In today’s always-connected world, strong and reliable WiFi makes everything easier—whether you’re watching the big game, joining a video call for work, or staying sharp in a fast-paced online game. WiFi extenders help make that possible by boosting your home network performance to deliver better coverage throughout your home.
What Is a WiFi Extender?
A WiFi extender—also known as a range extender or repeater—is a device that helps expand the coverage of your existing WiFi network. It works by capturing the signal from your router and rebroadcasting it to areas where coverage is weak or nonexistent, helping to provide a more consistent WiFi experience throughout your home.
WiFi extenders are especially helpful in larger homes, multi-story houses, or spaces with obstacles—like thick walls—that may interfere with signal strength.
Benefits of Using a WiFi Extender
Adding a WiFi extender to your home network can significantly enhance your internet experience:
- Better Coverage: Reach dead zones or weak spots in your home, like basements, upstairs bedrooms, garages, or backyards.
- Improved Connection Stability: A stronger signal means fewer dropouts and interruptions when streaming, working, or gaming.
- More Devices, Less Strain: Extenders help distribute your network’s load, reducing congestion when multiple devices are connected.
- Cost-Effective Upgrade: Rather than replacing your router or upgrading to a higher-tier internet plan, a WiFi extender can be a simple, affordable solution.
Features to Look for in a WiFi Extender
Dual-Band Operation
The best extenders operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
- 2.4 GHz: Offers longer range, but is more susceptible to interference and network congestion.
- 5 GHz: Delivers faster speeds and is ideal for gaming, though with a shorter range.
Consider getting a dual-band extender, which allows devices to switch between bands based on performance needs and signal quality.
High Speed Support
Extenders rated for high-speed internet are better-equipped to provide the bandwidth required to support activities like HD streaming, gaming, and simultaneous device usage. Look for extenders with high-speed ratings—for example, 500 Mbps on 2.4 GHz or 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz.
Compatibility with WiFi 6 or Higher
Newer WiFi standards—specifically, WiFi 6 and higher—offer enhanced speed, efficiency, and capacity than their predecessors. Users experience improved performance in scenarios with high device density. If your router supports WiFi 6 or higher, your WiFi extenders should, too, to maintain the same level of performance throughout your home. Look for extenders that support WiFi 6 (802.11ax) or even WiFi 7.
Ease of Setup and Use
The best WiFi extenders are easy to set up, with plug-and-play installation and user-friendly interfaces. Many include companion apps that help with placement and configuration, while plug-in models are especially convenient for those who want quick results.
Mesh WiFi Compatibility
Some extenders are designed to work seamlessly with mesh networks, creating a unified network that provides coverage to the furthest reaches of your home. Mesh extenders can help reduce speed drops and improve connectivity in larger spaces, making them ideal for homes with multiple floors or long hallways.
Our Best WiFi Extenders Yet
Depending on your home’s size and design, some areas still might not receive a strong WiFi signal, resulting in slower performance or interruptions in connectivity. Xfinity Proequips your home with ourbest WiFi solution yet, designed to help power users and busy households alike get more out of their home WiFi setup. It combines advanced equipment with easy-to-use controls through the Xfinity app to ensure strong, reliable coverage throughout your home.
Xfinity Pro includes the Pro WiFi Extender, capable of supporting up to 300 connected devices. After performing a WiFi health check in the Xfinity app, Xfinity Pro customers may qualify to receive up to two WiFi Extenders from Xfinity at no additional cost.
Xfinity WiFi Extenders work with the Xfinity Gateway to create a mesh network that will help eliminate dead spots and deliver more consistent WiFi coverage. The newest WiFi Extenders are enhanced for better performance with speeds twice as fast as the last generation.
