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The internet has become almost necessary in Canadian households. We live stream movies and videos, play games online with friends, listen to music via streaming services, chat with friends on social media, and browse the internet at our leisure. For some, the internet is a lifeline, providing connection to others and access to otherwise unavailable services.

However, the quality and performance of your Wi-Fi network depend on many different factors. And there are likely some places in your home where your Wi-Fi signal is weaker or simply non-existent. That’s where a Wi-Fi extender can come in handy. It extends or boosts your signal across a larger area, meaning you can stream to your heart’s content no matter where you are on your property (even when you’re relaxing in the backyard). Unless you’re a tech junkie, the topic of Wi-Fi extenders might seem like a foreign language, making it hard to know what kind to purchase for your home. No worries! We’re here to help with our recommendations for the best Wi-Fi extenders in Canada.

Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Canadians

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.

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.

With a huge range of about 6,800 square feet, the BYGLO WiFi Range Extender is the best option on our list for larger homes. It provides a fast connection to 36 devices at a time, so everyone can stay connected.

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.

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.

If you’ve got gamers at home, then try our choice for the best Wi-Fi extender for gaming – the TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi Extender. This model has a quad-antennae for extra coverage, dual-band functionality for a strong signal and fast speeds, and ethernet ports for hard-wired connections.

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.

TP-Link AC1900 WiFi Extender (RE550), Covers Up to 2800 Sq.ft and 35 Devices, 1900Mbps Dual Band Wireless Repeater, Internet Booster, Gigabit Ethernet Port

Features:

It's Great For:

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.

 The Highlights

The TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Extender is the perfect choice for Canadians who want a combination of speed, coverage, and security. It’s easy to set up and use right out of the box and it will allow you to enjoy your internet from anywhere in your home or office.

  • Easy set-up
  • Compatible with any router
  • Connects with virtually any device
  • Large coverage area

From the Test Lab

“Our testers raved about the quality of the signal provided by this Wi-Fi extender.”

TP-Link AX1800 WiFi Extender Internet Booster (RE600X) - WiFi 6 Range Extender Covers up to 1500 sq.ft and 30 Devices, Dual Band, AP Mode w/Gigabit Port, APP Setup

Features:

It's Great For:

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.

The Highlights

Up-to-date functionality and multiple device connectivity capabilities coupled with super-fast speeds make this Wi-Fi extender a great choice for use in your home or office. With dual-band functionality for a stronger signal, connectivity for multiple devices and moderate range, this extender can keep your entire family connected without lag or other issues.

  • Compatible with all routers and AX devices
  • Dual-band design for strong signals
  • Connect to more devices and share the signal without lagging
  • Moderate Wi-Fi range with high speeds

From the Test Lab

“Our testers with multiple internet users at home together had no problem connecting to everyone’s device at the same time, so everybody is happy.”

Best for Large Homes

BYGLO WiFi Range Extender

BYGLO 2023 Newest WiFi Booster/WiFi Range Extender 1200Mbps WiFi Extender Wireless Signal Booster Internet Booster for Home, up to 6800 SQ.FT WiFi Coverage Dual Band 5G&2.4GHz, Support 30+ Devices

Features:

It's Great For:

The BYGLO WiFi Range Extender has one of the largest ranges on our list. This extender reaches devices over about 6800 square feet. It can be connected to up to 36 devices at a time without losing any speed or efficiency, so everyone can keep all of their devices connected. It also offers dual-band connectivity, so you can use the 2.4G or 5G network connections. Each offers a different speed, but one might work better than the other for some devices.

With all these features, you might think it’s difficult to get this device set up. However, it’s simple to get started with this device. All you need is the app and an available wall outlet. Connecting this extender to your existing network is fast, and most Canadians can get it up and running within five minutes.

In the best possible conditions, this extender can provide up to 1200 Mbps. If you use the 2.4G band to connect your internet-ready devices, you’ll find a slightly slower connection. You’ll want to use this option for emails and other simple tasks on your tablet, desktop, or laptop.

The heavy-duty 5G ban is well-suited for gaming, video calls, streaming services, and other activities that require low ping and lots of downloading. No matter what devices you have in your home, this WiFi extender will be able to connect to all of them using universal wireless communication standards (in this case, 802.11ac).

The Highlights

The BYGLO WiFi Range Extender covers up to 6800 square feet, which is great for the largest homes in Canada. It works for up to 36 devices at once, too – everyone in your home can stay connected with all of their devices. It’s quick and easy to set this extender up. You will be able to get it set up within about 5 minutes. The wide-rage wireless communication standard compatibility means you can connect most of your devices without any issues.

  • 6,800 sq. ft. coverage
  • Works on up to 36 devices simultaneously, so everyone can stay connected
  • Setup is quick and simple
  • compatible with all your devices

From the Test Lab

“The huge range on this WiFi extender seemed to good to be true, but it worked really well for us.”

Best for Medium Homes

NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX5000

NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX5000 - Coverage up to 1500 sq.ft. and 25 Devices with AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 1200Mbps Speed)

Features:

It's Great For:

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.

The Highlights

With the Netgear Wi-Fi Analyzer app, you can find the perfect place in your home for your new Wi-Fi extender. It’s easy to set up with the push of a button and provides excellent coverage.

  • Companion app for better performance
  • Enhanced security features
  • Strong signal and fast speeds
  • Affordable price

From the Test Lab

“We had no complaints from our testers about the performance of this Wi-Fi extender and reported strong signals from anywhere in their homes.”

TP-Link AC750 WiFi Extender (RE220) - Covers Up to 1,200 Sq.ft and 20 Devices, Up to 750Mbps, Dual Band WiFi Range Extender, WiFi Booster to Extend Range of WiFi Internet Connection

Features:

It's Great For:

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.

The Highlights

Optimal signal and fast speeds for smaller-sized spaces are a necessity, and that’s what you get with the TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Extender. It’s designed to be easy to use and provide optimal signal quality with multiple device connections.

  • Strong signal up to 1,200 square feet
  • Works with standard broadband connections
  • Adaptive path selection for the best signal
  • Offers a rare wired connection port

From the Test Lab

“Our testers reported that this Wi-Fi extender provided a strong, stable signal in all corners of their home, without lagging or glitching.”

TP-Link AC2600 WiFi Extender (RE650) - Up to 2600Mbps, Dual Band WiFi Range Extender, Internet Booster, Repeater, Gigabit Port, Access Point Mode, 4x4 MU-MIMO

Features:

It's Great For:

Gamers require an extra-strong internet signal and super-fast speeds to play online. Online games require a large amount of data to be transferred quickly and with minimal lag. For the most serious gamers in Canada, the TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi Extender (RE650) is a must-have. It has the fastest transfer rate of any Wi-Fi extender on our list, at up to 2,600 Mbps, so even the most complex games will look and operate perfectly.

Nothing is more frustrating than a lost signal or a weak connection right in the middle of a gaming experience. That’s why a Wi-Fi extender like this one is so beneficial. It eliminated dead zones in your home, so you can set up your gaming devices wherever you want. And it allows for incredible speeds to keep up with the advanced processing requirements of today’s video games.

This model comes with MU-MIMO Wave 2 technology, which allows for the best performance between multiple devices. It has four antennas for extra-signal boosting to the furthest corners of your home and uses Beamforming technology to send a stronger signal directly to preferred devices. And it has an ethernet port for creating a hard-wired connection if you require one.

The Highlights

Super-fast signal speeds and processing capabilities make this Wi-Fi extender the perfect choice for online gaming. But the TP-Link AC2600 can handle multiple devices at once, and even target the signal to individual devices for an extra-strong signal.

  • Designed for the strongest signals
  • Allows for super-fast transfer speeds
  • Able to target the signal toward individual devices
  • Wired connection for uninterrupted gaming

From the Test Lab

“This Wi-Fi extender is the perfect choice for online gaming. Our testers raved about its ability to keep up with even the most advanced games.”

TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender (RE300) - Covers Up to 1500 Sq.ft and 25 Devices, Up to 1200Mbps, Supports OneMesh, Dual Band Internet Repeater, Range Booster

Features:

It's Great For:

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. 

The Highlights

The TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender can connect up to 25 devices at once. It uses a technology called Adaptive Path Selection (APS) to find the fastest, most secure connection for all of your devices. It installs easily and uses an indicator light to tell you the strength of your connection at any location. This allows you to choose the best location to install your WiFi extender.

  • Connects to up to 25 devices
  • Adaptive Path Selection (APS) for the fastest possible connection
  • An indicator light points you toward the best installation location
  • Simple to install in a wall plug

From the Test Lab

“This WiFi Extender is simple to install, so we didn’t have to go through multiple complicated steps to get connected.”

Why Trust Us?


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.

We evaluate every product in our very own test lab. Then, we send the products to our team of dedicated testers for even further evaluation and feedback. Based on the combination of these observations, 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

Before you can decide which Wi-Fi extender to buy, it’s important to look at the different options that are available to you. Before you make a final purchase, here are some of the features you should consider.

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

Wi-Fi extenders are generally safe to use. However, as is true of any device that uses electricity, there is always a risk of fire or electric shock. But many newer Wi-Fi extenders are designed with safety features that help prevent overheating – a situation that could lead to a fire. When shopping for a Wi-Fi extender, look for one that is designed for safe use in your home.

Dual-band is a term used to describe Wi-Fi extenders that use more than one Wi-Fi band during operation. The original Wi-Fi devices and routers used a 2.4GHz band to transmit the signal. However, that band is often crowded with devices and provides a slower signal as a result. Recently, routers using more than one band have hit the market. Now, Wi-Fi extenders can use dual-band operability to use both the 2.4GHz band and the 5 GHz bands. This way, the signal coming into the extender and exiting the extender can operate on separate bands, which means a stronger signal.

Choosing the perfect location for your Wi-Fi extender is important. If you’re relying on the Wi-Fi network, you will want to choose a location that receives a strong signal and is in range of your router. If you’re using a wired connection to your router, you will need to position your extender close enough for the cable to reach. Many newer models of Wi-Fi extenders use companion applications with a feature that helps you determine the best place to position your new Wi-Fi extender.