What is the Difference Between WiFi Extender, WiFi Booster, and WiFi Repeater?

In this age of fast-paced digital transformation, maintaining robust WiFi coverage is crucial to ensure everyone gets access to the internet at any time and everywhere. But sometimes, there remain some places within your premises that suffer from either no signals or weak signals, frustrating your efforts to provide universal WiFi coverage. What is a solution to overcome these dead spots? WiFi extenders, WiFi boosters, and WiFi repeaters are some devices that help you address this issue. At Morgan Ingland LTD, we maintain an extensive portfolio of WiFi repeaters, WiFi boosters, and WiFi Repeaters because we are committed to providing market-best WiFi solutions.

But which device is best suited to your networking needs? This question may puzzle you, therefore, we are discussing the salient features of these devices to help you make well-informed decisions in this regard.

Let’s start our discussion.

What is a WiFi Extender?

Similar to a WiFi booster, an extender is also used to remove the dead zones from your WiFi coverage. They are thus instrumental in establishing high-speed and reliable WiFi in every corner of your workspace and house.

WiFi extenders are slightly different from WiFi boosters. If we make a comparison of WiFi extenders vs WiFi boosters, we come to know that extenders can rebroadcast the signals from routers and then they transmit into specific areas. They can also communicate directly with the router through cable. In this way, WiFi extenders not only extend the range of WiFi routers, but internet speed also.

How to Setup a WiFi Extender:

The setup and configuration for the WiFi extender are quite straightforward. However, you may need technical knowledge for wired connections. Otherwise, they are also plug-and-play devices.

What is a WiFi Booster?

WiFi boosters take existing signals of Wireless Access Points such as routers or Hotspot, amplify them, and then rebroadcast them to an area where is there weak or no signals. In this way, WiFi boosters become instrumental in removing the dead zones.

WiFi boosters are placed between dead zones and the router. You also need to make sure that they are installed in such a way as to increase the chances of capturing WiFi signals. You also need to make sure that boosters should not be placed near an electronic appliance or across thick walls as these obstacles can interrupt WiFi signals significantly.

How to Setup WiFi Booster:

WiFi booster setup is quite easy. These are plug-and-play devices, requiring no technical expertise for installation or configuration. You just find a proper place free of external interferences or obstructions and install your WiFi booster there.

WiFi Booster vs WiFi Extender: Which One is Better?

Conclusively speaking, WiFi Boosters are suitable for quick and plug-and-play solutions for dead zones. On the other hand, WiFi extenders are suitable for large houses or workspaces where a high-speed and consistent network is required.

What is a WiFi Repeater?

The third popular solution to address areas of weak or no signals is a WiFi repeater. Similar to a WiFi booster or WiFi extender, a WiFi repeater also extends WiFi coverage. But they are different from these two devices.

First, they use two routers for signals receiving from the main routers and then transmitting to the dead zone. Second, they use the same frequency for receiving and transmitting signals, which ends up reducing the speed of the internet. Though WiFi repeaters don’t interfere with incoming speed from Internet Service Providers or ISPs, devices that get bandwidth from WiFi repeaters may suffer from considerably slow Internet speed.

WiFi Repeater Setup:

The WiFi Repeater setup is very simple and quick. These are essentially plug-and-play devices, all you need is to locate a place that is mid-way between the dead zone and the router.

WiFi Repeater vs Extenders: Which One is Better?

Succinctly speaking, WiFi repeaters don’t create new networks, they can reduce the network speed considerably as they receive and rebroadcast signals on the same network. More importantly, they are not suitable for large areas.

Therefore, WiFi repeaters should be used to strengthen signals for small areas, whereas, WiFi range extenders or WiFi extenders are preferable for large homes or offices.

What is Mesh WiFi:

Mesh WiFi is also an option for establishing an extensive WiFi system for a large area. Instead of using WiFi boosters, WiFi extenders, or WiFi repeaters, network administrators deploy multiple nodes or access points to provide coverage to entire premises.

Unlike routers, extenders, and repeaters, Mesh WiFi offers many benefits such as seamless coverage, automatic device switching, and user-friendly setup and configuration.

Popular devices known for excellent Mesh WiFi capabilities are the Netgear AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Extender (EAX15) and D-Link Aquila Pro AI AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Smart Mesh Extender (E30).

Compassion Table for WiFi Booster Vs. WiFi Extender Vs. WiFi Repeater

 

Feature

WiFi Booster

WiFi Extender

WiFi Repeater

Function

Amplifies existing WiFi signals and rebroadcasts them to the specific area

They not only Rebroadcast signals after extending them but also create a new network via wired connections

They repeat the original WiFi signals broadcast them, and use two routers to pick up and transmit signals.

Best Use Case

Areas with weak or no signal ("dead zones")

Homes needing consistent, high-speed coverage

Low-coverage areas with interference from devices

Signal Source

Captures wireless signals from the router

Can use the wired or wireless connection to the router

Relies entirely on wireless signals

Effect on Internet Speed

They can reduce the speed due to signal amplification but don’t improve base speeds.

They deliver better speed than WiFi repeaters, however, there are still chances of slightly lower speed while wired ones maintain it.

They can Reduce speed and bandwidth significantly (around 50% bandwidth loss)

Ease of Installation

Plug-and-play requires proper placement

Plug-and-play for wireless; wired versions need installation/configuration

Plug-and-play requires strategic placement

Coverage Area

Moderate-sized areas

Larger homes or offices

Small areas with interference

Key Limitation

Placement critical to avoid signal disruption

Wireless versions may still reduce speed slightly

Slower connection due to using the same frequency

Connection Type

Wireless only

Wired or wireless

Wireless only

Unique Advantage

Quick, no-fuss solution

Can connect via wire for improved reliability

Useful for isolated, interference-prone zones

Suitability

Medium-sized homes and offices.

Large offices/homes where WiFi extension is required for multiple floors and rooms.

Small homes and offices


WiFi Extender Buying Guide:

Here are our top picks when it comes to high-performing WiFi extenders.

Best WiFi Range Extender for Gamers:

Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (EAX80) is the best range extender for gamers. Featuring dual-band, 6000Mbps speed, and more impressive features, these WiFi extenders can help you meet your gaming needs easily.

Best Budget Range Extender:

Tenda A27 Wi-Fi extender is often ranked as the cheapest WiFi extender available in the market, offering decent specs for basic WiFi needs.

Best Range Extender for Streaming:

TP-Link RE600X AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender is an ideal choice if you are looking for a top-notch streaming experience.

Best Range Extender for Hotel:

NETGEAR EX7000 is considered a great option for meeting the high-performing needs of a hotel. It can support up to 35 devices and features mesh technology.

How Can We Help You?

Morgan Ingland LTD. is one of the most prominent IT firms in the UK, specialising in offering the widest range of networking equipment including routers, modems, WiFi range extenders, network cables, and more. We deal in every brand manufacturing WiFi range extenders such as TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, and more. Contact us and enhance your internet experience with our top-rated and cost-effective WiFi Signal Boosters.