The Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders of 2024
Extend your home or office Wi-Fi range with these extenders
Jesse Hollington
Jesse Hollington Jesse Hollington is a technology writer with over 10 years of experience. He has written for iLounge, Forbes, Yahoo, The Independent and iDropNews, among others. lifewire's Editorial Guidelines updated on February 29, 2024We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. We may receive compensation if you click on a link we provide. learn more.
Excellent wireless performance
Simple to use
clogged electrical outlet
App setup is a bit clunky
If you're satisfied with the overall performance of your router and want better Wi-Fi coverage, the Netgear Nighthawk X4 has you covered. This is our favorite Wi-Fi extender because it offers great performance and coverage at a reasonable price, and it's not too difficult to set up.
With a range of up to 2,000 square feet, this extender is ideal for extending your network to different floors or to remote corners of a large home. It is also capable of handling a large number of devices simultaneously. The AC2200 part of the name means it can deliver 2.2Gbps of bandwidth simultaneously (we explain what that means here ), which is enough to stream Netflix in 4K, video chat on FaceTime, and game online, all at the same time Do it on multiple devices. In reality, your internet connection won't be that fast, but if you're paying extra for a super-fast connection, it's worth considering that the device will support it.
It's designed to plug directly into a wall outlet and supports WPS push-button setup, making it very easy to set up and use. It has no outlet pass-through, so it occupies one outlet but leaves the other free.
If you have any devices without Wi-Fi, this extender has you covered too. The Nighthawk X4 includes an Ethernet port, allowing you to use a network cable to connect to a smart TV, gaming console, or any other device that requires a wired connection.
Wireless Specs: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standards/Speeds: AC2200 | Bands: Dual-Band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1
Enhance Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength
Wi-Fi analytics app for all status updates
Having trouble connecting to the 5GHz band
If you're on a budget, the Netgear EX3700 is worth a look. It doesn't have the range or speeds offered by many other extenders on this list, but it's a good choice if you need a little extra range to connect a handful of wireless devices.
The ideal scenario for this extender is to extend a spotty wireless network to a guest room or home office where you want to connect only a few devices at a time. It can provide up to 1,000 square feet of coverage and handle enough bandwidth for 4K streaming, video chatting, and downloading large files on multiple devices simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
This extender can also help if your smart home devices can't connect to the network. Smart home devices need to be connected to your network, but they don't use a lot of bandwidth.
The extender is small, inexpensive, and designed to plug directly into an electrical outlet. It leaves the top socket open for other electronics, but it does use up the bottom socket since it doesn't have a pass-through. It does include an Ethernet port, which makes it a great choice for a home office if your computer doesn't support Wi-Fi.
Wireless Specs: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standards/Speeds: AC750 | Bands: Dual-Band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1
Advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology
Smart Signal Indicator
Can be used as a wired access point
Best performance requires Wi-Fi 6 device
If you have a blazingly fast internet connection and want to buy all the latest gadgets and devices, the TP-Link RE505X delivers one of the key features you need: Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6 is faster and more efficient than Wi-Fi 5, allowing more devices to connect at the same time without slowing down. Devices also consume less power when connected to Wi-Fi 6, which means longer battery life. The problem is that your router and devices need to support Wi-Fi 6, too, or you won't see any benefits.
If you own one of these Wi-Fi 6 devices, buy the TP-Link RE505X to take advantage of its faster speeds.
Wireless Specs: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Security: WPA2 | Standards/Speeds: AX1500 | Bands: Dual Band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1
Can add Wi-Fi 6 to your existing network
solid range
Four Gigabit Ethernet ports for plugging in TVs, game consoles and other devices
expensive
The Netgear Nighthawk EAX80 is fast but expensive. If it weren't for the high price, this would probably be our top recommendation. But if you're looking for the best range extender to plug into a high-speed, high-traffic Wi-Fi network, this is the one for you.
The extender can cover up to 2,500 square feet of high-speed Wi-Fi 6 networks. Its functionality is comparable to many high-end standalone routers, meaning devices connected to this router can enjoy the same speeds and powerful connections as devices connected to the main Wi-Fi network.
The AX part of the name refers to Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, while the 6000 means the extender can handle up to 6Gbps of data simultaneously. It also supports beamforming, allowing compatible devices to form stronger connections. It has four Ethernet ports for connecting devices via cables - you'll ideally want the best possible speeds for devices like streaming TVs or consoles.
It's fast, but keep in mind that you may not need or be able to use the extra speed. Your connection speed will depend on your internet connection and your main router, but this extender can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
Wireless Specs: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Security: WPA2 | Standards/Speeds: AX6000 | Bands: Dual-Band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 4
Four antennas provide wide coverage
Fast throughput
Gigabit Ethernet port
A bit bulky
If you have a large house with several rooms or even entire floors beyond the range of your main router, you may want to prioritize range. The TP-Link RE650 is a range-emphasis range extender with coverage up to 2,800 square feet. It also has ample bandwidth and supports beamforming for stable connections.
This is a great option if you need to extend your Wi-Fi to busy areas of your home, or if you have a large house with multiple rooms that need coverage at once, as it can handle large amounts of data at once. This makes it ideal for covering a family room or busy home office where many devices are connected simultaneously. It also has an Ethernet port, perfect for connecting a computer or gaming console.
While the TP-Link RE650 is powerful and allows you to extend your Wi-Fi over a large area, it's also incredibly simple to use and set up. It uses an app-based setup program that guides you through the process with on-screen prompts and even includes a signal indicator to take all the guesswork out of choosing where to install the extender. This means that even if you don't have much networking experience, you don't need to worry about getting the best connection.
Wireless Specs: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standards/Speeds: AC2600 | Bands: Dual-Band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 1
Powerline technology provides longer range
Includes Gigabit Ethernet port
Performance depends on the quality of your home's electrical wiring
Most range extenders work by capturing the Wi-Fi signal from the main router and rebroadcasting it, but this isn't always possible. If you're trying to extend Wi-Fi into parts of your home where brick walls or appliances are blocking the signal, a powerline extender like the Netgear PowerLINE 1000 can solve your problem.
The Netgear PowerLINE 1000 sends a network connection through your home's electrical wiring to the adapter, which creates its own Wi-Fi network on the other end. Devices connected to the network are then connected to the main router through your home's electrical wiring. It supports up to 1Gbps of bandwidth, which makes it a good solution for spreading Wi-Fi signals into small home offices or guest rooms where connectivity would otherwise be impossible.
In addition to creating a remote Wi-Fi network that connects via a wire back to your router, the PowerLINE 1000 also includes an Ethernet port for connecting to a smart TV, game console, or computer that doesn't support Wi-Fi. You can add up to 16 adapters to the system to provide wired and wireless connectivity to different parts of your home.
Wireless Specs: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2 | Standards/Speeds: AC1000 | Bands: Dual-Band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Stable performance
Versatility with five wireless modes
Not suitable for large numbers of Wi-Fi devices
The TP-Link TL-WR902AC is a travel router small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Its main purpose is to provide a strong Wi-Fi signal on the road, but it can do double duty at home as a portable Wi-Fi extender.
The router weighs approximately 8 ounces. It's also powered via a micro-USB port, so you don't need to carry a special power adapter. It can be powered by almost any USB power source, such as a phone charger or portable power bank.
This extender's range and bandwidth are on the low end, which means it won't extend Wi-Fi very far, and you won't be able to connect too many devices at the same time. It has enough bandwidth to play 4K content if you have a fast enough internet connection, while portability is a more important issue if you want to watch Netflix in a hotel. Then, when you get home, you can also use it to boost your home's Wi-Fi signal.
Wireless Specs: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Security: WPA2, Guest Wi-Fi Secure Access | Standards/Speeds: AC750 | Bands: Dual Band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1
Wi-Fi range extenders, also known as Wi-Fi boosters, extend the coverage of your home or office network, allowing you to enjoy fast internet speeds no matter where you sit. They eliminate dead zones, especially for devices located far away from the router, and ensure uninterrupted phone calls, browsing sessions, and anything else you do online.
We use three criteria to evaluate any Wi-Fi range extender purchase: range/coverage, design, and security features.
Scope/Coverage
Arguably, the number one criterion for evaluating Wi-Fi range extenders is range. Prioritize Wi-Fi range extenders that support Wi-Fi 6, which offers the latest data transmission standards by leveraging technologies such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) , thereby increasing the performance distance over a longer period of time. We also prefer Wi-Fi extenders with a single high-gain antenna or multiple antennas with beamforming support, which can better "amplify" Wi-Fi in the direction of your supported devices.
Any wired connected device with an Ethernet port is a credit, allowing for a more stable connection between all your devices.
design
In addition to a compact, sleek design, look for a Wi-Fi range extender with flexible placement options. Ideally, they come with an integrated power outlet or allow for a second or third placement option on a wall or tabletop. Also, check for strategically placed lights to tell you about power, signal strength, and other basic performance metrics. To prevent overheating, look for ventilation channels or radiators. For better signal coverage, choose an adjustable external antenna instead of an internal antenna for improved Wi-Fi signal fine-tuning.
security features
At the very least, look for a Wi-Fi range extender that supports Wi-Fi 6 and uses the latest encryption standards to better protect against unauthorized access. As more and more devices become Wi-Fi 6 compatible over time, you'll also enjoy compatibility with future devices. Remember WPA2 encryption and automatic firmware updates to better protect against potential security threats.
FAQAre there "dead spots" in your home where Wi-Fi doesn't work, or rooms where the signal is so weak that your phone can't stay connected? If you do, then a Wi-Fi extender can help move your Wi-Fi from areas with stronger signals to areas with less strong signals. The best Wi-Fi extenders can speed up Wi-Fi connections even in areas of your home with weak signals and slower speeds. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi extenders are only designed to fill a specific area. Think of it like your router creates a Wi-Fi bubble, and then the extender creates a second bubble near the edge of the original bubble. If you're experiencing coverage issues in multiple areas in different parts of your home, you'll need multiple extenders or remote routers.
Think of your Wi-Fi signal as a playing radio - it gets quieter as it travels and travels through walls, doors and floors. If you play music in one room and then walk to the other side of your home or go downstairs to the basement, you may only hear the music dimly (or not at all). When you turn on the radio, you may hear less interference on certain channels, and it may even be played louder on certain channels. If you think about Wi-Fi signals the same way, you'll realize that signals also weaken when they travel longer distances, especially through doors, walls, floors, appliances, and other obstructions.
In most cases, Wi-Fi extenders, Wi-Fi repeaters, and Wi-Fi boosters are just different names for the same type of device. All of these serve the same goal of increasing the range of your wireless network, but it's important to remember that not all Wi-Fi extenders work in exactly the same way or provide the same functionality. For example, while most Wi-Fi extenders connect to your main router over Wi-Fi, some connect through your home's electrical wiring. So be sure to read the fine print and check the system requirements when choosing a Wi-Fi extender that's right for your specific needs. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are also known as whole-home Wi-Fi systems. It uses a central router connected to a modem and one or more satellite routers (or nodes), all of which act as access points for the Wi-Fi signal. This way, you can place different nodes around your home and extend your coverage well beyond what's possible with just one router.
Unlike mesh Wi-Fi systems, Wi-Fi extenders are designed to work with almost any router in much the same way as any other wireless device. If you're worried about performance, make sure the extender supports the same version of Wi-Fi as your router. For example, if your router supports Wi-Fi 6, purchasing an extender that supports Wi-Fi 6 will provide the best experience.
In product descriptions, you'll often find the number of square feet indicated for the extender's coverage. If you choose an extender, expect coverage to increase by approximately 1,200 square feet. If you buy an extender with 1,200 square feet of coverage, that coverage is not included in your router's range, so if your router offers 2,000 square feet of coverage, assuming you put in Wi-Fi, you'd expect Total coverage is approximately 3,200 square feet with the extender located at the very edge of your existing router's range. In most cases, you'll probably end up with some overlap.
