They’re more expensive but do the work for you, constantly handing off the stronger signal to your phone. It can be a disappointing experience, in many cases, which is why, for better results, we recommend Wi-Fi mesh systems. One drawback of extenders is that most create a separate wireless network, so your device has to hop back and forth, and it doesn’t usually automatically sense which network offers the stronger signal. You also want something with multiuser, multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) support, which provides quicker communication between your device and your router.

There are a couple other features to look for too: You want dual-band frequency, which means the extender can transmit both 2.4 GHz, slower signals that travel farther, and 5 GHz, which offer faster speeds but a shorter range. When looking for the right extender for your system, you don’t necessarily have to stick to the same manufacturer as your router, but it is a safe play. Range extenders boost and retransmit your existing router’s signal, acting like a relay point to help get wireless service around common choke points in the home, such as thick walls and floors. Instead of buying a new router (or fighting for a different spot), you might want to consider a Wi-Fi range extender. It can be hard to stake out a quiet corner of the house to work, so when you do find one, it’s frustrating to also discover that it’s in a place your wireless signal doesn’t reach.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best Wi-Fi extenders as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.įunctional Wi-Fi has always been a necessity, but never as much as now, when many of us are working from home, often alongside roommates, family members, and kids streaming video games and TV shows. We’ve written before about wireless technology - like mesh Wi-Fi systems, signal boosters, and routers.

Wifi extenders signal booster