The Best Budget WiFi Extenders
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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A WiFi extender (sometimes called a WiFi booster) can increase a WiFi signal in “dead zones.” However, there are many free ways to boost a WiFi signal that can be just as effective. For example:
- Placing a router in a different location;
- Switching WiFi channels;
- Using a DIY a ‘Windsurfer’ WiFi antenna; and
- Updating a router’s firmware.
Ideally, a WiFi extender should be paired with a router that is made by the same company. This reduces the risk of chipset- and software-incompatibility issues and increases the odds of success.
Gamers, Think Twice About a WiFi Extender
WiFi extenders cause latency because they act in competition with the primary wireless network. Gamers may want to consider a high-speed mesh WiFi system (aka a whole-house WiFi system) instead.
How Much Does a Good WiFi Extender Cost?
A good Wireless-N extender (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $25, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same wireless repeaters cost around $10 while on sale: an average discount of 60%. Repeaters that support Wireless-AC (aka, Wi-Fi 5) cost approximately twice as much. Here are the best budget WiFi extenders for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find WiFi extenders with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any repeater with a price above the mid-point.
To find wireless repeaters with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Models with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 10% of the analyzed products remain.
Rockspace AC750 Dual-Band WiFi Repeater
Good Value: $36 | Great Deal: $28
Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Band: 2.4 GHz; 5 GHz
Ethernet Port: Yes
WPS Support: Yes
Rockspace’s budget WiFi extender is a reliable way to stream movies and conduct video calls throughout (and outside of) the house, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that this unit sacrifices speed for range; others say that the WPS setup method didn’t work. A few customers complain of dropouts.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Amazon Prime Day.
TP-Link N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender (TL-WA850RE)
Good Value: $18 | Great Deal: $14
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Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Band: 2.4 GHz
Ethernet Port: Yes
WPS Support: Yes
TP-Link’s WiFi booster is plug-and-play and it significantly increases wireless range (albeit, at around a 50% reduction in speed), according to several online customers. Reviewers who didn’t have luck with the “push button” installation say this extender was difficult to set up; others say that it isn’t suitable for streaming video.
NETGEAR N300 Wall Plug Version Wi-Fi Range Extender (WN3000RP)
Good Value: $42 | Great Deal: $9
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Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Band: 2.4 GHz
Ethernet Port: Yes
WPS Support: Yes
This wireless repeater successfully extends the range of a WiFi signal, but at slower speeds, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this unit has poor instructions and a cumbersome setup process that requires an ethernet cable; others say that it drops connections and needs occasional reboots.
Rockspace AC1200 Dual-Band WiFi Repeater
Good Value: $44 | Great Deal: $37
Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Band: 2.4 GHz; 5 GHz
Ethernet Port: Yes
WPS Support: Yes
This wireless repeater is an effective way to boost WiFi speeds in a smaller home, according to several online customers. Some reviewers caution that this unit doesn’t broadcast through plaster/lathe walls; others wish that this repeater had a further range. Many customers say setup is easy, but the instructions aren’t clear.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Amazon Prime Day.
TP-Link (TL-WA855RE) N300 WiFi Extender
Good Value: $18 | Great Deal: $8
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Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Band: 2.4 GHz
Ethernet Port: Yes
WPS Support: Yes
This wireless extender is acceptable for e-mail and web browsing, but hit-or-miss for video streaming, according to several online customers. Some reviewers (even happy ones) had a hard time setting up this extender. Unhappy customers say this extender frequently disconnects from their router.
NETGEAR (EX2700) WiFi Range Extender N300
Good Value: $21 | Great Deal: $8
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Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Band: 2.4 GHz
Ethernet Port: Yes
WPS Support: Yes
Netgear’s WiFi extender is easy to pair with a router, but finding the right place to put the extender can be tricky, according to several online customers. Some reviewers were disappointed that the extender doesn’t relay 5 GHz WiFi. Most customers say this extender is not ideal for streaming music and video.
About the Author: John DeFeo was formerly the head of editorial insights for brands such as Tom’s Hardware, Anandtech, Laptop Mag and Tom’s Guide.
