If you’re experiencing poor WiFi signal due to distance from the router, obstructions, or interference, you might need a WiFi extender. But you are probably wondering, Do WiFi extenders work? The good news is that WiFi extenders can be a game-changer for your internet connectivity.
How Do WiFi Extenders Work?
WiFi extenders act as signal boosters by amplifying your router’s signal and retransmitting it to cover a larger area. They can help eliminate dead zones and weak signals, providing a stronger and more reliable internet connection. But with so many WiFi extenders available, how do you choose the best one?
Comparing Our Top 3 WiFi Extenders
As experts in computer and phone repair, we deal with customers daily at our shop that have this very problem and we are here to help. At the end of this article, we will tell you the top pick that we recommend to our customers. We will evaluate and compare the top WiFi extenders based on compatibility, coverage area, speed, ease of installation, and price, providing supporting evidence to back up our recommendations.
Factors to consider before purchasing a WiFi extender
Before you decide on purchasing a WiFi extender, it is essential to consider some crucial elements. These factors can significantly affect both the device’s functionality and your satisfaction. One key aspect to remember is that while WiFi extenders often perform remarkably well within the confines of a home, they might not be as effective when trying to connect buildings separate from your main house. External walls could pose a challenge for these devices in transmitting signals. Here are some vital considerations to keep in mind:
Compatibility: Examine a WiFi extender’s compatibility with your router and internet service provider before purchasing. Not all extenders work with every router or ISP, so it’s essential to check compatibility before making a purchase.
Coverage area: Take into consideration the WiFi extender’s coverage area. If you have a large home or office, you’ll need an extender that can cover the entire area, including outdoor spaces if needed. Keep in mind that walls, ceilings, and other obstructions can affect coverage, so choose an extender with a wider coverage range than you think you’ll need.
Speed: The extender’s speed is yet another crucial factor. Look for an extender that can handle the internet plan’s speed. If you have a high speed internet plan, choose an extender that can handle those speeds to avoid slowing down your internet connection.
Ease of installation: Installing a WiFi extender should be easy and hassle-free. Choose a device that is simple to set up and doesn’t need any special knowledge or additional software.
Price: There are different price ranges for WiFi extenders, so it’s important to pick one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean better performance, so choose a device that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
Considering these factors, let us go through the top WiFi extenders to zero in on the best.
Let’s take a look at three of the best WiFi extenders in the market:
1. TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Extender
The TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Range Extender is a popular choice for extending WiFi coverage. It supports speeds up to 1900Mbps and covers an area of up to 2800 square feet. This device is compatible with any router or access point and has a small, space-saving design.
Pros:
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- Dual-band support for better performance
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- Easy setup process
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- Smart signal indicator for finding the best location
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- Ethernet port for wired devices
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- Large coverage area
Cons:
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- If you have a large house this still might not cover the entire area
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- A bit more pricey than other options
Overall, the TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Range Extender is a good option for those who want a robust and easy-to-use WiFi extender with decent speeds and coverage.
2. ROCK SPACE WiFi Extender – 1200Mbps Wireless Signal Repeater
The ROCK SPACE WiFi Extender is a wireless signal repeater designed to extend your WiFi coverage area up to 1300 square feet. It supports speeds of up to 1200Mbps and works with any standard router or gateway. This device also has a small design that fits into any electrical outlet.
Pros:
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- Dual-band support for better performance
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- Easy setup process
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- Intelligent location-finding signal indicator
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- Ethernet port for wired devices
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- Affordable price point
Cons:
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- Some users have reported intermittent connection drops
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- The extender’s range may be affected by walls and obstacles
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- The Ethernet port only supports 100Mbps speeds
Overall, the ROCK SPACE WiFi Extender is a great choice for those who want an affordable and easy-to-use WiFi extender that delivers high speeds and a wide coverage area.
3. NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX2800
The NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX2800 is a small device designed to eliminate dead zones and improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas. It supports speeds of up to 750Mbps and covers an area of up to 1200 square feet. This device is compatible with any standard WiFi router and can be set up easily using the NETGEAR Nighthawk App.
Pros:
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- Simple setup process using the NETGEAR Nighthawk App
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- Compact and wall-plug design, which saves space
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- External antennas for improved performance and coverage
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- Compatibility with WPA/WPA2 and WEP wireless security protocols
Cons:
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- Limited range compared to some other WiFi range extenders
The NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX2800 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to boost their current WiFi network’s reach in small to medium-sized spaces. Its simple setup, courtesy of the NETGEAR Nighthawk App, and compact design make it a practical and space-saving option. However, it may not be ideal for those who need a wired connection or reside in more extensive areas.
Our Top WiFi Extender Pick
Hopefully, we answered your top-of-mind question: Do WiFi extenders work?
Upon evaluating these three WiFi extenders, it’s clear that each has its pros and cons. But when it comes to features, performance, and value for money, the TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Range Extender emerges as the top pick and is the number one extender that we recommend to our customers at our shop.
This extender strikes an excellent balance between speed, coverage area, and installation ease. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands thanks to its dual-band technology, ensuring compatibility with a variety of routers and devices. Moreover, the intelligent signal indicator it’s equipped with assists users in finding the perfect spot for the extender, guaranteeing optimal coverage and speed.