With the continuous improvements in wireless technology, you may often find yourself looking for a wireless router to connect to the Internet. This may be a simple process, but what about when your WIFI coverage leaves a lot to be desired? While we have some great long-range routers available, at times a single router may still not be enough. If you want to avoid a bitter disappointment, adding a good Wi-Fi range extender is cost-effective than replacing your entire router.
So what are WIFI Extenders?
Wi-Fi extenders, wireless repeaters or signal boosters help to significantly improve your WIFI signal strength in a matter of minutes and extend your WIFI network almost anywhere you want. They come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges.
When you think of a reliable wireless extender, Netgear is one of the first brands that come to mind. The brand has turned itself into a household name in the networking world, providing the kind of technology you are really looking for to extend your Wi-Fi connection.
The Netgear WIFI extenders connect to your existing wireless setup and help to expand its reach far beyond where your existing router can beam out Internet connections. Whether in the offices, larger houses or just about anywhere you want the Internet to reach you, Netgear WIFI extenders can scan multiple frequencies and channels. Depending on the model, it can tap into Ethernet networks as a method of providing more access to WIFI enabled devices in remote devices. With that said, I have put together some of the best Netgear WIFI extenders for you to choose from.
1. Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700
Pros
- Small design
- Great performance for lag-free gaming or 4K streaming
- Easy to use
Cons
- Pricey
Design and Features
Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 brings the convenience and power of a Wi-Fi mesh system to your home. It extends the coverage area of your Wi-Fi network as well as creates a seamless Wi-Fi network throughout your home or office, without the need to change networks while moving around. Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 features 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, Mesh connectivity and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS). The combination of these powerful hardware enable you to play games, stream 4K content and connect different kinds of devices to your Wi-Fi network without a hitch. Similarly, the included two Ethernet ports are perfect for bringing your network to wired devices.
2. Netgear AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender (EX6150)
Pros
- Fast speeds throughout your house
- Quick and easy installation
- Compact design
Cons
- Pricey
- Only one Ethernet port
Design and Features
Netgear has put its extensive knowledge to impressive use with this remarkable AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6150. It features 802.11ac, Extender/Access Point mode switch, one Ethernet port, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS), a power button and works with 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. Netgear AC1200 Extender (EX6150) is a simple device that you can subtly plug into any electrical outlet and is super easy to setup without any annoying installation software. This router works with a variety of wired and wireless devices, and are compatible with media servers, so you can easily access that content.
Just follow the reader-friendly installation guide and you will have dependable and fast Wi-Fi network covering your entire office or home. Considering all these amazing features, it is no wonder that this WIFI extender makes our list of the best Netgear Wi-Fi extenders.
3. The Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 WiFi Range Extender (EX7300)
Pro
- Solid throughput in testing
- Supports Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) streaming
- Easy to install
Cons
- Bulky
- No pass-through outlet
Design and Features
With the EX7300 wifi range entender, Netgear joins other brands to bring Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology to a plug-in WIFI range extender. The Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 is one of the best plug-in extenders we have tested. It is super easy to setup and manage, but slightly bigger than the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender and the TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender. However, it does not use external antennas like the TP-Link. Rather, it features an internal antenna array its slightly tapered chassis together with multiple high-power amplifiers. Netgear EX7300 delivers top scores and excellent range performance. It features an On/Off button, an extender/Access Point switch, a WPS button, an Ethernet port and a Reset button.
4. Netgear Dual Band AC1200 WiFi Range Extender (EX6200)
Pros
- Assortment of ports
- Excellent performance
- Good range
- Vertical or Horizontal orientation
Cons
- Big and bulky
Design and Features
The Netgear AC1200 Dual Band WIFI extender is a budget-friendly choice for large homes. At 9.7 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches, the desktop design is somewhat unusual for a group dominated by small plug-in devices. But it is one of the best we have seen in Wi-Fi extenders delivering superb speeds as far as 85 feet. Netgear EX6200 AC1200 WiFi Range Extender boasts of different ports with connections for USB 3.0 and 5 Gigabit Ethernet, which makes it easy to connect printers and other devices even when you are at a distant from your WIFI router. Although it lacks some features, such as a dedicated backhaul channel for data, this WIFI extender balances that omission with an impressive pricing. Overall, you will get outstanding performance, flexible setup, the best range, and you can position the extender vertically or horizontally.
5. Netgear Nighthawk X6S Tri-band WiFi Extender (EX8000)
Pros
- Software is easy to set up
- Excellent assortment of ports
Cons
- Big and Expensive
Design and features
The Netgear Nighthawk X6S has emerged as another best Wi-Fi extender we have tested, with a massive range and faster data speeds. It uses a desktop design that is bigger than the average plug-in signal extender, but the size allows it to pack six non-removable antennas and beefier hardware that provides tri-band coverage up to 168 feet. It features 4 gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and a WIFI specification of AC3000 802.11ac tri-band. The Nighthawk X6S also has some tricks that other WIFI extenders might not contest, such as the ability to connect it with any standard router to make an actual mesh network, providing you with more flawless coverage all over your office or home. It also allows for the inclusion of extra units to expand the mesh network everywhere. This WIFI extender is huge and expensive, but it worth the money.
6. Netgear Nighthawk X6 Range Extender (EX7700)
Pros
- Rock-solid speedy connections
Cons
- Pricey
Design and features
If you have an impressive WIFI router, but you need a more reliable and faster Wi-Fi in a location bigger than just a single room, then the Netgear Nighthawk X6 range extender comes handly. With it, you can boost your Wi-Fi’s reliability and speed in a larger area of your home, without having to replace your cable gateway or present router. Contrary to the basic extenders that replicate your Wi-Fi signal on another network name usually trading speed for consistency, the Netgear EX7700 functions like a mesh-networking kit. It improves both speed and reliability in dead zones, expands your current network using the same name, and covers a larger location more than the standard extenders.
7. Netgear Orbi
Pros
- Covers the entire home
- Speedy performance
- Attractive aesthetics
Cons
- Older designs complicate things
- Pricey
Design and features
Netgear’s Orbi is one of the versatile and most powerful mesh Wi-Fi systems available in the market. It is designed to bring fast performance to every nooks and cranny of even a large office or home, all thanks to its smart tri-band Wi-Fi design. This WIFI range extender can offer about 5,000 square feet of reliable and solid Wi-Fi coverage. It can deliver maximum WIFI speeds regardless of where your device(s) is connected to. Netgear’s Orbi features four Gigabit Ethernet ports to easily hardwire in a game console, smart TV or PC as well as a USB port to connect storage drive or printers.
Buyer's Guide
A good Wi-Fi extender is not just about extending raw coverage. It should also help to boost connection speeds in any area of your house or office that may get Wi-Fi signal. All the Netgear Wi-Fi extenders we reviewed are evaluated based on a combination of in-depth tests, research and hands-on usage in real homes. The combination of real-world use and controlled lab-condition testing provides a clear picture of how well the devices perform. Before deciding on an extender, make sure you keep the range and the size of the location in mind. The larger the location, the larger the WIFI extender you will need.
If you have a modern router and you are just looking to boost the signal in a large room, you can opt for an inexpensive extender like the Netgear Range Extender EX7300. If it is critical to ensure the fastest speed possible in every corner of your house or your office, you will want to make sure you get a dual- or tri-band extender to complement the capabilities of your router. A good decision is to invest on a mesh WIFI system like the Netgear Orbi, or Eero Pro to get the job done.
Each of the Netgear WIFI Extenders comes with standard features. They include instructions on how to setup the extender plus how to connect to other Netgear devices to stretch the range of the WIFI signal. They usually feature a browser-based interface, so they are reasonably operating system independent.
Other things to consider when choosing the best Netgear WIFI extender
- Network Wiring: Most businesses have Ethernet wire run through their company. In such a situation, an extender that features Ethernet connections would be optimal to allow the extended network tap straight into the wired network.
- Building materials: The composition of your building can affect the WIFI signals. Locations with big open spaces can carry the radio signals farther than an area with more steel frames or partitions featuring a lot of metal pipes or other wiring.
- Match Wi-Fi Standards: The wireless standard your router uses will definitely influence how helpful your extender is. So when choosing an extender, it is essential you opt for the one that matches the specifications of your router. If you have an AC3000 tri-band router, get an AC3000 tri-band WIFI extender or something better. Otherwise, there may be a bottleneck in your Wi-Fi coverage, thereby slowing down your streaming and browsing.
- Desktop or Plug-In: Aside from the small plug-in models (use in most WIFI extenders) that connect directly to a wall outlet, some of the best WIFI extenders use larger designs that sit on a shelf or desk (more like a typical router). While the Plug-in designs are often less expensive and easier to install, the larger designs allow for better internal hardware and better antenna placement. In addition to external adjustable antennas, they are generally equipped with multiple LAN ports for connecting to devices like gaming consoles and TVs, and USB ports for connecting to peripherals such as printers and storage drives. Because of their size, plug-in extenders usually lack USB connectivity but have a single LAN port and, which make them less versatile. If you cannot afford to give up a wall outlet, you can look for either a plug-in design that offers a pass-through outlet or a desktop WIFI extender.
- Simple Setup: All the Netgear WIFI extenders we tested are simple to install. They support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which makes pairing them with matching router as simple as pressing a couple of buttons, naming your new range extended network, and creating a network password.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi remains an essential part of daily life and many people rely on a stable connection and fast speeds. If you live in a large home with dead zones or weak spots in your WIFI coverage, then you definitely need one of the best Netgear Wi-Fi extenders. The benefits of adding one to your network are clear for anybody who wants to take some of the loads off their router to get the best possible coverage.
