Another more complex solution would be to invest in a mesh router system. These are specialized routers that are typically sold in packs of two or three and work together to spread WiFi more evenly around your home. But unlike with extenders, there’s not nearly the speed hit. Of course, a mesh router system costs more than an extender, but depending on your budget, it may be a better overall solution.
The extender market has shifted in recent years. Models that once cost well under $50 are now harder to find, with many extenders (including almost all of the top-performing models in our ratings) priced closer to $100. At that point, a WiFi extender goes from being an impulse purchase—if it works, great; if not, I’m only out $20—to something you want to research more thoroughly.
Most extenders today support WiFi 6. WiFi 7 extenders have recently started to appear, though you’ll need a WiFi 7 router to take full advantage of them.
But if a mesh system isn’t in the cards, an extender can still do the trick. The challenge is finding a good one. Search for “WiFi extender” on Amazon or Best Buy, and you’ll see what we mean.
So we’ve done the hard work for you. Read on to learn about the best (and worst) WiFi extenders available today.
