Plus, you can manage settings and firmware updates for both devices using the same interface on the Archer A7. In the past year or so, Wi-Fi manufacturers have been taking features from their mesh kits and applying them to Wi-Fi extenders. And because all the components of a mesh-network kit are designed to work together, they may be a bit better at juggling devices than a standalone router with an add-on extender. We also researched and considered over two dozen extenders from Amped Wireless, AmpliFi, Asus, D-Link, Edimax, Linksys, Netgear, Tenda, and Zyxel. But a mesh Wi-Fi kit or even our upgrade extender pick is a better choice if you want to maximize speeds. In considering models for this guide, we wanted each device to have the following: Once we came up with a preliminary list of all the pure Wi-Fi and mesh-capable extenders offered by major vendors in our three price categories, we narrowed them down by looking at Amazon customer reviews and previous professional reviews from sites such as CNET and SmallNetBuilder. After more than 30 hours of research and testing, we found that the inexpensive TP-Link RE220 will make your network noticeably more reliable in a small area. It’s already difficult to recommend investing in an extender when purpose-built mesh kits typically give you faster, farther-ranging connections and easier setup. If you’re already living in Google’s ecosystem, you won’t find a better Wi-Fi option. Browsing performance was also excellent with the Netgear EX7700 extender. It’s hard to beat the Eero’s expansive coverage and user-friendly app. This result shows that mesh isn’t a panacea in all situations, and for now, we recommend using the RE300 with OneMesh turned off.
All you have to do is enter the common network name (SSID) on your phone or device, and your phone or device will automatically connect to the extender or router and choose between the 2.4 and 5 GHz channels based on whichever connection is the most efficient as you roam around your home.
If you find that your internet speed is subpar everywhere in your home, it may be worth revamping your entire system. This budget-friendly device doesn’t skimp on features.
The TP-Link RE300 is more expensive, larger, and lacking an Ethernet port, but it performs slightly better than the RE220 in some situations. The whole Netgear Orbi RBK50V system claims to cover an impressive 4,500-square-foot area with one Orbi router and a satellite that also functions as a smart speaker with built-in Alexa. Jim Salter contributed to previous versions of this guide.
Like the RE220 and RE300, the RE505X can connect to other routers but will work in a OneMesh network with compatible TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 routers. The included adapter plugs directly into your modem or router. Check out the quick reviews below of our top five Wi-Fi extenders and mesh systems, or keep scrolling for helpful buying info and full reviews of these models and other high-ranking options. If you discover that the EX7700 and your existing router still can’t reach all parts of your home, it’s a less ideal option than an easily expandable mesh network from a manufacturer such as Synology or Eero. Even though most people think about making their Wi-Fi faster by increasing the throughput (or speed, generally measured in megabits per second, or Mbps), reducing latency is often more important. If the problem isn’t just with your router, you’ll need to boost those Wi-Fi signals with a range extender.