There are currently 13 different WiFi extenders in our review, all of which simply plug into an electrical outlet and set up using a mobile app or web-based wizard.
Test each model’s functionality using a professional wireless performance software suite. This software measures the extender’s throughput directly from a nearby computer. This provides more accurate data than relying on web-based services such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com. This is because the data is sent directly between the extender and your computer instead of over the Internet, which can cause delays. After three “runs,” the measurements are averaged to yield a final throughput score.
In our lab, we place the extender we test in a room down the hall and around the corner from the laptop we use for testing. This is done to simulate a typical home environment with a router in one room and an extender in another. Next, vary the distance between your laptop and the extender (8-20, 35-55 feet) and measure the effectiveness of the extender at different distances.
In reality, you need to strike a balance when setting up your extender. The further away you place it from your router, the greater the risk of losing signal speed. However, if you’re too close to your router, it may not be able to send the signal to where you want it to go. In the instructions that come with the extender, the manufacturer recommends placing the unit about halfway between your router and the area you want to reach.
So, to answer the question of whether you should buy a WiFi extender, here’s what you should think about.
If your goal is simply to have WiFi in one dead zone in your home, a place where you browse the web or check email, our testing shows that an extender costs about $50 It turns out that you need to be prepared to spend . You’ll have to pay more for extra features like built-in Ethernet and USB ports, but the performance will be about the same.
At this point, extenders under $30 don’t do very well in our tests.
For example, the TP-Link RE220, which retails for about $20 (I’ve seen it on Amazon for as low as $17), or the Netgear EX6120, which costs $36, certainly sounds appealing. However, according to our tests, its performance is very poor, giving it poor marks for speed (even over short distances) and versatility. Therefore, you should either limit your expectations or buy at a retailer with a generous return policy.
If you want to perform more demanding tasks, such as streaming 4K video or playing online games that require low latency, you should consider a mesh network. These range in price from $100 to $1,000, but two or three units can be used together for a more robust solution that provides high-speed WiFi throughout the home, not just one room. Offers. In fact, given that the price of mesh routers has come down quite a bit since this technology was first introduced, you can now find them from well-known brands like Google and TP-Link for well under $150. You can find models that are capable of
For more guidance, Consumer Reports members can check out our complete review of WiFi extenders and routers and read our article on the best low-cost mesh routers.
