Best Wi-Fi Extenders for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best options for boosting your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: April 24th, 2024

📶We all know the pain of Wi-Fi dead zones, especially when you're trying to stream a movie, game online, or get some work done. To solve this common issue, we've put together a list of the best Wi-Fi extenders for 2024.

We've done the research so you don't have to, whether you need something super high-performing, more affordable, or suited to specific needs—our recommendations will help you keep every corner of your home connected.

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Overall Best: TP-Link RE700X

TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Range Extender Internet Booster(RE700X), Dual Band, AP Mode w/Gigabit Port, OFDMA, Beamforming, APP Setup, OneMesh Compatible

The TP-Link RE700X takes the crown as our top Wi-Fi extender for 2024. Leveraging the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, this extender offers exceptional wireless speeds and extensive coverage. It operates on a dual-band system, delivering speeds up to 3000 Mbps, ensuring smooth streaming and gaming. The setup is straightforward, and it includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports for devices requiring a wired connection. According to our research, users appreciate its consistent performance and easy installation process, making it a reliable choice for high-speed internet throughout your home.

View TLDR Review: TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Range Extender

The TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Range Extender earns a moderate score, praised for its ease of setup and ability to dramatically enhance WiFi coverage in certain situations, but it suffers from inconsistent connection stability and performance issues reported by several users. While some found it effective after overcoming initial setup challenges, numerous complaints about dropped connections and inadequate range diminish its overall reliability for users expecting seamless service.

7.19

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$89.99 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Netgear EAX12 Wi-Fi Range Extender

NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX12) - Add up to 1,200 sq. ft. and 15+ Devices with AX1600 Dual-Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 1.6Gbps Speed), WPA3 Security, Smart Roaming

As our runner-up, the Netgear EAX12 Wi-Fi Range Extender combines great speed and value. Utilizing Wi-Fi 6 technology, it provides up to 1200 Mbps throughput, maintaining robust performance across various environments. It's ideal for 4K streaming and other high-bandwidth activities, thanks to its solid connectivity and easy setup process. It also features a Gigabit Ethernet port for those needing a reliable wired connection. According to our findings, users frequently praise its balance of affordability and performance.

View TLDR Review: NETGEAR EAX12 WiFi 6 Extender

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$69.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: TP-Link RE220

TP-Link WiFi Extender with Ethernet Port, Dual Band 5GHz/2.4GHz , Up to 44% More Bandwidth than Single Band, Covers Up to 1200 Sq.ft and 30 Devices, Signal Booster Amplifier Supports OneMesh (RE220)

For those on a budget, the TP-Link RE220 is an excellent pick. Despite its affordable price, it delivers adequate performance suitable for casual web browsing and light streaming. Although it doesn't feature the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, its AC750 standard effectively extends Wi-Fi coverage to additional rooms or small outdoor areas. The setup is simple, and it includes an Ethernet port for added value. Our research indicates that users find it to be a cost-effective solution with reliable performance for everyday use.

View TLDR Review: TP-Link RE220 WiFi Extender

The TP-Link WiFi Extender RE220 achieves a moderate score due to its affordable pricing and ease of setup, providing solid performance for the 2.4GHz band and decent value for average users. However, its 5GHz performance is underwhelming, and some customers report connectivity issues and the need for regular resets, indicating limitations in more demanding environments. Overall, it serves well for basic coverage needs but may not meet the expectations of users with high-speed requirements or larger spaces.

7.7

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$15.25 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the TP-Link RE220 WiFi Extender? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What speeds does the TP-Link RE220 support?

The TP-Link RE220 WiFi Extender supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Based on the manufacturer's description, it can hit speeds of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 433Mbps on the 5GHz band, giving you a combined total of around 750Mbps. This makes it quite versatile for different tasks, from browsing the web to streaming HD videos. One thing to keep in mind is that the RE220 creates separate extended networks for each band, usually adding 'EXT' to your original network name. This means you might need to switch between these extended networks and your main one as you move around your house. Our research shows that some people find this a bit inconvenient. For example, one person mentioned that they had to manually switch networks to keep a strong connection, which wasn’t as smooth as they hoped. Even with the manual switching, a lot of folks still find the TP-Link RE220 improves their WiFi coverage effectively. Setting it up is pretty straightforward, especially with the [TP-Link Tether](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DTP-Link%2BTether%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) app that guides you through the process. According to our data, most people notice a big improvement in WiFi coverage, particularly in areas that were previously dead zones. So, if you need to extend your WiFi range on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and don’t mind the occasional manual switch between networks, the TP-Link RE220 is a solid choice. It's easy to set up and can help get rid of those pesky dead zones in your home.

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How many devices can connect to the TP-Link RE220?

The TP-Link RE220 WiFi Extender can handle up to 32 devices at once, including any main or guest networks you set up. According to the manufacturer's description, you can use the [Tether app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtether%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to easily manage these connections and tweak settings like guest networks. From what we've found, most folks agree it's pretty easy to set up and does a solid job at boosting your WiFi coverage.

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Does the TP-Link RE220 work with all routers?

Yes, the TP-Link RE220 works with most routers. Here's the deal though: it creates a new network with a different name, typically adding ‘_EXT’ to your original network name (like ‘HomeWiFi_EXT’). So, you’ll need to switch to this new network for the best performance, which can be a bit inconvenient. According to our research, this is just how the TP-Link RE220 (AC750) operates. It extends your WiFi signal by making a separate network rather than seamlessly expanding your current one under the same name. Thus, your devices need to jump over to the extended network when you're farther from the main router. If you prefer a setup where your devices automatically switch to the strongest signal without you doing anything, you might want to look into mesh WiFi systems or WiFi extenders that support [OneMesh](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DOneMesh%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) technology. The TP-Link RE220 is OneMesh compatible, but you'll need a matching TP-Link router like the [Archer A7](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DArcher%2BA7%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to create a unified network with a single name. So, in short, the TP-Link RE220 does a solid job extending WiFi coverage, but just know that it usually means connecting to a new network name for the best signal. For a smoother experience, OneMesh-compatible devices or mesh networks could be better options.

View All Answers for

Best for Streaming: NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender EAX80

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender EAX80 - Add up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 30+ devices with AX6000 Dual-Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 6Gbps speed), plus Smart Roaming

When it comes to streaming and gaming, the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender EAX80 stands out. This extender offers ultra-fast speeds and extensive range, making it perfect for 4K streaming and high-speed gaming. It supports seamless roaming and smart connect, ensuring your devices always utilize the best available connection. Users appreciate its powerful performance and robust design, making it a top choice for those who demand the best in streaming and gaming experiences.

View TLDR Review: NETGEAR Nighthawk EAX80 WiFi 6 Extender

The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX80) receives a moderate score due to its impressive performance in extending Wi-Fi coverage and ease of setup, which many users appreciate. However, its significant price point and reported connectivity issues, including the need for frequent resets and limitations when using multiple units, suggest it may not meet the expectations of all consumers, especially in larger or complex home environments.

7.4

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$349.00 at Amazon

Best for Large Homes: TP-Link RE650 AC2600

TP-Link AC2600 WiFi Extender(RE650), Up to 2600Mbps, Dual Band WiFi Range Extender, Gigabit port, Internet Booster, Repeater, Access Point,4x4 MU-MIMO

The TP-Link RE650 AC2600 is our recommendation for large homes. With speeds up to 2600 Mbps and dual-band support, it ensures robust performance and extensive coverage. Four external antennas enhance stability and range, covering up to an impressive 14,000 square feet. The easy setup using the TP-Link app further adds to its appeal. Our research shows that users frequently commend its exceptional coverage and speed, making it ideal for large households with multiple high-bandwidth needs.

View TLDR Review: TP-Link AC2600 WiFi Extender

The TP-Link AC2600 RE650 earns a high score due to its exceptional performance and range capabilities, particularly in boosting Wi-Fi signals across large areas. Users and professional reviewers consistently commend its fast speeds and straightforward installation, though some customers report installation challenges and long-term connectivity issues. Overall, it offers solid value for those in need of reliable, expansive internet coverage.

8.35

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$79.99 at Amazon

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