Mesh Wi-Fi extenders and routers are two great solutions for improving your network signal and extending its reach. Both are worth considering if your coverage area suffers from dead or weak spots or if your current router doesn’t have enough reach to cover your entire area.
However, these two different network devices do this in different ways. So, while either network solution can help you work around your router’s limitations, one will be a better choice than the other depending on your network requirements and area size.
There is some overlap between these two types of devices these days. Plus, some of the best Wi-Fi extenders now use mesh technology, offering features like seamless roaming that will automatically switch to the strongest Wi-Fi signal in your home or office, and forgo the need to create a separate network name.
On the other hand, the best mesh Wi-Fi systems, made popular by the likes of Google Wifi, have dropped in price enough that you might want to skip getting an extender altogether and replace your router with one of these mesh systems. , especially if your main router is starting to show its age.
The line between these two types of devices might be blurry, but one of them would be perfect for fixing blues on your network. Read on as we compare Wi-Fi extenders vs. mesh routers to find out which one is right for you.
Wi-Fi Extenders vs. Mesh Routers: The Cost
- Premium Wi-Fi extenders cost more than some more affordable mesh routers
- You’ll find affordable options of every kind
Once upon a time, Wi-Fi extenders were the least expensive option. Back when mesh networking technology was fairly new, these extenders were generally seen as a budget-friendly option for extending the range of your network.
Now that mesh routers are becoming more common, this is no longer the case. In fact, as you get more advanced, you’ll easily find a premium Wi-Fi extender that costs about the same as a mesh router these days.
Something like the Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band WiFi Extender will set you back $248 / £299 without offering Wi-Fi 6 support. This puts it in the same price range as the High rating. Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6 Mini Mesh System (SXK30)which costs $269 / £259, and the most popular Google Nest WiFi One router and node bundle ($269 / £239). At this point, it would be wiser and more cost effective to get a mesh router instead.
Budget to mid-range, something like the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Extender costs around $129 / £98. This is similar to TP-Link Deco M5 Network Systemwhich is currently $129 / £129.
This is great news, because it means you no longer have to limit your options to one type if you’re on a budget. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to base your decision solely on price, you’ll have to dig deeper.
Winner: a tie
Expand your network
to
- Affordable Wi-Fi 6
- Works with any router
- Simple setup
Netgear expands its Orbi line with the Pro WiFi 6 option
to
- Easy to post
- 6 Gbps
- Tri-Band AX6000
against
- expensive
- hardly blurred
Affordable network, takes small performance
to
- Great value
- Easy to configure
- good coverage
against
- Not as fast as some
- It lacks fine control
Wi-Fi Extenders vs. Mesh Routers: Ease of Use and Performance
- Traditionally, Wi-Fi extenders create a new network
- Mesh routers use only one network
Wi-Fi extenders connect to your existing network and extend its range, but traditionally, they also have to create a new network name in the process. You often see this in hotels and other establishments that have two or three separate network names (eg, HotelWiFiMain, HotelWiFiGuest, etc.) with varying degrees of signal strength depending on where you are in the building.
This in itself is not a problem. But this means that you may still experience poor connectivity when navigating workplaces.
To use the example above, you can get a strong signal while connected to the HotelWiFiGuest network in your hotel room. However, if you take your laptop to the lobby, you may be out of reach of that network and will have to manually connect to HotelWiFiMain, the most powerful one in the lobby.
There are exceptions to the rule. Netgear Nighthawk X6S offers seamless roaming, which automatically switches your device to the strongest signal based on its location. the Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh It uses mesh network technology and gives you the option to create a single network connection. However, getting these perks usually means paying more money.
On the other hand, proper mesh routers provide a smoother connection experience simply because they use a single network. The master router broadcasts its signal within its reach while its nodes or access points take care of the areas outside its range. All of these access points communicate with each other, intelligently directing traffic to the correct nodes so you don’t have to.
If you walk around your two-story house, for example, and you have a mesh router and nodes strategically placed around your space, you can go from your bedroom upstairs to the kitchen downstairs, and then to the other side of your house without noticing a drop in power. network performance.
Winner: Network Routers
Wi-Fi Extenders vs. Mesh Routers: Setup and Management
- Managing expanders can be troublesome
- Network systems tend to take care of themselves
If you can get your hands on a Wi-Fi extender from the same brand as your router, you’ll likely have an easier time setting it up and managing it. It is because both devices will most likely use the same app or software to set up changes and firmware updates. However, if you had to settle for one from a different manufacturer, setup and maintenance can be a pain because you will most likely use a different app for it than the one you use for your current router.
The beauty of mesh routers is that they also simplify things from a setup and management standpoint. This relatively new generation of routers is not only designed to be easy and intuitive to install, but firmware updates and maintenance are more intuitive because the main router and all nodes connected to it use the same application.
Winner: Network Routers
Wi-Fi Extenders vs. Mesh Routers: Which is Best for You?
- First, find out if this is the booster you need
- A Wi-Fi extender is great for smaller areas with dead spots
- A mesh router is best for larger areas that need site-wide coverage
Before spending good money on a Wi-Fi booster, it is wise to make sure that this is the single band or reach issue. Finding out if you have poor signal strength issues in your space is easy and free – it takes some wandering around, but it just helps get you in your stride!
tool like InSSIDer Lite You can select the signal strength of your area. Or you can use a file Ookla speed test To see if there are points where network speeds are not at their maximum.
Don’t immediately get a Wi-Fi booster if you see a dead spot. Try moving your router first to an open and strategic location that will allow it to maximize its range. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to consider one of these two solutions.
As for what you should go for, it depends on your needs and coverage area. Wi-Fi extenders have gotten better and more capable over the years, but for a truly seamless and reliable network experience, you’ll have to look for pricier options that are packed with adjacent features. At this point, you’re already spending enough to get a mesh steering system, which works more efficiently, provides a smoother experience, and is future-proof.
Our advice is this: If you’re just trying to cover a little dead zone in your small to medium-sized space, a Wi-Fi extender will serve you well—especially if you’re unwilling to set up a new router.
However, if you have a large area to cover, you’d be better off investing in a mesh guiding system.
Expand your network
to
- Affordable Wi-Fi 6
- Works with any router
- Simple setup
Netgear expands its Orbi line with the Pro WiFi 6 option
to
- Easy to post
- 6 Gbps
- Tri-Band AX6000
against
- expensive
- hardly blurred
Affordable network, takes small performance
to
- Great value
- Easy to configure
- good coverage
against
- Not as fast as some
- It lacks fine control