If you have a lot of computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles sprinkled throughout your home that require concurrent wireless connections, the best Wi-Fi extenders can make your life much easier. Even if you only have one device but have a large area to cover, the best Wi-Fi extenders can help make sure you’re connected to the internet wherever you may wander in your office or home.
With most Wi-Fi networks, you’ll normally have a modem and a single Wi-Fi router located close to or built right into it. Now, this can be efficient for very small apartments or flats. But, if that router or modem isn’t located in a central area, or if you have walls or floors between your device and the router, it can prevent your Wi-Fi network from performing as well as it could.
That’s where Wi-Fi extenders really shine, as they connect to the original Wi-Fi network and then amplify the signal, so you can binge your favorite show on Netflix in the upstairs bedroom even if your router is in the basement.
There is a plethora of fantastic Wi-Fi extenders out there, so to help you find the perfect extender for your situation, we've made this list of the best Wi-Fi extenders for 2017.
Netgear has become almost ubiquitous in the networking world over the years, and it has put its considerable knowledge to great use here with the AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150. The EX6150 model is a simple device that you can plug directly into any electrical outlet.
This Wi-Fi extender boasts quick and simple setup, with no need to use any installation software. Just follow the straightforward instructions and, before you know it, you'll have reliable and fast Wi-Fi throughout your entire office or home.
D-Link's reticent Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender (DAP-1520) is tiny and inconspicuous, meaning that while it has extremely robust performance boosting your Wi-Fi network throughout your home or office – it’s virtually invisible to anyone who isn’t explicitly looking for it.
The unassuming and straightforward design does come with some inherent issues, however: it doesn’t feature an Ethernet port for extending a wired connection. Also, contrary to some Wi-Fi extenders, the antennae are internal, and while that does allow it to disappear into the background, it does mean range is somewhat reduced.
TP-Link is a Chinese networking company, and that shouldn’t put you off, as they’ve slowly been gaining recognition in the West. And, with good reason. With devices like the TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender, it’s easy to see their worth: it does the job well, it's inexpensive and the design is pleasing, as well.
While it’s far from being fastest Wi-Fi extender in the world, it features a phenomenal range, due to two external high-gain antennae and an LED on the front displaying how strong the signal quality is, making installing it in the right location a walk in the park.
If you're seriously thinking about expanding your Wi-Fi network, then the Netgear AC1200 Desktop WiFi Range Extender (EX6200) is certainly worth consideration. Many other Wi-Fi extenders are small devices that sit in an outlet, the EX6200 looks more like a router or modem though.
While the size may rub some people the wrong way, it does allow it to offer a range of options – including five Ethernet ports for wired devices, which other Wi-Fi extenders are unable to include. High-powered amplifiers ensure your Wi-Fi can reach all parts of the building, and a quad-core CPU helps make the network faster and more reliable.
The Linksys RE6500 AC1200 is an yet another Wi-Fi extender that looks more like a router. The more sturdy design allows Linksys to include four gigabit Ethernet ports, which means that you are empowered to expand your network to internet-connected devices that need an ethernet connection.
It also has an audio output jack which allows you to connect it to speakers or an audio system, allowing you to stream digital music from your PC to your audio receiver.
If you’re searching for an affordable option to expand your Wi-Fi network, and you don't mind making a few compromises, then the D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender may be what you’re looking for. This small device doesn't come with any Ethernet ports, and it doesn't offer dual bands or 802.11ac, presently the fastest form of Wi-Fi.
Still, it is well-built and designed, and it's a quick, simple and affordable way of expanding your Wi-Fi network if you’re not anticipating too much network traffic.
Yep, another D-Link device. The D-Link Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender DAP-1650 is a great mid-range Wi-Fi extender that brings some of the features of more expensive extenders, such as multiple Ethernet ports and USB, while also featuring a small and unobtrusive design.
Not only does it look good, but it's priced well. The only issue is that due to its compact size and internal antennae, its range isn't as large as it could be.
The Linksys Velop makes a sound argument for a wireless mesh network’s ease of setup. With the aim of replacing both your router and your now-antiquated range extender, the Velop arrives at a time when companies like Google and Netgear are doing the same thing. The main way Linksys hopes to differentiate its contender in the wireless mesh networking space is with a user-friendly setup that anyone with a smartphone can understand. With just a visit to the App Store or Google Play marketplace, you’ll have the Linksys Velop running in a matter of minutes.
Read the full review: Linksys Velop
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