Wi-Fi range extenders, also known as Wi-Fi boosters, help extend your home or office network's reach, ensuring fast internet speeds in every corner. They get rid of dead zones, especially for devices far from your router, making sure your phone calls, browsing sessions, and online activities remain uninterrupted.
When buying a Wi-Fi extender, consider three things: range, design, and security features.
Range: For better range, choose Wi-Fi 6 extenders with high-gain antennas or beamforming for improved signal direction. Ethernet ports enhance stability.
Design: Opt for compact extenders with flexible placement, integrated power outlets, or multiple mounting options. Indicator lights aid performance monitoring, while ventilation prevents overheating.
Security: opt for Wi-Fi 6 support and automatic firmware updates to protect against unauthorized access and security threats. WPA2 encryption ensures data safety, and future device compatibility is a bonus.
Here we have shortlisted --- Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders in 2024 available in the UAE.
Netgear Nighthawk X4 EX7300
Specifications
-Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Security: WPA2
- Standard/Speed: AC2200
- Bands: Dual-band
- MU-MIMO: Yes
- Beamforming: No
- Wired Ports: 1
If you are satisfied with your router's performance and want better Wi-Fi coverage, the Netgear Nighthawk X4 could be a good choice. It's a preferred Wi-Fi extender because it offers great performance and coverage for a fair price, and it's not too hard to set up.
This extender covers up to 2,000 square feet, ideal for multiple floors or large homes. It supports many devices simultaneously and provides 2.2Gbps bandwidth (AC2200), sufficient for 4K streaming, FaceTime, and online gaming on multiple devices.
The extender is designed to plug directly into a wall socket and supports an easy WPS push-button setup. However, it doesn't have an outlet pass-through, so it occupies one outlet while leaving the other free.
Additionally, if someone has devices without Wi-Fi capability, this extender has an Ethernet port for connecting devices like smart TVs or game consoles with a network cable.
Netgear EX3700
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Security: WPA2
- Standard/Speed: AC750
- Bands: Dual-band
- MU-MIMO: No
- Beamforming: No
- Wired Ports: 1
For those on a tight budget, the Netgear EX3700 is worth considering. While it may not offer the same range or speed as some other extenders, it's a good choice if you only need a bit more coverage to connect a few wireless devices.
This extender expands weak networks into guest rooms or home offices for a few devices. It covers up to 1,000 square feet, supporting 4K streaming, video chatting, and file downloading on multiple devices without major slowdowns.
If someone has smart home devices struggling to connect to their network, this extender can assist with that too. Smart home gadgets need a network connection, but they don't use much bandwidth.
Compact and affordable, this extender plugs directly into a power socket, leaving the top outlet free. It occupies the bottom outlet and includes a single Ethernet port, ideal for home offices with devices lacking Wi-Fi support.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Security: WPA2
- Standard/Speed: AX1500
- Bands: Dual-band
- MU-MIMO: Yes
- Beamforming: No
- Wired Ports: 1
For someone with a super-fast internet and a keen interest in getting the latest gadgets, the TP-Link RE505X offers a crucial feature: Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6 is faster and more efficient than Wi-Fi 5, letting more devices connect simultaneously without slowing down. Plus, devices use less power when connected to Wi-Fi 6, meaning longer battery life. The only catch is both your router and devices need to support Wi-Fi 6 for you to enjoy these benefits.
If someone owns Wi-Fi 6 devices, getting the TP-Link RE505X is a smart move to make the most of its faster speeds.
Netgear Nighthawk EAX80
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Security: WPA2
- Standard/Speed: AX6000
- Bands: Dual-band
- MU-MIMO: Yes
- Beamforming: Yes
- Wired Ports: 4
The Netgear Nighthawk EAX80 offers fast performance but comes with a hefty price tag. It would be the top choice if not for its high cost. However, it's the perfect option for those seeking the best range extender for a fast and busy Wi-Fi network.
This extender covers an area of up to 2,500 square feet with high-speed Wi-Fi 6. Its capabilities match those of many high-end routers, ensuring devices connected to it enjoy the same speed and strong connections as those connected to the main Wi-Fi network.
The "AX" in its name represents Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), while "6000" signifies its ability to handle up to 6Gbps of data. It supports beamforming for stronger connections and includes four Ethernet ports for optimal speeds, suitable for streaming on TVs or gaming consoles.
While it's fast, keep in mind that the extra speed may not always be necessary or usable. Connection speeds depend on the internet connection and main router, but this extender can handle most tasks effortlessly.
TP-Link RE650
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Security: WPA2
- Standard/Speed: AC2600
- Bands: Dual-band
- MU-MIMO: Yes
- Beamforming: Yes
- Wired Ports: 1
For someone with a large house or many rooms that are too far from the main router, focusing on extending the Wi-Fi range is essential. The TP-Link RE650 is a range extender designed specifically for this purpose, offering coverage for areas up to 2,800 square feet. It provides ample bandwidth and supports beamforming, ensuring strong and stable connections.
Ideal for extending Wi-Fi to busy areas or multiple rooms simultaneously, this extender handles large data loads, making it perfect for family rooms or busy home offices with multiple devices. Additionally, it includes a single Ethernet port for connecting computers or game consoles.
Despite its powerful capabilities and extensive coverage, the TP-Link RE650 is user-friendly and easy to set up. Its app-based setup guides users through the process with simple on-screen instructions. Moreover, it includes a signal indicator to help users find the best location for installation, even if they have limited network experience.
Netgear PLW1000
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Security: WPA2
- Standard/Speed: AC1000
- Bands: Dual-band
- MU-MIMO: No
- Beamforming: No
- Wired Ports: 1
Many range extenders work by catching the Wi-Fi signal from the main router and sending it out again, but sometimes this isn't doable. For places in your home where signals are blocked by things like brick walls or appliances, a powerline extender like the Netgear PowerLINE 1000 can help.
The Netgear PowerLINE 1000 sends a network connection through your home's electrical wiring to a special adapter, creating its own Wi-Fi network. Devices connected to this network link back to your main router through the electrical wiring, supporting up to 1Gbps bandwidth. Ideal for extending Wi-Fi to places like small home offices or guest bedrooms with poor connectivity.
Aside from creating a remote Wi-Fi network, the PowerLINE 1000 has an Ethernet port for devices like smart TVs, game consoles, or computers that can't use Wi-Fi. You can add up to 16 adapters to the system to get wired and wireless connections in different parts of your home.
TP-Link TL-WR902AC Travel Router
Specifications
- Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Security: WPA2, Guest Wi-Fi Secure Access
- Standard/Speed: AC750
- Bands: Dual-band
- MU-MIMO: No
- Beamforming: No
- Wired Ports: 1
The TP-Link TL-WR902AC is a small travel router that fits easily in your hand. Its main job is to give a strong Wi-Fi signal when you're traveling, but it can also work as a portable Wi-Fi extender at home.
This router weighs about 8 ounces and gets power from a micro-USB port. You can use almost any USB power supply, like your phone charger or a portable power pack, to run it.
However, this extender doesn't reach very far and can't handle too many devices at once. It's good enough for streaming in 4K with a fast internet connection, but if you're using it in a hotel to watch Netflix, its portability matters more. When you're back home, you can still use it to boost your Wi-Fi signal.