Have you ever watched a movie or a series online or via a streaming service such as Netflix and had to wait for the video to load?
If the answer is yes, then you might have a slow Internet connection, which is mainly an issue that can be solved by your provider, or the signal of your router isn’t strong enough and doesn’t reach the parts where you spend most of your time.
Nonetheless, this can also happen when you are moving with your laptop around the house trying to find the best spot to focus on your studies or work with Bluetooth headphones and your favorite playlist on Spotify. You set up everything as it should be, create kind of a study station or workplace and immerse yourself into the topic of your interest.
Only then you find out that all the material is downloading slowly, the websites take way too long to load and you lose precious time which can, in the end, result in an objectively big amount.
Let’s imagine another scenario. You are enjoying a well-earned rest after a long and stressful day and the only thing you want to do is turn on your TV or gaming console and relax a little bit. Well, a bad Internet connection can have a significant impact on these two activities as well. Smart TV’s are being updated via the Internet and created in a way that they can make the most of their connection to the web.
Gaming consoles and online gaming, in general, is as an activity extremely dependent on the quality and speed of your wifi or cable connection. You can experience lags and buffering which can really worsen your overall experience from this type of amusement. And I would argue that the before mentioned aspects are even more essential for streamers who are most often broadcasting their adventures to the world through the magic of their wifi.
However, all these elements are remarkably sensitive and the slightest connectivity problems can result in a bad image and poor sound quality.
Best WiFi Extender 2020
Nonetheless, don’t lose faith I am here to help you solve this issue. This all can be resolved by one and one device only. So just sit back and go through my list which features some of the best wifi extenders available on the market right now and make up your mind.
- Fast Ethernet port
- Wifi analytics app
- Harder to set up
- Price
- Extra power socket
- Easy to use
- Unstable signal
- Away mode
- Smart Plug
- Universal compatibility
- No manual in the app
- Size in the outlet
- High speed boost
- Two wifi modes
- Issue free instalation
- Design
- Price
- Compatibility
- Secure Wireless Encryption
- Three ways use
- Trouble with non-standard network configurations
- The Spot Finder feature
- 10,000 square feet coverage
- Extra power socket
- Can reload sometimes
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Bonus ports for gaming consoles
- HDTV streaming
- Support line
- Simultaneous gaming and 4K HD streaming
- Smart Signal Indicator
- Coverage
- Size
1. Netgear EX6120 AC1200
The Netgear EX6120 AC1200 is one of the best wifi extenders on the market right now. This particular model is a wall plug-in and on the top of all, this is a top seller. It can improve and extend the wifi range and speed of your Internet connection for multiple platforms such as smartphones, tablets or gaming consoles up to 300Mbps.
External antennas intensify this effect. It can be used with the standard router and gateway gear, plus a port for wired devices is present. That means that the older generation of platforms is not left out. In addition, you don’t have to buy a new piece of furniture for this extender; on the contrary, it can be placed on your wall.
Features
Product Weight: 8 ounces
Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.3 x 2.6 inches
Speed Boost: up to 300Mbps
- Quite popular with customers
- Does not take too much space because it can be put on your wall
- Intensifies the strength of the signal greatly which reaches to each corner
- The set up can be challenging for some people
2. TP-Link N300
This TP-Link product is a wireless extender which enables you to have your wifi signal in every corner of your home. Therefore, there are no dead zones which, as we all know, can be tricky sometimes. In this case, you can find a socket on this wifi range extender thanks to which you don’t have to worry about occupying that one precious electric outlet which is ideal for the positioning of your living room lamp, making this a wall plug-in.
The N300 can be labeled as a wifi signal booster as well thanks to the two antennas. Moreover, it features a little light which tells you where the best spot for the extender is.
Features
Product Weight: 1.1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches
Speed Boost: up to 300Mbps
- Very easy to install and set up
- When plugged-in it does not block an outlet
- The status light helps you find the best spot for the extender
- Eliminated dead zones
- May need frequent resets because of the strength of the signal
- Can drop signal from time to time
3. TP-Link Smart Plug AC750
This network extender is a combination of AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender and a Smart Plug which is compatible and in sync with multiple platforms such as smartphones, tablets and even Google Home, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa which use voice control. Therefore, you can have the newest cutting-edge technology in the domain of smart homes which is controlled by the Kasa app. The wireless extender functions with any router that is currently on the market.
Plus, it is a wall plug-in which saves space and has a modern slick look. The Smart Plug feature enables to remotely control any lights or appliances in your house. Now that is a futuristic approach only a few people have the guts to try out.
Features
Product Weight: 1 pound
Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 6.7 x 4.1 inches
Speed Boost: up to 300 – 433Mbps
- Smart Plug allows you to control any light and or device in your house
- It has an away mode which is useful for people who are often traveling and would like their house to have lights switched on once in a while
- Easy set-up also for people who are not experienced with technology
- No manual available in the app
- You need to create an account to use the product remotely
4. Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200
This wifi range extender is suitable for all iOS, Android, Microsoft and Apple products. Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 is truly one of the best of its kind, with its 10,000 square feet coverage and wifi speed improvement of up to 2200Mbps. This gives you the ideal opportunity for video and game streaming.
The Fast Lane system is there to help the product achieve better results thanks to wifi bands. However, this little helper is not only about an extension. It can operate in two modes: either extend an existing wifi signal or create a new access point, whichever you prefer more. In addition, it is a wall plug-in which is always welcomed in smaller areas.
Features
Product Weight: 1 pound
Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 7 x 3.9 inches
Speed Boost: up to 2 200Mbps
- One of the highest speed boosts 2 200 Mbps
- Can be used to create a new access point or channel and extend an existing connection
- Issue free installation
- You have to sign up and create an account to use the device
5. D-link DAP-1650 AC1200
This multi-purpose wifi signal booster operates with both bands and offers a signal boost for your wireless network. However, it doesn’t forget analog devices since four Ethernet ports are at your service. The installation of D-link DAP -1650 AC1200 is also fairly simple – you only push a button which links you to the wifi, plus it can be used with every router available.
This wifi gadget can work as an extender, access point or a media bridge. You can put this network extender on a shelf or other piece of furniture because it can stand on its own. As far as security of your Internet connection is concerned, there are two options provided with this product, namely WPA and WPA2.
Features
Product Weight: 9.6 ounces
Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.6 x 5.7 inches
Speed Boost: up to 300Mbps + 867Mbps due to dual band
- You can use this in three ways: as an extender, an access point or a media bridge
- Security is ensured thanks to the WPA and WPA2
- The space it covers is highly sufficient
- The set-up is simple and easy to master
- May have problems communicating with your wireless connection
6. Linksys RE6700 AC1200
This Linksys wireless repeater has many features which are very useful in terms of network expansion. Just for example, the Spot Finder technology allows you to pinpoint the best location on the wall where you should put this wifi enhancing the device. This is usually done with the help of your phone.
It covers an area of 10 000 square feet and boosts the speed of your original router up to 867 Mbps and there is no need for you to change its settings. This is certainly a product you would look for in wifi extender reviews and most certainly would find plenty of them which mention this signal booster. The overall performance is supported by the use of two bands and a beam.
Features
Product Weight: 4.2 ounces
Product Dimensions: 4 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches
Speed Boost: up to 867 Mbps
- The Spot Finder feature will navigate you to the best location
- Fast and easy installation
- Limits the number of dead zones in your house
- Can reboot sometimes on itself and reload for a while
7. Netgear EX6200 AC1200
The third Netgear entry on my list is the EX6200 AC1200 which is easily compatible with all kind of devices, phones, laptops and tablets, ranging from Apple all up to Microsoft. This is underlined by the fact that you have 5 Gigabit ports present on this helper which makes it a terrific and suitable stand-alone buddy for your smart TV, online gaming, and streaming.
The external antennas and the dual-band guarantee that this wifi signal booster improves your connection with an honorable 1200Mbps. However, it doesn’t stop there – the overall covered area is also enhanced. These are only a few of the attributes this wifi range extender possesses which can make your life so much easier.
Features
Product Weight: 2.1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.1 x 3.2 inches
Speed Boost: up to 1200 Mbps
- Great for HDTV streaming
- The wifi repeater is very simple to install
- The range of the extension is terrific and the signal strong
- The support line is not really helpful and the queue is way too long
8. TP-Link RE580D AC1900
There are a couple of things you should surely know about this extender and which are worth mentioning. If you like gaming and streaming this can be the ideal tool for you. Both activities are simultaneously possible thanks to three dual bands which generate a speed increase of up to 1900Mbps.
The result is a buffering free 4K HD streaming possibility that would be welcomed by every, not only professional, streamers. The occurrence of 5 Gigabit ports secures that you can link up your TV and console. Moreover, the Smart Signal Indicator will determine the best position for this network extender.
Features
Product Weight: 2 pounds
Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.4 x 3 inches
Speed Boost: up to 1900Mbps
- The set-up is very simple, you can choose from two options and both are well managed in terms of instructions
- Nice overall coverage which destroys dead zones
- Intensifies the signal largely
- It is a quite large piece compared to the other ones, therefore, it needs more storage room
9. Securifi Almond
The Securifi Almond is a multi-purpose wifi device. You can use it as a range extender, access point or a wireless bridge. All of these modes are suitable for the majority of routers and gadgets on the market. This wireless repeater has a nice slick and modern design and on the plus side uses a touchscreen as well, which makes it an easy to install stand-alone unit.
That is what makes this product one of the best wifi range extenders. Your signals speed can be improved up to 300Mbps using the two antennas. Plus, it can be used in cooperation with Amazon Alexa through which you can control all your smart devices.
Features
Product Weight: 2.9 pounds
Product Dimensions: 1.9 x 4.8 x 4.3 inches
Speed Boost: up to 300Mbps
- Is able to communicate with other software that can help you use your smart gadgets
- The extender is operated and set-up via the touchscreen on the front side which has a nice and friendly interface
- The speed and signal afterward are of good quality
- If you by any change lose power you have to reset the product
WiFi Extender – Comparison Table
| Product name | Weight | Size | Speed boost | Wi-Fi band | Ports | Netgear EX6120 AC1200 | 8 ounces | 1.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 in | 300 - 867 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz + 5 Ghz | 1 Gbit ethernet port | TP-Link N300 | 1.1 pounds | 6.1 x 3.9 x 3.5 in | up to 300 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz | 1 Gbit ethernet port | TP-Link Smart Plug AC750 | 7.8 ounces | 3.5 x 5.5 x 7.3 in | 300 - 433 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz + 5 Ghz | 1 Gbit ethernet port | Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 | 1 pound | 5.6 x 7 x 3.9 in | up to 2200 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz + 5 Ghz | 1 Gbit ethernet port | D-link DAP-1650 AC1200 | 9.6 ounces | 3.6 x 4.3 x 5.7 in | 300 - 867 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz + 5 Ghz | 4 Gbit ethernet ports | Linksys RE6700 AC1200 | 4.2 ounces | 4 x 2.8 x 1.5 in | 300 - 867 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz + 5 Ghz | 1 Gbit ethernet port | Netgear EX6200 AC1200 | 2.1 pounds | 12 x 10.1 x 3.2 in | up to 1200 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz + 5 Ghz | 5 Gbit ethernet ports | TP-Link RE580D AC1900 | 2 pounds | 13.4 x 9.4 x 3 in | up to 1900 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz + 5 Ghz | 5 Gbit ethernet ports | Securifi Almond | 12 ounces | 1.9 x 4.8 x 4.3 in | up to 300 Mbps | 2.4 Ghz | 3 Gbit ethernet ports |
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Best WiFi Extender 2020 – Buyer’s Guide
We can all agree that the Internet brings people together nowadays. It is a source of communication, joy, art, and music. It can help people relax, find each other, talk to distant relatives or order thing that they deem necessary. However, it is also a working tool as well. The majority of business communication or even shipment is carried out thanks to the Internet. It is therefore only logical that for a proper functioning you need to have a quick and strong signal plus an acceptable coverage so that you have Internet access everywhere.
Plug-in vs. Stand-alone
As you have probably known even before reading this article, there are many decisive aspects which contribute to the performance or the overall usefulness of a wifi extender. The first thing you should be thinking about is the size of the network extender. There is no universal rule here, even among the best wifi extenders there are multiple sizes, designs, and shapes.
The vital piece of information to remember is whether you have enough of space for a stand-alone product that takes up a place on its own or if you need to go with a wall plug-in option. These often take an electric socket which is why you should think about where you could put them.
Range
Another important element for a wifi extender is, of course, its range and the surface it is able to cover. All of the entries on the list have a good coverage and can be used in offices or houses to improve your overall Internet connection. Some of these products have even built-in aids which can navigate you to the most suitable spot.
As mentioned before, the manner in which it is connected to electricity is valid as well and these two should be in line with each other to make sure the extender offers the best performance possible.
WiFi Speed
Speed is essential, too. It is true that the Mbps you need to have for an optimal Internet experience differs based on the activities you do online. For example, if you are just browsing and the surfing speed isn’t as vital for you, however, still important. On the other hand, if you are downloading or uploading enormously sized files or have a company structured around online services the megabits per second you get are crucial.
Online gaming is just as much challenging as far as this part of the connection is concerned. Probably the most demanding of all is streaming and video making. Sharing your adventures and stories with the world through a live stream could be complex and problematic. Nonetheless, the strength of the signal and its pace are key indicators.
Only extender vs. Multipurpose devices
Some of the wifi helpers on my list have multiple modes you can choose from. It is really a matter of what you actually need and what is the best fit for your needs. They can work as wifi extenders – in case you have some dead zones throughout your office or house, access points – if you need to set up a new point of connection to which people would have a better access, and thirdly as a media bridge which connects you with all your devices that could use the Internet.
Several models even have Ethernet ports that can be linked to desktop PC’s with a cable. In most of the cases, this could ensure a higher quality of signal, download and upload capabilities. In terms of compatibility, all the listed wifi extenders should be compatible with the entire range of routers which are available on the market today.
Similarly, all products are characterized by quite easy set-ups which are customer friendly and therefore you should have no issues with starting it up.
