Are you tired of trying to find the best WiFi extender for streaming TV? We have the answer in this guide!
A WiFi extender (or Wi-Fi extender) is an electronic device that wirelessly connects your router and amplifies the WiFi signals across your home or office. The WiFi extender can prove hugely beneficial by providing excellent coverage and quicker streaming speeds if placed correctly.
Choosing the best WiFi extender for streaming TV can prove to be a daunting task as there are numerous options available in the market, each better than the other. WiFi extenders come in all shapes and sizes, and you can find a lot of options within the same price range.
Through our detailed reviews below, we have made it easy to choose the best WiFi extender for your usage by carefully taking into consideration factors such as reliability, performance, features and user reviews, etc.
Here are the 8 best WiFi extenders for streaming TV available for you in 2022!
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Best WiFi Extender For Streaming TV Top 8 Picks Reviews
When selecting the WiFi extenders mentioned in this review list, we made sure to go over the features they have to offer, compatibility, ease-of-use, and more. Feel free to go through the list as many times as you want to make an informed buying decision.
| PHOTO | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
#1 Top Pick  | Linksys AC1900 Gigabit Extender Repeater RE7000 The all-new Linksys RE7000 Extender Repeater has an excellent set of features and gives a stellar performance on the 5GHz band. | Check Price → |
Best User-Friendly WiFi Extender  | NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120 This extender has made it to our list of the best WiFi extender for streaming TV as it is is one of the most efficient WiFi extenders ever. | Check Price → |
Best Budget-Friendly WiFi Extender  | TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender (RE300) The TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender is a versatile device that provides optimal services at an excellent price range. This inexpensive dual-band WiFi extender costs around $30 to 40$ only and is a perfect pick for users on a tight budget. | Check Price → |
Best Value for Money WiFi Extender  | TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450) The TP-Link AC1750 does an excellent job of providing extensive WiFi coverage throughout your house. This extender is the best WiFi extender for TV streaming because it stands out due to its performance, size, and value for money. | Check Price → |
Best Seamless Connection WiFi Extender  | Linksys AC750 WiFi Extender RE6300 The Linksys AC750 WiFi extender has the latest essential features to enhance your streaming experience. The AC750 provides impeccable coverage around the house and leaves no dead zones. | Check Price → |
Best Extender Cable for Streaming Sticks  | FireCable XL HDMI This product is the ultimate portable device for all your streaming needs. This extender cable is a unique product. You can carry this in your pocket. | Check Price → |
Top Pick For 5G Speed  | Urgod Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver If you previously used an HDMI cable, you will find Urgod wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver much more manageable. Urgod is the best wireless HDMI extender that embraces 5G high speed. | Check Price → |
Best Portable WiFi Extender  | VIVIQI WiFi Repeater The VIVIQI WiFi extender is one of the best WiFi extenders for streaming TV as it is a small gadget with excellent value for your money. | Check Price → |
1. Linksys AC1900 Gigabit Extender Repeater RE7000 – Top Pick
This extender is very easy to set up and offers remarkable speeds for multiple users. You can manually set up this extender to work in Access Point mode. It also comes with Spot Finder Technology which determines the strength of signals on the extender.
Also, it lets you know if the extender is too far or too close. The seamless roaming feature is also compatible with this extender, making you toggle between your router or WiFi extender during usage.
Item Weight: 6.2 ounces
Product Size: 1.81 x 3.18 x 4.96 inches
Manufacturer: Linksys
WiFi Range: 2,500 square feet
Compatible Devices: Desktop computer, Laptop, iPhone, Playstation, Xbox, Television, Alexa, Tablet
Bandwidth: Dual-band
Following items are included in the Linksys RE7000 package:
- The Linksys RE7000
- Quick Installation Guide
- Booklet regarding regulatory information
Also, this extender comes with a warranty period upon purchase. Any wireless computer or mobile device can be used to quickly set up the Linksys RE7000, making it the best WiFi extender for streaming TV.
Pros
- Very easy to install.
- It offers solid and smooth performance nearby.
- It supports MU-MIMO streaming.
- A vast number of devices can be simultaneously connected
- Eliminates the interference of other unwanted devices.
2. NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120 – Best User-Friendly WiFi Extender
With wireless speeds up to 1200 Mbps, the NETGEAR Ex6120 is the number one best WiFi extender for streaming. It has a highly functional set of external antennas, which gives it the edge over its competitors.
Item Weight: 4.6 ounces
Product Size: 2.64 x 1.54 x 2.17 inches
Manufacturer: NETGEAR
WiFi Range:1,500 square feet
Compatible Devices: Desktop computer, Laptop, iPhone, Playstation, Xbox, Television, Alexa, Tablet
Bandwidth: Dual-Band up to 1200 Mbps
Not only do the antennas assist in providing excellent speeds but also maximize coverage all over the house. It also has a high-speed Ethernet port with which you can connect your devices such as streaming players, smart TVs, gaming consoles and Blu-ray players, etc.
Gamers essentially use NETGEAR products for streaming online games. The Geo-filter feature in this extender helps in reducing online gaming lag by reducing the distance between you and the server and the other players.
Pros
- One-year manufacturer warranty.
- Solid external antennas for excellent performance.
- Fastest Ethernet Ports for connection to wired devices.
- Good speed
- It is gamer-friendly.
- Users can connect with the same SSID of the network already in use.
- Fast Lane Technology provides maximum optimal speeds.
- The WPS button makes connecting this extender to your existing router highly convenient.
3. TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender (RE300) – Best Budget-Friendly WiFi Extender
Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
Product Size: 2.74 x 4.89 x 1.38inches
Manufacturer: TP-Link
WiFi Range: 1,500 square feet
Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Smart TV
Bandwidth: Dual Band
The lower price does not mean low quality, though. The functionality and features of this extender are top-notch, which makes it the best WiFi extender for streaming TV and a top choice for users who are new to the world of WiFi extenders.
Pros
- Reliable network connectivity.
- Budget-friendly
- Precise and compact design model
- A small LED light indicator helps determine the best spot for setting up the WiFi extender.
4. TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450) – Best Value for Money WiFi Extender
It offers impressive speeds at any time and is very easy to install. One of the best features of this device is that it is very easy to relocate. It comes with a power adapter that you can easily unplug anywhere and replug at the desired location.
Item Weight: 6.2 ounces
Product Size: 3 x 6.4 x 2.6 inches
Manufacturer: TP-Link
WiFi Range: 2,000 square feet
Compatible Devices: Every Router, Access Point and Gateway
Bandwidth: Dual Band
This extender is also considered one of the most flexible WiFi extenders. You can configure it for various purposes, such as connecting 5 GigaHertz WiFi devices with a 2.4GHz network or establishing a WiFi access point from a wired Ethernet connection.
Pros
- Excellent WiFi coverage
- Offers One Mesh Technology allowing internet access on multiple floors.
- Connects numerous devices simultaneously
- The connectivity is effortless and rapid.
5. Linksys AC750 WiFi Extender RE6300 – Best Seamless Connection WiFi Extender
Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
Product Size: 4.74 x 2.64 x 1.58 inches
Manufacturer: Linksys
WiFi Range: 1,000 square feet
Compatible Devices:All WiFi routers, laptops, desktops, tablets, phones, etc
Bandwidth: Dual Band
This extender is highly compatible and can connect to almost all the routers available in the market, be it new or old. Linksys AC750 WiFi extender is one of the strongest WiFi extenders with signal strength, covering up to 6,500 square feet of area, making it the best WiFi extender for streaming TV.
Pros
- A universal device that makes it compatible with all the WiFi routers.
- It is user-friendly.
- Beamforming technology helps ensure all the devices are at the appropriate signal range required to work correctly.
- It can handle excessive load quite smoothly.
6. FireCable XL HDMI – Best Extender Cable for Streaming Sticks
This extender cable makes it to the list of best WiFi extenders for streaming TV due to its lightning-quick speed and its state-of-the-art design features. Now, if you’re someone who loves streaming over the internet for a couple of hours per day, this is the device for you.
Item Weight: 0.3 ounces
Product Size: 5 x 0.2 x 0.2inches
Manufacturer: FireCable
WiFi Range: 4 feet
Compatible Devices: Tablets
Connectivity: USB
Connector Type: HDMI
Bandwidth: Dual Band
Its functionality is incomparable since it is installed directly into your streaming device. It boosts your WiFi speed by allowing a relatively direct access line to your WiFi router. This cable moves your existing FireStick away from the TV and puts it right in line with the WiFi router. You can reposition your FireStick anywhere you want with this cable.
Pros
- Compatible with all FireSticks, Chromecast, Roku and Fire TV, etc.
- Highly portable.
- Super easy to install.
7. Urgod Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver – Top Pick For 5G Speed
It takes home entertainment to another level.
This wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver kit include:
- Transmitter
- Receiver
- HDMI cable
- Type C cable
- Manual book
This wireless extender device is genuinely a depiction of modernization because it does not disrupt the outlook of your space. Urgod extender is compatible with iOS, Mac, Chrome, Android, Windows, and most HDMI devices.
Item Weight: 1.52 ounces
Product Size: 8.66 x 5.51 x 1.77 inches
Manufacturer: Urgod
WiFi Range: 98 feet away
Compatible Devices: PC, laptop, smartphones, gaming consoles, Television, tablet, projector, satellite box, and monitor.
Bandwidth: Dual Band
Its splendid digital signal is the ideal way to transfer all your favorite HD movies, music, TV shows, and videos. You can transmit these from your PC, laptop, smartphone, satellite box, gaming console, monitor, and projector through different barriers within a 98ft range. Urgod wireless HDMI extender adopts modern technology to provide users with a more durable and long-range signal transmission due to its dual antenna design.
This Wireless transmitter does not need a wireless or Bluetooth connection and is portable. According to your setup requirements, it has a powerful long-range signal that can penetrate through walls, floors, and ceilings.
Pros
- Low latency
- Plug and play (No application needed)
- Has dual antenna
- Supports 5G high internet speed
- Transmits through barriers easily
- Portable
- Excellent signal range
8. VIVIQI WiFi Repeater – Best Portable WiFi Extender
Item Weight: 5 ounces
Product Size: 5.04 x 4.65 x 2.64 inches
Manufacturer: VIVIQI
WiFi Range: 2640 square feet
Compatible Devices: All Routers, Smartphones, Laptops, Tablets, Desktop, TV, etc.
Bandwidth: Dual Band
It is a portable device that you can easily carry to your office or holiday destination without any hassle. Its plug-and-play feature makes it very easy to install at all sorts of places, plus the easy-to-install components serve as a cherry on top.
Pros
- It provides high-speed internet connectivity with speeds
- Offers a stable connection with a long-range.
- Plug and Play. Easy to Install with a step-by-step manual guide.
How to Set Up a Wireless Extender?
Just a while ago, installing a WiFi extender needed technical help and a good amount of patience to discover the most suitable location. However, most advanced extenders have WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), making everything easier.
Moreover, almost every manufacturer offers internet-based configuration wizards and displayed instructions that make wireless settings easier. Nearly all extenders are provided with LED level signs that notify you if your WiFi extender is too far from the router. Best WiFi extenders also deliver cutting-edge router-like characteristics like access scheduling, media server abilities, and guest networking.
Do Wi-Fi Extenders Really Work?
WiFi extenders are highly underrated devices that offer excellent services and provide a great return on investment over time. Due to a lack of awareness among the masses, people often waste their time and funds to fix their internet connectivity issues. Most of them find themselves buying new routers, while others seek to upgrade their internet connection to avoid particular buffering periods during streaming.
WiFi extenders are a simple yet effective solution to all these problems. A well-placed WiFi extender can help you in experiencing impressive streaming hours inside your home at any location. All the dead zones will be a thing of the past once the extender is installed.
Keep in mind that Wi-Fi extenders are available in two types. There’s the desktop and the plug-in models.
- Desktop Wi-Fi extenders tend to resemble routers. Such extenders do require space on your desk. However, they are stronger when compared to plug-ins. Desktop extenders also feature multiple Ethernet ports.
- As the name suggests, the plug-in WiFi extenders plug into the wall. They happen to be smaller in size. Some of them feature Ethernet ports.
Do WiFi Extenders Have Limitations?
As mentioned above, WiFi extenders can be beneficial devices and provide numerous benefits regarding internet connectivity. However, these devices do have their limitations. WiFi extenders are not magical devices that will solve all your internet problems in one go.
WiFi extenders are built to work along with WiFi routers; hence they are highly dependent on the quality of these routers for peak performance. If the router you are using is outdated or faulty, it is uncertain if you will get the desired result from the WiFi extender. Also, you need to make sure that you have a strong enough internet connection to fulfill your streaming needs.
If your internet connection is slow, then you cannot expect your WiFi extender to magically provide you with high-speed internet around the house. Remember, the extender is only there to amplify your internet signals. It does not have any impact on download or upload speeds.
Benefits of a WiFi Extender
Whether you consider yourself a gamer or have a lot of traditional business-oriented work to do, there are numerous benefits to you investing in a reliable WiFi extender. Let’s go over them!
- Eradicating Dead Zones: By expanding the span of coverage, a WiFi extender eliminates those annoying network dead zones in your home or office.
- Enhanced Network Speed: Even though there might be some connection, places on the range outskirts of your internet system can face poor speeds. If you have been facing this problem in specific regions of your office or home, a WiFi extender will help you out.
- Economical: Instead of buying numerous routers and putting them in your office or home, you should use a WiFi extender to extend the current router’s range.
- Outdoor WiFi: Walls can act as a barrier and weaken your WiFi signals. If you have placed your WiFi router inside, its signal will not provide a good connection for those wanting to use it outdoors. A WiFi extender can quickly expand the range of the internet signal outside.
Buying Guide to Choose the Best WiFi Extender for Streaming TV
WiFi extenders are the perfect solution for the dead spots in your home and for providing more signal and more range. However, it is essential to know what to look for in a WiFi extender before purchasing the best WiFi extender for streaming TV for yourself.
Read on below to find out the things to keep in mind to make the right choice!
Wired or WiFi mesh
- WiFi mesh/ Wireless repeater: These gadgets wirelessly connect to the router and replicate the wireless signal in another room. The problem with wireless mesh is that it creates a connection with the router and the wireless devices simultaneously, so most of the bandwidth is utilized. And, the farther the WiFi repeater from the router, the weaker the bandwidth gets.
- Wired-based WiFi extenders: As the name suggests, these extenders use wired connectivity to link to the WiFi router. They save all the bandwidth for your wireless gadgets, resulting in a fast and strong WiFi signal.
- MoCA wireless extender: If you have coaxial cable wiring at your place like most homes, you should go for this WiFi extender. MoCA wireless WiFi extender uses the coax wiring that runs through the walls. You can connect a wireless extender for quick coverage wherever there is a coax port. These WiFi extenders have compatibility with TV.
Plug-In and Desktop
Some WiFi extenders use larger structures on a shelf or table as a standard router. These bigger gadgets do not have the similar weight and size restrictions of plug-in units, permitting more suitable antenna arrangements and adequate interior hardware. On the other hand, plug-in models are cheaper and easier to set up.
Speed
It is essential to check what WiFi speed your WiFi extender supports. It must support the advanced 802.11ac speed, which offers WiFI speeds almost 3 times faster than wireless extenders. An 802.11ac extender allows streaming high-quality videos and online gaming without lagging or glitching. Even if your WiFi extender does not have 802.11ac, it is not an issue. An 802.11ac extender can function with the current router and give 802.11ac speeds to your WiFi network. This is the quickest way to boost your WiFi network to advanced technology.
Arrangement of the Extender
Your wireless routers and WiFi extenders utilize radio waves to transfer data through the internet connection. You must locate a region somewhere close to the WiFi router to grasp a strong signal but also distant enough to extend the internet’s range to wherever it is required.
Dual Band
The best WiFi extenders for streaming TV offer dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. GHz stands for gigahertz. It is essential because the 2.4 GHz band is plugged with multiple WiFi appliances and wireless gadgets like microwaves, home telephones, and baby monitors. However, the 5 GHz band is more uncluttered and less packed. We recommend using the 5 GHz band for your home theater and 2.4 GHz for internet surfing with other gadgets. A dual-band WiFi extender will provide you with many options to configure your WiFi network for a smooth internet experience.
WiFi Extenders: Need or Desire?
Knowing when and how to boost your existing WiFi connection is imperative. You must consider all the factors mentioned above and make a calculated decision based on proper research and reviews from existing users. Another essential part to add here is a famous saying that goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. This implies that you should only change things if they do not fit. Suppose your existing router works perfectly and provides you with high internet speeds with excellent coverage around the house. In that case, there is no point in getting yourself caught up in the hassle of getting a WiFi extender. Only consider buying an extender if you need it.
If you’re on a budget and need an extender, then it’s best to go for the cheaper options that serve the same purpose as the more expensive ones. However, if money is not an issue, then you may consider the mid-range extenders, which provide a good value for money along with excellent features. However, if you are looking for peak performance and durability, you should go for the A-list options after carefully keeping your requirements and usage patterns in mind.
FAQs – The Best WiFi Extender For Streaming TV
What do I need to know about WiFi extenders?
WiFi extenders are devices that help expand the range of your local WiFi network and optimize the connectivity process. The effectiveness of these devices depends on several factors such as the speed of your internet connection, the size, and dimensions of your home, the current devices which are to be connected to the internet, the WiFi demands in your household, etc.
Do WiFi extenders help with streaming?
WiFi extenders are designed to provide you with better wireless coverage inside and outside your home. If you have a stable internet connection and a WiFi extender connected to it, instances of unnecessary buffering will fade away. WiFi extenders provide maximum coverage around the house, eliminate weak internet signals, and provide a satisfying streaming experience.
Will a WiFi extender help with Netflix?
Yes, it is possible. A WiFi extender helps ensure that all devices around the house get strong access to internet signals. Since people stream Netflix almost everywhere, be it the bedroom, the basement, the balcony, or even the toilet, you may likely face connectivity issues around the house. However, with a WiFi extender installed, you can forget to worry about the slow internet while binge-watching your favorite movies or shows on Netflix. Also, since Netflix requires a good internet connection for a seamless experience, you must have the best WiFi extender for streaming in your house.
How many times can you use a WiFi extender?
It is ideal to use one WiFi extender at a time. You can use a maximum of 2 extenders simultaneously under specific conditions. For optimum speeds and results, make sure you do not connect one extender to another. Using them together will only result in the low performance of the second extender. Connect each WiFi extender to the main router only.
Will a WiFi extender help with buffering?
The answer to this question is a big ‘OFCOURSE’. Having a dedicated WiFi extender inside your house eradicates the chances of having to experience video buffering during streaming. Buffering is annoying and takes away a lot of your precious time. Since Netflix supports HD, HDR, and even 4k streaming, it is highly recommended that you get yourself a WiFi extender for an optimal experience.
Does the router affect streaming?
Your internet speed is heavily dependent on the quality of your WiFi router. Before you think of getting yourself a WiFi extender, make sure that you have a quality router first. You may have a strong internet connection, but if your router is old school, then you will only end up relying on its mercy in all cases, especially streaming. Most of the WiFi extenders these days are dual-band. An old router and a new dual-band WiFi extender will not help your internet speed. It is best to have a great router first to enjoy a quick internet service.
Conclusion
WiFi routers are one of the most notoriously unpredictable devices ever to exist. There are times when your WiFi signals can reach you across several rooms or even outside your house with ease. While other times you find it extremely difficult to stream anything on your phone or television across the room.
WiFi routers are not adequate to match the modern era’s streaming needs. Due to multiple devices and excessive users, WiFi routers alone fail to deliver according to our needs. Simply buying a new router is never the solution as it will only add more misery to your life.
You can boost your WiFi signals without having to go through a lot of trouble. The solution to this is to get the best WiFi extender for streaming TV and your favorite content online.
Dead spots are common in every office and home, but the top 8 picks for the best WiFi extender for streaming mentioned above are the solution! All WiFi extenders vary by speed, coverage, and price. The best WiFi extender to help you stream content will depend on where you stand in each of those aspects.
Everyone hates buffering of the internet from the core of their hearts. Nothing is more agonizing than when you are enjoying your favorite show on TV, and it stops streaming and starts loading. Moreover, if there are any spots in your office where you miss the WiFi range and speed because of the restricted router spread, a WiFi extender is the answer to your problems.
Turn your dead spots into hotspots with the best WiFi extenders for streaming TV from our list!
