8 WiFi Extenders and Boosters That Will Quicken Your Connection
Updated: Dec. 16, 2020WiFi extenders can help eliminate dead spots in your home, allowing you to work from anywhere — even your yard!
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Netgear Nighthawk X4S AC2200 Tri-Band WiFi Mesh Extender
Netgear is one of the leading brands of WiFi extenders. The Nighthawk X4S AC2200 Tri-Band model ($180) is powerful and easy to use, delivering speeds up to 2.2 gigabits per second. Unlike other extenders, this model keeps the same WiFi name and password as your main network. And it delivers up to a 100 percent performance boost across your whole home, thanks to its four high-performance internal antennas.
Nest WiFi AC1200 Add-on Point Range Extender
If you have the Google Nest Mesh WiFi System, you can extend its coverage with a Nest WiFi AC120 Add-on Point ($149). These points offer two wireless bands — 2.4 GHz and 5GHz — and they deliver speeds up to 1,200 megabits per second. Each add-on point provides an additional 1,600 square feet of coverage. The unit also has built-in Google Assistant for voice commands.
Linksys AC750 Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender
Linksys is another reputable WiFi router and extender brand, and the Linksys AC750 Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender ($70) gets top marks from reviewers for its easy setup and impressive connectivity. It can expand your WiFi coverage up to 6,500 square feet, delivering speeds up to 733 megabits per second. It also offers a gigabit ethernet port to provide faster wired speeds to a connected device — ideal for gaming consoles or streaming devices.
TP-Link AC750 Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender
Some WiFi extenders can be pricey, but the TP-Link AC750 ($30) is an affordable option if you want to give your internet a boost. This unit plugs into a standard wall outlet, providing speeds up to 750 megabits per second. Though tiny, it can extend wireless range up to 3,200 square feet.
Netgear AC1750 WiFi Mesh Extender
Another popular model from Netgear is the AC1750 WiFi Mesh Extender. It supports dual-band WiFi up to 1,750 megabits per second, and its Smart Roaming feature automatically connects your mobile devices to the best available network. Plus, it uses the same name and password as your main WiFi network for easy management.
Netgear Orbi Outdoor AC3000 Tri-band WiFi Range Extender
If you have an Orbi Mesh WiFi system, you can extend its coverage to your yard with the Orbi Outdoor AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Range Extender ($350). Its weather-resistant design withstands rain, sun, snow, dust or sprinklers, allowing you to place it just about anywhere while extending existing WiFi up to 2,500 square feet. It’s ideal for extending your network to a guest house or other outdoor structure, or to simply improve coverage.
Linksys RE6700 AC1200 AMPLIFY Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender
One of the downsides of plug-in WiFi extenders is that they take up an electrical outlet. The Linksys RE6700 AC1200 AMPLIFY Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender solves that problem with its integrated power outlet, which functions like a normal plug. This powerful little model extends WiFi coverage up to 10,000 square feet. Its associated app can even help you find the optimal placement location for the unit.
Netgear AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender
The Netgear AC1200 Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender ($100) is another well-regarded model that helps eliminate wireless dead zones. Its FastLane technology uses both WiFi bands to create a single high-speed connection with speeds up to 1,200 megabits per second. Reviewers say the unit is quick and easy to set up.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
