When talking about the best WiFi extender for gaming, one should look at a lot of factors before making a purchase. The extender should be able to provide a quick and easy solution to eliminating dead zone spots while offering the bandwidth you want from it.
Wi Fi extenders are commonly known in many names, like WiFi repeater, signal booster, Wi Fi range extender, and more, however, all of them are supposed to do the same thing that is provide stronger WiFi connectivity wherever required.
Getting one is certainly helpful especially for gaming since the latest games rely on strong internet connectivity for the optimal experience. With multiple devices connected to your router, crowding the signal will affect your game’s performance. This is one of the reasons why you need to invest in a Wi Fi extender, especially one with tri band capabilities.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the best Wi Fi extenders that are specifically aimed at gamers.
We’ve researched a lot to narrow it down to 9 devices that range from wall plug units to desktop units, simpler designs to the extravagant ones, and much more.
All the devices on this list are based on design, Wi Fi signal coverage, speed, and setup process with any other features it may offer.
But before we go on reviewing the best WiFi extenders for gaming, let’s clear up some FAQs about the Wi Fi extenders first.
Our Top Picks
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Should You Get a Wi Fi Extender For Gaming?
If you have a console or a gaming rig that is just outside the range of your home Wi Fi or too far to connect via an ethernet cable, then your best option is to invest in a good WiFi extender or signal booster.
However, WiFi technology has come a long way, narrowing the performance gap between the two connectivity options.
A Wi Fi range extender can help eliminate dead zones, allowing gamers to set up their gaming zone in any corner of the house. It is a cheaper solution for cases where a wired connection is just not possible.
Having mesh capabilities also make Wi Fi much more versatile as it allows you to move around seamlessly without having to worry about which access point you’re connecting to.
Do Wi-Fi Extenders Reduce Lag In Gaming?
Gaming requires stable connectivity or signals and many Wi-Fi extenders on the market can reduce the lag with high bandwidth and network coverage.
The compromise comes at the cost of Wi Fi signal strength therefore the extender has a limited Wi Fi coverage when compared to the main WiFi unit, which is more powerful.
However, signal strength does not have an impact on lag since gaming requires insignificant amounts of data transferred and received, thus only relying on stable connectivity.
Why Do You Need a Wi Fi Range Extender for Gaming?
You will need a Wi Fi extender for any of these 2 reasons –
- Network Coverage Area
Every router has a maximum network coverage area. Wi Fi strength will decrease towards the outskirts of that coverage area.
This is just why range extenders are commonly used in large living areas or workspaces that extend beyond the coverage area of the router. It also helps if they have mesh capabilities since you don’t have to reconnect every time you transfer to a different access point.
So, you can finally take your console to the bedroom without worrying about connectivity issues.
These devices can also be deployed within the coverage area of a router simply to increase the average wireless network strength.
- Speed
Wi Fi speeds do depend a lot on your ISP and numerous other factors. But you may also face low Wi Fi speeds due to your router.
If you are using a device too far away from your router, or if there are too many obstructions in between, Wi Fi speeds on that device will dip.
Range extenders help reconcentrate the same Wi Fi signals from your router helping your device access better signal strength, and thus, expected speeds.
Now that we have answered some of the pressing questions, without further ado, let’s get into the best WiFi extenders for gaming available on the market.
9 Best WiFi Extender For Gaming
There’s a lot to choose from here. Some brands are literally household names like Netgear, Linksys, and TP-Link. There are others that are fairly new, but bring the best possible features to the table like mesh capabilities and multi-user support.
One thing is for sure, the wireless signal of your home network will surely be improved by using one of these. You’re also going to enjoy the benefits of a much smoother connection if you’re a gamer since you won’t have to worry about dead zones and you can be sure you’re going to have a signal anywhere in your home.
1. Linksys AC3000 Max-Stream Tri Band Wi Fi Extender
Linksys AC3000 looks like something straight out of Star Trek, bold and bulky with a black finish and 4 antennas. Rated as one of the best Wi-Fi extenders in the market, it’s a direct competitor to the NETGEAR EX8000 but quite a bit cheaper and with comparable specs.
As a tri-band Wi-Fi, it will allow you to manage a robust network so you can play games without interruption and hustle better when you need to.
It’s three wireless bands including a single 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands, ensuring every device on your network has the leeway it needs to perform optimally.
This results in faster connectivity, speeds, and better signal coverage. Based on MU-MIMO technology, it’s the one to get if you have multiple devices that connect to the internet.
It can cover a range of 10,000 sq ft with four powerful antennas and you can even determine the perfect spot to place the router using the Spot Finder.
The Linksys AC3000 is compatible with all other WiFi routers available on the market and assists in eliminating dead spots in the house, allowing gamers to take their gaming to any part of their living arrangement.
Gamers can also pair this Wi-Fi extender with a max stream router, allowing a single SSID or Wi-Fi network name to connect to just like a mesh system router.
It is an excellent product for gamers who have connectivity issues or cannot connect their gaming hardware via LAN cable.
This is a perfect buy for them since it doesn’t get any better at this price point than the Linksys AC3000 and is the best Wi-Fi extender for gaming on this list.
Highlighted Features
- Auto Firmware upgrade
- Tri band WiFi with a 2.4Ghz, and two 5Ghz bands
- Compatible with all WiFi routers
- Pairing capabilities with max stream router
Pros
- Cheaper than its competitors
- Four-port gigabit ethernet switch
- Compact device can fit anywhere
- Budget Tri band WiFi
- Mesh capable
Cons
- No 2.4Ghz band
2. TP-Link AC2600
TP Link AC2600 Wi-Fi extender is a completely portable device built as simple plug-and-play networking hardware. It looks great with the signature TP-Link plain white looks and blue LED lights.
Since it’s a plug-in-type extender, it gives you added versatility since it’s easier to reposition inside your house. This is a helpful feature if you’re doing a lot of gaming on your mobile phone where you’re likely to discover areas with no or limited connectivity.
The Wi-Fi extender comes with 4 antennas that promise enough power and range for any gamer to have a seamless experience in any part of their house.
It is a dual-band extender with 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and comes with MU-MIMO Wave 2 technology that helps the device communicate with other devices around the house, efficiently reducing any sort of Wi-Fi network lag.
The extender indicators guide gamers on the optimal placement position to enjoy strong connections and fast speeds.
Gamers can also activate the AP mode or wireless bridge if they require it. It is easy to install and can be used with Alexa, Echo, and other voice control devices.
This is a great innovation seen by one of the pioneers of networking devices, making it a solid buy for gamers experiencing poor WiFi connections around the house.
Features Overview
- Dual-band with quad antenna
- Mu-MIMO Wave 2 technology for stronger connectivity
- Smart indicator lights
- Ethernet port for LAN connectivity
- Compatible with voice control devices
- 2 years warranty with 24/7 technical support
Pros
- Consistent performance
- Intuitive tether app
- Dual-band and Quad external antennas
- Superb interface
Cons
- Bulky design can block outlets
- Expensive
3. NETGEAR AC1200
The NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi extender is a sleek black router with two antennas for maximum range. It has red accents which go very well with the complete aesthetics of the device.
The Netgear AC1200 is one of the more reliable Wi-Fi extenders and routers out there as it pairs its sleek design with unrivaled connection speed, reliability, and consistency.
It will easily upgrade your home network, allowing you to do a lot more, especially when you’re gaming on multiple devices such as a console or PC.
The AC1200 is a dual-band WiFi delivering up to 1200Mbps. It is one of the few high-power designs on the market that provides a vast range through its 700mW power capabilities.
The router comes equipped with a dual-core A9 processor and has beamforming+ technology that allows it to completely focus its signals on the connected devices. The mesh feature is also incredibly helpful since it consolidates your entire Wi-Fi network into one.
It has 5 ethernet ports and 5dbi antennas for maximum range and connectivity options. The router is perfect for gamers who have WiFi dead spots in their house or are looking towards replacing their old routers.
This one does the job perfectly and allows gamers to access their storage drives online by connecting them to the Wi-Fi extender, a feature that is seen in very few networking devices.
The Netgear AC1200 is perfectly suited for gamers with separate gaming rigs and workstations.
Features Overview
- Dual-band up to 1200 Mbps
- 5dbi antennas with a dual-core ARM A9 processor
- File sharing through USB connectivity
- Mesh network capable
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 700mW high power design
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great coverage
- Five-gigabit ethernet ports
- Can share a file by connecting USB through USB 3.0 port
Cons
- Software issues after updates
- Cannot wall mount
4. NETGEAR EX3700
The NETGEAR EX3700 has a cube-like design, all white and dual antennas sticking out from the sides.
The front is silver and there are air vents at the bottom to cool down temperatures in case the device gets too hot.
Some may have an issue with the bulky design of the device and might even feel that the antennas are not placed properly, however, it is the performance that matters.
The device is plug and play, comes with software that lets you change the settings according to your needs.
The setup is easy to complete, and the hardware comes with an instructions guide to help gamers set this thing up within a couple of minutes.
The NetGear EX3700 is a dual-band extender that has 2.4GHz and 5GHz capabilities that will improve the signal of your home wireless network instantly. It supports speeds of up to 750 Mbps, if your ISP allows it, so you can game with peace of mind knowing that you’re getting the most out of your internet speeds.
The router covers a lot of ground around 1000 sq ft considering that it is only dual-band and small.
It is also capable of connecting up to 15 devices at a time, which is more than enough for a single household and gamer to have their gadgets connected.
The compact extender from Netgear also provides Ethernet connectivity for LAN cable connections while being universally compatible with any WiFi device on the market. This is great.
Features Overview
- Plug and play setup
- 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz band
- Speeds up to 750 Mbps
- Coverage of up to 1000 sq ft
- Connect up to 15 devices at the same time
- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
Pros
- Good connectivity for its price
- Smaller compact device saves wall outlet space
- Easy setup
Cons
- Connectivity issues at longer distances
- Design not suitable for outlets
5. NETGEAR EX2800
This is the third device from NETGEAR and somewhat their best Wi Fi extender. This is a compact, stylish device meant to blend in with your home decor.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that’s going to improve your network, this is the one to get.
The NETGEAR EX2800 has no exterior antenna making it more compact than other solutions on the market and is an 802.11ac dual-band Wi Fi extender. It is perfect for placing in any outlet since it won’t block power connections.
The EX2800 covers up to 1200 sq ft of living space and can transmit speeds up to 750Mbps connecting with 20 devices.
It is compatible with other routers on the market and has a simple, easy-to-install feature that allows it to be almost plug-and-play-like.
The router supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 security protocols allowing users to have peace of mind when using it.
It is also a great device for gamers looking to replace their old bulky WiFi extenders with a new and modern solution.
The Netgear EX 2800 is a perfect buy that is why it belongs on our list of best Wi-Fi extenders.
Features Overview
- Coverage up to 1200 Sq ft
- Connect up to 20 devices
- Speed up to 750Mbps
- Universal compatibility
Pros
- Strong coverage with superior performance
- More compact than other solutions
- Easy interface and installation/set-up
Cons
- No exterior antennas might bother some users
- No mesh networking
6. Prescitech AC1200 Dual Band Mini WiFi Repeater
Prescitech must be an unfamiliar brand for some compared to the likes of TP Link, however, it made it to our list of best Wi Fi extenders. The WiFi extender has a neat design for its four antennas that allow for multiple socket use, unlike many other extenders on the market.
It is black with ridges and sharp cuts making it look modern and well suited to a power outlet.
This Prescitech WiFi range extender is a dual-band mini repeater that projects WiFi signals at 900Mbps speeds and comes with 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz power allowing for uninterrupted connections.
The device is powerful and covers small to medium-sized homes with multiple stories. It has a quick and simple setup process with compatibility with other WiFi routers.
It is also compatible with Alexa allowing users to connect voice-controlled devices through the repeater.
The 802.11 AC wireless technology can cover any dead spots in the house allowing gamers to play wherever they find it convenient.
You can even extend public WiFi if you do not have access to the internet at your place.
This is a great buy considering the price and is a tough competitor for all the known network hardware brands out there however set-up instructions might make the installation complicated for some.
Features Overview
- Quad antenna set-up
- Up to 900+Mbps speed performance
- 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
Pros
- Impressive performance
- Solid range and speed
- Decent price point proposition
- Mesh network support
Cons
- Poor setup instructions
- Connectivity issues at times
7. Superboost WiFi Extender Signal Booster
Superboost WiFi extender is a new product from a new company, and it makes it to this list of best Wi-Fi extenders for a couple of reasons.
The device is big for a wall socket extender and has dual external antennas. It has a gigabit ethernet port for wired connectivity which is a plus for gamers with a bunch of gaming equipment.
The Superboost 802.11a has a 2.4Ghz processor that can deliver up to 300 Mbps of speed.
It has the ability to connect with up to 15 different devices at one time making it more versatile than some of the cheapest extenders on the market.
The Superboost stands up to its name as it covers up to 2100 sq ft of living space over multiple stories making it one of the strongest in terms of range when sizing it up against some of the best mini extenders.
However, it can block power outlets due to its bulky design.
It comes with 5 different modes, security options, and is a plug-and-play device that is perfect for gamers who are looking for the best WiFi extender for gaming that is powerful but cheap.
Features Overview
- Dual-band 2.4Ghz antenna and processor
- 2100 sq ft coverage with no dead zones
- Up to 15 devices simultaneously connected
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Low cost
Cons
- Bulky design blocking power outlet access
- No mesh networking capability
8. Rockspace WiFi Range Extender
Rockspace WiFi range extender is a black and edgy entry from a new company. It has dual-band exterior antennas and plugs into your home socket.
The Wi-Fi extender blends in with the furniture due to its modern design, however, it can be bulky for some gamers.
The Rockspace WiFi extender offers 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz connectivity delivering around 1200Mbps of speed.
Its performance is strong covering around 1292 sq living space 360 degrees expanding your WiFi connection around your house eliminating all the existing dead zones.
The extender is compatible with 99% of the routers on the market and is quick and easy to set up.
It takes only 8 seconds for this extender to connect and project existing WiFi signals.
Gamers that are looking for a cheaper alternative to a powerful WiFi extender can have a look at this, it suits all their requirements but falls back in the design aspect of it.
However, the design shouldn’t be a major concern since the performance more than makes up for it.
Features Overview
- Quick and easy setup
- Dual-band 1200 Mbps
- Coverage of 1292 sq ft 360 degrees
- Compatible with 99% of the routers on the market.
Pros
- Robust performance
- Fast setup
Cons
- Weak signal
- Bulky design
- No mesh network support
9. TP-Link AC750
The list would be incomplete if we didn’t mention another one of TP-Link products. The brand is a strong manufacturer of networking equipment and has many products that are worthy competitors.
The AC750 is a great wireless extender that has the same signature TP-Link curved design but this one has patterns all over it making it attractive.
It’s also incredibly affordable that supports wired devices so you can link just about every device you have to it. If a device, like a gaming console, is close enough, you can connect it via an Ethernet cable for better speed and optimized gaming performance.
While it does not have MU-MIMO support, Wi-Fi 6, or any advanced wireless technology, it comes with features that are solid enough to upgrade your home network.
If you have wallpaper in the area where you plan to install this device, it’s going to look great.
TP Link AC750 is a dual-band WiFi range extender that covers around 1200 sq ft of living space.
It offers a 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz band focusing on maximizing performance wherever possible for a seamless gaming experience.
The intelligent signal indicator lets gamers know of the perfect spot to place the WiFi to always ensure the best connectivity and speed.
The WPS button connects the device with just a single push of it with most of the routers on the market.
The design is sleek and does not block any power outlets which is also perfect for gamers who have a lack of outlets nearby.
You can also control the WiFi through the smart app allowing users to change settings, restart WiFi, look at the data flow, child protection, and more.
This is one of the few Wi-Fi coverage extenders that go beyond by focusing on everything, including the performance and design.
This is easily the best Wi-Fi extender for gaming you can buy while on a budget.
It is also compatible with Alexa, a must-have accessory for smart home enthusiasts.
Features Overview
- Dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz performance
- Coverage of 1200 Sq ft
- Intelligent indicators
- Smart App
Pros
- Cheap price
- Brilliant design
- Solid 2.4Ghz performance
Cons
- Below par 5Ghz band
- LAN port is slower
Best Wi-Fi Extenders: Bottom Line
These are the 9 best wireless range extenders for gaming currently on the market.
To get your range extender, you need to look at your budget first. Instead of just going for a reputed brand like TP-Link or Netgear, consider the other options available as well.
Having a set budget in mind would narrow your options furthermore. Then you need to decide whether you want a plug-in device, a wireless range extender, or one with an ethernet port.
Larger devices often have a better performance than a plug-in. But plug-ins are more convenient to use and easy to place around the house.
You also need to look at the new standard 802.11ac for your extender since 802.11n is a slower and unreliable standard. We also suggest considering other tech features like Wi-Fi 6 or MU MIMO.
There are a lot of things to remember here, but what’s important is that you get a WiFi extender that’s the best fit for your home network and budget. If you have a relatively small home, those that plug in can be enough. However, if you have a large one with a lot of devices connected, you should consider an extender with tri-band WiFi to eliminate possible connectivity issues.
If you’re unsure where to place the extender, it is always best to get one with the smart intelligent signals that let the user know the optimum placement spot around the living space like the TP-Link AC 2600.
But before you go for a range extender, make sure your router is up to the mark.
With an outdated router, you’re already missing out on the bandwidth and speed although your extender can help with the WiFi range.