AT&T serves around 40% of US homes with high-speed internet, but most people with large homes can’t access it across the place. Multiple reasons can be there, as a solution, you can either get a WiFi extender or a mesh WiFi for your AT&T fiber connection.
While a mesh system provides seamless coverage, it requires you to replace your current router and is more costly. Extenders, on the other hand, are affordable, easy-to-use devices that repeat the signals from your router to an area where you put it.
But deciding on the best WiFi extender to use with ATT fiber can be confusing, as you’ve got multiple choices. Worry not. I tested 16 of them and qualified 7 options for different needs, budgets, and requirements.
7 Best WiFi Extenders for AT&T Fiber in 2024
What makes my recommendations worth considering?
As a networking expert, I have extensively used and tested a wide range of devices. Therefore, the options listed here are reliable and proven choices.
Plus, having set up internet connections at different client places, I understand the core essence of varying users’ needs, feature requirements, and even budgets. So, this list covers diverse options (best at the top, a few mid-rangers, and budget at the bottom) catering to different users. So, you’re sure to find an ideal match here!
1. Best Overall: TP-Link RE715X
- Suitable For: ATT Fiber 1 Gig Connections
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 50
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
Not many extenders can justify the lightning-fast the ISP offers, and TP-Link RE715X could strike a perfect balance between the features, speed, performance, and price.
Besides, compared to RE705X, there aren’t any heavy upgrades in terms of features but show pretty contrasting results when tested alongside.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
A Wi-Fi 6 standard and a maximum throughput capacity of 3000 Mbps make a compelling case for fast-speed output. Its two bands have individual speed limits:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
To maximize internet speeds without losing data packets, it’s ideal for those with AT&T Gig connections. And pairing it with my staple TP-Link Archer AXE75, a powerful WiFi 6e router, I got speeds close to 263 Mbps in download and 26 Mbps in upload at 50 feet distance from the router.
At the same time, distance tests (around 100 feet) also produced decent results, with speeds recorded at 169 Mbps and 14 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. Such speeds should be enough to satiate the hunger for bandwidth-intensive devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and others.
Plus, there’s also an Ethernet port with Gig internet capacity for much faster and less laggy internet output, in case you need one.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The dual external antenna setup of RE715X makes it capable enough to transmit signals up to 1,500 Sq Ft in ideal settings. So I put it to the test in my client’s 3,200 Sq Ft space, with the setup taken care of the entirety and the standalone extender could cover up to 1,250 Sq Ft at a stretch.
Its OneMesh feature creates a mesh-like network with the router resulting in stronger WiFi coverage with features. Plus, it has band steering and seamless roaming, improving the performance. It, combined with MU-MIMO technology, works wonders when it comes to handling multiple devices.
Simultaneously, it can not only connect up to 45 devices, but connections in each are robust and capable of streaming HD videos at once.
Conclusion
Overall, TP-Link RE715X is the best wireless range extender to use with ATT fiber. It stands out in speed output and signal strength. With it, you can play any graphics and bandwidth-intensive games or stream any UHD movies with ease.
What’s unsettling is its middling coverage at this high price, but combined with any decent router, it can get the job done.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard
- Excellent throughput capacity
- OneMesh support
- Great devices capacity
- Easy to install
Cons
- Middling coverage
2. Best Runner-Up: Tenda A33
- Suitable For: ATT Fiber 1 Gig Connections
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,100 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 25
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
Second on my list is also an AX3000-rated extender, Tenda A33, which despite costing almost half the price of my previous pick, leads forward with its range.
It also entails Wi-Fi 6 standard, making it suitable for Gigabit AT&T connections. Other than that, its other notable features include MU-MIMO and a Gigabit Ethernet port, which translates to its improved performance.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
As mentioned above, Tenda A33 has a speed rating of AX3000, which is split between its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
In my tests, Tenda A33 combined with Archer AXE75, the speed output was decent but fell short of my previous recommendation. That’s primarily because it lacks any mesh support. But compared to other WiFi extenders that work with ATT fiber, the output is much higher.
To put it in numbers, downloads, and uploads fared at 210 Mbps and 20 Mbps, respectively, at 45 feet. At the same time, at 70 feet, speeds dropped by almost 30%, which you could still use to work on basic office projects and stream HD music.
Aside from that, the Tenda A33 makes room for a single Ethernet port with a 1000 Mbps speed capacity, which you can use to play heavy games if and when needed.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Tenda A33, with two powerful antennas, could transmit strong signals over 1,700 sq Ft, which, combined with my TP-Link router completely overhauled my test lab with quality signals. Even in the corners, I had access to decent signals.
The integration of MU-MIMO contributes to its ability to emit signals of equivalent strength, which otherwise could have dissipated in all directions. Although connections could be established on 17 devices at once, they had no signs of lags or jitters on any one of them.
Conclusion
To summarise, Tenda A33 is a budget-friendly yet feature-laid wireless extender to pair with AT&T fiber. The speed drops were a bit concerning, but it’s usual with traditional extenders, and its Wi-Fi 6 and 3000 Mbps speed capacity make it future-proof to handle ultra-fast speeds.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- MU-MIMO enabled
- Budget-friendly
- Decent wireless coverage
- Great speeds & throughput
Cons
- Middling device handling capacity
- Less brand value
3. Best for Gaming: ASUS RP-AX56
- Suitable For: ATT Fiber 1 Gig Connections
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,200 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 40
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
If you’re hunting for a reliable WiFi extender for gaming, ASUS RP-AX56 at around $100 is your best bet. With top-shelf features like Wi-Fi 6, 1024-QAM, and AiMesh compatibility is an absolute steal.
Besides, it takes a leap forward to its previous recommendation in terms of coverage and device-handling capacity.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
ASUS RP-AX56 has a maximum speed rating of 1750 Mbps, which makes it an ideal fit for AT&T’s 500 Mbps connections. The speeds are distributed as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
I paired my ASUS RT-AX86U with the extender wirelessly and consistently achieved speeds up to 172 Mbps and 17 Mbps for downloads and uploads. These were recorded at 40 feet distance from the router.
Note: The working mechanism of extenders results in major speed drops from routers.
I could share the connection between a couple of mobile devices, laptops, and a ring camera without any issues. Moving the testing device up to 70 feet gave a speed drop of 30%. At such a pace, you can still stay active on social media and browse the web.
Aside from that, similar to most devices, it encases a Gigabit ethernet port for even faster speeds. Other than establishing a wired connection, with it in place, the extender can now work as a media bridge, an access point, or a wired AiMesh mode.
The AiMesh compatibility functions similarly to OneMesh mode in TP-Link extenders and creates a mesh network across your space.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
As mentioned in the spec sheet, this AiMesh instilled range extender boasts a maximum range of 2,200 Sq Ft, the highest as of yet. In my tests, the maximum it could cover was around 1,900 Sq Ft, which should be more than enough for any residential and even commercial space, provided you have a powerful router in place.
I tried the AiMesh node with Asus RT-AX86U, and it worked well, as the signals transmitted from any of the devices seemed to have an equivocal strength. Besides, it works well with the MU-MIMO to transmit strong signals to client devices, even those that are kept in the corners.
The number of connections can go as high as 35, more than what my previous recommendation is capable of.
Conclusion
Asus RP-AX56 is a flexible WiFi range extender for ATT Fiber that has the potential to improve your long-distance gaming experience. With MU-MIMO technology integrated, signals are made efficient and reliable across numerous devices.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6
- AiMesh support
- Decent throughput
- Appealing design
- Excellent coverage
Cons
- Middling throughput capacity
4. Best Value for Money: Linksys RE7000
- Suitable For: ATT Fiber 500 Mbps Connections
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 30
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
If you are looking for a value-for-money option to extend your AT&T fiber network, Linksys RE7000 is an extender that stands out. Despite Wi-Fi 5 support, features like MU-MIMO, powerful antennas, and easy setup with push button connect and spot finder give a solid overall performance.
And if you are a Linksys user, you can easily identify the upgrades it makes over its predecessor, RE6300.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The RE7000 comes with a speed rating of AC1900, which values for individual bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
It yields mixed results in throughput tests with my Linksys MR9610 when measured at different distances (50 feet & 70 feet). With the AT&T 500 Mbps plan, the download and upload speeds are valued at 96 Mbps and 10 Mbps, respectively.
On the other hand, positioning my testing device 30 feet away recorded the respective speeds at 68 Mbps and 6 Mbps.
With that said, RE7000’s speeds are decent and quick enough for most residential setups. It supports many users streaming HD movies, downloading files, and using video conferencing simultaneously.
Other than that, its Ethernet port comes to the rescue when it’s about connecting one additional gaming device. Just make sure your connected router is capable of running any high-bandwidth online games.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
In my tests over my client’s 2,240 Sq Ft space, the performance was great as the standalone extender could cover the entire area. Such extra coverage is more than enough to get most residential and even corporate spaces with strong and stable WiFi, courtesy of its seamless roaming technology.
To eliminate most WiFi dead zones and get the optimal signal across all your rooms, place the extender between your dead zone and the router. Courtesy of its high range, placing it close to your yard should fill the outdoors with stable signals.
Moving on, the extender does a decent job when it comes to device-handling capacity, courtesy of MU-MIMO. At a stretch, I could establish up to 25 connections including smart TVs, mobile devices, laptops, and others.
Conclusion
To conclude, Linksys RE7000 is a great WiFi range extender to extend AT&T WiFi. It generates relatively good scores and MU-MIMO device-handling tests. The only issue I had was the setup which took quite a time and can get strenuous for the first timers.
Pros
- Stable multiple connections
- MU-MIMO support
- Decent throughput capacity
- Excellent wireless range
Cons
- Setup is a bit tricky
5. Best for Outdoors: TP-Link RE550
- Suitable For: ATT Fiber 500 Mbps Connections
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,800 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 35
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
TP-Link RE550 is one of the most efficient outdoor WiFi extenders. It boasts top-shelf networking technologies and an internal setup to take a few steps ahead of RE450. When it comes to range, its spec sheet represents a value of 2,800 Sq Ft, which should get most of your space (both indoors and outdoors) covered with stable signals.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
RE550 promises maximum speeds of 1900 Mbps, which makes it an ideal fit with any router faring well with AT&T 500 Mbps plans. The respective speed is distributed within its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
When paired with TP-Link Archer AXE75, my Dell XPS could attain up to 92 Mbps for downloads and 9 Mbps for uploads at 40 feet from the router. This speed allows multiple connections to browse the internet, attend video conferences, or stream videos & music.
But there’s a notable speed drop (around 40%) when the distance was increased by 30 feet. That’s because it lacks any roaming technology. Still, in the outskirts, you can stay online to surf the internet and send emails to your clients. Despite the drop, the signal quality was top-notch, even outdoors.
If you have a long Ethernet cable, use it to connect to your gaming consoles placed far away from this ATT WiFi extender.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
With a theoretical coverage of 2,800 Sq Ft, the extender seems perfect for my 3,700 Sq Ft home with a large yard and garage. In my tests with my TP-Link Archer AX73, the standalone extender placed near my yard enveloped an area of up to 2,500 Sq Ft, and so the mobile device in my garden streams music on two bar signals.
Besides, when it comes to multi-device handling capacity, the device with MU-MIMO tech had a decent performance. I could connect up to 15 devices streaming HD videos on YouTube and other 15 devices active on light tasks like sending emails or surfing social media.
Conclusion
TP-Link RE550 lacks any roaming technology, which somewhat affects the signal quality in far-off places, but it’s still good enough to get your basic tasks done without any frailty. Besides, its speeds are good enough, and the antennas are powerful enough to cover most of my yard and garage.
Pros
- Long wireless range
- MU-MIMO support
- Easy to set up & manage
- Decent wireless speeds
Cons
- Speed drops in the extremities
6. Best from Netgear: Netgear EX6250
- Suitable For: ATT Fiber 500 Mbps Connections
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 32
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
If you’re a fan of Netgear networking products like me, their EX6250 is an excellent pick to extend the WiFi of your AT&T fiber internet. It comes with a decent range of abilities and Netgear’s reliability.
Some of its notable features include dual-band Wi-Fi 5, decently powerful antennas, smart roaming technology, and MU-MIMO tech that fare well with any AT&T plan.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
Netgear EX6250, with a mid-tier throughput capacity of 1750 Mbps, makes it a perfect fit for the AT&T 300 Mbps plan. Its band-wise speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps |
In 30 feet distance test, paired with AT&T 500 Mbps & Netgear RAX50, I witnessed speeds reaching over 101 Mbps and 10 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. While at a distance of 70 feet, had respective speeds of around 59 Mbps and 7 Mbps. These are excellent results considering it’s a budget extender.
Moving on, similar to the extenders compatible with AT&T Fiber, there is a Gigabit Ethernet port that lets you connect a bandwidth-intensive home device. Or you can get an Ethernet adapter to establish two to three wired connections at once.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
In terms of numbers, Netgear EX6250 underperforms my previous recommendations by getting around 1,600 Sq Ft covered with stable signals.
But thanks to the innovative smart mesh technology, its signals were able to permeate my entire 3,700 square foot space, including my garden and garage. It contrasts with mesh support, but it’s still better than any traditional extender.
As a result, devices in my garage were able to function on a stable one-bar signal and smoothly stream high-quality, lag-free audio. Combined with MU-MIMO tech, you can connect up to 28 devices alone with the extender, which should get most of your smart devices up and running.
Conclusion
The Netgear EX6250 establishes a perfect balance between cost and performance, making it comparable to other AT&T fiber extenders. One standout feature is the mesh smart connect, which guarantees uninterrupted connectivity all day long.
Pros
- Decent device handling capacity
- Stable throughput
- Mesh smart roaming
- Netgear’s reliability
- Minimalistic design
Cons
- Middling coverage
7. Best Budget Option: Cudy RE1200
- Suitable For: ATT Fiber 300 Mbps Connections
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 30
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
If you don’t have the facilities to subscribe to a Gigabit plan or invest in a 1000 Mbps router, then opt for Cudy RE1200. It features a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 with decent throughput, range, and device-handling capacity.
Despite being one of the most budget-friendly extenders, it should let you handle video streams and calls with no jitters.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
Being fed up with the weak and no signals in the corners, my client got this budget device that works well with AT&T fiber 300 Mbps plan and less. Its maximum throughput capacity stands at 1200 Mbps, which is split over its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
To get the best out of this extender, I recommended my client get an ASUS RT-AC67P which despite costing a few pennies, boasts massive coverage, which should get most of his problems solved.
With it paired, at 35 feet, the test yields download speeds at 86 Mbps and 10 Mbps upload speeds. While the 50-feet test recorded speeds merely at 58 Mbps and 5 Mbps.
Considering its price range, the performance is still decent enough to get most of your home tasks done with ease. Or if you have any extra bandwidth-intensive device, plug it into the Gigabit ethernet port for excellent throughput.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The Cudy RE1200, equipped with two antennas, claims to extend your router’s signals up to approximately 1,500 square feet, which is in line with its price point. As a standalone device, it can transmit strong signals up to an area of 1,350 square feet, making it an ideal WiFi range extender for Ring cameras.
However, unlike most extenders on my list, it lacks MU-MIMO technology, which may result in unstable signals on some connections. While it can support up to 15 connections, those in the corners may only receive a one-bar signal.
Nonetheless, when paired with a decent router that supports MU-MIMO and other compatible technologies, it should work well with your smart home setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, Cudy AC1200 priced at around $50 offers the most value with its decent throughput capacity and range. The lack of MU-MIMO can be a significant limitation, but handling your home setup shouldn’t be much of a task for this extender. Despite its limitations, it emerges as a cheap yet good wireless extender for AT&T fiber.
Pros
- Decent throughput
- Pairs with any routers
- Easy to install and use
- Decent coverage
Cons
- MU-MIMO is absent
Frequently Asked Questions
All extenders that are available in the market work well with AT&T fiber. But make sure to select properly by aligning them with your requirements and how well they perform in real life, or you might end up with sub-par options.
If you are subscribed to the Gigabit plan, I would recommend the best, i.e., TP-Link RE715X. Aside from dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support, it entails a OneMesh technology that pairs with other compatible routers to create a mesh network and deliver a stable network all across the space.
Here are a few easy steps to perform:
– Install AT&T from the app store
– Sign in using the username and password provided by the service provider
– Find and click Home network hardware
– Click Add an Extender
– Select your extender model
– Follow the prompts
AT&T smart WiFi extender is like having your cell tower that entails a decent set of features that contributes to an above-par performance. For example, it boasts an extended coverage of 1,000 Sq Ft, a decent throughput, and a device-handling capacity.
But the upfront cost it comes in is much more than what third-party options in a similar price range have to offer. So, it’s a smart choice to purchase a third-party extender that works well with your subscribed AT&T plan.
Verdict
That’s it for my recommendations on ATT wireless range extenders. I hope you were able to pick a suitable device from the list above. If you still are scratching your head, here are a few of the top picks:
- If you are after a high-end extender irrespective of the budget, then TP-Link RE715X is the best option you have.
- Next, if there’s a budget constraint, but you aren’t willing to compromise much on its features and, in turn, performance, Tenda A33 is an ideal pick.
- If you want the cheapest option, go for Cudy RE1200. Despite its cost, it obtains decent scores in most areas.
To ensure that your investment gives the desired coverage, it’s advisable to learn where to put the extender. Best of luck with your networking endeavors!
