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More people are working from home now than ever, which means that a reliable and unbroken internet connection is a necessity. Even if you have a great ISP and new router, WiFi can still be spotty throughout the house. Luckily, there’s a simple remedy to this problem: the best outlet WiFi extenders, which instantly turn any outlet into a beacon of internet, sending a strong signal where you could barely get any before.
Buying Guide: What to Know About Outlet WiFi Extenders
Here’s what to know when buying an outlet WiFi extender, along with our favorites that we tested.
Devices:For one or two people, the best WiFi extenders can usually handle enough connected devices around the house without issue. But for bigger groups like families and dorms, make sure it has the capacity to include all the gadgets everybody will need to connect. Ten devices is on the lower side, while 30 devices should be enough for a multiple people.
Connection: You’ll also want to check if you have 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi. While many extenders can support both connections, it’s always good to make sure, since an extender that can’t handle your bandwidth is pretty useless. As far as speed, getting up to around a total speed of 1200Mbps is going to be enough to take on a normal amount of usage that a person needs for work and browsing (though we suggest going higher for gaming). Antennas are important too. They help send out the strong signals you need to reach your devices. Having one on a hinge you can rotate lets you point it in the direction that gives off the strongest connection. If you want the option of making these into an access point, go for one that lets you wire it up via an Ethernet cable port.
Distance: Even without walls and obstacles, every extender has its limits. Take note of how big your house is, as these typically cover about 1500-3000 square feet, give or take.
Extras: Having features like heat dissipation and an over-voltage detector will make sure to keep the unit cool when under heavy stress, and LED indicators are a clear sign that everything is working as it should be (or not). These work well with the most common routers, meaning that “dead zones” may finally be dead for good.
What Are the Best Outlet WiFi Extenders?
Ready to boost your WiFi signal? These devices can help upgrade your connection.
