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If you are encountering minimal to zero connectivity at certain places inside the home, despite investing in a good router, it might just be the time to consider Wi-Fi extenders!
Finding the best Wi-Fi extender isn’t only about the coverage, but the gadget should be able to handle the inadequacies of the router or the ISP in general. The best-case scenario is to choose between a Wi-Fi Mesh that is mainly a wireless repeater and a wired backbone that saves the bandwidth wastage by connecting to the router via a wired connection. Regardless of choice, the primary aim of the Wi-Fi extender is to take care of the dead zones and improve spatial productivity.
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Wi-Fi Extender
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TP-Link AC750
Here is a brand that needs no introduction, especially when wireless connectivity is concerned. The AC750 from TP-Link is a great-looking gadget that doesn’t interfere with your interior décor but complements it as a sleek addition. When it comes to the structural attributes, this extender features several relevant indicators, including Power, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi band indicator. This means TP-Link allows dual functionality, allowing you to pair the device as a mesh or as a wired extender.
There is a dedicated Ethernet port for connecting directly with the router. When it comes to the features, this extender is capable of covering almost 1200sqft while connecting 20 gadgets at once. If you are a tech enthusiast, this gadget sweetens the pot further with dual-band range, i.e., 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Validating our inclination towards the AC750 is the availability of One Mesh technology and the ability of this gadget to turn wired connections into functional wireless hotspots. Not just that, there is a dedicated high-speed mode in the play where one band synchronizes with the Wi-Fi router, and the other takes care of the streaming and productivity requirements.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports scheduling and one tap management via a dedicated app
- Broadest range of intelligent indicators
- Backward compatible with all the routers and ISPs
Cons
- The color picks up stains
- Minor compatibility issues with spectrum internet
Editors’ Rating – 5 out of 5
NETGEAR EX3700
If you are looking for a premium Wi-Fi extender that primarily works as a mesh with dual-antenna setup but also doubles down as the wired backbone, the EX3700 from Netgear is the perfect gadget to invest in. While the external antennas make way for a better outreach with extended dual-band support, transmission speeds of up to 750mbps further validate our choice of this extender.
When it comes to the structural additions, you get access to a dedicated Ethernet port, plug-and-play accessibility, power indicator, and WPS signal identifier. The Wi-Fi Protected security on this device is compatible with WPA and WPA2 standards.
This gadget from Netgear is capable of covering almost 1000sqft at once. When it comes to the number of simultaneous connections, you can consider a maximum of 15 and a minimum of even 2 for experiencing faster connectivity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to set up within 5 minutes
- Backward compatible with almost every router in the market
- Best Wi-Fi extender in terms of ease of usage and plug & play support
Cons
- Slow mesh bridging
Editors’ Rating – 4.5 out of 5
Auitee Wi-Fi Extender
Interested in a budget extender that comes with decent wired and wireless functionalities! If yes, this sleek yet sturdy device from Auitee is worth your time and money. Although there are many aspects to rejoice, it is the physical structure that stands out, courtesy of the power, wireless, WPS, and LAN indicators.
When it comes to investing in this portable Wi-Fi extender, you need to be mindful of the excellent transmission speeds on display. Despite 2.4GHz band access, you get speeds of up to 300mbps, which can easily cover areas stretching up to 300sqft.
Last but not least, it is the single touch WPS that renders additional levels of security to the gadget and the entire network in general. Besides that, the simple plug & play functionality makes it one of the more approachable devices on our lists.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and portable aesthetics
- Integrated antennas with a built-in super-boost amplifier
- Support for wired frameworks courtesy of the dedicated LAN port
Cons
- Not suitable for large areas
Editors’ Rating – 4.5 out of 5
Conclusion
Although each one of the mentioned Wi-Fi extenders has its own set of utilities, the final selection eventually boils down to your preferences and requirements. If you want a highly secured extender that complements the décor without burning a hole in your pocket, consider the TP-Link AC750. The EX3700 from Netgear is a better choice for the more productive office setups.
Lastly, if you are a budget user, the Auitee Wi-Fi Extender is the one to purchase, courtesy of the secured encryption standards, plug & play functionality, and improved portability.
And if you did not find what you are looking for here, feel free to head over to Amazon and continue your search there.