Are your security cameras not receiving a strong signal from your WiFi router? Although they only require 3-5 Mbps of internet speed, they may not record properly if they don't have a stable connection. A WiFi range extender can help with this but which one?
Well, to find an answer to that, I put 13 devices to the test. After evaluating them with Blink, Ring, and other systems, I have selected the top 5 options.
5 Best WiFi Extenders for Security Cameras in 2024
As you may have noticed from my previous articles, I strive to provide a wide range of options that cater to various needs, preferences, and budgets.
1. Best Overall: TP-Link EAP610-Outdoor
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬: Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology featuring 1024-QAM and Long OFDM Symbol, the EAP610-Outdoor boosts dual-band Wi-Fi speeds up to 1800 Mbps.
- 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫/𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐬𝐞: The durable, IP67 weatherproof enclosure with dedicated high gain antennas protects the access point against harsh outdoor conditions and provides the best outdoor wireless experiences. Discreet appearance can also fit with any indoor scenarios.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: Extend your existing wireless coverage by repeating the wireless signal. Can be setup via standalone mode or Omada app.
- 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐃𝐍: Omada's Software Defined Networking (SDN) platform integrates network devices including access points, switches & gateways with multiple control options offered - Omada Hardware controller, Omada Software Controller or Omada cloud-based controller*(Contact TP-Link for Cloud-Based Controller Plan Details). Standalone mode also applies.
- 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Remote Cloud access and Omada app enables centralized cloud management of the whole network from different sites—all controlled from a single interface anywhere, anytime. For devices that are compatible with SDN firmware, please visit ‘From the manufacturer – Q&A’ section or TP-Link website.
TP-Link EAP610-Outdoor, as the name suggests, is primarily an outdoor Wi-Fi extender. It has got many things going its way. This includes a future-proof Wi-Fi 6, fast roaming, beamforming, and OneMesh tech that ensures there’s no signal lapse on your security cameras at any point of the day.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Although no figures were stated by the manufacturer, my research reveals that the extender, with its powerful four-antenna setup, can cover up to 6,000 Sq Ft.
To test it out, I installed it at one corner of the pavilion at my pool house, and the Blink camera was placed on my archway.
Fun Fact:
You can place this extender anywhere, courtesy of IP67 certification. This means it’s weatherproof and can survive rains & harsh weather conditions
Without any doubt, the TP-Link Outdoor extender had a 3,600 sq ft area covered with strong and stable signals, and none of the corners was void of signals.
Other than that, there’s no shortfall of networking tech in this device. Starting from MU-MIMO, OneMesh, and Beamforming to Fast Roaming, it has it all.
This is why I could pair 52 devices (including Blink cameras, smartphones, lights, door openers, a TV, and more), and each could accomplish its respective tasks with ease.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
Concerning throughput capacity, the outdoor extender maximizes at 1900 Mbps, where there’s a share of its two frequency bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
My test setup was the usual i.e., TP-Link Archer AX90 router and an Xfinity Gigabit plan, and I performed tests on my iPhone 13 standing at a distance.
When I moved 25 feet, the download speeds were around 171 Mbps, and uploads fared at the rate of 19 Mbps. Moving farther, the speeds dipped a bit at 104 Mbps and 11 Mbps, respectively, but the signal flow was consistent.
This phenomenon was primarily because of the mesh-like network formed in the entire space, and so tasks like security monitoring, online gaming, 4K streaming, video conferencing, and others seem like a cakewalk.
Conclusion
TP-Link's EAP610 is one of the top-rated extenders for surveillance cameras. The signal quality was great, courtesy of the powerful hardware. But the thing is, all of it comes at a cost, and if you don’t need such high-end specs, continue exploring.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Great speeds
- Excellent WiFi range
- Stable throughput
- Multi device-handling capacity
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Blink WiFi Extender: TP-Link RE650
- Extend the range of your Wi Fi with the dual band RE650, compatible with any type of Router / Gateway / Access Point (2.4GHz 800Mbps / 5GHz 1733Mbps)
- Quad Antenna design for ultimate coverage for all areas of your home
- MU-MIMO Wave 2 technology allows the RE650 to talk to Multiple devices at once for optimal Performance between devices. Beamforming Technology sends targeted Wi Fi signal to individual devices for stronger connections
- Smart indicator lights help provide optimal placement. Should be installed between the Router and the desired area
- Gigabit Ethernet port connects wired devices to your network for high speed connection
Next on my list is another one from TP-Link, but this time with a long coverage and a lower price. Plus, it comes with the usual benefits of OneMesh support, MU-MIMO, and Beamforming to ensure your Blink cameras have a stable inflow of signals.
But unlike my previous recommendation, this one sports a Wi-Fi 5 standard. Let's find out how it performs & if you should get this over the previous model.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Theoretically, RE650 is the longest range extender but lacks any weatherproofing certification. But with a coverage of around 9,000 Sq Ft in real life, my IP camera had no trouble connecting or recording videos throughout the day.
The OneMesh tech comes in handy in terms of stabilizing the signals over a large distance, and the MU-MIMO further concentrates the signals to the connected devices.
So I could connect up to 41 devices to take on tasks like CCTV monitoring, video streaming, web browsing, and more.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
With a speed rating of AC2600, the extender stays slightly ahead of my previous recommendation in this respect. The respective speeds on its two bands are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 800 Mbps |
With an Xfinity Gigabit connection + TP-Link Archer AX90 router, the respective download speeds over 15 and 40 feet distances were around 131 Mbps and 67 Mbps.
At the same time, uploads over respective distances continued at the rate of 19 Mbps and 11 Mbps. All the Blink cameras could work seamlessly, and there was no drop in signal or quality.
Apart from security cameras, I could also handle Zoom calls, browse the web, and perform various activities.
Conclusion
Overall, TP-Link RE650 readily becomes the runner-up pick. Adding OneMesh to the mix, users are able to stream high-quality content over a distance. But it lacks an IP rating; hence, you can't put it in an open space outside the house.
Pros
- Excellent throughput capacity
- Long wireless coverage
- Commendable speeds
- OneMesh tech support
- Handles multiple devices
Cons
- No weatherproofing
- No Wi-Fi 6 at this price
3. Best for Ring Cameras: Linksys RE7000
- ELIMINATE DEAD ZONES AND BOOST AC1900 plus WIFI RANGE: Extend your home WiFi to hard-to-reach locations in your home such as your backyard, garage, or bedroom so you get AC1900 plus WiFi speeds to Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, iPads, tablets, laptops and smartphones to enjoy streaming 4K / HD movies, simultaneous online gaming, social media, and more.The RE7000 has a slim, compact design: plug it into the bottom A/C outlet and you'll still have access to the outlet just above it.
- EXTEND NEXT-GEN AC WIFI TO MULTIPLE USERS WITH MULTI USER-MIMO: Next-Gen AC with MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology ensures your WiFi is delivered faster and with more efficient throughput to every MU-MIMO connected device. This means your whole household can surf the Internet, stream 4K and HD movies, play online games, and more simultaneously--without annoying buffering or lag.
- ROOM-TO-ROOM WIFI WITH SEAMLESS ROAMING: The AC1900 plus Range Extender offers Seamless Roaming as you move around your home when linked with a Max-Stream WiFi router. With Seamless Roaming, your enabled wireless devices will automatically switch to the strongest WiFi signal, so you won't have to manually connect to the router or range extender when you move from one room to another--or even to your backyard. This means that you can move freely throughout your home while video chatting or streaming videos without experiencing dropped calls or buffering.
- WORKS WITH ALL WIFI ROUTERS: This range extender is compatible with any WiFi router, including those from Internet service providers. There's no need to adjust your router's settings when installing the extender.
- EASY SETUP OPTIONS FOR OPTIMAL PLACEMENT: Simply press the Push Button Connect feature on the MAX-STREAM AC1900 plus to automatically sync it to your router. Simple setup from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Linksys RE7000 is a neatly designed, budget-friendly WiFi signal booster for Ring cameras. Its range is not as extravagant as my previous recommendations but is a perfect fit for those with medium-sized homes.
Compared to Linksys’s previous model, RE6300, it brings multiple upgrades in terms of speeds and range that contribute to its better performance.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Linksys’s app keeps it simple and nice with its setup process as I installed it in my detached garage, where I have two Ring cameras needing a strong WiFi connection.
The RE7000 was able to access my entire garage and front & back gate where the IP cameras were installed. The standalone extender had a range of around 2,000 Sq Ft, which is much more than wireless camera signal boosters in its price range.
Besides, it has smart roaming technology that automatically detects the best network available and connects your device.
My 25 devices (other than IP cameras) never experienced a signal drop and ran streaming, video conferencing, and other internet-bound tasks with ease, courtesy of the MU-MIMO tech.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The RE7000 uses dual-band 802.11ac WiFi on the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands with a top speed of 1900 Mbps. The speeds on its two bands are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
Despite not having any sophisticated networking technology like mesh tech or beamforming, the extender paired with my Linksys MR9610 got rid of the erratic WiFi in my garage.
The download speeds 20 feet away from the device clocked 118 Mbps with the Cox 1 Gbps plan. The upload speed was also good at 17 Mbps.
Moving farther at 40 feet which was void of any signals, had respective download and upload speeds of 86 Mbps and 10 Mbps.
Alongside being faster, the speed remains consistent and smooth, which is just as important if you’re streaming HD content and music or attending video calls.
Conclusion
At this price, the performance Linksys RE7000 delivers is quite impressive, so it turns out to be a value-for-money Ring camera range extender. Although there’s no mesh tech, its roaming tech ensures you’re always connected to the best possible network.
But lesser coverage than my previous options has pushed it down to the fourth position.
Pros
- Decent wireless coverage
- Pocket-friendly price
- Dependable speeds
- Smart roaming tech
Cons
- No major con
4. Best for High-Quality Recording: ASUS RP-AX56
- High Efficiency WiFi 6 - Enjoy fast speeds up to 3000 Mbps with WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Commercial-grade Network Security – Lifetime free ASUS AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, with WPA3 to protect your home
- More Privacy, Anywhere - Instant Guard gives you one-click secure internet access via RT-AX68U from anywhere in the world
- Parental Controls for All Ages - Customize settings for different age groups, giving your kids the internet access they need
- ASUS AiMesh Support – Create a flexible, seamless whole-home mesh network with AiMesh-compatible routers
Next on the list is ASUS RP-AX56, one of the best-rated WiFi extenders for gaming, thanks to Wi-Fi 6 and stable network performance. If you're looking for a WiFi booster that can help your security systems record high-quality footage, this is an ideal match.
It entails an AiMesh tech which, paired with a similar router, creates a mesh-like network throughout your entire space.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
In terms of range, the ASUS wireless extender checks out in elegant style. My tests reveal that the device can maintain a strong internet connection across an area of up to 1,900 Sq Ft.
If you have a large home with a decent-sized yard and a garage with a security camera installed within the space, I’d recommend it. The integration of AiMesh tech adds a few brownie points to the score, as signals are stable and reliable across the space.
Moreover, beholding a MU-MIMO, I was sure of its multi-device handling capacity. In my tests, I could connect over 32 devices without any discernable lags or latencies.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
For me, the exciting part about the Asus RP-AX56 is the performance it offers. It has got a throughput capacity of 1800 Mbps, which is split as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
In my speed tests with Asus RT-AX88U and Cox 1 Gbps plan, the extender managed to achieve a top download speed of 126 Mbps from a distance of 15 feet away. In contrast, the uploads continued at the speed of 17 Mbps.
Moving a bit farther to 35 feet, the respective speeds are valued at around 89 Mbps and 12 Mbps. So if you’ve established your work setup in the garage, this extender should be a perfect fit.
Conclusion
The RP-AX56 is a great Wi-Fi 6 extender for individuals seeking a future-proof device capable of accommodating high-speed connections & recording. While its coverage is not as extensive as the models mentioned earlier, it is still sufficient to cover a modest to large-sized household effortlessly.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- AiMesh compatible
- Stable and fast WiFi
- Decent WiFi range
- Minimalistic design
Cons
- No weatherproofing
5. Best Budget Option: Netgear EX5000
- Extended wireless coverage: Add’s Wi-Fi range coverage up to 1500 square feet, and connects up to 25 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more.
- AC1200 WI-FI SPEED: Provides up to 1200 Mbps performance.
- Universal compatibility: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with Wi-Fi.
- Safe & secure: Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
- Simple to setup: Press the WPS button to connect to your router. Use the Netgear Wi-Fi Analyzer app for optimal location.
Last but not least, it’s time I present you with a cheap yet reliable option for security cameras. Netgear EX5000 might not be loaded with advanced features, but the speeds and range it offers are enough to cover most of your decent space with decent signals.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Netgear EX5000, with its two antenna setup, delivers great range in my testing, edging out most options in this price range.
It’s hard to put the range in numbers, but seated in my garage, I got four bar signals, and my CCTV cameras had no issues at all.
So it’s safe to say that this EX5000 can cover up to 1,300 Sq Ft when placed in an optimal location, away from obstructions.
Moving on, despite lacking MU-MIMO, the extender passed my four-day stress test with minimal issues. The standalone device was able to handle 15 devices with mid-tier tasks with ease.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The throughput capacity of Netgear EX5000 comes at 1200 Mbps, operating on its two frequency bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 900 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
It did well with my Wi-Fi 5-enabled devices. Connected to Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 and Cox 500 Mbps connection, the client got a sustained download & upload speed of some 65 Mbps and 13 Mbps at a 15 feet distance.
And at 30 feet away, my iPhone 13 managed to clock 32 Mbps and 8 Mbps, respectively. That’s not the fastest but it could handle your mid-tier internet tasks pretty well.
Conclusion
Although Netgear EX5000 may not offer higher speeds, it is a dependable device available at an affordable price of around $40. It delivers satisfactory coverage and speed, making it suitable for individuals seeking a basic extender that effectively eliminates dead zones and seamlessly supports multiple devices.
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Easy to install
- Decent coverage
- Pairs with any router
- Affordable price
Cons
- No mesh tech
Frequently Asked Questions
Security cameras, especially IP cameras, need a decent inflow of signals to record the events happening in real time. Any connection loss and it’s gone. WiFi extenders come as a savior if you have a large area and your router isn’t able to transmit signals to the cameras.
The maximum distance between a surveillance camera and an extender depends on various factors, such as the specific extender model, the strength of the extender's signal, potential obstructions in the environment, and the capabilities of the camera itself. So choose your extender wisely if you want signals to travel long.
Yes, outdoor WiFi extenders can be effective in extending WiFi. These devices are specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions and are equipped with features that enable them to transmit and receive signals over longer distances.
Verdict
Security cameras have become an integral part of one’s house, and you need a decent extender to pair with it. If you aren’t able to make a choice despite going through my detailed review-based guide, here are my final suggestions:
- If you have a power source located outdoors and need the best extenders for your security cameras, TP-Link EAP610 is the best choice.
- If you don’t have the facilities for such a high-end device yet don’t want to compromise on the features, go for Linksys RE7000.
- Finally, for those seeking an entry-level extender, the Netgear EX5000 is for them.
Thanks for reading!
