Are you searching for a reliable dual-band WiFi extender that can deliver a strong signal and consistent connectivity throughout your space? You’re in the right place!
Dual-band WiFi offers better speeds and device prioritization compared to single-band. However, with the abundance of range extenders supporting dual-band WiFi, finding the right device can be challenging.
So, I took 13 leading contenders and tested each in different aspects, analyzing their features and practical performance to ensure you don’t end up with a subpar device. Without further ado, let’s dig into it.
7 Best Dual Band WiFi Extenders of 2024
Before I jump into reviewing them, it’s worth mentioning that I purchased these models to inspect them in my test lab for as long as four weeks.
The scrutinizations are carried out on multiple aspects, including speed, coverage, and device-handling capacity. So you can trust these and choose any of the below-reviewed options and pick one based on your requirements and budget.
1. Best Overall: TP-Link RE715X
- Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Speed Capacity: Up to 3000 Mbps
- Devices Capacity: 50
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
TP-Link RE715X, a souped-up version of RE700X, embodies everything that makes it the best-rated extender with dual band frequency. This piece of Wi-Fi 6 hardware has support for TP-Link’s OneMesh, comes at a speed cap of 3,000 Mbps, and has a Gigabit LAN port to function as a standard access point.
Let’s find out how it fares in real life!
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The RE715X is a Wi-Fi 6 extender with a speed rating of AX3000, and the share on its 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
As soon as I got my hands on it, I set it up using the web consoles with my staple TP-Link Archer AXE75 router. In my close-proximity test (15 feet away from the primary router, which was paired with the Xfinity Gigabit plan), the RE715X’s score of 131 Mbps for downloads and 22 Mbps for uploads squeaked past most extenders in the space.
In my 30 feet test, a respective score of 111 Mbps and 17 Mbps for downloads and uploads is almost twice as fast as its competition. But the performance of a networking device is not just about its max speeds, but consistency.
To test that out, I paired my laptop, desktop, gaming console, and other smart devices at once, and there weren’t any major signal drops. So RE715X takes the throne of best-performing WiFi extender in the list.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Two powerful foldable antennas on its side claim a stipulated coverage of 1,500 Sq Ft. To determine its actual coverage, I planted it at my test lab, and it manages to dissipate signals to up to 1,200 Sq Ft, which, combined with my router got most of the yard covered.
The best part of it is the OneMesh support that lets you pair any similar device to create a mesh-like network throughout the space. The benefit of it is obvious, the signal strength drops from routers aren’t as high as in traditional extenders.
Added to it, MU-MIMO helps stabilize signals sent to multiple devices at once, so I can connect up to 45 devices to the extender bandwidth alone. I could play games, stream movies, file taxes, and browse social media simultaneously.
Conclusion
Overall, TP-Link RE715X, with powerful antennas and the latest wireless standards, fulfills the data needs of devices in the extremities with ease. It’s OneMesh supported, but you need a TP-Link router to reap its benefits.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Massive throughput
- Solid performance
- Easy to install & manage
- Decent wireless range
- OneMesh compatible
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Runner-Up: Tenda A33
- Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,100 Sq Ft
- Speed Capacity: 3000 Mbps
- Devices Capacity: 20
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
Tenda A33 stays just shy of the top spot due to the lack of any mesh tech but still has the capability of being an excellent WiFi range extender at a great price.
Some of its notable features include Wi-Fi 6, a throughput capacity of 3,000 Mbps, and better coverage than my top pick. And it gets upgrades in most aspects when compared to Tenda A27, thereby a much better performance.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
With an 802.11ax standard, the maximum speed of Tenda A33 is rated as AX3000, and the band-wise speed is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
Performance-wise, A33 turned out great. Its LED light was on, meaning it had a great connection with Tenda RX9 Pro (paired with Xfinity Gigabit), it could fetch 129 Mbps for downloads when my testing device was 20 feet from the extender.
The uploads similarly stood at around 18 Mbps, allowing my iPhone 13 to move emails, stream music, and play UHD videos.
Besides, when iPhone 13 was 40 feet away, the respective download and upload throughput dropped to 102 Mbps and 12 Mbps. That’s still enough for my basic internet-based tasks and video streams.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
The A33 proved to be an excellent way to extend a network in my mansion-style house. The standalone extender with its two antennas covers up to 1,800 Sq Ft, bettering my top recommendation.
But as mentioned earlier, there’s no mesh tech, and signal expansion is viable with a similar repeater, resulting in major speed drops. The extender still packs MU-MIMO to connect with around 17 devices at once without producing major lags.
Conclusion
Tenda A33 is one of the best ways to fill dead spots with data, courtesy of its powerful antennas and MU-MIMO tech. It impresses with all-around performance in my tests, and its easy installation adds a cherry on top. But a lack of mesh tech has pushed it down to the second position.
Pros
- Great range
- Stable and fast throughput
- Decent device-handling ability
- Easy to install
Cons
- No mesh tech
3. Best for Gaming: ASUS RP-AX58
- Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,200 Sq Ft
- Speed Capacity: Up to 3000 Mbps
- Devices Capacity: 30
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
Asus RP-AX58 was introduced in the market two years post RP-AX56 with many upgrades but at the same price tag.
Features like an AX3000 throughput rating, a 2,200 Sq Ft coverage, AiMesh tech, and an Ethernet port to use as an access point justifies its bit high price point than my previous recommendation. Let’s find out how it fares in real life.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The Wi-Fi 6-enabled Asus RP-AX58 claims a maximum speed of 3000 Mbps, which is an aggregation of speeds on its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
I tested it myself with the Asus RT-AX86U router (on the staple Xfinity Gigabit plan), and the performance was above-par.
In close proximity, my gaming PC managed 116 Mbps and 17 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. Moving on, the distance speed (40 feet) for respective download and upload clocked at 101 Mbps and 12 Mbps.
Its ability to form a mesh-like network with the Asus router keeps it well ahead of Tenda A33 and a bit behind TP-Link RE715X.
Besides speed, consistency is important. And to test that, I conducted an informal stress test where I played online games, streamed Netflix, and attended meetings. I’m happy to report that none of the tasks suffered any lags or latencies.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Asus RP-AX58, with its two external antennas, boasts a maximum range of 2,200 Sq Ft, edging ahead of Tenda A33.
But in real-time tests, both had almost similar values, in fact, AX58’s range comes at 1,700 Sq Ft, less than its counterpart. This again proves why you shouldn’t believe the claims made by the manufacturer. But there’s an AiMesh tech for added coverage.
It has got MU-MIMO tech that lets you connect multiple devices like laptops, desktops, smartphones, gaming consoles, and others, adding up to 25. That’s better than A33.
Conclusion
To conclude, Asus RP-AX58 is one of the best gaming WiFi extenders. Its performance is above par. But, Tenda A33 delivers an almost equivalent performance by costing a few dollars less, which is why the position.
Pros
- AiMesh support
- Excellent throughput
- Great range
- MU-MIMO for multi-device connectivity
Cons
- Premium price
4. Best with Multiple Modes: Wavlink WN583AX1
- Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Speed Capacity: Up to 1800 Mbps
- Devices Capacity: 40
- Ports: 2 x Gig Ethernet
Next on my list is a versatile WiFi booster that comes with multi-operational modes. Its quad-antenna setup fills most WiFi dead zones with strong and stable signals. Alongside, Wavlink WN583AX1’s quick setup and sleek design mean you can accommodate it anywhere and get on to experience the fast internet.
I tested it alongside its predecessor Wavlink AC1200 only to get a much superior performance.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
This extender supports Wi-Fi 6 and has a speed rating of AX1800, where each of its band share values as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 573 Mbps |
When it comes to bandwidth, the Wavlink WN583AX1 performs quite well. I tested the extender both in the “near” location (15 feet away) and a “far” location (30 feet away) on a higher floor separated by a thick concrete wall.
In my first test, the extender manages a decent speed of 98 Mbps for downloads and 16 Mbps for uploads with the Netgear RAX40 paired with the Xfinity 800 Mbps plan. And the second test yielded respective speeds of up to 76 Mbps and 11 Mbps.
The available speeds aren’t great for gaming but surely are capable of high-quality video & audio streams, web surfing, and even video calls simultaneously.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Although the manufacturer claims a maximum range of 2,000 Sq Ft, you all know I don’t just believe that. So I installed it at my 2,500 Sq Ft lab. And I got a total of 1,600 Sq Ft of extended range, and none of the corners were void of signals.
Trust me, and add it to your networking setup to cover your large to mid-sized home. Added to it, the MU-MIMO tech does a great job in connecting 34 devices simultaneously to the “.EXE” bandwidth and never produces any major lags or latencies.
Conclusion
Wavlink WN583AX1, with a reasonable price, puts it solidly into the mid-range segment of extenders and delivers a decent value. I was impressed by its decent scores in throughput, range, and other aspects.
But compared to the top recommendation, it lacks mesh tech and a much lower throughput capacity, which is why it ranked fourth.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard
- Multi operational modes
- Decent speeds & range
- Handles 34+ devices
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Lacks mesh tech
5. Best for Streaming: Linksys RE7000
- Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Speed Capacity: Up to 1900 Mbps
- Devices Capacity: 30
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
Combining a quick setup with an efficient performance, Linksys RE7000 uses powerful wireless tech to push signals farther into your home. Its low-profile design doesn’t scream of an extender and provides solid performance in my throughput tests, the reason why it’s included in the 5GHz WiFi extender list.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The RE7000, with a comparatively older Wi-Fi 5 setup, comes with a decent speed rating of AC1900, with respective speeds as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
When paired with Linksys MR9610 on Xfinity 800 Mbps plan, turned mixed results in my throughput tests.
It scored a download speed of 104 Mbps in my 15 feet test. While its upload speed of 15 Mbps wasn’t also very far away. It could handle multiple devices for watching videos, attending to video calls, web surfing, and other basic tasks with a breeze.
Besides, at a distance of 30 feet, the RE7000 managed respective scores of 74 Mbps and 9 Mbps, which is okay.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
With a two-antenna setup, the RE7000 comes at a stipulated range of 2,500 Sq Ft, one of the longest-range WiFi extenders. In my test, it delivers a good range with around 2,100 Sq Ft on WiFi. Such extra coverage is adequate to blanket basements, backyards, or separate garages.
Besides, it entails a seamless roaming technology that automatically detects which signal is stronger and connects the client devices to it.
Its antennas are complemented by MU-MIMO tech to stabilize the signals transmitted to multiple devices. Even your high-bandwidth devices like laptops, computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and others, adding up to 25, can be used at a time.
Conclusion
Linksys RE7000 might not be the fastest dual band Wi-Fi extender out there, but the performance it’s got is fitting for any residential network setup. Its sleek and clean aesthetics fit it in any interior decor and lets you place it anywhere you wish to.
But it’s bit outdated Wi-Fi 5 and limited throughput capacity have pushed it down to the fifth position.
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Stable performance
- Seamless roaming
- Sleek design
- Easy setup
Cons
- Wi-Fi 5
6. Best Outdoor Extender: TP-Link EAP225
- Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Speed Capacity: Up to 1200 Mbps
- Devices Capacity: 60
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
If you need a weatherproof outdoor WiFi range extender to put in your yard, basement, attic, or other difficult-to-reach locations, consider TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor. To qualify, it ticks most boxes, including an IP65 rating, decent speed, WiFi range, an Ethernet port, and MU-MIMO tech.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
EAP225-Outdoor bestows an excellent throughput capacity of 1200 Mbps, divided into its dual band setup as follows:
| 5 GHz: 900 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
To assess its raw speed, I decided on a line-of-sight test using my staple iPhone 13 smartphone with 802.11ac connections.
At 30 feet with Xfinity 500 Mbps plan, I experienced 74 Mbps download speeds reliably, which dropped at 50 feet to 49 Mbps. The upload speeds at similar distances were around 13 Mbps and 9 Mbps, respectively.
When kept out of line-of-sight of the extender on the other side of the building, it still managed downloads at a consistent 38 Mbps and an upload speed of 6 Mbps. The speeds aren’t the best, but it wouldn’t be great if you can browse the web or stream music seated beside the pool.
Besides, as with the name, it comes with an IP65 weatherproof coating, meaning you can install it outside and get data in the farthest corners.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
TP-Link promises a WiFi range of 200m at 2.4 GHz and over 300m at 5 GHz. I had high hopes for it, and it easily covered an area of up to 2,400 Sq Ft.
The numbers might increase a bit depending on the obstructions it encounters in the path. It might be overkill for some of you, but a blessing for many.
Moving on, it has got MU-MIMO tech which lets me connect up to 55 devices at once, including laptops, computers, smartphones, and others.
Conclusion
At this price, TP-Link EA225-Outdoor is a solid pick for extending WiFi to detached garages or outside buildings. It’s quite simple to install, manage, and configure, and has a decent throughput capacity. It isn’t a mesh solution, but not many want this feature anyway.
And less throughput capacity than my top recommendations has pushed it down to the penultimate position.
Pros
- Exceptional signal range
- Water-resistant (IP65 rated)
- Handles multiple devices
- Stable throughput
- Easy to install
Cons
- Middling speeds
7. Cheap Yet Good: Netgear EX5000
- Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Speed Capacity: Up to 1200 Mbps
- Devices Capacity: 25
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
The final recommendation on my list is a cheap yet dependable Netgear EX5000. Despite its low price, it brings some decent features to the table, like an AC1200 speed rating and a 1,500 Sq Ft range, and an ethernet port for speedy wired connections.
And compared to EX3700, it entails multiple upgrades in terms of throughput capacity, range, and others.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
Netgear EX5000 with an 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 and a speed cap of 1200 Mbps, where speeds on each band are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 900 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
It performed admirably well in my throughput tests, but its download speed of 65 Mbps on the first 15 feet test with Xfinity 500 Mbps was okay. Its upload speed was also in a similar line with 12 Mbps.
At a distance of 30 feet, EX5000 led with an impressive download and upload speed of 47 Mbps and 7 Mbps, respectively.
That’s the lowest among all. But the consistency over the space was more than decent, as measured over my WiFi analyzer app. This means even in the farthest of corners, you can stream music or surf the web like a breeze.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Coverage-wise, the numbers maximize at 1,500 Sq Ft, making it ideal for any small to mid-sized setup. In real-time, the extender paired with Nighthawk RAX43 covers a 3,200 Sq Ft space with ease, taking the standalone extender’s range to 1,200 Sq Ft. That’s great for a budget extender.
Note: For an optimum range, keep your extender halfway between the inaccessible area and the router.
MU-MIMO is however a major missing, so although 20 devices were connectable at a time, a few suffered major lags and inconsistencies. You can, however, still stream lag-free music on all.
Conclusion
Although Netgear EX5000 may not offer the best-in-class performance compared to other wireless extenders with dual band support, it is still a dependable one at an affordable price of around $40.
It delivers adequate coverage and speed, making it suitable for individuals seeking a basic extender that effectively eliminates dead zones and effortlessly supports multiple devices.
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Easy to install
- Compatible with any router
- Decent coverage
Cons
- Lacks MU-MIMO
Frequently Asked Questions
A dual-band extender offers both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands to connect. It delivers strong signals to the devices as well as allows you to prioritize your WiFi network.
Depends. The 2.4 GHz offers a long range and 5 GHz better speed, so connect to any of the bands depending on your need.
Go to settings > Wireless > Extended Network, and then disable “extended 2.4GHz” and enable “extended 5 GHz”.
Mesh systems are a much better alternative to extenders with greater throughput capacity, massive range, and the ability to handle numerous devices at once. But these are much more expensive than the extenders, sometimes even ten times, reason why many can’t afford them.
Verdict
When it comes to choosing the best, several options stand out. These extenders offer the benefits of operating on both 2.4 and 5 GHz, providing greater flexibility and improved performance.
However, if you can’t make a decision, here’re a few of my handpicked choices:
- If you need an extender that excels in most respect, including speed, range, and device-handling ability, TP-Link RE715X is the best pick.
- If there isn’t enough budget available to you, I recommend going for Wavlink WN583AX1 at half the price and not compromising on performance by much.
- Finally, if you need the cheapest extender, then opt for Netgear EX5000.
As I end my reviews, I hope you found this guide informative and enjoyable to read. I look forward to connecting with you again in a similar article!
