WiFi allows us the brilliant opportunity to access the Internet from virtually anywhere, as long as its signals are effectively reaching our device. While this is a fantastic feature, there is a downside to it: most WiFi routers can only cast their signals to a few feet away, ultimately limiting our access to the Internet.
Luckily, technology has advanced far enough to have found a way around this problem. So, if you’re keen on gaining uninterrupted access to efficient and reliable WiFi, all you need to do is to purchase a long-range WiFi extender, and you’re good to go!
The larger the extension distance to be covered, the more expensive the WiFi router technology becomes and the more difficult it is to configure and install. As a solution, WiFi repeaters come in handy. They are the simplest and cheapest way to extend the coverage of your WiFi network.
As their name suggests, these devices are responsible for “picking up” the WiFi coverage of your router and amplifying it so that it reaches a little further.
WiFi extenders function as stereo amplifiers used for hi-fi systems. They use electrical energy from a power source to increase the strength of the original WiFi signal, transmitting the amplified signal over the air. To achieve this feat of engineering, WiFi range extenders contain two WiFi antennas: one is used for capturing the signal and the other for signal transmission.
A WiFi extender is also often referred to as a “booster,” “repeater,” or “WiFi extender,” but these names all mean the same thing: a device that captures a WiFi signal, amplifies it, and transmits it to a broader area. Most wireless range extenders are plugged into a standard electrical outlet. They can then be configured with the help of the WPS button or a dedicated smartphone app.
WPS is a network security standard that allows WiFi-enabled devices to communicate without entering long passwords. With modern WiFi extenders, you can enjoy the same robust encryption protocols you get with your main WiFi router, so there is no need to worry about your privacy. However, you must be prepared for some loss in terms of speed.
You’ll find many excellent WiFi range extenders currently available in the market. These can help you access a larger WiFi signal coverage area, as noted above.
So, are you ready to dive into a list of the best long-range WiFi extenders out there?
Let’s go!
Contents
- Best Long-Range WiFi Extender at a Glance
- Best Long-Range WiFi Extender – Full Reviews
- 1. SimpleWiFi Ultra Long-Range WiFi Extender – Best Long-Range WiFi Extender (Up to 8 Miles of Range)
- 2. Ubiquiti NanoStation LocoM2 – Best Compact WiFi Extender (1 Mile)
- 3. EnGenius Technologies ENH500v3 [2-Pack] – Best 5-Mile Long-Range Extender (5 Miles)
- 4. NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX7300 – The Most Secure WiFi Extender (1.5 Miles)
- 5. Winegard RW-2035 Extreme Outdoor WiFi Extender – Best Outdoor WiFi Antenna (1,000-Foot Radius)
- 6. CC Vector Extended Long-Range WiFi Receiver System – Best 3-Mile Long-Range WiFi Extender (1.5 Miles)
- 7. Halo Long-Range Marine & RV WiFi Extender System – Best RV WiFi Extender (2.5 Miles)
- 8. Cutogain Long-Range Outdoor Extender – Best Lightweight WiFi Extender (1.5 Miles)
- 9. REMO Outdoor WiFi Antenna BAS-2307 Extender – Best Half-Mile WiFi Extender (Half Mile)
- 10. WAVLINK AC1200 – Best Budget WiFi Extender (Half Mile)
- Long-Range WiFi Extender Buyer’s Guide
- FAQ Section
- How Does a Long-Range WiFi Extender Work?
- What Is the Best Long-Range WiFi Extender?
- Who Might Need a Long-Range WiFi Extender?
- What’s the Difference Between a WiFi Extender, WiFi Repeater, and WiFi Booster?
- Do Long-Range WiFi Extenders Really Work?
- Are There Some Limitations to Long-Range WiFi Extenders?
- Where Should My Long-Range WiFi Extender Be Placed?
- Extenders vs. Mesh Systems
- How Do You Find the Best WiFi Range Extender?
- WiFi Antenna Extender Devices: Are They Easy to Use?
- Conclusion
- Top Rated Long Range WiFi Extenders
Best Long-Range WiFi Extender at a Glance
- Best Long-Range WiFi Extender – SimpleWiFi Ultra Long-Range WiFi Extender
- Best Compact WiFi Extender – Ubiquiti NanoStation LocoM2
- Best 5-Mile Long-Range Extender – EnGenius Technologies ENH500v3 [2-Pack]
- The Best and Secured WiFi Extender – NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX7300
- Best Outdoor WiFi Antenna – Winegard RW-2035 Extreme Outdoor WiFi Extender
- Best 3-Mile Long-Range WiFi Extender – CC Vector Extended Long-Range WiFi Receiver System
- Best Long-Distance WiFi Extender – Halo Long-Range Marine & RV WiFi Extender System
- Best Lightweight WiFi Extender – Cutogain Long Range Outdoor Extender
- Best Half Mile WiFi Extender – REMO Outdoor WiFi Antenna BAS-2307 Extender
- Best Budget WiFi Extender – WAVLINK AC1200
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Best Long-Range WiFi Extender – Full Reviews
1. SimpleWiFi Ultra Long-Range WiFi Extender – Best Long-Range WiFi Extender (Up to 8 Miles of Range)
The SimpleWiFi Ultra Long-Range Extender is one of the best WiFi repeaters out there, and there’s no doubt about it. This fantastic device offers a network coverage range of up to 8 miles in all directions!
Additionally, it comes with a long, stainless WiFi antenna extender, making it perfect for outdoor use and RVs.
The device is designed in a unique “satellite style” and provides an unbelievable expansion to your current WiFi router’s range. However, this special design also means that the SimpleWiFi Ultra Long-Range Extender needs to be mounted on a pole and connected through a wired connection, which can be a hassle. Still, it needs to be done just once during the initial setup, so using this device won’t pose too much trouble in the long run.
Once configured, this device provides an effective and uninterrupted WiFi connection over long distances. The WiFi antenna extender focuses on transmitting your existing network in a seven-degree cone, hence ensuring that you are successfully able to connect to the Internet within all areas of your building.
The SimpleWiFi Ultra Long-Range Extender comes with detailed instructions, making it easy to set up, especially in outdoor areas. This device supports a frequency of up to 2.4 gigahertz and comes coupled with a 24 dBi antenna, ultimately allowing it to receive and transmit the signal at high speeds.
- One-of-a-kind seven-degree wide signal.
- Ideal for use in retail areas and commercial buildings.
- Easy to set up – just connect it using an Ethernet cable.
- Weatherproof; can withstand extreme weather conditions.
- The antenna has to be tweaked for best performance.
- Not suitable for areas with a lot of obstructions.
2. Ubiquiti NanoStation LocoM2 – Best Compact WiFi Extender (1 Mile)
The NanoStation LocoM2 from Ubiquiti Networks is a reliable and cost-effective solution to increase Internet connectivity over a long distance.
This long-range WiFi extender adds up to 1 mile of range to your existing network and delivers a steady Internet performance. The NanoStation LocoM2 also comes equipped with broadband wireless CPE technology and a secondary Ethernet port.
The Ubiquiti NanoStation LocoM2 is a very compact indoor and outdoor long-range WiFi extender, which includes two antennas (MIMO) with 8 dBi gain for the 2.4 GHz band. The actual transfer rate of the equipment is up to 150 Mbps.
Another great advantage is the high transfer speed of the 802.11n standard, thanks to TDM (time division multiplexing) technology. This device is also the perfect option when it comes to point-to-point (PtP) bridging, wireless connectivity to a video surveillance system, or as an airMAX CPE.
However, the model has a low latency compared to its predecessors: the Nanostation M and the Nano LocoM2, which had a processor with a higher clock frequency of 400 MHz and more memory.
The product supports airMAX Protocol, a technology proven in millions of deployments worldwide, exhibiting outstanding performance in outdoor environments. The TDMA airMAX protocol enables unprecedented scalability, high performance, and low latency in unlicensed, multipoint networks.
- Transparent bridging between WAN and LAN, with or without NAT.
- Comes with a wall mount kit.
- Supports IPv6 in bridge mode and WDS.
- Includes the 15V PoE injector for its power supply.
- Not fully compatible with other radio devices.
- Not a great option when used as an access point.
- The setup can be a little complicated.
3. EnGenius Technologies ENH500v3 [2-Pack] – Best 5-Mile Long-Range Extender (5 Miles)
EnGenius Technologies’ long-range WiFi extender can cover distances ranging up to 5 miles from the device itself. It comes in two models: N-ENH500 and ENH500v3. Either model supports a different standard.
The N-ENH500 supports WiFi 4 standards and provides a speed of up to 300 Mpbs. On the other hand, the ENH500v3 delivers a speed of up to 867 Mbps and supports WiFi 5 standards, making it the more advanced option.
This long-range WiFi extender (both models) supports a frequency of up to 5 GHz, which is faster than N300 bridges. It allows for easy deployment and transmits high-powered decibels, which provides a stable and steady WiFi connection from one building to another while ensuring maximum and uninterrupted speed.
As you can see, this device has many remarkable features, making it another one of the best long-range WiFi extenders out there, especially for outdoor coverage.
- Up to 5 miles antenna extension included.
- Incredible performance as a bridge.
- Can create a WiFi signal link within a 5-mile range.
- Steady and maximum speed over long distances.
- Fully equipped with manufacturer’s warranty.
- Hard-to-reach customer support services.
- Challenging to set up.
4. NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX7300 – The Most Secure WiFi Extender (1.5 Miles)
The NETGEAR long-range WiFi extender is an excellent option for every homeowner, warehouse, and business facility in need of a WiFi signal booster. It is compatible with WiFi 802.11b/g/n and 802.11ac. It is equipped with dual-band technology providing frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
The device is 100% compatible with all boxes, including livebox and freebox. The NETGEAR EX7300 stands out above all because it integrates both beamforming (sends spatialized data to reach devices more precisely) and MU-MIMO technology which ensures better simultaneous data dissemination on multiple devices.
Allowing to extend the WiFi coverage up to 2 miles, NETGEAR EX7300 is one of the most popular long-range WiFi extenders in the category. It is among the fastest WiFi repeaters on the market and is compact and lightweight.
NETGEAR WiFi long-range extender booster comes equipped with gigabit ports to connect various wired devices such as Smart TVs and even game consoles. It also has beamforming technology, allowing it to send signals directly to your devices instead of a radio-form signal.
This increases the power and strength of the signal, as well as the range. It works with any wireless router, can be plugged directly into a wall outlet, has WPS, and can serve as an access point or repeater.
- Provides wireless network coverage of up to 2500 miles.
- Seamless roaming with no loss of signal quality.
- The dual-band technology is great for streaming and playing games.
- Highly secured and supports WEP and WPA/WPA2.
- Poor customer support.
- Large footprint, occupying two electrical outlets.
5. Winegard RW-2035 Extreme Outdoor WiFi Extender – Best Outdoor WiFi Antenna (1,000-Foot Radius)
Winegard RW-2035 extreme outdoor WiFi extender antenna is an excellent WiFi signal booster for outdoor use. It offers extended connectivity to different devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and phones, and covers a range of up to 1000 feet.
This WiFi booster is a perfect addition to your existing network and comes with easily adjustable antennas with easy setup and installation. It is best for extending your outdoor network since it comes equipped with three amplified omnidirectional antennas to broadcast a wireless network to devices far from your main router.
Its streamlined connectivity and easy installation allow you to reduce spaces within your building having connectivity and speed issues. The device is ideal for a large home, and its high-gain external antennas broadcast signals without any interruption.
Winegard RW-2035 is made from a thick black plastic engineered with elements, and the detachable antennas are coated in rubber and screwed into three connection points. One key feature of this wireless extender is its guest network that allows you to create a separate network protected with passwords for your guests.
Winegard RW-2035 is, without a doubt, one of the reliable outdoor WiFi extenders capable of withstanding different weather conditions. It is extremely easy to set up, and the jaw-dropping 1000-foot signal range makes it one of the contenders on our list.
It also connects wirelessly to your home network, so you don’t need to purchase additional wiring. The device’s external antenna is perfect for extending your existing WiFi network to security cameras, areas outside buildings, and other places in the building where WiFi drops or is unstable.
- Adheres to WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA.
- Can connect to various devices simultaneously.
- Ability to create a secure guest network.
- Easy to set up.
- High-end external antennas that connect to your home network.
- Weaker signals on the longer range.
- The separate IP address can cause a conflict with existing networks.
6. CC Vector Extended Long-Range WiFi Receiver System – Best 3-Mile Long-Range WiFi Extender (1.5 Miles)
The CC Vector extended long-range WiFi adds up to 3 miles of coverage to your existing network and is among the best distant WiFi extender options currently found in the market. It provides a frequency of 2.4 GHz and comes with a durable parabolic antenna that receives and transmits WiFi signals up to 1.5 miles. The CC Vector repeats your WiFi signal to dead zones like shops, home offices, or different other areas of your building.
It uses a 15 dBi parabolic antenna that provides a reliable and steady WiFi connection to all devices. The heavy-duty antenna is timeless, and you can mount it outdoors to provide Internet access to spaces where it is hard to receive WiFi signals.
Also, the setup of this WiFi Internet extender is simple for basic computer users. It is a perfect fit for an office or shop and a great solution to get WiFi signal out of the building or house.
There are two Internet Ethernet ports within the device to support additional wiring. Hence, you can connect to another router or a computer using these ports. The device supports two users watching high-definition videos and supports connectivity to several users browsing the Internet simultaneously. However, it will deliver reduced speeds.
The unit is designed to be used on fixed or mounted installations in a building and isn’t for mobile platforms like an RV.
- Responsive technical support.
- Stainless – no rust or chance of breaking after some time.
- Can work simultaneously on multiple devices without affecting the speed.
- Easy installation.
- Degrades speed over long distance.
- Larger size, compared to other devices.
7. Halo Long-Range Marine & RV WiFi Extender System – Best RV WiFi Extender (2.5 Miles)
The Halo long-range marine and RV WiFi Extender system allows for marines, RVs owners, and cruises to connect to WiFi in harbor, ports, or outside where there is no free WiFi or where networking issues are present.
It also allows you to connect to the main marina access point even if you are a large distance from the main WiFi access point.
This device is great for individuals who spend most of their time outside RVs and fishermen who need access to a wireless network near the shore.
This extender is among the best 2.5-mile WiFi antenna extender options. It can connect to multiple devices such as computers, tablets, and cell phones on your RV or boat at the same time.
Its antenna is made from stainless steel and comes with a 10-meter cable. So, if you are specifically looking for a long-range WiFi extender, this is among the perfect options.
The Halo long-range marine and RV WiFi extender comes with a 9-decibel high-powered antenna and a single band of 2.4 GHz to receive signals from your current router and then rebroadcast it to a wider area. The maximum distance the device covers is up to 2.5 miles. However, you can also configure Halo using an Ethernet cable.
For feasibility, the company also has an iOS and Android device app that allows you to quickly and easily control the WiFi extender.
The device is powered using an AC adaptor that comes within the box, and it is eligible for a manufacturer warranty.
- Best WiFi booster for RVs and marines.
- Made from durable materials withstanding harsh weather conditions.
- Can be controlled from a distance using a dedicated smartphone app.
- Comes with detailed instructions that allow for easy setup.
- Tech support is nonresponsive.
- It doesn’t connect to some WiFi networks.
8. Cutogain Long-Range Outdoor Extender – Best Lightweight WiFi Extender (1.5 Miles)
The Cutogain WiFi booster antenna can significantly increase your WiFi network coverage area by 2.5 miles, making it an excellent option for restaurants, warehouses, and buildings that need reliable and continuous Internet access. The best thing about this device is that it is powered through a USB port.
The Cutogain long-range outdoor WiFi repeater offers a 1.5 mile-long-extension range, which is enough to easily cover your entire home. The device is also perfect if you need access to WiFi in your backyard, terrace, or other outdoor spaces and ensure your entire living space receives quality Internet at uncompromised speeds.
Another reason why I consider this to be one of the best outdoor long-range WiFi extender devices is that it provides a transfer rate of 2.4 GHz, allowing it to provide you with quality Internet at an extremely fast rate.
This device is also remarkably easy to install and supports various operating systems, including Windows 7, XP, and Vista.
It is also lightweight and offers excellent portability. You can run the device by simply connecting it to a USB port on your laptop or computer. Owing to these brilliant features, I can honestly say that this is one of the best long-range WiFi extenders for laptop devices, too, and ensures that you get uninterrupted access to WiFi within your living space.
- Boosts signals up to 2500 m (1.5 miles) away.
- Perfect for home office use.
- USB-powered and can operate using your computer power.
- Only one frequency option of 2.4 GHz.
- It doesn’t come with a warranty.
9. REMO Outdoor WiFi Antenna BAS-2307 Extender – Best Half-Mile WiFi Extender (Half Mile)
It is difficult to find a reliable WiFi antenna that can provide a strong and uninterrupted connection. Also, weather and the environment surrounding WiFi extenders can cause connectivity issues.
So, if you need a wireless extender that works at its optimum through rain, sleet, snow, and everything in between, I’d recommend you consider the BAS-2307 WiFi antenna from REMO-Electronics.
The REMO outdoor WiFi antenna BAS-2307 extender can keep running through the snow, rain, and everything else. The robust plastic casing prevents damage to electronic equipment within the device, such as from UV rays.
Its antenna enhances the WiFi routers’ performance, and the device performs exceptionally well once configured.
With a low price point, this long-range WiFi router is best to get wireless signals in your front yard and other areas of the house without breaking the bank.
The antenna within the device is sealed and protected to work flawlessly against all the elements you can and can’t think of.
The hard plastic cover of the REMO outdoor WiFi antenna protects it from adverse weather and UV rays, which can be damaging to the internal mechanism of the device.
The models come in two different options with the only difference in frequencies – one supporting 2.4 GHz and the other 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. This makes it a versatile product supporting almost every wireless network with which you can be at ease.
The product is particularly designed for security cameras to stay online but is also handy when it comes to other forms of use.
- It’s weatherproof.
- Supports multiple WiFi networks.
- Ideal for boosting WiFi signals to security cameras.
- Larger in size compared to other WiFi repeaters.
- It can only be hooked up to routers.
10. WAVLINK AC1200 – Best Budget WiFi Extender (Half Mile)
WAVLINK AC1200 is an inexpensive WiFi range extender that provides a 2.4 to 5 GHz transmission. It is compact in shape and features a high-power external omnidirectional dual-band antenna. These antennas provide high transmission power up to 30 decibels, perfect for maintaining speed at long distances.
The device makes the WiFi system of your modem have a greater range, allowing you to conveniently surf the Internet in any area of your home. The installation of the device is really simple. Just connect and configure it in the place of your choice, and from there, it will repeat the signal to reach areas where you previously did not have a WiFi network.
The WAVLINK AC1200 device is among the best long-range WiFi extender options on the market and contains a dual-band feature to help ensure that it has a high transmission rate.
It is also small and waterproof, allowing for durability in all external conditions.
WAVLINK AC1200 comes equipped with a robust weatherproof case that can withstand harsh conditions.
The product provides point-to-point solution and WiFi network AT a long distance. It can be connected to multiple devices simultaneously and is an ideal solution for small businesses, offices, and homes in need of outdoor networking channels.
- 3-in-1 (support router, repeater, and AP mode) device.
- Easy to set up and can be mounted on the wall.
- Ultra-powerful dual band that ensures high transfer speed.
- Strengthens signals.
- Waterproof – can withstand hard weather conditions.
- Supports Integrated Passive Power over Ethernet for flexible deployment.
- It doesn’t support connectivity through WiFi.
Long-Range WiFi Extender Buyer’s Guide
When buying a new Internet extender, be sure to only purchase from a well-known, reliable manufacturer. Luckily, all the devices mentioned within this list are the product of some of the most trusted manufacturers in the long-range WiFi extender market, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing the wrong product.
However, even though all the devices listed above are excellent in their own right, I’d recommend going over the buyer’s guide below to help you understand which one of these best WiFi extender products is the right one for you.
Before looking into different WiFi long-range extender options, you should have an idea of your device requirements. So, for example, if you need a device that can easily provide signals spanning across two adjacent office buildings, I’d recommend you choose a WiFi extender that offers an extension range of at least 5 miles. In this case, a 1-mile or 3-mile extender range may not be enough, whereas an 8-mile one would be too much.
The buyer’s guide below will help you understand how to choose the ideal long-range WiFi extender for your needs.
Compatibility with Your WiFi Network
It is essential that your wireless extender be compatible with your network. Otherwise, it will not work!
To know whether or not the extender is compatible with your network, be sure to check your router’s settings option and go over the range of supported speeds (in Mbps) that it offers. You should also check its WiFi standard category and see if it matches up to your extender’s supported standards.
You can also choose to invest in a router extender that has additional features like multiple Ethernet ports and can therefore serve as a hub connecting your smart TV, consoles, and other devices. Some models also offer audio functionality (to listen to music or podcasts!), touch screens, etc.
Support Of The MU-MIMO Standard
The MU-MIMO standard attests to the multiuser, multiple-input, multiple-output technology. This technology allows the WiFi range extender to communicate with several wireless devices at the same time, including your computer and smartphone.
Choosing a WiFi range extender with the MU-MIMO standard is extremely helpful because it increases the signal speed tenfold and helps you to simultaneously connect multiple devices to the same network.
Safety and Security
A WiFi booster meeting security standards (e.g., like the WPA2-PSK [AES] standards) can help keep your WiFi network safe from third-party hackers. I’d strongly recommend that you only consider buying a device if these security standards are met, especially if you live in a crowded town or city with plenty of Internet traffic.
Design
The most common design of WiFi repeaters is that of a small plastic block that will connect directly to a socket. They usually have a pair of LED lights, too, so that we can easily assess the strength of the signal. These devices also contain either one or multiple antennas.
More complex WiFi repeaters have more ports and options and are more expensive. They have an aesthetic similar to that of modern routers.
Functions
There is no point in buying a long-range WiFi antenna that does not address your needs. For this reason, you need to look at the range and area covered by the extender and see if it is compatible with your network.
List all your feature and function requirements, and make sure the option you’ve chosen contains all of them.
Budget
Budget is crucial when it comes to buying almost anything. If it weren’t for the budget, would everyone be interested in buying the most expensive option?
However, before deciding on the budget, we recommend making a list of the features you need. In case a feature you need the most is not available within your budget, then there is no point in purchasing it, right?
Remember, buying the most expensive product doesn’t always mean that it’s the one best suited to your needs. Go back to the list above, and you will come across a corresponding price range. A WiFi antenna extender for less than $30 may still provide you all the options you need, leaving you with no reason to buy a more expensive product.
Finally, the warranty differs depending on the manufacturer and the model. However, you can find warranties of up to a maximum of 3 years.
My advice is to make sure the product has all the features you need and then decide on the budget. If a product you have chosen does not have all the features you are looking for, consider increasing your budget.
Value for Money
There are times when you will come across multiple long-range WiFi boosters that will have all the functions you need. However, the price difference will exist depending on various factors such as brand and quality. In a situation like this, it is recommended to go over each feature, and make sure you don’t overpay for a feature that you won’t use.
Brand, Customer Support, and Warranty
Buying a long-distance WiFi range extender from a reputable brand is very important. Not only does this guarantee a high-quality build, but you can also get much better customer support.
You also need to make sure that the device has a decent warranty.
It really comes in handy in case a product breaks down due to manufacturing defects. Also, repairs during the warranty are generally free (depending on the terms of service).
Individual Product Reviews
You don’t need to look at individual reviews of every long-range WiFi extender booster on this list. Instead, it’s best to simply choose 2–3 options that have all the technical aspects based on your requirements. Once you’re ready, go to YouTube or Amazon, and go over customer video reviews to make sure existing buyers are happy with the product and aren’t complaining about its performance.
Size of the Area to Be Covered
Try to assess the size of the area to be covered by your wireless extender before investing in a product, as this will help you understand which device to buy.
Remember, you are buying a long-range WiFi extender to allow for Internet connectivity in all those hard-to-reach corners of your house. So, if the device isn’t going to cover that area, there is no point in buying it. It is also advisable to calculate the area in meters you want to be covered using the long-distance WiFi range extender to avoid any issues.
Device Configuration
Recently, long-range WiFi extenders have become significantly easier to set up thanks to the WPS standard. So check that the device you are buying is supported by this standard to avoid activation problems during the device configuration process.
Plugin or Desktop Extender
There are two different types of WiFi signal boosters. The first one is small and can be placed directly to a wall outlet, and the other is a device similar to a conventional router, known as a desktop WiFi range extender.
Desktop WiFi extenders are large devices that sit on a shelf. These devices usually have higher coverage but take up more space than a plugin WiFi extender. They also cost more than the latter device.
Buying a long-range WiFi router isn’t that complicated if you know what you need and the purpose you want to achieve. When selecting an option, ensure that it serves your purpose and that it covers the areas where you need constant Internet access. Our goal is to help you find the perfect long-range WiFi extender for your needs with the guide above.
FAQ Section
How Does a Long-Range WiFi Extender Work?
Long-range WiFi extenders work by providing two antennas. With one, the existing WiFi signal of your home is collected and then transferred to the second to transmit it again so that it has a broader range and reaches the corners where the coverage of the existing router does not reach.
Yes, wired connections are the best from a speed point of view, but it is not always possible due to the distance and number of devices to connect. Even the range of your router has its own limits.
What Is the Best Long-Range WiFi Extender?
As per the reviews and specifications, we believe that the SimpleWiFi Ultra Long-Range WiFi Extender is the best WiFi extender for both commercial and residential use. It is among the best WiFi extenders for long distances, indoor and outdoor use, and comes with robust features.
Who Might Need a Long-Range WiFi Extender?
You may require a long-distance WiFi range extender if you are facing trouble connecting to the Internet within your home. If there are places in your house where the WiFi signal does not reach, I’d say you should go for a new long-range WiFi extender.
For example, your WiFi may be great in the room the router is in but much weaker on the other side of the house. For this reason, it may even be too slow to stream a video without lag.
You might also need a long-range WiFi router if you want access to WiFi outside your house, such as in your backyard or on your terrace.
What’s the Difference Between a WiFi Extender, WiFi Repeater, and WiFi Booster?
The first thing you have to know is that a WiFi extender, repeater, and booster are almost the same thing and typically serve the same purpose.
These devices contain an antenna that expands the covered area of your WiFi signals, amplifying it so that it reaches a little further.
A WiFi extender has slightly higher features. Its purpose is to offer an improved version of the WiFi or network signal it receives.
WiFi repeaters and WiFi network extenders are able to enhance the same WiFi network they receive, amplifying the signal to take it where the coverage of your router is not capable of reaching.
Do Long-Range WiFi Extenders Really Work?
Yes, long-range WiFi extenders do work if configured correctly. It is effective if they are placed at a spot where your signals decrease and expand the range of your wireless network.
However, your long-range WiFi router is limited by various factors, including its range, theWiFi demands of your family, and the distance from your router.
Are There Some Limitations to Long-Range WiFi Extenders?
Like any technological device, there are some limitations and drawbacks of using a WiFi range extender at a long distance.
One common limitation is that the speed might go down due to connecting to a long-range WiFi extender, and your Internet may not deliver performance as expected. The network’s performance and signal quality can decrease, but this phenomenon is also highly variable depending on distance and obstacles, which is why different users may have different experiences.
Another potential downside of a repeater is that your signal strength may take a hit if it is not compatible with your current hardware for wireless networking. In some cases, the repeater may not work at all.
For this reason, we recommend that users purchase wireless networking equipment from the same company to ensure compatibility and maximize performance.
Where Should My Long-Range WiFi Extender Be Placed?
The WiFi extender works as an intermediate zone, and the place where you position the repeater is key for its correct operation. You have to put it in a kind of point between the site where the router is and the area where you want the coverage to reach.
Obviously, you also need to ensure that it receives a good signal from the router at that intermediate point to be able to extend it correctly. Therefore, it has to be in that place until your WiFi coverage gets bad but from which it begins to deteriorate. What you will do when you put this repeater there is precisely that it emits a signal as if the router were there and that it goes further without problems.
Extenders vs. Mesh Systems
A WiFi range extender could easily be considered an on-site upgrade. All you have to do is connect the extender to your existing network to extend the WiFi signal and extend the range.
This approach is great if your house isn’t very big and is also cheap compared to mesh WiFi systems. Also, you can continue to use your current router.
However, WiFi repeaters do have some downsides. They are not always convenient to set up and may not be as easy to use throughout the home.
In contrast, a mesh network includes separate hubs placed in different areas around the home that communicate with each other to provide WiFi within the range of each hub. Mesh devices are useful in the sense that there are typically a few that are purchased at once. Likewise, as long as the hubs are close enough to each other to communicate, each of them can provide a full WiFi signal within every room in which they are placed.
They are perfect for larger homes, easy to install, and offer easy central management. In other words, each hub acts as a separate router rather than repeating the signal.
How Do You Find the Best WiFi Range Extender?
WiFi range extenders come in all sizes, shapes, and price ranges. Purchasing a WiFi extender only makes sense if purchasing a new WiFi router is not a cheaper way to achieve the same result. Always make sure to read the reviews of WiFi extenders on the Internet before clicking the checkout button. As you know, network equipment is not exactly known for its reliability, so it’s best to go over multiple reviews before you settle for any device.
Some products work flawlessly, while virtually identical alternatives from other manufacturers only cause headaches. If you are concerned about your security and privacy, avoid products from unknown manufacturers and companies with a bad reputation. With new malware samples detected every day, WiFi security is definitely something worth taking seriously.
WiFi Antenna Extender Devices: Are They Easy to Use?
Depending on the model, the use of your WiFi repeater will be more or less simple. If you are not familiar with new technology, I’d suggest you opt for a WiFi repeater with WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) function. These models allow you to connect the device to your box simply by pressing the buttons on both devices in turn.
This will, in turn, prevent you from having to look for the network name of your WiFi network, the security key of your WiFi amplifier, or your connection identifiers. Also, some models offer a touch screen allowing simple configuration of the device, which can be helpful.
Conclusion
When choosing a long-range WiFi extender, I’d strongly recommend you go over the distance of the area covered by the antenna, the device compatibility with your current network, and whether the device will provide speed as expected.
If you’re a first-time buyer, sorting all of this stuff can be overwhelming. As someone who is all too familiar with the anxiety that accompanies choosing the right product, I felt it was best to create a list of some of the best long-range WiFi extenders. These will help make sure you don’t go wrong when buying a product.
In order to buy a good WiFi extender, you need to know how they work and what features make one model better than another. Also, remember that your choice can change depending on your requirements. So, for example, if you want to buy an outdoor long-range WiFi extender, be sure to buy a device with a large extension range or else you’ll be stuck with a product that doesn’t match up to your needs.
Hence, you need to select a long-range WiFi extender that fulfills each of your requirements and covers the distance as per your preferences.
Lastly, when choosing a WiFi repeater, you need to select between devices containing either one band or a dual band. Single-band repeaters are those that connect to 2.4 GHz, managing to repeat at a speed of up to 300 Mbps. They are cheaper than dual-band options and will be adequate as long as the devices you need to connect do not support higher bandwidth. Otherwise, the ideal would be to purchase a WiFi repeater that supports dual band: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This last alternative allows the repeaters to transmit a higher wireless speed, and, therefore, the signal will be much better.
Also, there are many reasons why your current router’s WiFi signals do not adequately reach all the rooms in your house. It can be due to the router’s bad location, the low power of its antennas, the construction materials of your house, or even something else altogether. However, if you still feel like you’re facing connectivity issues, feel free to select an all-new long-range WiFi extender from the list above!
Top Rated Long Range WiFi Extenders
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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