7 Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Gaming in 2023 [Minimal Latency] (2024)

It’s no secret that online gaming works best when you have a wired-based setup. But you do not want to fill your bedroom or living room with LAN cables and adapters. Do you? The best bet is to get a high-quality Wi-Fi extender for gaming which will not only enhance the signal reach but also maintain low-ping across your house.

And even if you could live with low bandwidth and latency issues, you cannot survive the Wi-Fi dead zones. These are areas where you cannot get sufficient Wi-Fi signals and can ruin the gaming experience.

Fortunately, Wi-Fi extenders work quite well. You can use these devices to extend the range of your Wi-Fi connection, thereby reducing the number of dead zones. However, a random extender won’t help you much. Instead, you need a powerful Wi-Fi range extender with high bandwidth capacity, a lag-free processing, and support for features like MU-MIMO and external antennas.

Given the number of range extenders in the market, picking one can be difficult. You also have to consider factors like pricing, reliability, and connectivity options. So, I thought I could help by compiling a list of the best Wi-Fi range extenders for gaming.

7 Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Gaming in 2023

I have selected the best Wi-Fi extenders for seamless gaming based on factors like speed, range, and compatibility. In addition, I have also looked at connectivity and pricing to increase the diversity of products. In the end, you can find at least one Wi-Fi extender that suits your gaming needs.

1. Best Overall: TP-Link RE650

The TP-Link RE650 AC2600 is one of the best Wi-Fi signal boosting solutions in the market. The device has been designed for professional and hybrid needs that require high bandwidth and a smooth multi-channel wireless experience. This model, in particular, comes with an exceptional range as well, making it an excellent choice for gamers, professionals, and enthusiasts alike.

Why is it suitable for Gaming?

First of all, the extender uses the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard with dual-band connectivity. It means you can enjoy a whopping speed of 800Mbps and 1733Mbps, respectively. Moreover, when running at its full power, the device can offer a range of up to 2500 square feet as well. You can easily connect up to 35 devices to the extender at once, making it an excellent pick for local multiplayer gaming parties also.

Design & Connectivity

Compared to other Wi-Fi extenders in the market, this product from TP-Link may seem a little bulkier. It uses four external antennas to direct Wi-Fi signals in different directions. It has dimensions of 6.42 x 3.4 x 2.63 inches and weighs only 1lbs, and you will not have any problem keeping it connected to a socket.

Unlike most Wi-Fi extenders, the AC2600 comes with a Gigabit internet port. You can use this RJ45 port to connect gaming consoles or Ethernet-based devices to the network. In addition to the three LED indicators, a smart indicator is also included to help you determine the best place to keep the unit.

Setup & Other Features

Setting up the TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi Extender is a piece of cake when you use the Tether App from TP-Link. As I said, the smart LED indicator will notify about the optimal signal strength. In addition, you can use the product in the Wireless Bridge and AP mode.

I must also add that the Wi-Fi extender works with almost every Wi-Fi router in the market right now. Extra features in the package include MU-MIMO Wave 2 and Beamforming. In short, Wi-Fi connections using the device will be more stable than you think.

Conclusion

If you can spend a good amount of money, the TP-Link AC2600 is the best option for gaming. It packs many features you cannot find on other products, such as the Gigabit port and smart indicators. The device does not compromise the performance and that’s why it’s also featured in my list of Wi-Fi extenders for home use.

2. Best Wi-Fi 6 Extender: Netgear EAX20

Do you have a Wi-Fi 6 router that you would like to boost? In that case, Netgear EAX20 is an excellent choice. It brings together several connectivity features that enable lag-free gaming across your house. Even though it is more affordable than our first pick, the package offers some innovative features.

Why is it suitable for Gaming?

First of all, it is a Wi-Fi 6-enabled Wi-Fi extender that can optimally work with wireless mesh systems. On the 2.5GHz and 5GHz bands, respectively, you can get up to 600Mbps and 1200Mbps of speed. NETLINK says its product can offer maximum coverage of up to 3000 sq. ft, which is more than sufficient for most homes. In addition, it can handle up to 20 devices at once, making it an ideal choice for local multiplayer gaming.

Design & Connectivity

The tower design of the Wi-Fi extender is bulkier than our previous pick. It weighs a relatively high 2.09lbs and has 11.4 x 8.3 x 4.5 inches dimensions. You should not consider this device to be a portable solution by any means. It works great when set up at a static location.

The connectivity part includes a number of LED indicators and buttons. You can connect up to 4 RJ45 cables to consoles, smart TVs, and other Ethernet devices. You can get more intelligent features through the official Nighthawk app from NETGEAR.

Setup & Other Features

You can set up the NETGEAR EAX20 in a few minutes. The mesh networking system offers universal router support as well. The Nighthawk app will take you through the setup, and you can also use the WPS button. The Wi-Fi Analyzer app from NETGEAR can recommend an optimal location as well.

Other features include MU-MIMO and OFDMA, both of which increase the quality and stability of the data streams. In addition, NETGEAR has also packed the Smart Roaming feature, which enables a seamless Wi-Fi connection at different parts of the house.

Conclusion

I believe the NETGEAR EAX20 is a great gaming Wi-Fi extender for most homes. The range of 1,500 sq. ft. and features like Smart Roaming add much value to the package. Moreover, the extender does not cost much, either.

3. Best AiMesh Compatible: ASUS RP-AC1900

There are times when you have to prioritize coverage over speed in a Wi-Fi extender. In that case, you can check out the ASUS RP-AC1900 Wi-Fi Repeater. This device comes with a hybrid design that improves your Wi-Fi signal strength quite dramatically. Compared to the features, the product is not that expensive, either. Yet, ASUS has added some smart features to the package.

Why is it suitable for Gaming?

The ASUS RP-AC1900 Wi-Fi Repeater comes with Wi-Fi 5, which can offer speeds of 600Mbps and 1299Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, respectively. More importantly, its 3000 sq. ft. coverage means that you can enjoy a stable internet connection across your home or office. Furthermore, you can easily connect more than 20 wireless devices — in addition to Ethernet-based connections.

Design & Connectivity

This ASUS Wi-Fi extender is relatively bulky like our second pick, primarily due to its three external antennas. It measures 12.01 x 9.06 x 3.78 inches and weighs 2.6lbs. The front portion contains various LED indicators that tell you about the status of individual ports/connections.

In addition to dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, the device offers four Gigabit LAN ports, which you can use for consoles or smart TVs. You also get an Ethernet backhaul port to connect to your main wireless router for enhanced speeds.

Setup & Other Features

Setting up the ASUS RP-AC1900 Wi-Fi Repeater is easy, thanks to the ASUS Wi-Fi App for Android and iOS. Even though ASUS offers some additional features with an AiMesh system, you can use the extender with almost every Wi-Fi router in the market.

AiMesh support is one of the more innovative features in the package. It can extend the range of your Wi-Fi connection with minimal impact on speed. You can also choose between having the same or different Wi-Fi SSID. Last but not least, the range extender supports 3×3 MIMO technology.

Conclusion

Compared to other products, the ASUS RP-AC1900 Wi-Fi Repeater offers a substantial improvement in range. You can also set up the system via AiMesh to enjoy the best internet coverage. Even otherwise, it is a pretty reliable Wi-Fi extender for gaming.

4. Best Gigabit Extender: Linksys RE7000

You should consider getting the Linksys RE7000 if you want the best wireless coverage and standard speeds. In addition, it comes with some intelligent features that help you place the extender in the best position for your gaming needs. Enhanced Wi-Fi speeds are not the only good thing about the package, though.

Why is it suitable for Gaming?

This dual-band extender can ensure top speeds of 399Mbps and 1733Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, respectively. More importantly, it has a never-seen-before coverage of up to 2500 sq. ft. It means you can enjoy lag-free gaming regardless of where you are in a multi-story house. In addition, you can use a single extender to connect more than 20 devices to the network.

Design & Connectivity

Despite the power, the Linksys RE7000 has a minimal design that measures 1.81 x 3.18 x 4.96 inches. The device does not even have external antennas. It weighs only 0.39lbs and can be kept connected to a power socket.

The Wi-Fi extender does not have many ports, either. In addition to the standard power delivery ports, you can see only a single Ethernet port. However, it comes with crossband connection functionality, which means you can have 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections simultaneously.

Setup & Other Features

Thanks to universal router support, setting up the RE7000 is a piece of cake. You can use its Spot Finder Technology to calculate the precise location for maximum performance. In addition, you can use the official Wi-Fi app for setup and access control.

Other features in the package include MU-MIMO, crossband connections, and seamless roaming. The last feature, in particular, offers a smooth connection for gaming even when multiple devices are connected to the network.

Conclusion

Sure, the Linksys RE7000 does not have many fancy features. Yet, it is one of the best Wi-Fi boosters for gaming, especially considering the price. I have tested it with Optimum internet, and it turns out to be one of the top-shelf extenders for Optimum. In any case, you will love the smart set-up and control options along with the high speeds.

5. Best Value for Money: TP-Link RE550

TP-Link RE550 is one of the cheaper Wi-Fi extenders for gaming that you can get today. Even though the design resembles our first pick, this product does not have the highest performance. But it will not stop you from enjoying a smooth online gaming experience. In the end, you do not have to spend more than $100, either.

Why is it suitable for Gaming?

Even though it is a Wi-Fi 5 device, you can expect impressive speeds of up to 600Mbps and 1300Mbps on its 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. In addition, the device claims to expand the coverage to up to 2800 sq. ft, which is excellent for most people. Last but not least, you can connect up to 35 devices to the network at once. Thus, it is a solace for those who own too many smart devices.

Design & Connectivity

As I said earlier, the TP-Link extender looks quite like our top pick. However, this model has only three external antennas and measures 6.42 x 3.4 x 1.93 inches. Furthermore, at just 0.51 lbs, the product is so light that any power socket can keep it secure.

You can find three main LED indicators on the front, along with the smart LED light that notifies you about the current signal strength. In addition, you can use the built-in Gigabit Ethernet port to connect a gaming console or other devices with RJ45 ports.

Setup & Other Features

You can use the TP-Link Tether app to set up this wireless range extender. The process takes only a few seconds and is quite intuitive. You can keep an eye on the smart LED to know when you are at the right place. You get to connect using the Ethernet port with the same level of ease.

There are a couple of additional features too. For instance, you can use the device in the AP mode, in which you create a separate Wi-Fi network from the Ethernet port. It has been well-optimized for mesh routers as well as networks.

Conclusion

Even though it makes a few compromises, the TP-Link RE550 is an excellent choice if you need a budget-friendly Wi-Fi extender. I also love the simple and smart features that save a lot of time when setting up and managing the network.

6. Best with FastLane Technology: Netgear EX6120

Are you looking for a gaming-optimized Wi-Fi extender that does not cost a lot? The NETGEAR EX6120 is an excellent choice as it provides good transfer speeds and other features. In addition, it comes with a few features that help with casual gaming and video streaming.

Why is it suitable for Gaming?

First and foremost, the NETGEAR EX6120 is a dual-band Wi-Fi extender with a top data transfer speed of 1200Mbps. It offers a coverage of up to 1,500 sq. ft, which is pretty decent. You can have up to 25 devices on the network, making it a suitable option for homes and small workspaces.

NETGEAR uses a patented technology called FastLane to improve the overall gaming experience through the network.

Design & Connectivity

Unlike other Wi-Fi extenders I have covered, the NETGEAR EX6120 is tiny and easy to handle. It measures only 2.64 x 1.54 x 2.17 inches and weighs just 0.29 lbs. So, you can keep it connected to a wall socket without any worries.

Connectivity on the device is pretty much the standard, though. You can use external antennas to boost the signal strength. There are multiple LED lights and buttons to choose from and confirm various modes. It also comes with an Ethernet port that you can use for consoles.

Setup & Other Features

You do not have to install any app to set up this Wi-Fi extender. Instead, you can use the one-touch setup button on the side. However, the setup process may take up to five minutes, which is a long time compared to other tools I have talked about so far.

The package does not offer many advanced features, either. Of course, you can use the simultaneous Dual Band mode for an impressive User Experience. Similarly, the Wi-Fi Analytics App from NETGEAR will help you understand signal strength, identify interference, and map out the signal distribution.

Conclusion

Even though it lacks advanced features, this NETGEAR Wi-Fi extender is a common choice for gaming. It does ensure the best speed and features that most people will appreciate. I would have loved to see a shorter set up time, though.

7. Cheapest Extender for Gaming: D-Link DAP-1820-US

Last on the list, the D-Link DAP-1820-US is one of the most compact options you have in the market. Regardless of its size, the device enables a super-fast wireless connection that you can rely on for gaming.

Why is it suitable for Gaming?

Even though the Wi-Fi extender may look tiny, it supports up to 300Mbps and 1733Mbps speeds on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, respectively. With coverage of up to 1,500 sq. ft, it is more than powerful for your versatile gaming needs. You would not have trouble connecting around 25 devices to the network, either. If you have a mesh-based wireless router at your home, this system can boost its overall performance.

Design & Connectivity

As I said, the D-Link DAP-1820-US is pretty compact. It measures only 5.5 x 3.54 x 2.75 inches and weighs 0.59lbs. The sleek design would suit your modern home or flat with ease. It fits right into the power socket as well.

As you can guess, the model comes with an ultra-minimal external antenna. However, it does have a panel of signal indicator LEDs that tell you how strong the connection is. You can also use the Gigabit Ethernet port if you want to connect a wired device.

Setup & Other Features

You can use D-Link’s Wi-Fi app to set up this Wi-Fi extender. The process does not take more than seconds, even if you are connecting to a mesh-based network. Once set up, you can manage the range extender using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

Mesh network integration is probably the top feature in the package. It helps you keep all your smart devices connected to proper signal strength. You can explore additional features through the Wi-Fi app if you want to.

Conclusion

Because of its size, the D-Link DAP-1820-US has to make a few compromises. However, it remains one of the fastest Wi-Fi extenders you can use for gaming. There are so many features you can enable in this tiny package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

I hope the list of Wi-Fi extenders for gaming will help you choose the best extender for your home. Each of these devices is suited for different environments. For instance,

• You can choose the TP-Link RE650 if you need a fully-fledged Wi-Fi extender with a top range and features like Beamforming and MIMO.
• On the other hand, if you need to connect many wired devices, Netgear EAX20 is better. It comes with mesh router-friendly features as well.
• If you want something cheaper and compact yet powerful, D-Link DAP-1820-US is also a great choice. It brings the best of portability and up to 2000Mbps speed.

As it happens, these devices belong to different budget brackets as well. So, you can consider what matters to you the most and pick a device.