The Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Large Homes and Apartments

If you have a large home or apartment, you may struggle with weak or spotty Wi-Fi signals in some areas. A Wi-Fi extender can help you boost your wireless coverage and performance without buying a new router or upgrading your internet service. But which Wi-Fi extender should you choose? Here are some of the best options available in 2023, based on our research and testing.

TP-Link RE605X: Best overall

The TP-Link RE605X is our top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender of 2023. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and more efficient use of bandwidth than Wi-Fi 5. It also has a dual-band AX1800 design, which means it can deliver up to 1.8 Gbps of combined throughput on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Plus, it has adjustable antennas, a gigabit Ethernet port, and a user-friendly app that lets you set up and manage your network with ease.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi 6 compatible
• Fast and reliable performance
• Easy to install and configure
• Ethernet port for wired devices

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other extenders
• Bulky design may block adjacent outlets

TP-Link AC1750: Best Wi-Fi 5 extender overall

If you don’t need Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, the TP-Link AC1750 is a great alternative that still offers excellent performance and features. It has a dual-band AC1750 design, which means it can deliver up to 1.75 Gbps of combined throughput on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It also has three external antennas, a gigabit Ethernet port, and an intelligent signal indicator that helps you find the best location for optimal coverage. Plus, it works with any standard router or access point, and it supports seamless roaming with TP-Link OneMesh devices.

Pros:

• Affordable and versatile
• Strong and stable signal
• Ethernet port for wired devices
• Seamless roaming with OneMesh

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi 6 support
• Large footprint may block adjacent outlets

TP-Link AX1750: Best budget Wi-Fi 6 extender

If you want to enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank, the TP-Link AX1750 is a good choice. It has a dual-band AX1750 design, which means it can deliver up to 1.75 Gbps of combined throughput on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It also has two internal antennas, a gigabit Ethernet port, and an LED ring that shows the signal strength and connection status. Plus, it supports WPA3 encryption, OFDMA technology, and seamless roaming with TP-Link OneMesh devices.

Pros:

• Cheap and simple
• Wi-Fi 6 compatible
• Ethernet port for wired devices
• Seamless roaming with OneMesh

Cons:

• Limited range and performance compared to higher-end models
• No external antennas or adjustable settings

Netgear Nighthawk X4: Fastest Wi-Fi 5 extender

If speed is your priority, the Netgear Nighthawk X4 is one of the fastest Wi-Fi 5 extenders on the market. It has a dual-band AC2200 design, which means it can deliver up to 2.2 Gbps of combined throughput on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It also has four external antennas, two gigabit Ethernet ports, and a USB 3.0 port for sharing files or printers. Plus, it supports MU-MIMO technology, beamforming technology, and FastLane technology that lets you use both bands for maximum performance.

Pros:

• Blazing-fast speed
• Multiple ports for wired devices
• MU-MIMO and beamforming support
• FastLane technology for enhanced performance

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi 6 support
• Expensive and bulky

Linksys RE7000: Best Wi-Fi 5 extender for smaller homes

If you have a smaller home or apartment, you may not need a powerful or expensive extender. The Linksys RE7000 is a compact and affordable option that still offers decent performance and features. It has a dual-band AC1900 design, which means it can deliver up to 1.9 Gbps of combined throughput on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It also has an internal antenna, a gigabit Ethernet port, and a spot finder feature that helps you find the best location for optimal coverage. Plus, it supports MU-MIMO technology, beamforming technology, and seamless roaming with Linksys Max Stream routers.

Pros:

• Small and discreet
• Reasonable price and performance
• Ethernet port for wired devices
• Seamless roaming with Max Stream

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi 6 support
• No external antennas or adjustable settings

Netgear AX1800: Best Wi-Fi 6 extender for mesh-like SSID sharing

If you want to create a mesh-like network with a single SSID and password, the Netgear AX1800 is a good option. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and more efficient use of bandwidth than Wi-Fi 5. It also has a dual-band AX1800 design, which means it can deliver up to 1.8 Gbps of combined throughput on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Plus, it has two external antennas, a gigabit Ethernet port, and a smart roaming feature that automatically connects you to the best available signal.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi 6 compatible
• Mesh-like SSID sharing
• Ethernet port for wired devices
• Smart roaming feature

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other extenders
• No USB port or advanced settings

Conclusion

A Wi-Fi extender can be a great solution for improving your wireless coverage and performance in large homes and apartments. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from different models that support Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6, offer various speeds and features, and have different designs and sizes. We hope this article has helped you find the best Wi-Fi extender for your home. Happy surfing!