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Best WiFi Range Extenders

Top 10 Best WiFi Range Extenders In 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic resulted in so many to work from home. While the rest of the economy suffers, the tech space is thriving. 

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Amazon is currently hiring 100,000 warehouse workers.  This is to meet customer demands. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg shared that traffic is surging. Especially for video calling and messaging. Microsoft has recorded a massive 40 percent climb. This is for their online collaboration software. 

This is the result of people being told to stay at home.  To be really productive, one would need fast and reliable internet. 

This is needed with Voice Over IP conferences and streaming services. The same goes for online games, and classes.  a steady amount of bandwidth is crucial. If you’re thinking about upgrading your WiFi subscription, you need to think again. 

To ensure a steady and fast internet connection, you need to opt for a high-speed subscription and a reliable wireless router. But here’s the catch. These are added expenses on a monthly basis. 

But don’t fret just yet! We got you covered. Instead of paying for the long-term, why not choose something that will only cost you around $100 but will get the job done? Plus, you’ll be able to save money! Sounds unbelievable? You better believe it.  

What Is It? 

These are called WiFi Range Extenders. This device will pick up your existing router’s WiFi signal and amplify it. After that, it will transmit the boosted signal. As a result, you will have a steady WiFi connection in your entire home. 

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Range extenders will also eliminate dead spots in your area. That means you can work anywhere you like inside your home. You can do it in the garden, patio, living room, even in the kitchen. 

On the other hand, you need to consider the materials in your home. That’s because materials like concrete, brick, metal, plaster, or anything that is dense will dampen the signal. This also applies to multi-level homes. 

But this can be fixed by placing your WiFi router to the central location in your home. This will allow the device to deliver a stronger signal. Also, this is the easiest way to eliminate dead zones inside your home.  However, using a range extender will allow the signal to reach every corner of your home. 

With that, here are our top 10 best WiFi range extenders in 2020. 

Amped Wireless Athena-EX High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE2600M)

This Athena EX is one of our most favorites. While it’s not cheap, this device works best for users who have multiple devices. It can cover up to 15,000 square feet of added coverage. 

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It can deliver an unparalleled range, speed, and reliability. This is a really great option for even the most troublesome networks.  Also, it works well if you connect a lot of devices. It also offers up to 2.53 Gbps. 

It supports MU-MIMO technology. This means that each connected device receives data directly. This eliminates lag and buffering. As a result, you’ll have an uninterrupted streaming experience. 

Pros: Easy to install, enabled Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO), lots of ports, and customizable settings. 

Cons: Expensive. MU-MIMO is mediocre. 

The Bottomline: The Amped Wireless Athena-EX High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE2600M) is a feature-packed device. That said, it comes with a lot of user-benefits. It’s really good for streaming, conference and video calls, and delivers exceptional performance. 

Amped Wireless High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender With MU-MIMO (REC44M)

The REC44M is the most powerful and fastest range extender of its class. It’s also designed for households with multiple users. Here’s another interesting feature. The REC44M is powered by 16 high power amplifiers. It also comes with 2 internal and 2 external high-gain antennas. 

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It’s incredibly fast. The AC2600 can deliver up to 2.53 Gbps. This will make lagging and buffering obsolete. The fun doesn’t stop there. There are other benefits that come with using this device. 

It gives you an additional 12,000 square feet of WiFi coverage. It comes with the cutting edge, next-gen 802.11 ac MU-MIMO. This means that each user connected to the device will gain immediate and uninterrupted signal. 

This is very ideal for streaming and video conferences. 

ProsSolid Performance, MU-MIMO capable, Easy to install, multiple settings

Cons: Doesn’t have a pass-through outlet, Bulky, Unattractive external antenna design

The Bottomline: The Amped REC44M provides you with a dual-band WiFi along with MU-MIMO streaming. Its wide range can cover and eliminate dead spots in your home. While it’s not the prettiest range extender in the market, it has one of the market’s solid performing gadgets. 

D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1650

The D-Link DAP-1650 is a reliable WiFi range extender. So, if you’re having trouble maintaining your WiFi signal because of dead spots, this device can solve that problem for you. 

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On the other hand, this device is more than just a range extender. In fact, it can serve as a media bridge or an access point. There’s more! It comes with a solid 5GHz throughput speed. Likewise, it comes at a reasonable price. 

Pros: Inexpensive, Solid Performance, comes with 4-Gigabit Lan Ports, and a number of configuration options. 

Cons: Common 2.4GHz range. Its USB port is only 2.0. 

The BottomlineThe D-Link DAP-1650 is an inexpensive option if you’re looking for a budget Wifi range extender. It has a decent 4-port range extender. On the other hand, this can also serve as an access point or a media server. You can also add its 5GHz solid performance. 

Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 WiFi Range Extender (EX7300)

The Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 is easy very to set up. That makes it one of the quickest plug-in range extenders in the market. Also, it supports MU-MIMO, which is ideal for streaming. 

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This device lacks the external antenna. The device compensates with an array of internal antennas. It comes with a number of high-power amplifiers. It supports the latest performance-enhancing technology known as beamforming. 

It also supports MU-MIMO streaming. This means that it supports simultaneous data transmissions. This gives the device the capability to double as a wired access point. 

Pros: Solid Throughput, Supports MU-MIMO Streaming, Easy to Install

Cons: Doesn’t have a pass-through outlet, Bulky 

The Bottomline: The Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 WiFi Range Extender (EX7300) is easy to install. It’s also one of the fastest plug-in range extenders in the market. In addition, it supports MU-MIMO streaming. 

TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE450)

If you think you need a signal boost for your WiFi, the TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender can boost your WiFi signal to reach the farthest places in your home. Here’s another good news. This is a cheaper option. 

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This TP-Link model is a dual-band extender that can be plugged into any wall outlet to deliver a boosted signal with solid throughput. To boot, his particular model uses an 802.11 ac range extender. 

It has a maximum data rate of 450MBps on its 2.4Ghz band alone. But with the 5GHz band, it can reach up to 1,300MBps. The design is futuristic, straight out of a Star Trek movie. The device has two fold-out antennas on both sides while the other pulls out on top. 

Pros: It’s easy to set up, Good throughput and range

Cons: No pass-through outlet, Bulky

The Bottomline: This device has one of the fastest throughput speeds we’ve seen. And it’s very easy to set up. You won’t break a sweat! 

Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE1750A)

The Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE1750A) is a pricey option. It’s a dual-band range model. This device offers a lot of I/O ports and management options. On top of that, it delivers a solid 2.4GHz throughput. 

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This WiFi range extender will eliminate every dead spot within its range. Likewise, you don’t need to install cables and relocate your existing router. Also, there is a User Access Control Page that lets you control who can use your extended network. 

This device has some significant features. It has five Gigabit Ethernet ports, a power jack, three adjustable antennas including a removable one, a WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), an off button for light indicators, and a reset switch. 

Pros: Offers lots of management options, More port selections, Decent 2.4GHz throughput performance. 

Cons: Costly, Mediocre 5Ghz throughput

The Bottomline: The Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE1750A) is an expensive range extender. It’s also a dual-band range model with generous I/O ports. A solid 2.4Ghz throughput and a lot of management options. 

Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender

Do you want to boost your WiFi signal but you want to be discreet? Thankfully, the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender doesn’t stand out. The device will help you eliminate dead spots without everyone noticing your range extender. 

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Let get to the features! The device can easily be set up. While it’s priced below $100, it’s equipped with the latest technology that makes this device a budget-friendly option. In addition to that, it has a solid performance without people noticing it’s an extender. 

This Linksys model doesn’t have antennas and comes with a single LED indicator. The LED light glows green when the device is in its sweet spot. That said, when the light indicator turns orange, that means it’s our of your router’s range. 

Pros: Easy device set up, Supports MU-MIMO, Solid throughput performance

Cons: It lacks a pass-through outlet, Average range performance, Bulky

The Bottomline: The Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender can be installed easily. Plus, it supports that basic range extender features like MU-MIMO streaming. Surprisingly, it performed really well when in close proximity to the router. 

Nighthawk X6S WiFi Mesh Extender EX8000

The Nighthawk X6S WiFi Mesh Extender EX8000 is a great option if you value performance and not the cost. While other range extenders require you to create a separate network, this doesn’t apply to the Nighthawk EX8000. 

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Let’s get familiar with the device. It has eight small LED light indicators on the front. This indicates your WiFi’s signal strength, therefore, giving you the idea of where to place it for optimum performance. 

The Nighthawk X6S WiFi Mesh Extender EX8000 is actually an AC3000 tri-band extender. This means that it can able to handle up to 400 Mbps with the 2.4GHz band. Here’s the fun part. It can manage up to 866Mbps on one of its 5GHz bands and even 1,733 Mbps with the other 5GHz bands. 

It’s powered by the powerful quad-core CPU. It also supports 802.11ac technology, and MU-MIMO streaming, including beamforming, but the real difference-maker is it’s equipped with Netgear’s Fastlane 3 technology. The device delivers a seamless streaming experience. 

Pros: It uses a single SSID, It comes with a dedicated backhaul, Supports MU-MIMO. 

Cons: Has mixed performance, it leaves a large footprint, costly.

The Bottomline: The Nighthawk X6S WiFi Mesh Extender EX8000 gives you the chance to use the same network’s name and router. However, other range extenders can offer better range and speed. 

TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE580D)

Are you looking for a high-end WiFi range extender? The TP-Link RE580D supports the 802.11ac networking standard. This means that it has a fast transfer speed since this device is considered one of the fastest in its category. 

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It has a dual-band range extender. Likewise, this TP-Link model is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor. That being said, it has a maximum bandwidth of 1900 Mbps—likewise, 600 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz wireless band. However, with the 5GHz wireless band, the speed can reach 1300Mbps. 

It’s three external antennas are dual-band, and the device uses the beamforming technology. This ensures a highly focused and efficient WiFi connection. Aside from its easy installation, the device asks the user to change the default password. This will make sure no one will be able to connect without the user’s approval. 

Pros: Generous number of wired ports, easy installation, and configuration, good excellent throughput performance. 

Cons: Expensive, Doesn’t allow USB connection, Doesn’t offer parental control.

The Bottomline: The TP-Link RE580D offers a solid both WiFi and wired connectivity. 

TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender RE220

The TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender RE220 is another discreet device. However, this is the cheapest option on this list. But when it comes to being discreet, this one blends well with most home furnishings. 

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This device is also very easy to manage and install. Because it’s the cheapest option, you should never expect it to compete with its more pricey competitors. Also, this model is a dual-band plug-in extender. 

On the other hand, the device can reach data rates up to 300 Mbps with its 2.4GHz radio band. The 5GHz radio band can reach data rates up to 433 Mbps. Unfortunately, this device doesn’t support MU-MIMO streaming and even the direct-to-client signal beamforming. 

In addition, its three antennas can support up to 32 devices. 

Pros: Very affordable, Stylish, Installs easily, Solid 2.4GHz performance

Cons: Lan port is slow, Doesn’t support MU-MIMO and Beamforming, Average 5GHz Performance

The Bottomline: The TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender RE220 is the most affordable option. Hands down. However, its features and performance reflect its lower price.