Best Wi-Fi Extenders

Based on 221 reviews
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$30 to $500
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TP-Link AX3000 Deco X50

TP-Link AX3000 Deco X50

4.7 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed2,402 Mbps
Chris GVictoria
 

This product completely resolved my dropouts and no longer having to reset my modem.The tech team were fantastic in resolving my Chromecast problems in such a short time frame. The best service experience I have had for a long time. Show details

TP-Link AC1300 Deco M5

TP-Link AC1300 Deco M5

4.2 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed867 Mbps
Paul49 posts
 

Flaws but when it works its great – Easy setup using the app. However a few warnings not mentioned anywhere. 1 Ensure devices are approx 5 yards / metres max apart. Dont stretch it!… Read more

Overlap for mesh coverage. 2 Avoid placing anywhere obstructed esp electronic devices of any kind. Heavy walls etc. 3. Use CAT 6 cable not less from nbn to moden wan port and from modem out to deco unit main device. Most nbn connections wont have cat 6 cables. Gobto computer store or online. Cheap. 4. Turn off wifi on modem (may need to connect with laptop using ip and admin login) and use deco only for all wifi to avoid conflicts. Deco is easier to manage anyway. 5.Wall mount near power clear of obstructions. 6. Dont turn off leds or fault diagnosis is impossible. 7. Check app speed test. It has a bug. You must set wifi speeds for isp plan in app to get results. Now here is issue. If actual speed is greater than test speed no result occurs. Set speed must exceed actual...My plan 100mbps returned speed of 270 and i had to find this by setting 300 initially.

Our two level house has four devices. Three left a gap and the app was unstable.

If device drops to red reposition near another to diagnose any fault. I returned one that would flash red colour constantly.. Common according to support posts !!!

Cost is approx avg $70 each. Note you can also connect laptop etc using ethernet cable if puck positioned in convenient place eg near desk.. Two ports per puck.

Our home internet speed went from 25 avg to 270 dload. Very stable speed too with cat 6. We have fttp that came with a slow cat 5 cable...nuts. This change boosted above plan speed. apparently its nbns way to not giving full speed to all users. Free upgrade in speed? Crazy

Manufacturer suggestion. This unit is very difficult to wall mount. Flat use is awkward and contrary to leds which then cant be seen. The warmth means quality adhesive fails and the lugs on base mean adhesive is difficult to place to allow wall contact. Poor design really. . Suggest a simple lock mount like the ubiquity access point be used.

TP-Link AX1800 Deco X20

TP-Link AX1800 Deco X20

4.0 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,201 Mbps
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PitpatTAS166 posts
  Verified

As non-portable 4g to wi-fi Hotspot it is functional and has good range. Though I am second guessing my choice – I would have gone with the TP-Link Archer MR600 had I been able to buy one locally for a reasonable price. This is due to the Deco X20 not having… Read more

many of the Router features such as VPN built in. I purchased this as a 4g modem/router for my shack as signal there is poor and I can't get a fixed line. I am using a Woolworths Mobile sim ($20 prepaid - not a data specific plan).

Things I like ------------- * Warranty: 3 Years * Signal: It picks up signal in a poor signal location (albeit the 3g rather than the poorer quality 4g in the area) * 3g/4g: Support for external 3g/4g aerials. I will at some point mount the aerial on the roof. * Frequencies: Support for all Australian frequencies including 4G: FDD-LTE B5 (850MHz) / B28 (700MHz). Many 4G modems do NOT support these bands! Without these bands the modem will not connect to significant portions of the Telstra network and others (Basically anything not near a big town or city). * Wifi coverage: I get excellent Wi-Fi coverage throughout my shack. Which switches seamlessly between 2ghz Wi-Fi and 5ghz Wi-Fi. * Connectivity: Multiple devices including Apple and Android devices share this network without issue. (Much better than when using my phone as a wifi hotspot) * Stability: So far it has been extremely stable. * Sim card: Nano sim - Takes a normal prepaid nano sim underneath (I am not using a specific data plan as it works out cheaper at the moment to use the cheapest phone+data plan with roll-over data) * Customer support: I have never had to use customer support but I have heard from friends that it is excellent.

Things I don't like ------------------- * No 5g: Lack of support for 5g is disappointing given the price but there was little else available. * Setup app: The app, while easy to use is somewhat dependant on an internet connection. There doesn't appear to be a web admin feature on this unit. * Future support: If TP-Link decide that they no longer support this product or no longer support my mobile phone then it becomes little more than a paperweight as access is via a web connected mobile app. * Product codes: TP-Link have lots of very different products with similar part codes. This leads to confusion. * Versions: Version numbers are also really confusing. On the TP-Link site each "Version" seems to come with its own set of features (such as compatibility with B28). It is unclear if the higher versions include the features of the predecessors or not. This is very troublesome as version number is not always included in online shopping! * SSH: No SSH access. It looks like it once had support but updates have removed the feature. * Pay-for-services: I am a little worried by the number of built in features that are subscription based. I have a horrible feeling that at some point I will be forced to pay for services that are currently available as part of the device!

TP-Link N300 TL-WR841N

TP-Link N300 TL-WR841N

4.5 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $35
  • Frequency BandSingle-Band (2.4GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed300 Mbps
KCA
 

Amazing Support Team – Cassiel was the most amazing helper she stayed calm, informative and patient with me as I learnt how to configure my router. She taught me a lot today and I appreciate her patience.

TP-Link AC1750 RE450

TP-Link AC1750 RE450

4.2 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,300 Mbps
BigdaddyoNSW21 posts
  Verified

Having tried other brands that failed to work i purchased this & was not disappointed. My son now has full strength internet in his room. The only… Read more

negative feedback would be the instructions, easy as they are to follow & easy to complete there was some confusion as to why it didn't initially work on my son's phone in his room, on the instruction sheet there are 3 steps to set it all up however after the third step there was still low signal in my son's bedroom, it wasn't until i reread the instruction sheet that i noticed way down at the bottom of the sheet that it says to connect to your regular home wifi with the "EXT" next to it, this should have been step 4.

TP-Link TL-WA850RE

TP-Link TL-WA850RE

4.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $49
  • Frequency BandSingle-Band (2.4GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed300 Mbps
annalizaNSW43 posts
 

Biggest piece of junk ever made – Terrible experience trying to set it up. I just ended up throwing it away . Biggest piece of junk ever made. It worked for a while, then stopped working , then would connect , then not connect etc. JUNK .

TP-Link
TP-Link    

We're genuinely sorry to hear about your experience. You… Read more

TP-Link AC750 RE200

TP-Link AC750 RE200

4.2 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed433 Mbps
Marty37 posts
  Verified

Strong Signal - Fast - Dual Band - Fair Price – The TP-Link AC750 Mesh Wi-Fi Range Extender is designed to extend the coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network, providing better connectivity in areas… Read more

with weak or no signal.

Features and Design: The AC750 Range Extender offers dual-band Wi-Fi support, operating on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. It features external antennas that help enhance signal strength and coverage. The device can be plugged directly into a power outlet, saving space and ensuring discreet placement.

Performance and Coverage: The main purpose of the AC750 Range Extender is to extend the coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network, particularly in areas with poor signal strength or dead zones. The extender typically performs well in this regard, offering a noticeable improvement in coverage. The dual-band capability allows for better distribution of devices, as you can connect devices that require higher bandwidth to the 5GHz band, while the 2.4GHz band can handle lighter tasks.

Easy Setup: TP-Link is known for its user-friendly setup processes, and the AC750 Range Extender is no exception. Most models offer a web-based setup wizard that guides you through the process of connecting to your existing Wi-Fi network and extending its coverage. Additionally, some models support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) for quick and secure connection.

Value for Money: The AC750 Mesh Wi-Fi Range Extender provides good value for its price, especially for those dealing with Wi-Fi dead zones or weak signals in certain areas of their homes or offices. It's a cost-effective solution to improve connectivity without the need for extensive network setup or expensive equipment.

Mesh Capability: Some models of the AC750 Range Extender support TP-Link's OneMesh technology, which allows the extender to work in conjunction with compatible TP-Link routers to create a mesh network. This technology can further enhance the coverage and overall performance of your Wi-Fi network.

Final Verdict: The TP-Link AC750 Mesh Wi-Fi Range Extender is a valuable tool for improving Wi-Fi coverage in your home or office. It offers reliable performance, easy setup, and the potential for mesh networking through TP-Link's OneMesh technology. While it might not be suitable for users with advanced networking needs or those seeking the highest speeds, it provides a cost-effective solution to extend the reach of your existing Wi-Fi network. If you're looking to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones and improve connectivity without breaking the bank, the AC750 Range Extender offers good value for your money.

TP-Link AC1200 Deco M4

TP-Link AC1200 Deco M4

4.0 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed867 Mbps
Pete DeeNSW11 posts
 

Pros: Looks good, decent coverage, good speeds, good stability Cons: Any changes you make in the router of mesh inevitably results in you having to… Read more

rebuild the network from scratch and change network for all of the devices connected, terrible connection for gaming (eg. widely known for not connecting / dropping out in EA games).

This is a basic, cheap mesh system and that's about what you can expect.

Personally, I wouldn't buy again. I'd opt for a better mesh system.

TP-Link AX1800 Deco X20-DSL

TP-Link AX1800 Deco X20-DSL

4.3 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,201 Mbps
Clint L.Queensland
 

This router works brilliantly for our FTTB/N NBN connection. I added a pair of Deco E4 units for mesh coverage of the upstairs, and I'm very happy.… Read more

Customer service from TP-Link has also been fantastic, with quick email responses and excellent advice. I'd recommend these and TP-Link to anyone.

TP-Link AC750 Archer C20

TP-Link AC750 Archer C20

5.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $59
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed433 Mbps
HanNSW
  Fair Incentive

Leyla Thank You for Your Help with the Router – Dear Leyla, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your assistance in resetting the login password for my router. Thanks to… Read more

your help, I was able to successfully access the TP-Link backend page without any issues.

Your prompt support and clear guidance made what could have been a complicated process much easier. I truly appreciate the time and effort you took to help me out.

Thank you once again for your support.

Best regards, Han

Feel free to personalize it further if needed!

  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,300 Mbps
Con
 

Struggled initially but with help of supplier and Daria from Mercusys support got the AC1900 working great, used hardwire ethernet between the 3 units and I have wifi 80 meters down the drive. Thanks Con

TP-Link AC1200 RE305

TP-Link AC1200 RE305

4.0 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed867 Mbps
Mehak
 

Whilst the operator assisted well with my query, I recommend Jazlyn to work on her speaking and listening technique.

TP-Link AX3600 Deco X68

TP-Link AX3600 Deco X68

3.3 
Summary
  • Frequency BandTri-Band (2.4GHz, 2 x 5GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,802 Mbps
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Adam NVIC
 

Great Wi-Fi, however Parental Controls Can Be Bypassed (No MAC Whitelisting) I bought the TP-Link Deco X68 to keep my teenager’s internet use in… Read more

check with its parental control features. While the mesh Wi-Fi coverage and speeds are good, there is a critical flaw: my children can bypass the parental controls.

The Deco X68 lacks a “whitelist” or allow-list feature for devices. The parental controls identify a device by its MAC address (unique hardware ID). Modern phones/tablets can use randomized MAC addresses (a privacy setting enabled by default on newer iPhones & Androids). My son simply enabled this on his school computer. Each time he connects with a new random MAC, the Deco thinks it’s a new device – meaning no bedtime limits, no filters apply because it doesn’t recognize it. Essentially, a tech-savvy kid can dodge all restrictions just by toggling a setting.

I was frustrated to find this oversight. Competing routers or even cheaper TP-Link models have had MAC whitelist/approved device lists or at least better handling for this critical control. BTW we use Pinwheel on his phone which works a treat!

The Deco X68’s firmware (v1.2.5 at time of writing) doesn’t offer any “allow only known devices” option to prevent unknown devices from connecting. TP-Link’s support forums are full of parents like me complaining about this. The company has said a firmware update to add a whitelist mode is “planned”, but we’ve been waiting a long time with no update yet. In the meantime, the advertised parental controls are practically useless if your kids know this simple trick. I had to manually block each new “device” my son’s school computer appeared as, which is not a sustainable solution.

Also note: the more advanced parental controls (like time limits per app, detailed filters) require a paid HomeShield Pro subscription. I wouldn’t mind that if the basics worked. But paying extra for “advanced” controls is moot when the basic control can be nullified by a simple MAC change.

Pros: Excellent Wi-Fi coverage and performance (tri-band mesh covers my whole home). Easy setup and sleek app interface.

Cons: Parental controls have a major loophole – no device whitelist, so kids can bypass limits via random MAC addresses. Some expected features missing (can’t schedule Wi-Fi on/off times; some security/parental features locked behind subscription). TP-Link while acknowledging the issue are very slow to release firmware fixes and have acknowledged there is no know timeline for when the firmware will be updated.

Verdict: If you need robust parental controls, I cannot recommend the Deco X68 in its current state. It’s a great mesh system for Wi-Fi performance, but for family usage the lack of a whitelist feature is a deal-breaker. I’m disappointed that I have to consider alternate solutions as I can't wait indefinitely for TP-Link to update the firmware.

Buyers with kids, be aware: as of now, clever teens can get around the Deco X68’s parental rules with minimal effort. I wish the sore people who sold me the X68 had explained this to me rather than just sell me what they had on their shelves. Hence I am writing this review to try and make sure others don't make the same mistake as I did. This is a real issue for parents and kids alike and we need all the help we can get!

TP-Link AC1200 Archer C54

TP-Link AC1200 Archer C54

3.7 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $69
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed867 Mbps
TrevorNSW48 posts
 

Poor quality control – My existing router was supposed to be faulty and so I bought this TP Link unit. I needed lengthy assistance to configure the router as the… Read more

instructions provided were not working. Then I tried to attach a wifi extender to assist monitor a solar inverter which was about 20 metres from the router. After days of going through the connection instructions, I conceeded and phoned the extender company for help. Again hours and days of trying failed. Finally I phoned the TP Link support who eventually said the recently purchased Archer C54 unit, was faulty and they will authorise a replacement to be collected by me. I am not young and have wasted probably 5 days trying every way to get a poor quality item to work. Fingers crossed when I try the replacement unit.

Trevor
Trevor   

UPDATE AUGUST 1, 2024. My router issues were identified by Exetel, the company providing my… Read more

TP-Link AX1800 RE605X

TP-Link AX1800 RE605X

5.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $199
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,201 Mbps
HankQLD
 

Took a while to solve hooking up TP-Link AX1800 RE605X to modem and I'm not real Tech savvy.Took device into back yard to check distance today for… Read more

what I bought it for but made no difference Going to try another place to put link Not happy about how hard it was to set up from the sale person to getting it online.Cheers

TP-Link AX3000 Deco X60

TP-Link AX3000 Deco X60

5.0 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed2,402 Mbps
Michael
 

Great customer service – Was great in helping me get a faulty cable.replacement.very satisfied. Show details

  • Price (RRP) $89.95
  • Frequency BandSingle-Band (2.4GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed300 Mbps
devineVIC2 posts
 

Drops out about 3 times a day – Drops out constantly and needs to be reset about 3 times a day. Very unreliable. Our main internet is stable, but for some reason this just… Read more

constantly drops out. We're using it in the LAN mode with a cable plugged directly into it. I have set it to LAN in the firmware.

TP-Link AC2600 RE650

TP-Link AC2600 RE650

2.8 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $269
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,733 Mbps
Craig Elphick3 posts
 

Wouldn't even give it 1 star would be 0 if possible. Sort of worked first use but since then just doesn't work. Barely 8m from router and while shows… Read more

on external TV bought for keeps showing no actual internet. Biggest waste of money ever. Little to no support. Absolute rubbish and going in the bin.

TP-Link AX1500 RE505X

TP-Link AX1500 RE505X

4.4 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,200 Mbps
Clinton W.WA2 posts
 

Maybe better installation instructions – First of all I would say I had a great deal of difficulty setting up the device. However I received EXCELLENT telephone support from Daria Hong. The… Read more

setting up is most probably easy if you have done it before, which I hadn't, so greatly appreciated the timely, patient and understanding support from the above. Now the product is installed and working fantastically. Thank you Daria for showing me how good this product is.

Netgear Orbi WiFi Satellite Series

Netgear Orbi WiFi Satellite Series

2.8 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $149.99 to $499
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz) and Tri-Band (2.4GHz, 2 x 5GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed866 Mbps, 1,200 Mbps, 2,400 Mbps and 5,400 Mbps
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JPedersenQLD6 posts
  Verified

Thinking of Netgear Orbi? Forget it – I bought this mesh system including a router and two satellites for my home last year from Device Deal. I followed the setup guide to the letter but… Read more

it immediately failed to recognise one of the satellites. Netgear support finally got it connected, but the connection would go down randomly from then on. This year it got worse, failing daily, sometimes all units, sometimes requiring several reboots every day. Netgear eventually agreed to let me return the device for a refund. That was months ago, I returned the device and they confirmed they had received the goods but, despite many calls for a progress update on the refund, I got nothing, no callbacks, no progress updates. It has been a very poor customer experience. It's been a months-long ordeal of almost daily calls to Netgear support who say I'll need to wait 24-48 hours for a response which never comes!! Request a call-back, no call-back. Too frustrating. I replaced the mesh system with a Google Nest Pro and am so happy I did. Less than half the price of the Netgear system, better signal strength, and it hasn't failed once in over two months. It's fast, stable, and a dream in comparison. If you're thinking of buying a Netgear mesh system, think again. In my experience, it is definitely not worth it.

TP-Link AC750 RE205

TP-Link AC750 RE205

3.7 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $99
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed433 Mbps
Vinay
 

My experience with Cassiel – Great help and perfect customer service from Cassiel! Fully satisfied with her service!

Netgear Powerline Series

Netgear Powerline Series

3.5 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $127 to $219
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,000 Mbps and 2,000 Mbps
CaseyVIC6 posts
  Fair Incentive Verified

Super easy to use – Extremely easy setup and good connection. Only issue is it is quite wide and you can't put anything into the PowerPoint beside it. I had to purchase extensions to have both power points be usable. Show details

  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed2,402 Mbps
Nick_SNSW29 posts
 

Outstanding WiFi Access Point – We've been using TP-Link products exclusively for all our WiFi needs. This is another TP-Link product that impresses at all levels. Great price,… Read more

great performance, nice design and very reliable. I am routinely getting 1.2 Gb/s WiFi speeds around my place on the 5Ghz band. Signal strength is also exceptional. We have around 14 devices that connect to WiFi and they all work flawlessly. This access point has improved my overall Internet speed and browsing experience substantially, compared to the VR600 V3 modem router and EAP225 access point we used previously. We are still using the VR600 V3 modem/router for AB 100/40 internet, but have decided to replace the EAP225 mainly for home-based gaming reasons. However, that EAP225 is also an unbelievable bargain with great performance.

What is truly amazing with all of the above mentioned TP-Link products is that we have never ever experienced a dropout... we never really had to restart any of these devices because they failed to work. The EAP660 HD is, paired with a VR600 V3 modem router, simply put... an end game for my household for a foreseeable future.

TP-Link AX7800 Deco X95

TP-Link AX7800 Deco X95

5.0 
Summary
  • Frequency BandTri-Band (2.4GHz, 2 x 5GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed7,800 Mbps
Stephen SVIC11 posts
  Verified

Finally, stunning LAN/Wi-Fi Mesh Router Pair for WAN connection to nbn – Since nbn arrived in 2019, my previous AC5300 ADSL2+ modem router has struggled with releasing the IP address (probably due to being downstream of… Read more

nbn’s own FTTC modem device). It also struggled with Wi-Fi through solid brick walls in a long house with a passage. The new TP-Link Deco X95 mesh Wi-Fi/LAN routers (2-pack) are easy to install with the Deco App - once you realise that the nbn FTTC modem on the wall must first be rebooted! The X95s are at each end of the house connected by an existing underfloor Ethernet cable from a previous LAN pre-Wi-Fi - for maximum backhaul performance. The App covers all actions an owner would require to customise the network - such as client IP reservation and assigning fixed Wi-Fi clients to closest X95 router to maximise signal strength. The App indicates in real-time how a mobile client is transferred to the closest X95 router. 12 clients: 6 wired + 6 Wi-Fi. Online support is excellent in confirming how best to configure a particular topographic situation. Well done TP-Link!

Tenda MW12

Tenda MW12

5.0 
Summary
  • Frequency BandTri-Band (2.4GHz, 2 x 5GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed867 Mbps
rupottyNSW72 posts
 

Amazingly simple setup fantastic performance – These mesh boxes are amazingly easy to set up and provide fantastic speed/coverage. Plugged first box in to mains and internet modem (NBN box) then… Read more

downloaded app, connected to WiFi from Tenda Nova box and boom set up! Plugged the 2nd box into mains scanned the QR code on bottom of the box and boom connected! Amazing simple setup and fantastic performance 100mbs at modem and 100mbs around the house including upstairs where 2nd box is..

TP-Link N300 TL-WR841HP

TP-Link N300 TL-WR841HP

5.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $59
  • Frequency BandSingle-Band (2.4GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed300 Mbps
Kanu GargVIC6 posts
  Verified

Worth Buying ,Working Perfectly !!! – I attached this modem to the one I have to get more speed and this is working totally fine, Speed is good and information given is very basic and easy to connect and its not that costly as well. Show details

NetComm NF18MESH

NetComm NF18MESH

1.4 
Summary
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed1,000 Mbps
XgeodadNSW
 

Performs poorly on WiFi 5, only 35mbps download possible even when standing next to it. Wifi 4 better at 60mbps, suitable for WiFi 6 devices and ethernet connections. Show details

TP-Link AC1200 RE300

TP-Link AC1200 RE300

2.6 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $99
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed867 Mbps
Philip B.
 

Not easy to set up, but it works well when you finally get it connected to your devices – The Wi-Fi Extender is working well. It took some time to figure out the connection between my home network and the extender, and I got some help from the TP-Link technical support. Show details

WAVLINK WiFi Range Extender AC1200

WAVLINK WiFi Range Extender AC1200

1.5 
Summary
John C.NSW11 posts
 

My first one lasted till the first rain and burnt out, on investigation full of water. The supplier sent me a new one and I found that the new one… Read more

had Oring seals around the antennas which the first one didn't. Also the second one didn't have a split seal to install the cat 6 so I had to cut one. I also covered the second one with silicon. Whilst the unit worked well for the first 2 weeks. This company obviously has quality control issues so buyer beware

TP-Link AC750 TL-WR902AC

TP-Link AC750 TL-WR902AC

2.4 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $44
  • Frequency BandDual-Band (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz)
  • Maximum Wireless Speed433 Mbps
Bill S.VIC11 posts
  Verified

Slow speed down – Using as a wifi extender drops speed by more than 60%, my speed is 53mbps and drops to 12mbps Show details

TP-Link
TP-Link    

Sorry to hear of your Wifi issues. Our team is committed… Read more

How do Wi-Fi extenders work?

Someone plugging a Wi-Fi extender into a mains outlet against an orange wall.

A Wi-Fi extender (also called a Wi-Fi booster, Wi-Fi repeater or a wireless range extender) rebroadcasts and amplifies the existing Wi-Fi signal from your wireless router, acting as a bridge to improve the Wi-Fi coverage area. It rebroadcasts this signal on a different wireless channel to the one that your wireless router uses.

However, Wi-Fi extenders will only extend the strength of the Wi-Fi signal at the point at which they’re placed. This means that if you place an extender at the edge of a Wi-Fi network, it will only boost that signal strength - that might just be one bar. That’s why placement of a Wi-Fi extender is important.

Do I need a Wi-Fi extender?

While Wi-Fi extenders can be useful in certain situations, they’re not always the be-all and end-all solution to slow internet speeds. They’re great as a spot fix when you have a specific dead zone that you want to provide coverage to, but won’t be that useful if you want to boost the signal around the whole periphery of your original network.

The range of your network signal isn’t the only thing that could be causing slow internet. Before shopping for a Wi-Fi extender, you should check the placement of your router as well as your router itself - if you’ve been using the same one for the last 4 or 5 years, you might need a new one.

Although more expensive, in some cases, a mesh router system that uses multiple devices to get strong signals to all corners of your house is the most suitable option. This can deliver a consistently high network speed to different parts of your home.

Pros
Inexpensive way to expand your Wi-Fi network (compared to upgrading your internet plan or investing in a mesh router system).
Don’t take up much room.
Can substantially increase your network’s range, even allowing you to get coverage in a backyard if positioned in the right place.
Cons
Many extenders broadcast on a new Wi-Fi network, which means you’ll need to connect to a different network in one part of your house and a different network in another part.
While it can increase the network range, it will have less bandwidth than the router; this means slower speeds.

What to look for in a Wi-Fi extender

Wi-Fi standard

You should get a range extender that supports the Wi-Fi standard of your router: this is usually written somewhere on the device. The latest standard is 802.11ax (also known as Wi-Fi 6); if you have a relatively new router, then it should have this standard.

Earlier standards include 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11a, and 802.11b.

Range

The amount of area a Wi-Fi extender can cover (generally measured in square feet or square metres) is important in figuring out whether it will be able to boost your original network signal to the area you want it to.

An advertised range for Wi-Fi signal booster can differ from real-world use; reading user reviews can help you figure out whether an extender actually delivers when it comes to great speeds at the marketed range.

Features

Internet boosters can have features that make them easier to use and control.

  • Signal strength indicators: These, along with companion mobile apps, can recommend ideal placement points for your extender as you move around your home holding your smartphone. Sometimes these come in the form of lights on the device itself to indicate the strength of the signal in the position it’s in.
  • Mobile app: A companion mobile app can sometimes offer a selection of advanced features. For example, you might be able to choose exactly who can connect, or schedule your connection to shut off at certain times (if, say, you want to make sure children aren’t online in the middle of the night).
  • Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS): This allows you to link the device to your router with a push of a button, making it simpler to set up.
  • High Speed Mode: This lets you to combine the bandwidth of both dual band channels so that you can get faster internet speeds.

Connectivity

If you want to plug in wired devices to your range extender, then you should know what kind of ports it has, and how many. For example, a Gigabit Ethernet port can help you connect wired devices such as gaming consoles or smart TVs. Some people prefer that their extenders have a USB port as well.

Design

Some internet extenders plug directly into a mains socket, while others have a larger desktop design that you’ll need to find some surface space for.

For both types of extenders, check whether the dimensions of the device are suitable for where you want to place them. The bulkiness of some extenders that plug directly into a mains socket means that they block adjacent outlets, so make sure that this won’t be an issue for you before you buy.

Price

Wi-fi extenders can cost anywhere from $25 to as much as $400 or $500, but most decent models start at $120.

Where is the best place to put a Wi-Fi extender?

Placement of a Wi-Fi extender can be tricky, as placing it too far from your router will mean it’ll just rebroadcast a weak signal, but placing it too close to your router can render your extender almost useless.

A good place to put a Wi-Fi range extender is about halfway between your router and the devices that aren’t receiving the signal strength that you want. The placement should still be where the extender gets full signal, or as many bars as possible.