There’s nothing worse than getting to the big reveal of your favourite show only to lose your WiFi connection. Whether we admit it or not, we are dependent on WiFi for much of our everyday lives, and the spinning pinwheel of doom is enough to strike fear into our hearts.

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Well, what if we told you there was a way to increase your WiFi reliability, so you never lose connection at crucial moments again? Enter the WiFi extender.

The one-stop solution to all our WiFi issues, the WiFi extender does what it says on the tin and improves the WiFi range in your home. We scoured the web to find the best WiFi extenders and make your shopping process easier, you’re welcome.

The best WiFi extenders at-a-glace:

The best WiFi extenders

Reliable quality

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The TP-Link Wifi Extender is crafted with a small, wall-mounted design for ease of use. This product is also equipped with an ethernet port that allows the extender to double as a wireless adapter to connect wired devices.

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This affordable WiFi extender is compatible with 802.11 b/g/n and 802.11ac Wi-Fi devices and has an input power of 100-240V - 50/60Hz.

No more buffering

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This WiFi extender has super-fast powerline speed and is perfect for ideal for streaming and online gaming.

It’s designed with a streamlined set-up process so you can enjoy a super-fast, seamless connection straight away. This product also works to extend up to 300 Mbps wireless connections to previously hard-to-reach areas in your space.

Accessible and efficient

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This affordable WiFi extender works to seamlessly expand reliable WiFi coverage to hard-to-reach areas.

It features a simple, fuss-free, wall-mounted design that will suit any space, and the LED control function comes with a night mode setting for minimal disturbance.

Plug and play

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This WiFi extender features an integrated power socket helping you to maximise your power outlets.

It features an intelligent signal light that works to identify the best location for optimal Wi-Fi coverage by indicating signal strength. This product works with any wireless access point or WiFi router and comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty.

Best extender system: Tenda Nova MW12 Mesh WiFi System

Seamless roaming

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The Tenda Nova Wifi System relaces your WiFi router and existing extenders for whole-home coverage.

It can support up to 120 paired devices at one time, and each node provides 2000 square feet of coverage. This system is easy to set up, and privacy settings and network status can be monitored and controlled remotely via the app.

Best for larger homes: BT Whole Home Wi-Fi

Added reach

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This set of three discs creates a wide-ranging, reliable network for homes with between three and five bedrooms.

This WiFi system supports all UK broadband providers (not just BT!) and works with AC2600 dual-band wireless technology. These discs can be set up in minutes and can be controlled and monitored via the mobile app.

Best for gamers: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 EX7700-100UKS WiFi Range Extender

Say goodbye to lagging gameplay

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This WiFi extender supports any broadband network and has two ethernet ports that deliver maximum speed to connected devices.

It offers up to 2000 square feet of coverage and can support up to 40 devices at one time. It’s a great option for gaming enthusiasts, as the NETGEAR Wifi Booster provides up to 2200Mbps performance using tri-band and patented FastLane3 technology for 4K HD streaming and multiplayer gaming.

Most secure: Linksys Velop WHW0103 Wifi System

Great security features

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This WiFi extender system provides a secure, fast connection for your entire home, with an included SPI firewall with auto firmware updates to give added security to your home network.

Its streamlined, app-based set-up and wireless design is perfect for fuss-free installation, and the whole system can provide up to 4500 square feet of coverage and is protected by a 3-year warranty.

Best wire-free extenders: Leve WiFi Extender

No unsightly tangles here

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This WiFi extender offers 300Mbps transmission speed, with a 2.4ghz band and excellent stability.

Leve’s extender is easy to install and works with any wireless routers, gateways and modems. The simple, plug-in design will suit any decor and has been created with portability in mind.

WiFi extender buyers guide: how and where to place extenders in your home

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We’ve put together a helpful buyer’s guide on WiFi extenders to help assist you in your search for connectivity enlightenment. If you’re unsure whether WiFi extenders are for you, don’t know where to start, or want help setting up your extender, we’re here to help.

Understanding the causes of weak Wi-Fi signals and interference

Weak Wi-Fi signals are a common problem in many UK homes and can be caused by a number of environmental factors, including other routers in your building, as well as household appliances like microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors. Additionally, physical barriers such as walls, furniture, and large objects can block or weaken Wi-Fi signals, especially if they contain metal or concrete.

Another common cause of weak Wi-Fi signals is outdated hardware. If your router is old or doesn't support the latest Wi-Fi standards, you may not be getting the best possible signal.

Above all, though, poor placement of Wi-Fi routers is the biggest factor in weak Wi-Fi signals. Routers that are positioned too far away from the devices they serve or are obstructed by walls, furniture, or other objects can lead to weak signals, dead zones, and slower speeds.

If you can, position your router in a central location, free from obstructions and away from other sources of interference. By doing so, you can improve your Wi-Fi coverage and ensure that you can stay connected to the internet from anywhere in your home.

But unfortunately, achieving proper placement of Wi-Fi routers in the home can be challenging in some cases, particularly if your home's connection points are limited or if your router is provided by your internet service provider and must be placed in a specific location. In these situations, using Wi-Fi extenders is your best option for boosting signal strength throughout your home.

What different types of WiFi extenders are there?

There are usually three names given to WiFi-enhancing devices: extenders, boosters, and repeaters. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the differences between the three, but really they all do the same job: improve the coverage of your WiFi.

In the past, WiFi extenders would be the name given to enhancers that plug into your existing connection and create a new WiFi point from where they are plugged in. Basically, it isn’t wireless, so it has to be connected manually to the WiFi box.

WiFi repeaters and boosters are different and connect wirelessly to your WiFi, they then amplify your WiFi signal, so the connection reaches further. In recent times, and more confusingly, most extenders have become wireless, so the reference to them as extenders doesn’t mean they will only be operated via a cable connection.

When should you get a WiFi extender?

WiFi extenders are used to boost connectivity, so are often only considered when you have become frustrated with your home's coverage. You might want to get a WiFi extender if certain rooms in your house have no or low connection (the downside of having a big house).

If you want a connection in your garden or outside area, then an extender would also be a good option. Above all, if you’re not happy with your WiFi coverage, consider an extender.

Where should you put your WiFi extender?

The majority of extenders are wireless, so you can put them wherever you have a plug socket within the house. Also, you must make sure that the WiFi router is within range of the extender, or it will have no signal to boost.

The best place to put your extender is halfway between the place you want to have a boosted signal, for example, a room or a garden space, and the router. If there is an equal distance between you, the extender, and the router, you should then have a good connection.

When choosing where to place the extender, you should also avoid objects which could reflect or absorb the signal. These include walls, large pieces of metal, mirrors, beams, etc.

How to set up your WiFi extender

If you are setting up a wireless extender, then the main step will be to press a button on both the router and extender at the same time. This is the WPS button and is a way connection can be established between the pair. If your extender is an ethernet version, then you will have to connect it via a cable this way, directly to the router. All extenders vary slightly, so before setting them up, make sure to read the instruction manual.

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If you would like to read more expert-recommended round-ups, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more home recommendations, including the best handheld vacuums, the best coffee machines and the best video doorbells.

Authors

Finn ByrneEcommerce Writer

Finn Byrne is a Digital Writer for Immediate Media. He works across several brands including The Recommended, RadioTimes.com, MadeforMums and BBC Gardeners’ World. Finn has previously written for publications including MyLondon, The Mirror, The Express, and The Star. When not writing Finn enjoys spending time on the football pitch and getting stuck into a book.

Isobel NutbrownStaff Writer

Isobel Nutbrown is a Staff Writer at The Recommended and works with leading industry experts to help readers make informed decisions and shop smarter online.

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