If you are in a hurry and need the best wifi extender for gaming and streaming then I would recommend you go for TP-Link AC1200.
A wifi connection can be adjoined to the list of facilities we avail in everyday life. More so, during times like these, we have figured that any kind of disruption in the wi-fi connectivity can be a huge bummer. If you have minimal knowledge about the working of wifi adapters, this article will resolve all your queries and issues. In the end, we have curated a list of top 10 wifi extenders which suit the needs of every kind of gamer and streamer.
Almost the entire population is at home today (kudos to you too!), you might experience troubles related to connectivity, speed, and others. Your room might already be a dead zone and with signal issues, enjoying hindrance free gaming and streaming is a privilege reveled by only a few. But don’t you worry! There’s a cornucopia of hope for you too. Dead signals around the house are not unheard of, and there’s a perfect solution for it.
What Is A Wifi Extender?
In case you didn’t find a more straightforward definition of a wifi extender, hello. Without the torturous, hard to decipher terminologies, a wifi extender is a device, if installed in your house, will provide a strong signal in any part of the house. You can experience a signal as strong as it would be near the router, everywhere in the house; even in the backyard. You might be familiar with Ethernet cables; wifi extenders can be called the wireless form of it. As using Ethernet cables over a larger distance can be hazardous, wifi extenders are safer to use. Going into the technicality, wifi extenders pick up wifi signals from your wifi router and act as a hotspot by re-broadcasting the signal to give equivalent strength in that area. wifi extenders, “extend” the reach or coverage of the wifi signal in a particular area.
Thing To Know Before Buying The Best Wifi Extender For Gaming And Streaming:
Do you want a wifi extender, or do you use the terms wifi extender, wifi repeater, and wifi booster interchangeably? You might’ve read about a lot of features and products online but were not aware whether all of them were wifi extenders or not.
Wifi Boosters:
These are the common ancestor for wifi extenders and wifi repeaters. Essentially, a wifi booster functions so as to boost the wifi signal in the areas where the signal barely reaches. While both the devices have an identical origin, i.e. wifi boosters, their approach to attain a better wifi signal is different.
Wifi Extenders:
The wifi extenders are the kind of wifi boosters that pick up the already available wifi signal from the router and strengthen it up in dead zone areas of the house or building. An impressive feat about wifi extenders is, you can move away furthermore from the extender itself and still enjoy high-speed internet. But how is it possible? Most wifi extenders have at least a couple of Ethernet ports, which can connect the extender to your device using an Ethernet cable. The latest technology allows you to plug in the wifi extender into an electrical outlet only. Hence, people mostly prefer wifi extenders for gaming and streaming as it provides better signal strength plus coverage.
Wifi Repeaters:
A wifi repeater is different from a wifi extender as they only focus on covering larger areas; they are not intended to amplify the strength for your wifi signal. In simpler terms, a repeater merely “repeats” the signal throughout the house/building. So basically wifi repeaters are of no use if your wifi signal is not good enough in the first place. So wifi repeaters are suited for use if you already have a high-speed internet connection.
Your Wifi Router Needs To Be Spruced Up Too:
Even though you have installed the latest router with the latest wifi 6 technology, which provides a 200 Mbps speed, you might still face speed issues. There are several reasons behind your wifi signal being weak in the first place. Due to the presence of obstacles like walls, appliances, furniture, the signal experiences impedance. When you start using a wifi extender, you will find ways to upgrade your wifi router too. These are several simple ways in which you can improve the quality of your wifi signal, given below:
- Make sure the wifi router is centrally placed in the house, office, etc. as no corner should be far left out from the range.
- Get the latest wifi 6 technology.
- Change the old band that you are using; wifi routers usually use the 2.4 GHz band. To switch from the 2.4 GHz to the 5 GHz band as this bandwidth is less hogged up. The 2.4 GHz bandwidth works excellent when the signal is strong.
- As the application you might be using might already be “bandwidth-hungry applications”, make sure no other such apps are running in the background.
- Two is better than one; if your wifi router has two antennae, it is more likely to provide a faster and more reliable signal.
- Now that the original quality of your wifi signal has improved, you are all set to get a wifi extender to amplify the strength and coverage of this signal.
Our Top Picks Best Wifi Extender For Gaming And Streaming:
As promised at the beginning of the article, these are our top 10 picks best wifi extender for gaming and streaming. All of these wifi extenders are reasonably priced and have impressive features. The pros and cons of all products will be discussed so you can pick the most competent product. All the listed wifi extenders have 4.0+ ratings and great reviews from satisfied customers.
1. TP-Link TL-WA855RE N300 Wireless Range Extender
Starting off with a simple wifi extender, this N300 extender gets the job done just right. TP-Link is one of the leading companies that makes the best quality networking hardware.
- Extend WiFi Coverage - Boost Internet WiFi Coverage up to 800 Sq.ft - Compatible with any WiFi Router, Gateway, Access Point
- Eliminate WiFi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free Connection to any type of devices, including wired devices via Ethernet Port
- Stay Connected - Expand WiFi Coverage for your Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more
- Easy Set Up - Two Simple Taps and You are Ready to Connect, Smart indicator light helps to install in best optimal location
- Single Band 2.4GHz - Two external Antennas with MIMO technology for improved range versus standard range extenders
- TP-Link is the Worlds #1 provider of consumer WiFi for 7 consecutive years according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- All WiFi extenders are designed to increase or improve WiFi coverage, not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput.
- If you Experience any trouble during or after set up, please contact us. TP-Link offers a 2 year warranty and Free 24/7 technical Support
2. TP-Link AC750 Wifi Range Extender
All the product specifications can be found on the link provided above. These products receive several negative reviews, as usual, people have an average speed of internet connectivity. And as these models don’t support 5 GHz bandwidth, the signal tends to weaken sometimes. Hence again, if the price is not an issue and you have a fast internet connection, this product is a good buy.
However, there’s still no doubt that the TP-link AC750 deserves its lofty spot on the best wifi extender for gaming list.
- Extend WiFi Coverage - Boost Internet WiFi Coverage up to 1200 Sq.ft and Connects up to 20 devices - Compatible with WiFi Router, Gateway, Access Point ( 2.4GHz - 300Mbps / 5GHz - 433Mbps )
- Eliminate WiFi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free Connection to any type of devices, including wired devices via Fast Ethernet port. System Requirements - Microsoft Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux
- Stay Connected - Expand WiFi Coverage for your Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more
- Easy Set Up - Two Simple Taps and You are Ready to Connect, Smart indicator light helps to install in best optimal location
- OneMesh Technology - Enables the creation of a OneMesh network for seamless roaming when paired with the Archer A7 Router (more devices to be updated in the future)
- The Ethernet port of RE220 can easily turn your wired Internet connection into a wireless access point. It can also function as a wireless adapter to connect wired devices, like Blu-ray player, game console or smart TV
- All WiFi extenders are designed to increase or improve WiFi coverage, not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput
- If you Experience any trouble during or after set up, please contact us. TP-Link offers a 2 year warranty and Free 24/7 technical Support
3. D-Link N300 Wifi Range Extender
D-Link is a lesser-known brand but delivers great performance. Hence this model could make it into this list. Proper installation will let you enjoy high-speed internet as it does not cut down on the speed. This is a pretty good option for this range.
- Helps find the best location for optimal coverage
- More reliable coverage
- Ideal for homes that are pre-wired for Ethernet and for extended wireless coverage
- Easily access all Features through the new user interface
- Up to 300Mbps wireless performance for reliable, everyday performance
- Compatible with virtually all wireless devices and routers
- Quickly setup your wireless range extender with the push of a button
4. TP-Link RE450 Wifi Range Extender (White)
Again, most of the negative reviews are due to the unfitting placement of the router in the first place. Also, due to technical issues that weaken the signal strength affects the performance of the extender. But overall, as the extender supports 5 GHz bandwidth, speed issues are sporadic. So this product is one of the best wifi extender for gaming and streaming.
- Extend WiFi Coverage - Boosts Internet WiFi Coverage up to 2000 Sq.ft and Connects up to 32 devices - Compatible with any Router, Gateway, Access Point ( 2.4GHz - 450Mbps / 5GHz - 1300Mbps )
- Eliminate WiFi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free Connection to any type of devices, including wired devices via Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Stay Connected - Expand Coverage for your Phone (Galaxy,iPhone,Android etc), Media Streaming, Gaming, Web Browsing, Alexa, Echo, Ring and more
- Easy Set Up - Smart indicator light helps to install in best optimal location. Three Adjustable External antennas for superior coverage throughout the Home
- RE450 is PCMags Editors Choice Winner.Operating Temperature: 0°C~30°C (32°F~86°F)
- TP-Link is the Worlds #1 provider of consumer Wi Fi for 7 consecutive years according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- All WiFi extenders are designed to increase or improve WiFi coverage, not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput
- If you Experience any trouble during or after set up, please contact us. TP-Link offers a 2 year warranty and Free 24/7 technical Support
5. TP-Link AC1200 Wifi Range Extender
TP-Link AC1200 is one of their best products and is ideal for gaming and streaming. This product has thousands of ratings, and 70% of the reviews are positive reviews. TP-Link AC1200 is the most preferred wifi extender for gaming and streaming. No doubt, this will be your best buy on Amazon.
- Extend WiFi Coverage - Boosts Internet WiFi Coverage up to 1500 Sq. ft and Connects up to 25 devices - Compatible with any Router, Gateway, Access Point ( 2. 4GHz - 300Mbps / 5GHz - 867Mbps )
- Eliminate WiFi Dead Zones - Enjoy Lag-Free Connection to any type of devices. Does not support ethernet port connection.
- Stay Connected - Expand WiFi Coverage for your Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more
- Easy Set Up - Smart indicator light helps to install in best optimal location
- OneMesh Technology - Enables the creation of a OneMesh network for seamless roaming when paired with the Archer A7 Router (more devices to be updated in the future)
- TP Link is the Worlds #1 provider of consumer Wi Fi for 7 consecutive years according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- All WiFi extenders are designed to increase or improve WiFi coverage, not to directly increase speed. In some cases improving signal reliability can affect overall throughput.
- If you Experience any trouble during or after set up, please contact us. TP Link offers a 2 year and Free 24/7 technical Support
6. NETGEAR WN3000RP-200PES Universal wifi Range Extender (Cream White)
Netgear is another renowned company that makes excellent networking hardware and gamers and streamers from around the world opt for their wifi extenders. Even though this model does not support 5 GHz bandwidth, it significantly amplifies the signal strength. Hence it is preferred by so many people. You can find positive reviews saying they can stream videos and movies in 4K quality. So this product is surprisingly perfect and absolutely recommended.
- Ideal for extending WiFi to devices like the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, iPad 2, and PlayStation 3. External antennas for better WiFi coverage
- Extends wireless coverage, universal compatibility. Reduce mobile data plan charges by connecting to WiFi. May not be compatible with WiFi routers or gateways whose firmware has been altered or changed, including without limitation certain open source routers, or other WiFi routers or gateways with non-standard or outdated firmware
- Easy to install - no CD required. TCP/IP, DHCP server and client, DNS relay. Extends wireless coverage, universal compatibility
- Fast Ethernet port to connect home A/V devices to the network ; WiFi Technology :802.11n
- Smart LED indicators helps find the best location for optimal WiFi coverage. Works with devices supporting Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
7. Rock Space Wifi Extender – Best Wifi Extender For Gaming With Ethernet Port
This product supposedly works better when connected through an Ethernet cable. Again, this is an extender that gets the job done just right. But given the performance of Rock Space extenders even on 2.4 GHz bandwidth, this is a considerably right product.
It’s a great combination of affordability and power, and that’s exactly why it’s one of the best wifi extender for gaming with ethernet port.
- Stable signal boosts.
- Full signal coverage.
- Quick & Easy set up.
- Compatible with 99% router.
- Easily find the perfect setup spot.
8. NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX2800
NetGear also provides pretty impressive products. The absence of an Ethernet port doesn’t seem to be an issue as there were no complaints regarding it in the reviews. Its extender itself broadcasts a strong signal; making is sufficient without the Ethernet port. In as low price as this, this product is definitely the best buy.
- EXTENDED WIRELESS COVERAGE: Adds WiFi range coverage up to 1200 sq ft, and connects up to 20 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more.
- AC750 WIFI SPEED: Provides up to 750Mbps performance.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFi.
- SAFE & SECURE: Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
- SIMPLE TO SETUP: Press the WPS button to connect to your router. Use the NETGEAR WiFi Analyzer app for optimal location.
9. Netgear EX3110 AC750 – Best Wifi Extender For Gaming And Streaming
This Netgear wifi extender is very impressive as it can deliver a speed of up to 1.2 Gbps which is enough even without antennae or Ethernet port. Almost 80% of the 7.5 thousand ratings are positive, and there are rarely any connectivity issues. This is one of the best wifi extender for gaming and streaming available on Amazon and is brought by customers all around the world.
- Device Type: range extender
- Condition: new
- Data Link Protocol: IEEE 802.11 AC
10. TP-Link AV600 Powerline – Best Wifi Extender For Gaming
Lastly, we have another TP-Link product that is the AV600 Powerline wifi Extender. This product (TP-Link has done it yet again), has over 11 thousand ratings, about 80% of which are four stars and above. You can find lots of reviews written by gamers stating how unwavering the signal is, which allows effortless gaming and streaming.
These products are not listed in any specific order as each product has its unique specifications. But all in all, these products are exemplary for uninterrupted gaming and streaming.
- Faster speed: wired connection with high speed data transfer rate, ideal for HD video or 3D video streaming and online gaming
- Network expansion: Home Plug AV Standard compliant IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3U, with Easy pair feature to add additional TP Link PowerPoint adapters to the network; connect Multiple adapters to Expand Your wired network reliably; work with different voltage(110v, 220V etc.)
- Compatible with all AV2000, AV1300, AV1200, AV1000, AV600, AV500, AV200 PowerPoint adapters
- Power consumption Maximum: 4.60 watts, typical: 4.26 watts, standby: 0.88 watts. Power saving: patented Power saving mode Automatically reduces Power consumption by up to 85 percent.128 bit AES encryption ensures that the network is safe Simply by pressing a button on paired devices.Up to 300 meter range over a Homes electrical circuit for Better Performance through walls or across floors
- Plug and Play: no new wires and no configuration required; System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000, Mac, Linux; At least two AC 100V 240V Power outlets with Standard Home Power wiring, a computer with the following; Operating System with TCP/IP installed, Pentium III compatible Processor and above, Ethernet LAN card installed with TCP/IP Protocol, 64 MB RAM or more, 50 MB of Free Disk space (minimum), CD ROM drive environment operating Temperature: 040(32104), storage Temperature: 4070 ( 40158), operating Humidity: 10 percent90 percent non condensing, storage humidity: 5 percent90 percent non condensing.Modulation technology: off
- Data encryption by 128 bit AES to make the network safe and private
- Industry leading 2 year Warranty and Free 24/7 technical Support
Why Are Wifi Extenders Suitable For Gaming And Streaming?
For the folks who rise to play games and stream their favorite movies and TV shows, a steadfast and strong wifi signal is essential. As gaming and streaming include the usage of applications that are often termed “bandwidth-hungry applications”, your wifi signal experiences a lot of crowding, and the speed tends to slow down. These applications, like Netflix, consume the most internet bandwidth. And even after boosting up your wifi signal by various methods, these applications continue to hog up your wifi signal. Hence, having a wifi signal in your closest proximity is a must. Using an Ethernet cable or a powerline Ethernet is no recommended as it will allow only you to access high-speed internet. Instead, if you are using a wifi extender, you create your hotspot without disturbing the connectivity for the rest of the members.
Features To Look For In a Good WIfi Extender For Gaming And Streaming:
Several features make up a good wifi extender.
- Firstly, the wifi extender should provide maximum speed. Sometimes, the wifi extender tends to slow down by 50% as they are connected to the router as well as your device. Opt for wifi extenders that can be plugged in directly into an electrical outlet (powerline extenders) to enjoy maximum speed internet.
- It should be a dual-band wifi extender, i.e. it should provide a 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band. This is a necessary component of a kind wifi extender because a lot of wireless devices tend to connect to the 2.4 GHz band by default as it is the rudimentary band, meant for wifi. Being able to access the 5 GHz band is undoubtedly very preferable for gaming and streaming as it has lesser devices connected to it.
- Although a little obvious, the wifi extender should have two antennae; one for receiving the signal and one for transmitting the signal. Newer technologies do not consist of antennae and still work perfectly fine.
- The wifi extender shouldn’t have more than 5 SSIDs.
- The wifi extender should provide a constant and reliable signal from dusk till dawn.
- It should give coverage of at least 4000 sq. ft. as you wouldn’t want the signal to be cut off at extreme ends of the house. There are many powerful wifi extenders that provide coverage of up to 20,000 sq. ft.
- It should have two or more antennae that are flexible.
- They should have Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- The wifi extender should be easy to install as you might need to use it in different locations.
How Do Wifi Extenders Work?
A wifi extender, when plugged into a power outlet, picks up the existing wifi signal and rebroadcasts it, using antennae; one receives the signal, and the other transmits the signal. This is a basic understanding of how wifi extenders work. As the extender is capable of broadcasting signals on its own, it can do so at a speed of its own. For example, the internet speed in your room is only 75 Mbps while in closer proximity of the router the speed is 200 Mbps. To tackle this problem, you use a wifi extender in your room. Now, this wifi extender picks up the weak, 75 Mbps signal and rebroadcasts it to a higher bandwidth where you can access faster and reliable internet.
How To Connect?
Although different companies make devices that are operated differently, wifi extender installation follows a standard procedure with only a slight difference.
- Firstly, you need to plug in the wifi extender into a power outlet that is near your wifi router.
- Press the WPS (wifi Protected Setup) button on the router. Then click the WPS button on the wifi extender. This will connect your router to the extender.
- Also, make sure your router is operating on the 5 GHz band to get high-speed internet.
- Now plug the extender into an outlet from the dead zone. Wait till the power light and connectivity light lights up. The light should be green (in most cases) as it indicates that you are still connected to the router. In case the light isn’t green, plug the extender closer to the router and use an Ethernet cable to connect to your device.
- Now set up the device you are using near the extender, and the name of the device will pop up on your device. Enter the same password as the router, and you will be connected to the wifi extender.
Pros and Cons Of Wifi Extenders:
The pros and cons might be pretty evident if you have been reading the article, but let’s sum them up under this section:
Conclusion:
Now, we end our list for the best wifi extender for gaming and streaming. It’s up to you which one you are interested in. Choose the one that suits you and your budget.
If you’ve any query or question just type it on the comment section we always look back into it.
Happy Gaming and Streaming!!!!
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