Best Wi-Fi Extender: our pick of the best internet range boosters

As our homes continue to integrate smart devices and technology, the strain on our Wi-Fi connections has become a significant issue. This is especially true for those who haven't invested in one of the best Wi-Fi extenders, as weak signals, random dropouts, and dead zones can make managing a smart home more of a hassle than a convenience.

But the good news is that Wi-Fi extenders have developed at the same rate as the rest of the home tech world, and so can offer support for your existing Wi-Fi speeds. These range from the fastest mesh network extenders to cheaper plug-in boosters that can solve problems in badly-connected areas.

A good extender will make all of the difference when trying to set up common smart home devices, including the best wireless doorbells, security cameras, and TVs. 

We've taken a look at the best Wi-Fi extenders available right now, listing the best below. So whether you want a low-maintenance plug-in device or something a little more advanced, we have you (and your internet) covered.

The best Wi-Fi extenders in 2024

Best Wi-Fi extender overall

(Image credit: Netgear)

The Netgear Nighthawk EAX80 AX600 Range Extender is an excellent choice for households that want to improve their existing internet connection. It is the fastest Wi-Fi extender on our list, reaching up to 6 gigabits per second, and can create a mesh Wi-Fi from your current coverage. This makes it ideal for those experiencing dead spots in their coverage.

The 8-stream Wi-Fi technology allows it to handle more with its bandwidth, making it perfect for areas such as your yard or porch, where security cameras and smart doorbells may reside. Additionally, the device comes with four ethernet ports, making it easy to connect gaming consoles and other devices.

However, the Nighthawk EAX80 comes with a higher price tag. We recommend that only those with a large amount of ground to cover or particularly patchy coverage, and those who require serious internet usage, invest in this product. Nevertheless, if you're looking for the best performance, then this is the device for you.

Best Wi-Fi extender for large homes

(Image credit: TP-Link)

A more traditional plug-in Wi-Fi extender, the TP-Link AX2600 is simpler than simple to set up. Just find an empty socket, and you're in business. The quartet of antennas on the sides of the device then promises to extend your signal up to 14,000 sqft for better overall connections. 

Note, though, that, despite extending your Wi-Fi's reach the most out of the examples on this list, speeds only reach about 800 megabits/s over 2.4GHz and 1,733 megabits/s over 5GHz. However, the company promises this is more than enough to enjoy better 4K streaming and intense gaming.

Something called 'beamforming technology' also offers targeted Wi-Fi signals to individual devices that need a connection, and you can connect your tech via ethernet cable for more reliable speeds.

Best smart Wi-Fi extender

(Image credit: Netgear)

A smart speaker and Wi-Fi extender in one package, the Netgear Orbi Voice AC2200 is designed to form part of a wider Orbi mesh Wi-Fi system but adds a ton of new features tied to Alexa on top. That makes it a fantastic option if you've been meaning to set up a smart home or just want an extra multi-tasking speaker.

Tri-band Wi-Fi and 2,200mb/s speeds mean the Orbi Voice is more than capable of making your streaming, smart device usage, and gaming that must faster and more reliable. There is also FastLane3 technology to ensure that this doesn't slow down as more devices are added.

As for its performance as a speaker, it's mixed. Harman Kardon has offered the audio, while the smart features are from Amazon's Alexa. Despite these credentials, some reviewers claim audio quality is just 'okay.' But if that's not your priority, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

Best Wi-Fi extender on Wi-Fi 4

(Image credit: Netgear)

A cheaper option for those whose requirements are more limited, the Netgear Powerline 1000 Network Extender costs less than $100 and offers 1GB/s speeds along with wired and wireless connection options for different devices. It's also super simple to set up, with a plug-in design and no app.

It's nothing super-advanced but it should suit anyone who simply wants a bit more juice from their Wi-Fi connection for streaming or browsing in dead spots. There's also an energy-efficient feature, as the extender automatically powers itself down when not in use.

Best Tri-band Wi-Fi extender

(Image credit: Linksys)

The Linksys RE9000 AC3000 MU-MINO Wi-Fi Range Extender sneaks into our top five with fast 3GB/s speeds and promised extension of 10,000 sqft, all using 5GHz Tri-band Wi-Fi to extend the reach of your internet at home. Beamforming technology means each device gets a targeted signal, and you can connect an ethernet cable for reliable speeds.

The device works a little differently, assigning a single 5Ghz band to your existing router so that the other two bands are dedicated to your connected smart devices. The MU-MIMO technology also boosts speeds to devices being used at the same time (which is often the case in busy households).

(Image credit: Netgear)

How to choose the best Wi-Fi extender for your home

What is the difference between Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6?

As you browse this guide, you will come across terms like Wi-Fi 4, 5, or 6. These terms reflect the evolution of wireless internet technology, where Wi-Fi 6 is the latest and most advanced standard available. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, less congestion on the network, and a host of benefits that make it a popular choice. Generally, the newer your Wi-Fi standard, the better your internet experience will be. These advancements in technology have enabled faster and more reliable connections, which are essential for people who rely on the internet for work, entertainment, and communication.

What do Dual-band and Tri-band mean?

The choice between dual-band and tri-band routers comes down to the number of devices in your home that require internet connectivity. Most homes get by just fine with the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies provided by dual-band routers. However, if you have a lot of smart devices like appliances, TVs, and security systems, a tri-band router may be necessary to handle the increased demand. Tri-band routers are more expensive than dual-band routers, but they provide more bandwidth and are better equipped to handle multiple devices at once.

If you have a lot of devices that require internet connectivity, it may be worth the investment to upgrade to a tri-band router for a more reliable and efficient connection.

How we picked the best Wi-Fi extenders in this guide

The entries on this list were chosen through comparing user reviews, tapping into team Livingetc's breadth of knowledge in the home tech realm, and digging down into the specs and design elements of the most popular models across a range of price points.

While we attempt to have direct experience with and independent reviews for everything we include in our guides, this is unfortunately not always possible, so some of our guides are put together using the writer's research and existing expertise. We will return to this guide regularly to update the models included, whether due to the latest releases and moves in the industry or the opportunity to test the best Wi-Fi extenders in person and judge them accordingly.

Models we have tested will be clearly signposted within the article, so you can trust us to be transparent with our choices. You can head to our dedicated page to learn more about our review process.