Wi-Fi extenders have become necessary accessories for many Canadian households. They ensure that an entire home can receive a good Wi-Fi signal, even if your devices are further away from a router. This usefulness makes them enticing, but there are many options available on the market. It can be overwhelming to choose the option that will work best for your home, your router, and your devices.
To help with this task, we have compiled an ultimate list of the best Wi-Fi extenders in Canada for 2024. Thanks to exhaustive research based on the most appealing features to Canadians, we have uncovered the best Wi-Fi extenders. Regardless of how larger your home is or the speed you need for your daily tasks, the Wi-Fi extenders on this list should work for you. Here’s what they have to offer you.
The 8 Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Canadians in 2024
- Best Overall: TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Extender
- Best Dual Band: TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender
- Best Speed: TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Extender
- Best for Small Homes: TP-Link AC750 WiFi Extender (RE220)
- Best Easy Installation: TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender
- Best for Eero Routers: Amazon Eero 6 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Extender
- Best for Most Devices: TP-Link AX1800 WiFi Extender Internet Booster (RE600X)
- Best for Medium Homes: NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX5000
Why Did We Choose These Wi-Fi Extenders in Canada?
Each of the products on our lists is chosen because they stood out to us for a certain reason or because they offer a specific feature that we know Canadians value. We look for the very best products for Canadians based on what’s most important to them. Here’s why we chose these products for our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders in Canada.
The TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender made the list as our best Wi-Fi extender for Canadians because it offers a wide range of coverage (2,800 square feet) and up to 35 device connections. It features dual-band operation and everything Canadians need from a Wi-Fi extender.
The TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi Range Extender is a great dual band option that Canadians can enjoy in their homes. This Wi-Fi extender has an access point mode with Gigabit port, as well as OFDMA and beamforming for enhanced performance. The extender has universal compatibility for all wireless routers, and offers a smooth Wi-Fi 6 experience.
Canadians interested in a fast option should consider the TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Extender. This extender comes with 3 antennas that provide an ultra-fast dual band experience. The extender is easy to transport from area to area, and it is easy to set up for extra convenience. It also offers more throughput than many other versions.
If you live in a smaller house and just need enough coverage to meet your needs, we suggest the TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Extender (RE220). It’s our choice for the best Wi-Fi extender for small homes because it covers 1,200 square feet. Even though it has a smaller range, it still handles 20 devices with ease.
Don’t want a messy installation process? The TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender is the best bet for you. This extender is simple to install on a wall plug. An indicator light will tell you where to place it for the best connection. It can connect up to 25 devices in a 1,500 sq. ft. home as well.
With so many Canadians switching to Amazon’s Eero modem system, the Amazon Eero 6 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Extender is one of the only options that work with your existing Eero hardware. You can connect as many of these extenders as you need, allowing you to spread your internet connection throughout homes of any size.
We chose the TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi Extender Internet Booster as our best choice for Canadians who use multiple devices in their homes. This Wi-Fi extender easily connects to up to 30 different devices at once, making it easy for everyone in the house to enjoy the internet at the same time.
For medium-sized homes, we chose the NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX5000 as our best choice. This Wi-Fi extender has a range of up to 1,500 square feet and can connect to 25 devices at the same time. This is the perfect choice for smaller businesses or Canadians with average-sized properties.
Best Overall
TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender
- Coverage Area: 2,800 sq. ft.
- Devices: 35
- Transfer Rate: 1,900 Mbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1 GB
It's Great For:
- When you need to cover a large area
- Connecting to multiple devices
- Fast transfer rate
- Staying connected while roaming
Our choice for the best overall Wi-Fi extender is the TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender (RE550). It was easy to come to this conclusion because of the multitude of features and strong connectivity power that this extender provides for your home or office.
This Wi-Fi extender has a wide coverage area and can extend your network signal up to 2,800 square feet. It can connect to up to 35 different devices at once, so there’s virtually no limitation to how you can use your internet connection.
The TP-Link AC1900 has super-fast transfer speeds of up to 1,900 Mbps, so you won’t have to worry about lagging or latency. It’s compatible with any router, access point, or gateway, and its dual-band functionality means a strong signal in both directions.
This model has three antennae for extra coverage, and it has a 1-gigabyte ethernet port for those times when you need a 100% stable, wired connection. It’s super-easy to set up using the TP-Link Tether application available on Android or iOS devices. And you can take advantage of the intelligent signal tool to help determine the perfect place to plug in your new Wi-Fi extender.
Key Features
- Universal Compatibility. The extender can connect to any router, making it compatible with the options you already have in your home.
- Large Coverage. This option includes 3 antennas that offer increased coverage. Your signal can reach up to 2,800 feet or 853 metres without extra lag or slow-down.
- Ethernet Port. The 1-gigabit Ethernet port included provides a stable high-performance wired connection whenever needed.
- Fast Transfer Speeds. This extender has transfer speeds of up to 1,900 mbps, minimising the risk of lagging. No matter what you need to do on the internet, you can accomplish it with minimal issues.
Our Expert’s Take
“The TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender offers a large coverage area, as well as faster transfer speeds for those who stream and game online.”
Best Dual Band
TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender
- Coverage Area: Adjustable
- Devices: Unspecified
- Transfer Rate: 574 Mbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1 GB
It's Great For:
- Canadians seeking efficient MU-MIMO
- Those who want high performance
- People looking for fast transfer
- Targeted Wi-Fi
The TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender is a great dual band choice. Canadians looking for high speeds and high performance should consider this option. It has a 160MHz bandwidth that can be used by multiple devices for efficient streaming. This Wi-Fi 6 option has universal compatibility and works with any Wi-Fi router. There are 4 high-performance amplifiers that help provide 4K streaming even to areas that are harder to reach.
The Wi-Fi extender uses beamforming technology to deliver targeted signal. You can use it to point in the direction of your preferred device and accelerate the speed of the Wi-Fi signal it receives. Combined with OFDMA integration, the extender provides a more efficient experience that boosts signal across the required space.
The extender makes use of 5G bandwidth with the 160 MHz that beat the traditional 80MHz options. This wider bandwidth assists with delivering higher speed transfer that remains consistent. The extender can be easily set up through the Tether app. You can use the app to choose between 3 strength levels. This adjustable coverage lets you customise your Wi-Fi extender experience. Whether you need to cover the next room or the entire floor, this extender can help you.
Key Features
- Beamforming. This Wi-Fi extender uses beamforming that can provide targeted Wi-Fi signal to specific devices. You can prioritize the options that need better signal.
- OFDMA Integration. OFDMA creates a more efficient signal that can remain consistent throughout use, preventing buffering and lagging during times of higher traffic.
- Universal Access. This extender can be used with any Wi-Fi enabled router, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.
- Customizable Coverage. The extender offers 3 strengths levels that can be easily adjusted in the Tether app. The app gives you much greater control over your signal, which is a useful tool.
Our Expert’s Take
“This Wi-Fi extender uses innovative technology and universal compatibility to deliver efficiency. You can change the coverage area if you need to, so you’ll only get the coverage that is most beneficial to you.”
Best Speed
TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Extender
- Coverage Area: Adjustable
- Devices: Not Specified
- Transfer Rate: 1,750 Mbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1 GB
It's Great For:
- Canadians looking for speed
- All Wi-Fi enabled routers
- Those seeking easy setup
- Eliminating dead spots
The TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Extender offers some of the fastest throughput available. This option has data transfer of up to 1750 mbps boosted by wireless AC technology, which helps reduce the risk of dead spots throughout the home. The impressive speed offered by the extender supports consistent 4K streaming on multiple devices at the same time.
The extender comes with 3 high-performance antennas that allow Canadians to set their preferred coverage area while enjoying consistent quality. Setup is quick and easy thanks to the Intelligent Signal Indicator that shines blue in areas where the connection is good, and red when the connection is poor. You can also use the Tether app to install and adjust the settings on the extender at any time via an intuitive interface.
This extender is universally compatible with routers and access points, ensuring its convenience. Canadians can take advantage of the easy installation, customizable range, and powerful speed to get impressive performance out of the device. The wall plug design facilitates the easy use of the extender, as it can fit in any area without hassle. The straightforward installation allows you to enjoy the many benefits of the extender within minutes.
Key Features
- High Transfer Speed. With transfer speed of up to 1750 mbps available, the throughput of this extender makes it stand out. Gaming, streaming media, and voice calls are easier than ever with this higher speed.
- 3 Antennas. The high-performance antennas provide excellent coverage. You can easily adjust the antennas to channel the signal where you need it most.
- Universal Compatibility. This extender can be used with any Wi-Fi enabled router you have on hand. You don’t have to purchase a new router to get it to work correctly.
- Quick Installation. The Intelligent Signal Indicator and the Tether app make quick work of installation. You’ll be ready to go in no time.
Our Expert’s Take
“This extender offers high speed transfer and powerful performance. It’s universally compatible with most routers, so you won’t have to worry if it will work.”
Best for Small Homes
TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Extender (RE220)
- Coverage Area: 1,200 sq. ft.
- Devices: 20
- Transfer Rate: 750 Mbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1 RE220
It's Great For:
- When you need to cover a small area
- Connecting to multiple devices
- When you need a wired connection
- Canadians on a budget
Choosing the right-sized Wi-Fi extender for your home is important. It helps provide a strong signal and maintain fast speeds without extending your coverage area farther than necessary. For Canadians who have smaller homes or offices but still need to boost their internet signal, we recommend the TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Extender (RE220). It’s perfect for spaces up to 1,200 square feet.
A smaller coverage area doesn’t mean a weaker signal, and this Wi-Fi extender is proof of that. It connects to up to 20 individual devices at the same time and has a transfer rate of 750 Mbps. It offers plenty of connectivity power to send a strong signal anywhere in your home.
We can’t forget to mention the dual-band design of this Wi-Fi extender, which means a stronger signal for the internet users in your home. It’s super easy to set up, works with the companion TP-Link Tether app, and includes the ability to search for the best location in your home for the strongest Wi-Fi signal possible.
The TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Extender even includes a RE220 ethernet port for creating a hard-wired connection. There’s so much to love with this Wi-Fi extender.
Key Features
- Strong Signal. This extender can cover up to 1,200 square feet, reducing the risk of dead zones. The coverage is consistent throughout your home.
- Adaptive Path Selection. The adaptive path selection allows you to choose the best possible signal for each device, eliminating issues with the devices that need a better signal for work or play.
- Hard-Wired Option. The built-in RE220 Ethernet port provides access to a stable wired connection at any point. When you need to download something or play a game online, this extender can help you get the most out of your internet service.
- Dual Band Design. This extender features a dual band design that sends a stronger signal within the range. This means your signal will stay strong instead of fading during high-traffic hours.
Our Expert’s Take
“TP-Link’s AC750 Router has a huge range. It’s extremely simple to set up and maintains speed throughout your home.”
Best for Easy Installation
TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender
- Coverage Area: 1,500 sq. ft.
- Devices: 25
- Transfer Rate: 1,200 Mbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: None
It's Great For:
- Simple set-up with signal strength indicator
- Up to 25 devices
- Average homes or areas
- Fast network connections
The TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender is one of TP-Link’s smallest WiFi extenders, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful. This extender shines when it comes to installation. This device installs to the nearest wall plug, like some of the other options on our list. However, this device uses a smart signal mode. An indicator light will show you the strength of the signal at any location, ensuring that you can find the best placement for the extender. It works with any WiFi router or other access point and sets up quickly with the press of the WPS button.
This extender is convenient and quick, but it’s also effective. It uses Adaptive Path Selection (APS) to ensure that you always have the fastest connection possible. This means that your internet is just as fast from this extender as it is from the router. Its dual-band networks share the same WiFi names and passwords as your router, too. You won’t have to change the saved networks on your devices.
It’s good for up to 25 devices and 1,500 square feet. That’s perfect for an average family in an average Canadian home. Even with a 25-device limit, you can connect your Smart TVs, laptops, desktops, tablets, phones, and more without slowing the signal.
You can manage every part of your network with the TP-Link Tether app, which is simple to use and available on Android and iOS devices. This app makes it simple to change things, check your network health, and determine if your setup is complete. With seamless integration and quick installation, you’ll have your home network up and running in no time at all.
Key Features
- Adaptive Path Selection. The APS allows you to select the fastest connection available, so you always get the best possible connection.
- Indicator Light. The indicator will show you where the best connection signal can be found. Using this to troubleshoot the best possible connection is extremely simple.
- Covers Up to 25 Devices. Canadians using many devices around the home can enjoy the wide connectivity of this extender.
- Easy Installation. The wall plug design and indicator light make this an easy option to install. You don’t have to worry about a difficult installation if you are not tech-savvy.
Our Expert’s Take
“This extender offers easy installation and connectivity. APS and coverage for 25 devices make this extender work better for larger spaces and families that need faster connections.”
Best for Eero Routers
Amazon Eero 6 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Extender
- Coverage Area: 1,500 sq. ft.
- Devices: Unspecified
- Transfer Rate: 500 Mbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: None
It's Great For:
- Canadians who own Amazon Eero router systems
- Users with larger homes
- Those who want to maximize their internet range without reducing speed
- Internet speeds up to 500 Mbps
The Amazon Eero 6 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Extender is a unique Wi-Fi extender option that works exclusively with Amazon’s Eero Wi-Fi system. This extender only works with the Eero modem, which gives you a great way to extend your network as many times as you need. If you already have one of these Amazon Eero modems, you can easily connect this extender to the system.
The seamless connection within this system allows for a simple setup. One of the best things about this extender, however, is its flexibility. Each extender offers an additional 1,500 sq. ft. of coverage, but you can add as many Eero extenders as needed to your Eero modem. This means that the extension capabilities are almost endless.
While each connection to a standard Wi-Fi extender reduces the speed a little, this isn’t the case with the Eero extender. Your speed is preserved (up to 500 Mbps) no matter how many extenders and devices are connected to the system. This is due to the TrueMesh technology, which reduces drop-offs in service and helps maintain a consistent connection.
Key Features
- Amazon Eero Network. You can use this extender to connect to a broader Amazon Eero network, enhancing the range even more.
- Efficient Speed. This extender offers speeds of up to 500 Mbps, and maintains them consistent.
- Speed Preservation. No matter how many devices are connected to the extender, the speed will be preserved throughout the process.
- TrueMesh Technology. The extender profits from this technology to reduce lagging and drop-offs during use.
Our Expert’s Take
“This extender works with Amazon’s Eero Network, making it ideal for users who have the other parts of that system. It’s extremely efficient, and the TrueMesh technology helps preserve speed.”
Best for Most Devices
TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi Extender Internet Booster (RE600X)
- Coverage Area: 1,500 sq. ft.
- Devices: 30
- Transfer Rate: 1.8 Gbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1 GB
It's Great For:
- Connecting to 30 different devices
- Fast transfer speeds
- Covering a large area
- Wired connections
If you have tons of devices in your home that get lots of use from your family members and friends, then the TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi Extender & Internet Booster (RE600X) is a great choice. This powerhouse can provide a strong, stable connection to as many as 30 individual devices at once. Your family will have no problem playing games, live-streaming movies, browsing the internet, and listening to music from their smartphones – all at the same time.
This Wi-Fi extender covers up to a 1,500-square-foot area with a strong signal. It’s got a dual-band design to maintain the integrity of the signal and has a 1 GB ethernet port for hard-wired connections. With a transfer rate of 1.8 Gbps and Wi-Fi 6 speeds, you won’t have to struggle with lost connections and lagging picture quality ever again.
Like other TP-Link products, this one is easy to set up in your home via the companion application. Use the signal indicator to help find the best location in your home for the strongest signal no matter where you are.
This Wi-Fi extender is not only universally compatible with any router device but even works with newer technology, such as AX devices.
Key Features
- Great Compatibility. The extender is compatible with all routers, as well as with other AX devices.
- Dual Band Performance. The extender’s dual band design delivers a strong signal throughout the covered area.
- High Speed. While the extender offers moderate range, it provides high speed within it. All of your online activities will be fast.
- Less Lagging. The extender makes use of technology that reduces lagging and maintains consistency. You can game online smoothly.
Our Expert’s Take
“The Wi-Fi extender has useful compatibility and provides a strong high-speed signal. If you game online, this is a great option to help reduce lag.”
Best for Medium Homes
NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX5000
- Coverage Area: 1,500 sq. ft.
- Devices: 25
- Transfer Rate: 1,200 Mbps
- Dual Band: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: Not Specified
It's Great For:
- When you need to cover a medium-sized area
- Connecting to multiple devices
- When you want universal compatibility
- Safe and secure roaming
Not everyone needs to cover a gigantic area, and sometimes choosing too large of a coverage area when it’s not needed sacrifices signal strength. For Canadian homes that are average or medium-sized, we recommend the NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX5000. It provides a strong signal and fast transfer rates for homes up to 1,500 square feet.
This Wi-Fi extender connects to up to 25 different devices and has a transfer rate of 1,200 Mbps. It uses dual-band operability to maintain signal strength in both directions. It is compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 20, Safari 5.1, or Google Chrome 25.0 browsers or higher.
The NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX5000 is compatible with any wireless router, gateway, or modem equipped with Wi-Fi, so you can easily incorporate it into your existing network. It uses WEP and WPA/WPA2 security features to provide a secure network connection in your home or office.
Higher transfer rates allow your entire family to stream media, play games and get work done without sacrificing speed or quality. This compact Wi-Fi extender is surprisingly sturdy and effective. A quick, simple setup allows you to get your entire home online fast.
Key Features
- Companion App. Easy access to the companion app streamlines the process of installing and adjusting the extender.
- Improved Security. The enhanced security features available with the extender make it a more comfortable choice.
- Strong Signal. The extender uses technology that provides a strong and consistent signal.
- Budget-Friendly. This extender is a budget-friendly option that delivers efficient quality for affordable prices.
Our Expert’s Take
“This Netgear Wi-Fi extender is extremely affordable, but offers enhanced security features and better high-quality options.”
Comparing the Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Canadians
| Category | Wi-Fi Extender | Coverage | Devices | Transfer Rate | Dual Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender | 2,800 sq. ft. | 35 | 1,900 Mbps | Yes |
| Best Dual Band | TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender | Adjustable | Unspecified | 574 Mbps | Yes |
| Best Speed | TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Extender | Adjustable | Unspecified | 1,750 Mbps | Yes |
| Best for Small Homes | TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Extender (RE220) | 1,200 sq. ft. | 20 | 750 Mbps | Yes |
| Best for Easy Installation | TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender | 1,500 sq. ft. | 25 | 1,200 Mbps | Yes |
| Best for Eero Routers | Amazon Eero 6 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Extender | 1,500 sq. ft. | Unspecified | 500 Mbps | Yes |
| Best for Most Devices | TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi Extender Internet Booster (RE600X) | 1,500 sq. ft. | 30 | 1.8 Gbps | Yes |
| Best for Medium Homes | NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX5000 | 1,500 sq. ft. | 25 | 1,200 Mbps | Yes |
How We Selected These Wi-Fi Extenders in Canada
Our passion is helping Canadians make the best choices in lifestyle and household products from their homes and their families. For years, we have made it our goal to evaluate products in nearly every category so we can help Canadians get the most from their purchases.
Our team of experts evaluate each and every product. We conduct hours of in-depth analysis, research and gather expert opinions. Based on this information, we compile a list of the products that we feel Canadians would benefit from in their daily lives. When putting together this list of the best Wi-Fi extenders in Canada, we looked for the following features:
- Compatibility. If a product isn’t compatible with your current network operating system or cable modem/router, then it won’t do you any good. We looked for Wi-Fi extenders that offer universal compatibility and will work well with virtually any existing system, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing a product that you can’t use.
- Speed. The speed of the signal is just as important as the coverage area because a slow network signal is nobody’s friend. Slow internet speeds translate into lagging video, freezing pictures, glitchy gaming, and dropped signals. We looked for Wi-Fi extenders that offer blazing-fast internet speeds so that your network will perform well no matter how you use it.
- Security. There’s nothing more important in today’s world than keeping your personal information safe. Adding a Wi-Fi extender to your network increases the chance that dishonest people could hack into your system and steal your data. But that possibility is reduced or eliminated when the products you choose employ the most advanced security protocols, so that’s what we looked for when choosing our recommendations.
- Easy Setup. Understanding your internet network and devices is confusing enough without adding another complicated product to the mix. We looked for Wi-Fi extenders that offer super-easy setup options, so all you need to do is plug in the device and hit a button to get things up and running.
Why Use a Wi-Fi Extender in Canada?
A Wi-Fi extender is designed to improve the signal of your wireless network throughout your home or property. There are many things in and around your home that can weaken the signal as it travels throughout your home. Certain types of metal, thick walls or floors, and the environment, in general, can prevent the signal from reaching certain areas of your home. These areas are referred to as “dead zones,” and you may have noticed a few in your home already – places where the Wi-Fi- simply doesn’t work or runs slower.
Adding a Wi-Fi extender to your system will increase the coverage area of the signal in your home, strengthening it along the way, and providing a boost of speed. Canadians who use their Wi-Fi network often or use it for work will benefit from a Wi-Fi extender. They’re cheaper than adding a second router to your home, and easier to set up.
What’s the Difference Between a Wi-Fi Extender, Wi-Fi Booster, And a Repeater?
When shopping for a new Wi-Fi extender, you may hear a variety of terms used in the product names. Wi-Fi extenders, boosters, and repeaters are designed to improve your network signal in different ways but often are used interchangeably to describe products that serve this purpose. Let’s look at a few differences between these three monikers.
Wi-Fi Extenders
A Wi-Fi extender or Wi-Fi range extender does exactly what the name infers: it extends the coverage area of your network signal, which improves the performance of Wi-Fi-capable devices in all areas of your home. It does this by boosting the signal, which increases how far it can travel and remain strong. A Wi-Fi extender connects directly to the router via a coaxial cable, an ethernet cable, or by using the power lines in your home (called powerline networking). A Wi-Fi extender that is directly connected to your router provides a stronger and more stable connection.
Wi-Fi Repeaters
The terms repeater and extender are often used to describe the same process, but in reality, they are slightly different. A repeater doesn’t require a hard-wired connection to your router, for one thing. It connects via a Wi-Fi band, which is another component of your router. This means you have more freedom to choose where you will place the repeater in your home. The downside of using a repeater is that it uses the same frequency to both send and receive data, which means a loss of bandwidth. Many newer Wi-Fi repeaters rely on dual-band technology to help alleviate this problem.
Wi-Fi Booster
A Wi-Fi booster is another type of device that is designed to increase the strength of your network signal and increase its reach. It’s also a term you may hear used interchangeably with “extender” and “repeater.” A Wi-Fi booster is different from an extender or a repeater because it works directly with your router, instead of between the router and a connected device. But essentially, it provides the same benefits such as a stronger signal and faster speeds.
How to Choose a Wi-Fi Extender for Canadians
Wi-Fi extenders are extremely technical, and that can be intimidating. You need to know that your Wi-Fi extender is compatible with your network and will cover your entire home. Thankfully, we’re here to help. The following features and options will keep you up-to-date on the type of WiFi extender you need, as well as how it can be helpful for you.
Coverage Area
The entire point of a Wi-Fi extender is to widen the area where you can use your network signal. Some homes and businesses have very large properties in terms of square footage and need the largest coverage area available. Others may have medium or smaller-sized properties and would benefit from a stronger signal spread across a comparable area. We looked for Wi-Fi routers that offer a wide variety of coverage areas to match differing needs.
You should make sure to choose a coverage area that works for your home and not beyond it. If your Wi-Fi extender pushes your signal past where it is needed, it can dilute the speed and strength of users in your home. If you have a smaller home, choose an extender with a smaller range. In this case, a larger coverage area is not always the best choice.
Multiple Device Compatibility
Most households use more online devices than they realize. There are smartphones, computers and laptops, live-streaming TV and movie devices, game consoles, and much more. Multiply those devices by the number of users in the household living together and sharing the signal, and it’s easy to see why a Wi-Fi extender that can connect to many devices at once is so important for many Canadians. We looked for Wi-Fi extenders that offer the most connections to make life easier for Canadians like you.
Transfer Speed
As we explored above, the transfer speed of your Wi-Fi extender can affect signal strength and speed to the devices connected to it. Transfer speed is measured in Mbps, and a transfer rate of about 750 Mbps is considered normal. However, you may want to choose a faster Wi-Fi extender if you plan to use it to its full potential, especially if you have many family members with lots of devices.
The transfer speed can be variable, and it is rarely fixed and guaranteed. Even so, choosing a faster transfer speed is always preferable.
Wired Port
Usually, wired internet connections are faster and easier. A Wi-Fi extender may be able to connect to your modem or router with an ethernet cable, which will allow for a quicker signal when it broadcasts it to the rest of your home. If you’d prefer not to connect your extender with a cord, this may not be an important feature for you. However, it’s always nice to have this option on hand in case you need to update your extender or troubleshoot problems down the road.
Dual Band Technology
Dual-band technology allows a Wi-Fi extender to use both 5GHz and 2.4GHz signals. It might not seem important to have both options, but it can be extremely important. If you have older devices (or if your router or modem is on the older side), you will need access to the slower signal speed. Even if you have faster hardware that can handle 5GHz connections, a 2.4GHz signal can help your wireless signal be more compatible with older devices.
While dual-band technology is not essential for your Wi-Fi extender, it’s better to have it when you need it. Otherwise, you may find that some of your devices can’t use the internet at your home because they cannot connect to the faster (or slower) signal.
Easy Setup
Even if you aren’t the most tech-savvy Canadian, your Wi-Fi extender should be easy to set up. Most of the best Wi-Fi extenders in Canada use simple setup options and easy-to-use modes that help you get online quickly. If you are unsure about whether you’ll be able to set up your Wi-Fi extender, check the listing carefully. Some options may include instructions or information about how to set up the extender. If this doesn’t look like something you’re comfortable doing, you should find an option that may work better for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Wi-Fi extender can be a wonderful asset to any tech-connected Canadian household. Wi-Fi extenders can help increase signal strength and allow for more devices to easily connect to the network. Homes of all sizes can benefit from a Wi-Fi extender, especially those with dead spots throughout rooms.
For users who aren’t as technically savvy, setting up new devices can be intimidating and worrisome to set up. Luckily, Wi-Fi extenders are incredibly easy to set up and can be done in minutes. Most extenders on our list today are a breeze to install, with quick instructions to follow and an easy-to-use app. For those wanting the quickest install, choose the TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender, which is perfect for plug-and-go installation features.
Placing a Wi-Fi extender can be tricky, with homes set up in so many different ways. The best placement of an extender is often between your router and the room you are trying to extend the range to. Wi-Fi extenders need an outlet to be powered, so choose one that makes the most sense for your coverage needs. If you don’t get the best network coverage on the first try, attempt to move the Wi-Fi extender to a new location.
Many Canadians might think that only large houses are in need of a Wi-Fi extender, but even small homes may benefit from its use. Some smaller houses still have dead spots due to metal in walls, garages or basement areas, and an extender can greatly help with connection issues. Households with multiple devices like laptops, smart TVs, phones and home assistant tools will find that a Wi-Fi extender like the TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender, which connects up to 335 devices, is an ideal option.
Some Wi-Fi extenders offer a dual-band design, which allows for two different network signals to exist. This is great for homes with multiple devices or those who wish to use a dedicated signal for their work. Small homes and households with fewer devices won’t find that a dual-band extender is necessary for their needs.
Using a Wi-Fi extender in Canada can increase security risks of hacking and network breaches. Making sure that you are using extra secure passwords on all devices and the router will ensure that your household is safe from hackers. Choosing a Wi-Fi extender with advanced security features, like the ones in our review today, will help increase your network security.
While most devices that connect to the Wi-Fi extender are wireless, some households in Canada may wish to connect via an ethernet cable. Using an ethernet cable increases connection speed and security and is essential if working from home for high-security corporations. Many of the Wi-Fi extenders in our list today also have a built-in ethernet cable port and will work great for those who need to connect that way.
