Top 5 Best Wi-Fi Extenders In 2024

You may improve your internet signal without having to buy a brand-new router by investing in a reliable Wi-Fi extension.

When your Wi-Fi router struggles to penetrate multiple walls and floors, you have two options to strengthen your signal: a mesh system or a Wi-Fi extender. The extender is the more straightforward solution, requiring only a simple plug-in to an electrical outlet to amplify and re-transmit your router’s signal to another room, effortlessly expanding your Wi-Fi coverage.

For those looking for advanced features and performance, the TP-Link RE605X is a standout option in the range extender market. It may not be the least expensive option out there, but for $100, it is a well-rounded alternative thanks to its AX1800 design, complete Wi-Fi 6 support, and customizable antennae.

Tests performed at the CNET Smart Home show off its remarkable performance. In every room in the test scenario, the RE605X significantly increased speed by extending the router’s signal. It continuously provided the fastest upload rates to Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices out of all the extenders we tested, along with remarkable download speeds.

Using the same SSID and password as the original network, but appending “-EXT” to the end, the extender first establishes its own distinct network. Unlike some other extenders that could generate unsecured networks, this default configuration guarantees security. Furthermore, the extender offers dependable and undetectable connectivity by syncing effortlessly with the original network using the app.

To summary, the TP-Link RE605X is a highly recommended option for individuals seeking a dependable range extender due to its exceptional performance, sophisticated features, and user-friendly interface.

While TP-Link was the clear winner, the Linksys RE7310 was right behind it and would perform almost as well on most home networks. The average Wi-Fi 6 download speed in the multistory CNET Smart Home, where we have a fiber internet connection with upload and download speeds of up to 150Mbps, was recorded by the RE7310 at 132Mbps. That lags behind that top choice from TP-Link by just 4Mbps. Regarding uploads, Linksys achieved an average whole-home speed of 124Mbps to my Wi-Fi 6 test device. That lags behind TP-Link by just 2Mbps.

The only thing preventing me from declaring that the two were virtually tied is that, when it came to upload speeds, the RE7310 was marginally less remarkable while using older Wi-Fi 5 devices. Even so, I was able to make and receive video calls in the Smart Home’s basement dead zones, which I could not have done with the single router I used for my testing. Overall, the performance was good. The RE7310 is the greatest Linksys range extender I’ve tested so far, despite its somewhat large appearance. If you can find it on sale, it’s an even better choice.

Keep an eye out for the Linksys RE7350, which has a similar design and specifications to the RE7310. Currently, it’s only available at full price, but earlier this year it was on sale for $25 less than the RE7310 at Best Buy, which is a great deal considering the specs. I haven’t tested that variant yet, but I’ll update this post when I do, and I’ll also watch for another sale.

Even though the TP-Link RE220 was the least expensive range extender I tested in 2020, it outperformed everything else I tested at every turn.It works with just about every Wi-Fi router out there and is easy to use, as far as Wi-Fi extenders go.The price has dropped even further on Amazon since I purchased it – down to less than $20.

When you plug it in and press the WPS button, it will start broadcasting its own networks on 2.4GHz and 5GHz.Both offered steady Wi-Fi speeds throughout my home, including at least 75Mbps download speeds on the 5GHz band in every room access point I tested, along with strong upload speeds.

Although its Wi-Fi 6 speeds won’t blow you away and it’s getting on in years, its strong ease of use and consistent, reliable performance make it still an incredible value. Although it’s not as quick as the best models I’ve tested in the years since, and I haven’t had a chance to test it again at the CNET Smart Home yet, it’s still a great option if you want to extend the Wi-Fi signal from the router to a back room that is out of its range while paying the least amount of money possible.

In my tests, it never led in speed, but it was never far behind. At $83, the D-Link EaglePro AI is also less expensive than some of the best options on this list. That’s a good deal, particularly for a Wi-Fi 6 model with adjustable antennae, a newly designed control software for iOS and Android, and a setup that instantly creates a single, unified network by syncing with your router. Even the subtle blue accents add a great pop of color and provide a nice contrast to the plain white plastic.

In terms of speed, the EaglePro AI performed less than expected in my tests, but it was still able to return average download speeds in every room I tested—114 Mbps for Wi-Fi 6 devices and 112 Mbps for Wi-Fi 5 devices—which is excellent for a multistory home with a 150 Mbps fiber plan. Upload speeds were lower, with a particularly alarming single-digit average of only 8Mbps to Wi-Fi 5 devices in the most challenging dead zone of the house. However, since the 5,800-square-foot Smart Home is much larger than this AX1500 extender was intended to serve, I can overlook that. The EaglePro AI should work perfectly and save you money if your house is any smaller than that.

In this most recent round of testing, TP-Link and Linksys both performed admirably, but Asus may have taken the lead with the RP-AX56, a Wi-Fi 6 range extender that costs less than $90. But a shoddy approach to device security prevents me from endorsing it.

The RP-AX56 demonstrated exceptional performance, matching TP-Link’s speed for Wi-Fi 6 downloads and outperforming other range extenders for Wi-Fi 5 devices. Notably, it achieved the fastest download speeds in a previously weak signal area, the basement guest bedroom, for both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 devices, showcasing its impressive range and speed capabilities.

The RP-AX56 has some setup drawbacks. Initially, it creates a separate Wi-Fi network with a generic name and no password, which is a security risk. Changing the settings is not straightforward, especially on iOS devices, as the Asus app has limited functionality and poor reviews. To update the network name and password, you need to access the extender’s IP address through a web browser and use the default admin credentials (username: admin, password: admin), which should be changed for security reasons. This process requires some technical effort and is not user-friendly.

After updating the settings, the RP-AX56 will integrate smoothly with your existing network, using the same network name and password as your router. However, the initial security setup is quite lax for a device marketed as “plug-and-play”, which may deter many users. I will continue to monitor for updates, and if Asus improves the app and default settings, the RP-AX56 could become a top recommendation.

What is a Wi-Fi range extender?

A Wi-Fi variety extender is a device that reinforces and rebroadcasts your present Wi-Fi sign to increase its attain. Here’s how it works:

1. Position the extender in a place with a weak or non-existent Wi-Fi signal, however still within range of your router.

2. The extender connects for your router wirelessly or thru Ethernet.

3. It receives the Wi-Fi signal, amplifies it, and rebroadcasts it, effectively extending the insurance place. Four. Devices inside the newly extended variety can connect with the network as if they were connecting at once to the router.

Wi-Fi variety extenders are specially useful in massive areas with lifeless zones or negative coverage, assisting to improve connectivity and do away with susceptible spots by way of strengthening the sign in formerly out-of-range regions.

Should I buy a Wi-Fi extender?

To determine if you need a Wi-Fi extender, consider the following factors:

1. Current Wi-Fi coverage: Identify weak signals or dead zones in your home or office.
2. Internet usage: Assess your device usage in areas with weak signals and need for reliable connections.
3. Cost: Evaluate the price of a range extender against your budget.
4. Alternatives: Consider upgrading your router, using a mesh Wi-Fi system, or optimizing your current setup.
5. Installation and configuration: Ensure you’re comfortable with setting up and configuring an extender.
6. Compatibility: Verify the extender’s compatibility with your router and devices.

If you experience slow speeds, dropped connections, or inadequate coverage, a Wi-Fi extender might be a suitable solution to enhance your network’s performance and coverage.