have USB ports as well to connect devices like printers.
However, wall Plug-in Range Extenders are relatively smaller in size as compared to Desktop Range Extenders.
They can be plugged into wall outlets and generally have antennas on both sides. Some latest models have antennas hidden inside Range Extender itself that gives a more sophisticated look.
Due to its smaller size, the plug-in wifi Range Extenders generally had one LAN and USB port, which is a disadvantage of having a plug-in Wi-Fi Range Extender.
As far as the cost is concern, in general, the Plug-in Range Extenders are less costlier than desktop
So the first thing you have to decide, is whether you need a Desktop or Plug-in Wi-Fi Range Extenders. We’ve discussed both of the above that will help you choose any of these two types.
Cost
Of course, you need the best Wi-Fi Range Extender but buying a costlier Range Extender when you know you wouldn’t be needing to extend the range beyond what a mid-price range or the low price extender offers, doesn’t sound cool.
Why spend more money to get features that you aren’t going to ever use?
However, if you are planning to move to a different location where you might need to cover a larger area, you might be considering a high-end Range Extender.
While you would be wanting a Range Extender to cover a bigger area as possible within a price range, it is important to consider your budget as well.
There are some really good mid-price range Wi-Fi Range Extenders that we’ve reviewed below. Check them out.
Single or Dual Band?
While the single-band Wi-Fi Range Extenders cost you lesser than dual-band, it has limitations too.
The single-band Wi-Fi Range Extender gets connected to your wireless routers and broadcast the signals on the same frequency band.
It results in loss of signal strength and hence is not much effective.
However, a dual-band Range Extender connects to your wireless router and broadcasts signals on the other frequency band that gives you a better Wi-Fi range.
The dual-band Wi-Fi Range Extenders are more effective than a single band.
As far as our recommendation is concern, we suggest dual-band Wi-Fi Range Extenders to our readers.
The area to be covered
You need to understand how much area you want to cover with a Wi-Fi internet connection and hence buy a range extender based on the coverage.
Different Range Extenders have different coverage capacities.
In general, if you have to cover a larger area, you will have to pay more. So chose one that fits your requirement.
Warranty
Go to the product’s official website and read about the warranty of the product.
It is another important thing that the customers generally don’t pay attention to.
Check out if the product will be replaced or repaired without any cost in case it stops working and where the service centers are.
SPECIAL NOTE: Must read before buying Wi-Fi Range Extender
One thing which is very important is that you need to buy the compatible Wi-Fi Range Extender that works well with your existing wireless router.
For example, if your router is a single-band or dual-band wireless router, consider buying a dual-band or tri-band Wi-Fi Range Extender for better performance of the Range Extender.
Similarly, if your wireless router offers the MU-MIMO feature, consider buying the similar Wi-Fi Range Extender that supports this feature to enjoy the same network connectivity to all the devices connected simultaneously with the network.
Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders- Detailed Reviews
NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 AC2200 (EX7300) – For bigger coverage
When it comes to networking devices, one brand that comes in our mind is NETGEAR. The company is known for making good networking products such as routers, switches, cables, modem, adopters, and Range Extenders, etc.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 AC2200 (EX7300) Range Extender is a pretty effective and mid-price range wi-fi Range Extender that covers a bigger area. This particular model comes with many good features and is pretty effective in extending the wi-fi range.
Why Buy?
If you’ve Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology-enabled Wi-Fi Range Extender, NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2200 is one of the best choices.
The MU-MIMO technology allows you to have the same internet connection speed on all the devices connected with the network simultaneously.
It makes sure all the devices receive the same signal strength and hence all the connected devices can enjoy seamless video streaming.
This mid-price ranged wall plug-in wi-fi Range Extender comes with beamforming technology as well that most of NETGEAR routers come with.
This technology helps with sending data to the client directly rather than using a broad spectrum.
It also improves signal strength and range as well. It can cover the area up to 10,000 feet.
The AC2200 Range Extender offers Wi-Fi speed of up to 2200 Mbps and you can expect the same speed to all simultaneously connected devices because it supports MU-MIMO technology.
You can create new access points altogether or extend the existing one. The Range Extender comes with a Gigabits LAN port to connect devices like TV and gaming consoles.
Pros:
- MU MIMO technology-enabled.
- Beamforming technology.
- Easy to install.
Cons:
- Bit bulky for Wall Plug-in Range Extender.
TP-Link AC2600 Dual Band 4×4 (RE650) – Plug-in Range Extender
TP-Link is yet another great company for making networking devices. Whether its a modem, wireless routers, switches or Range Extenders. TP-Link is known for making the best wi-fi Range Extenders and this particular model, AC2600 RE650 is one of them.
This wall Plug-in wi-fi Range Extender will serve the purpose it intends to and give you the best signal strength within 14,000 sq. feet area (as advertised).
Why buy?
This is the best choice for TP-link brand lovers when it comes to wi-fi Range Extenders. It comes with plenty of good features that you wouldn’t see in other comparable Range Extenders.
This wall plug-in wi-fi Range Extender has 4 antennas that give robust signal strength across the surrounding area.
it covers a massive 14,000 square feet area and able to serve 800 Mbps on 2.5 GHz radio frequency band and 1733 Mbps on 5 GHz radio frequency band.
This Range Extender comes with 4×4 MU-MIMO technology too and able to offer the same internet speed for all the connected devices simultaneously. It offers 4X faster performance.
Again, it comes with beamforming technology that improved wi-fi signal strength and sends data directly to the client.
As far as the design is concern, it is a bit bulky/heavy that might slightly disappoint the customers but the features such as Tether apps for iOS as well Android devices to control the network, intelligent signal light which helps you figure out if a place is out of coverage area through red light indicator and AP mode that let you create a Wi-Fi network makes TP-Link AC2600 the best wi-fi Range Extender in this price segment.
It is given a Gigabit LAN port that lets you connect a TV or the gaming console and the USB port for connecting peripherals such as a printer.
The AC2600 Range Extender comes with 880 Mhz dual-core CPU, 4 nicely arranged antennas for better performance. It is compatible with all wireless routers.
Pros:
- 4×4 MU-MIMO technology for 4x faster performance.
- Tether app for iOS/Android devices to control network
- Intelligent Signal Light to check the best location.
Cons:
- Bulky
Securifi Almond – Touchscreen Range Extender cum Router
If you want to try something new, get Securifi Almond Range Extender for your home or the office. This is world’s first touch screen wifi-Range Extender that let you control it pretty easily and conveniently. The price of this beautiful wi-fi Range Extender is not high as well. It has several features that you going to love. Keep reading.
Why Buy?
Although relatively newer than big players such as NETGEAR or TP-link or D-link but Securifi Almond has gained a great response from the customers.
The range extender has been reviewed by NYTimes, CNBC, and CNet website editors and has 10,000 satisfied customers across the country.
This is the first touchscreen Wi-Fi Range Extender that makes it very cool. This is not just a wi-fi Range Extender, it can be used for multiple purposes as well. It can be used as a stand-alone wireless router, access point, the wireless bridge as well.
This multipurpose product is very easy to set up and use. The setup can be done through a touchscreen and without connecting any other device with it. It is a versatile product as it supports a wide range of products and network device models.
The Range Extender has 1 LAN port and works on the latest 802.11ac standards and 2.5 GHz radio frequency band. It comes with a 1-year warranty and unlimited tech support and doesn’t make a hole in your pocket.
Pros:
- Compatible with multiple devices.
- Easy 3 steps setup process
- Multipurpose – Range Extender, Router, Access point, Wireless Bridge.
Cons:
- The web-based control is buggy.
- Taping control on small screen is bit difficult.
D-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender– Mid price range Desktop extender
When it comes to Wireless routers or other networks devices, you can’t ignore D-link products. To be honest, D-link is one of the best choices for us as the company creates some really good products.
If we talk about the Range Extenders particularly, D-Link’s AC2600 is a good option. It comes with features like SMART CONNECTOR, SMART SIGNAL INDICATOR that makes your life super easy.
Why buy?
D-Link is a trusted brand for networking devices and if you are considering buying wi-fi Range Extender, D-Link AC2600 is the product you should consider buying.
It comes with features such as MU-MIMO technology that let you distribute the same wireless speed across all the devices, SMART CONNECTOR technology to identify the best frequency band that gives you optimal wi-fi performance.
You can stream 4K video without having to wait for buffering due to MU-MIMO technology.
The other good feature of this Range Extender is Smart Signal Detector which identifies the best location for the coverage.
Its external antennas help you cover the larger area without compromising the speed of wi-fi internet signals. It supports up to 2600 Mbps speed.
The device is super easy to set up and control. Its iOS/ Android app lets you set up the network and controls the device from your phone itself.
It is compatible with DLAN supportive media such as Gaming console and TVs. The price of D-Link AC2600 is pretty much affordable for the range of features it offers.
This Range Extender automates most of the tasks for you and hence makes it easier to use even for those who aren’t much tech-savvy.
Pros:
- SMART CONNECTOR.
- SMART SIGNAL INDICATOR.
- Easy to set up and manage.
Cons:
- Needs bigger space.
NETGEAR Nighthawk (EX7500) – Plug-in/ Tri-band
This is yet another great wi-fi Range Extender that I’ve included in our list of best wi-fi Range Extenders of 2019 from NETGEAR.
It a wall plug-in Tri-Band wi-fi Range Extender that comes with features like FlatLane3 Technology and SMART ROAMING which connects your mobile devices to the best Wi-Fi signals and offers optimal performance. Take a look at more details in our Why to Buy section below.
Why Buy?
NETGEAR EX7500 is the second product from the NETGEAR company that we couldn’t resist yourself from including in this list.
It is a Tri-band wi-fi Range Extender that gives you a combined speed up to 2.2 Gbps.
The other Range Extenders cuts speed to 50% which is not the case with this Range Extender.
If we talk about the setup process, it takes you to plug-in the Range Extender and use it from the next moment. It is as simple as that.
It lets you chose the best location to be placed at so that all the devices enjoy full-strength wi-fi signals and internet speed.
One thing that could disappoint the customers is the price of this Range Extender. But anything which is best, it is generally expensive. NETGEAR AC2600 (EX7500) is a value for money and performs pretty well.
PROS:
- It doesn’t cut speed.
- Easy to setup.
- SMART ROAMING technology for Mobile devices.
CONS:
- Bit Pricey.
Conclusion:
If you are tight with your budget and don’t want to invest money in buying a new long-range wireless router, you can consider buying a wi-fi Range Extender that will serve that purpose and wouldn’t need you to spend much money.
Our list of the best wi-fi Range Extenders features some really good wi-fi Range Extenders that you can buy.
