The best WiFi extenders: top 8 devices for extending your Wi-Fi

If your home or office is filled to the brim with various devices that require concurrent wireless connections, like computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and tablets, the best Wi-Fi extenders can save you a ton of time, and eliminate a lot of the headache that goes with home networking. It doesn’t matter if you only have one device in a large area, the best wifi extenders will make sure you’re always online, no matter where you roam in your home or office.

Most of the time, you’ll have a wi-fi network powered by a modem and a single Wi-Fi router located close to or built directly into it. Don’t get us wrong, this can work very well 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 cause a lot of performance problems in your Wi-Fi network.

That’s where the best Wi-Fi extenders especially shine, as they connect to the original Wi-Fi network and then boost the signal, so you can binge your favorite show on Netflix in the upstairs bedroom even if your router is in the basement.

The market is absolutely packed with wonderful Wi-Fi extenders, so to assist you in finding the ideal extender for your situation, we've compiled this list of the best Wi-Fi extenders on the market in 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 looking for an inexpensive way to beef up your Wi-Fi network, and you’re ok with making a few concessions in performance and features, then the D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender is a great device for you. This tiny device doesn't include any Ethernet ports, and it doesn't feature dual bands or 802.11ac, presently the fastest form of Wi-Fi.

Still, it is designed well and built to last, and it's a quick, easy and cheap way of bolstering your Wi-Fi network as long as you’re not anticipating too much network traffic.

That’s right, D-Link has scored another entry on the list of the best wi-fi extenders. The D-Link Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender DAP-1650 is a fantastic mid-range Wi-Fi extender that packs in some of the features of more pricey extenders, such as multiple Ethernet ports and USB, while also boasting a design that’s not only small, but also blends into the background.

The DAP-1650 looks fantastic, and it's priced competitively. The only drawback is that due to its compact size and internal antennae, its range isn't as wide as some other extenders.

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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