The Best Wireless Wifi Extender For You in 2023

We have tested and reviewed a lot of Wi-Fi boosters and have been on the lookout for any potentially interesting items. Because we know what to search for, we'll make an effort to direct you toward the best solutions that are currently available in this guide. We also strive to answer your Wi-Fi extender questions below so that you know what you're getting into.

1. Netgear Nighthawk X6S

Important Specifications 

• Brand: NETGEAR

• Series Netgear: Nighthawk X6S

• Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band

• Wireless Type: 802.11ac

• Included Components: Nighthawk X6S AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router (R8000P)^Ethernet cable^Quick install guide^Power adapter

• Connectivity Technology: Ethernet

Product's highlights

It's a beast, this. We move from the realm of Wi-Fi extenders to that of mesh routers thanks to a black slab of plastic that functions as a router all by itself. It is the only device on the test with a self-contained power supply, four gigabit ethernet connections, a USB 2 port, and support for three wireless bands (one is kept as a dedicated link to your router).

Although pricey, this is the best option if you want a strong wifi signal in every room of a broad or tall house, or perhaps a castle. Additionally, there is an AX6000 version that costs twice as much if you're feeling particularly wealthy.

The Nighthawk app is accessible if you wish to explore the settings after hitting the WPS buttons on the extender and your router to complete the setup process. The uncommon 802.11k protocol is supported to regulate traffic, and the quad-core processor keeps things moving along efficiently. Simply put, one of them, strategically placed, ought to smooth out any kinks in your home network.

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Pros

• Utilizes long distances

• Quick connection

Cons

• Large size makes it difficult to store

2. Asus RP-AC51 Dual-band

Important Specifications 

• Brand: ASUS

• Wireless Type: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11ac

• Data Transfer Rate: 750 Megabits Per Second

• Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band

• Frequency: 2.4 GHz

• Included Components: RP-AC51 Dual-band Wireless Repeater, Warranty card, Quick Start Guide

Product's highlights

To our delight, the Asus Wi-Fi AC Repeater can be positioned as a miniature Scoutwalker by standing it upright on its antennas. Of course, this has nothing to do with its wireless boosting skills, which are fantastic if Wi-Fi 6 isn't what you're after.

Along with the 433 Mbps Wi-Fi—you'll need to combine the channels to reach the promised 750 Mbps—the extender also comes with an ethernet port, though it is only 10/100 Mbps rather than gigabit, allowing you to wire it into your current network and use it as an access point. An on/off switch, a WPS button for quick router pairing, and a reset button are all included. Power and network status are indicated via LEDs on the front. You receive not one, but two quick start manuals within the package that walk you through setup in different languages.

The extender is integrated easily into our network, is inexpensive, and offers decent speeds, making it the best choice for locations where your router's Wi-Fi cannot reach.

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Pros

• Decent combining speed

• Simple to set up

Cons

• 100Mbps maximum for wired devices

• Unsatisfactory 5GHz performance

3. TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender

Important Specifications 

• Brand: TP-Link

• Wireless Type: 802.11n, 802.11ac

• Data Transfer Rate: 2600 Megabits Per Second

• Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band

• Color: White

• Included Components: AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender RE650, Quick Installation Guide

Product's highlights

The TP-Link RE650 holds the top spot as the finest Wi-Fi extender overall because of its straightforward plug-in architecture, broad range, and large home compatibility. It is extremely powerful and capable of reaching incredible speeds of up to 75 ft. The only real issue we have with the TP-Link RE650 is that the plug-in unit is so big that it will probably block neighboring outlets, but that is a minor complaint considering the fantastic performance this extender offers.

The TP-Link RE650 provides competitive speeds in a convenient, straightforward design, yet its performance was only slightly behind our top option overall. The TP-Link RE650 is a fantastic option for big households because to its dual-band wireless-AC capability and four external antennas. The TP-Link Tether app, which puts sophisticated settings and security capabilities right on your phone or tablet, allows you to set up and monitor your extended network.

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Pros

• Excellent work

• Fantastic interface

• Mobile application

Cons

• Can obstruct outlets next to it

4. Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Linksys

• Wireless Type: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g

• Data Transfer Rate: 1900 Megabits Per Second

• Frequency Band Class: Single-Band

• Connector Type: Network (RJ-45)

• Included Components: AC1900 Range Extender, Quick Start Guide, and a whole lot of fun.

Product's highlights

Want to improve the coverage and range of your Wi-Fi network but don't want a noticeable extender? Compact and low-profile, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi range extender won't obstruct other outlets or stick out as a garish tech item. It's undoubtedly the greatest Wi-Fi extender we've seen for those who prefer a discrete design over a brick covered in antennas that blocks nearby outlets.

Apart from its understated appearance, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ provides reliable throughput speeds and setup assistance to help you choose the best location for the best performance. Although the general performance is decent, the set-up assistant makes it a fantastic option for anyone who needs a little assistance getting things set up correctly.

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Pros

• Simple structure

• Operations in two bands

• Useful software

Cons

• Heats up

• Unremarkable performance

5. D-Link DAP-1720 Wi-Fi AC1750 Range Extender

Important Specifications 

• Brand: D-Link

• Wireless Type: 802.11ac

• Data Transfer Rate: 1750 Megabits Per Second

• Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band

• Color: White

• Included Components: Device, Wi-Fi Configuration Card, Quick Install Guide

Product's highlights

The DAP-1720 from D-Link is simple to set up, comes with a useful mobile app for controlling device settings, and can assist wirelessly blanket a house. It is a useful tool for expanding the range of your router thanks to features like a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port and a physical on/off switch, but its performance is uneven and its size puts it at danger of obstructing nearby AC outlets.

The D-Link DAP-1720 performs inconsistently, yet it excels at pushing signal to a floor above or below. Because of its verticality, it is among the best Wi-Fi extenders for extending signal to every floor of a multistory home, making it the ideal option for anyone who has Wi-Fi signal drops when ascending or descending stairs.

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Pros

• 2-pronged plug

• Excellent multi-story performance

• Simple setup using a mobile app

Cons

• Can obstruct a nearby outlet

• Unreliable performance

1. Which Wi-Fi extension function is essential?

Although there are many different shapes and sizes of extenders, the most important factors are the Wi-Fi versions they support and the speed at which they can transfer data. In addition to providing faster speeds than Wi-Fi 5, the most recent version of the Wi-Fi spec, known as Wi-Fi 6E, also makes intriguing beamforming advancements.

To use the new standard, every link in the chain—from the router through any extenders to the client PC—must be able to do so. None of the extenders we tested here support the most recent standard, which few homes have yet to embrace. The next time you change your router, it's important to look out for this.

2. Where should I put my Wi-Fi extender?

If your home has a Wi-Fi dead spot, the location of a Wi-Fi extension is crucial. Because the extender needs to be in close proximity to the router, place it on the edge of the current range of your router rather than directly in the dead area. Although the fact that they plug into a socket may limit where you can put these extenders, you can always add one to the end of an extension cord if necessary.

3. What is a mesh Wi-Fi system?

If you know that there will be Wi-Fi troubles in your home—possibly because it is very large or was built on top of a crashed UFO—it is worthwhile to investigate a mesh system before you buy a router and a ton of extenders. Mesh systems put tiny stations all throughout your home to completely flood it with signals, and they're not as expensive as you may think.

By spreading your Wi-Fi coverage across a wider region, the best Wi-Fi extenders may eliminate wireless dead spots in your home. You may increase the range of your home network without spending a fortune by transmitting a signal farther than your current router can.

These compact, inexpensive devices, often referred to as Wi-Fi repeaters, Wi-Fi boosters, or signal boosters, can expand your Wi-Fi signal where it is needed while frequently costing a lot less than upgrading to one of the best mesh routers.