Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders of 2023

Picture it: You just purchased a brand-new internet package with gig-level speeds from the reigning internet service provider (ISP) in your area, but even with all that speed, you still get a slow connection in your home office on the second floor. Sound familiar?

If so, don’t think you have to replace your router or purchase a gargantuan Ethernet cord to reach every corner of your house. Instead, consider getting a Wi-Fi extender to expand your network and deliver all the internet speed you need, no matter where you are in your home. We explored all the best Wi-Fi extenders and evaluated them based on speed, technology, range, and price point. Now, all you have to do is pick the one that’s right for you.

TP-Link RE715X (BroadbandNow Top Pick)

• Wireless specification: 802.11ax
• WPS type: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
• Band: Dual
• Antennas: 2
• Wired ports: 1

Purchase on Amazon for $104.99

The TP-Link RE715X is our top pick because this dual-band extender can support existing Wi-Fi 6 routers with combined radio frequencies that collectively put out speeds up to 3 Gbps. In fact, this generation’s Wi-Fi 6 capability is a whopping 25 percent faster than Wi-Fi 5 alternatives, thanks to a speed boost from 1024-QAM access.

We also liked that the TP-Link RE715X comes with an adjoining app, called Tether, which helps you customize the strength and density of service from your extender. For example, you may want your extender to reach as far as possible in your home with potentially slower speeds, or you may want to amp up coverage sky-high in a specific zone of your house. We recommend choosing the TP-Link RE715X if you’re looking for an all-around device with substantial power and options for customization.

TP-Link RE600X (The Next-Best Wi-Fi Extender)

• Wireless specification: 802.11ax
• WPS type: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
• Band: Dual
• Antennas: 2 internal
• Wired ports: 1

Purchase on Amazon for $59.99

If you like the sound of the TP-Link RE715X but could use a product that’s just one step down, the TP-Link RE600X is the ticket for you. Offering 1,500 square feet of signal range with dual band speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, the TP-Link RE600X still has plenty of power to get you the signal you need throughout your home. Equipped with a LAN port that can support gig-level speeds, the TP-Link RE600X even has the same Tether app capabilities as the RE715X.

Overall, the TP-Link RE600X delivers on many of the same fronts as its bigger brother, but it falls short in comparison due to its slightly lower speeds and coverage area. We think the TP-Link RE600X is a perfect fit for people with slightly smaller living spaces or lower speed needs who still want a solid Wi-Fi extender with customization capabilities at a more economical price.

TP-Link RE315 (Best for Budget Buyers)

• Wireless specification: 802.11ac
• WPS type: 64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA-PSK2/WPA2-PSK2 encryptions
• Band: Dual
• Antennas: 2
• Wired ports: 1

Purchase on Amazon for $24.99

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best, and the TP-Link RE315 prides itself on being straightforward. All you have to do is plug it in, click the WPS button, and wait a brief moment for the device to connect automatically to the nearest existing router. We also liked that the TP-Link RE315 comes equipped with a smart signal indicator on the side that flashes white with a strong signal and red with a weak signal, which allows you to shift around your home and place the extender where it gets the best signal.

While it may not be the biggest selling point, one of our favorite features of the TP-Link RE315 was its size, making it easy to handle. The TP-Link RE315 is ideal for apartments and internet plans with less than 1 Gbps speeds. If you’re just starting to dip your toes into the Wi-Fi extender waters, this device is an option to explore.

Asus RP-AX56 (Best for Range)

• Wireless specification: 802.11ax
• WPS type: WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise, WPS support
• Band: Dual
• Antennas: 2 internal
• Wired ports: 1

Purchase on Amazon for $139.99

The Asus RP-AX56 Wi-Fi extender offers the best of both worlds: It harnesses lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds with the flexibility to pair with any type of router, regardless of its generation. The RP-AX56 can cover up to 2,200 square feet of space and deliver speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across two bands. We also liked that you can pair it with the larger whole-home AiMesh system from Asus if you choose to upgrade in the future.

This extender is sleek with a more modern aesthetic than some of its counterparts in the market. If you have a larger home with more speed necessities, we recommend the Asus RP-AX56 for its strong combination of range, style, and speed.

Netgear EAX80 (Best for Performance)

• Wireless specification: 802.11ax
• WPS type: 802.11i, 128-bit AES encryption with PSK and WEP Standards
• Band: Dual
• Antennas: Internal
• Wired ports: 4

Purchase on Amazon for $219.77

If your vision for a Wi-Fi extender is to hook up a home full of smart devices, it doesn’t get much better than the Netgear EAX80. Delivering speeds up to 6 Gbps across a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connection, the Netgear EAX80 is a powerhouse of a Wi-Fi extender, reaching heights that only mesh Wi-Fi routers tend to touch. One of our favorite features of this router was its four LAN ports, which allow you to hook up as many devices as you might want.

Much like the Tether app offered through TP-Link, you can easily manage and set up the Netgear EAX80 using the Netgear Nighthawk app, which we found convenient. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market (far from it), the Netgear EAX80 is a good option if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution for network expansion that falls just short of a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Our Top Recommendations for Wi-Fi Extenders

Why You Need to Purchase a Wi-Fi Extender

Wi-Fi extenders are a go-to solution when a home receives quick and reliable internet, but there are spaces where your signal drops unexpectedly, also known as dead zones. This problem can occur due to the thickness of your walls, interference with your router, or even just the size of your home. While some people may want to upgrade to a whole-home mesh Wi-Fi system, here are some reasons a Wi-Fi extender may be right for you:

• You already have a router. Maybe you rent a router from your ISP, or you’ve invested in your own, but whole-home mesh solutions often require buying a new router, which makes your current technology moot. Rather than shelling out more money or getting rid of your old equipment that works just fine, a Wi-Fi extender could be a perfect upgrade.
• Your square footage fits the bill. If you have a large home with multiple floors, you’ll likely need to experiment with a Wi-Fi extender to enhance your speeds. The Wi-Fi extenders we tested guarantee coverage between 1,500 to 2,800 square feet. This solution is ideal if you live in an apartment with multiple rooms or a smaller single-family home.
• You want your Wi-Fi to stretch outside of your home. Wi-Fi extenders are ideal for expanding your ability to use Wi-Fi even outside your home. Maybe you want to join a Zoom call from the patio or stream music while you work in the backyard or garage. A strategically placed extender can enhance your internet signal in the areas you frequent most.

Other Wi-Fi Extenders Worth Mentioning

While the above Wi-Fi extenders were our top picks, there’s no shortage of them out there. Here are some other Wi-Fi extenders worth mentioning if our picks don’t make the cut:

• D-Link DAP-X1870: If you’re keeping your eyes peeled for high square footage extenders, D-Link’s DAP-X1870 is a solid option. It can extend speeds up to 1.8 Gbps to 2,600 square feet via Wi-Fi 6, and it comes with a smart signal indicator.
• TP-Link RE200: This Wi-Fi extender is the perfect option for budget buyers who don’t need all the bells and whistles of other products. The TP-Link RE200 covers up to 1,200 square feet with 733 Mbps speed capabilities, so it’s a good option for apartment residents who just need the extra oomph of a Wi-Fi extender.
• D-Link E15: This small but mighty D-Link alternative boasts Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, 2,600 square feet of coverage, and speeds up to 1.5 Gbps speeds at a mid-tier price point. If you’re on a budget but need higher-range coverage, this extender is a reasonable option.

Pro Tips for Picking the Perfect Wi-Fi Extender for Your Home

Every day, internet speeds (and prices) are increasing. Wi-Fi extenders are a go-to way to ensure that you can maximize existing speeds throughout your entire home. But before you get excited and buy your favorite product from this list, keep these tips in mind to find the most applicable option for your household:

• Determine your square footage needs. The efficacy of any Wi-Fi extender hinges on square footage. If you live in a small apartment, you don’t need to invest hundreds of dollars into an extender. At the same time, if you have a multi-floor home, an extender that covers 1,200 square feet may barely make a difference to your signal. Determine your square footage and use that to narrow down your options.
• Decide on your ideal investment. Some Wi-Fi extenders cost $200, while others cost a tenth of the price. It’s an investment no matter what, but if you’re already paying a monthly internet bill, those extra dollars add up. Once you narrow down your extenders of choice, break up the cost into 12-month increments to see how many dollars an extender would add to your monthly internet bill. If it’s less than upgrading your internet package for speed, that may sway your decision.
• Remember that extenders can’t fix everything. Even with the best extender, you’ll likely notice that your original internet plan speeds will decrease in the areas of its use. Plus, if your home eclipses square footage parameters for extenders, a whole-home mesh system is a better solution to ensure that you have consistent internet access throughout a much larger space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Extenders

How do I know if I need a Wi-Fi extender?

If your home is between 1,500 to 2,800 square feet and you notice your Wi-Fi slows down or drops in areas farther from the router, a Wi-Fi extender could be right for your home.

Will a Wi-Fi extender weaken my internet connection?

Wi-Fi extenders typically lose some speed when attempting to boost your Wi-Fi signal to different areas. However, it’s not a major issue for most tasks online so long as you have an internet plan with at least 200 Mbps.

Can I stream using a Wi-Fi extender?

Yes, you can stream using a Wi-Fi extender. We recommend internet plans of at least 200 Mbps to get the best functionality out of your Wi-Fi extender and keep your streaming consistent.

What’s the most important factor in picking a Wi-Fi extender?

The most important factor to consider is the square footage of your home. If you have a small, economical apartment, you’ll likely find great success with our budget picks. If you have a larger home, you might want to commit to a more expensive extender with a greater range. If your home exceeds 2,800 square feet, skip an extender and invest in the hardware to create a mesh Wi-Fi router system instead.