How to Choose the Best Wi-Fi Extender for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Wi-Fi extenders

Overview

A Wi-Fi extender is a device that strengthens an existing wireless signal, allowing it to reach further and provide better coverage throughout your home or office. When shopping for a Wi-Fi extender, it is important to consider the size and layout of your space, the type of extender best suited for your needs, and the features and capabilities each device offers. This buying guide will provide information on the different kinds of Wi-Fi extenders available, the features and capabilities to look for, and how to choose the best Wi-Fi extender for your home or office.

Key features

  1. Range: How far will the extender reach? Consider the square footage and number of floors that need coverage.
  2. Number of Devices Supported: How many devices will the extender be able to accommodate?
  3. Security: What type of encryption and security protocols does the extender offer?
  4. Speed: What is the maximum bandwidth of the extender?
  5. Ethernet Ports: How many Ethernet ports does it have? This can be useful for connecting additional devices.
  6. Price: Consider your budget and choose an extender that provides the features you need at the best value.
  7. Installation: How difficult is the extender to install? Some models require a professional installation, while others can be set up with just a few clicks.
  8. Compatibility: Does the extender work with your existing router and other devices?
  9. Extras: Does the extender come with any additional features like parental controls, guest networks, or mesh networking?

See the most popular Wi-Fi extenders on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Increase Range: Wi-Fi extenders can be used to expand the range of an existing Wi-Fi network, allowing for better coverage in areas that would otherwise be out of reach.
  • Eliminate Dead Spots: Wi-Fi extenders can be used to eliminate dead spots in your home or office by boosting the signal in areas where it would otherwise be weak.
  • Increase Speed: Wi-Fi extenders can be used to increase the speed of an existing Wi-Fi network, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved streaming performance.
  • Reduce Interference: Wi-Fi extenders can be used to reduce interference from nearby networks, allowing for a more consistent and reliable connection.

Cons

  • Interference: Wi-Fi extenders can cause interference with other wireless devices in close proximity.
  • Cost: Wi-Fi extenders can be more expensive than other wireless solutions.
  • Set-up/Installation: Extenders require additional setup, configuration, and installation than other wireless solutions.
  • Performance: As the signal must pass from the router to the extender then back out, the performance of the connection can be reduced.
  • Security: As extenders require the original signal to be rebroadcasted, security can be a concern as the signal can be intercepted.

Best alternatives

  1. Mesh Wi-Fi Systems - These are becoming increasingly popular because they provide wider coverage than Wi-Fi extenders and are easy to setup and manage.
  2. Powerline Adapters - These adapters use your home's existing electrical wiring to deliver a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal to hard-to-reach areas.
  3. Wi-Fi Booster - A Wi-Fi booster is designed to improve the existing wireless signal in your home or office, allowing you to get more out of your existing network.
  4. Wireless Access Point - A wireless access point is an ideal solution for creating a strong, reliable Wi-Fi network in larger spaces.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Antenna - An external antenna can be used to increase the range of a Wi-Fi extender.
  • Ethernet Cable - An Ethernet cable is required for connecting the Wi-Fi extender to the router.
  • Network Switch - A network switch can be used to extend the number of Ethernet cable connections available.
  • Surge Protector - A surge protector can be used to protect the Wi-Fi extender from power surges.
  • Power Strip - A power strip is needed for connecting the Wi-Fi extender to a power outlet.

Common questions

  1. What is a Wi-Fi extender? A Wi-Fi extender is a device that helps to extend the range of an existing wireless network by repeating and redistributing the signal from a router.
  2. What are the benefits of using a Wi-Fi extender? The benefits of using a Wi-Fi extender include improved coverage and signal strength, greater connectivity in distant areas, and a more reliable connection.
  3. Do I need to purchase a Wi-Fi extender? It depends on the size of your home, as well as how far away you need to extend your Wi-Fi signal. If you have dead spots in your home, or if you need to extend your Wi-Fi signal to a distant area, then purchasing a Wi-Fi extender would be beneficial.
  4. What types of Wi-Fi extenders are available? There are two main types of Wi-Fi extenders: Plug-in extenders and Wi-Fi extender routers. Plug-in extenders are easy to install and are typically designed to be plugged into a wall outlet. Wi-Fi extender routers are more complex and are better suited for larger homes or businesses.
  5. What is the best type of Wi-Fi extender to buy? The best type of Wi-Fi extender to buy depends on your specific needs. If you need to extend your wireless signal to a distant area or if you have a larger home or business, then a Wi-Fi extender router would be the better option. However, if you only need to extend your signal a short distance, then a plug-in extender would be the better option.
  6. How much do Wi-Fi extenders cost? Wi-Fi extenders can range in price from around $20 for a basic plug-in extender to upwards of $100 or more for an advanced Wi-Fi extender router.

Trivia

A funny fact about Wi-Fi extenders is that they are so powerful that they can be used to communicate with aliens! This is because Wi-Fi extenders are able to extend the range of the Wi-Fi signal to up to 500 meters, and can be used to transmit data even from as far away as outer space. In 2019, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used a Wi-Fi extender to send a message to a planet beyond our solar system. The message was sent at a speed of 299,792,458 m/s. Reportedly, they are still waiting for a response! [Source](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/07/30/USAT/e631d7fe-eab2-41b5-819c-6a6d62d1e90e-AP_NASA_Interstellar_Message_BKJB_17.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp)

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.