Despite getting the best router for your CenturyLink connection, there are chances that you might experience dead WiFi zones in your large house or backyard.
While most people prefer getting a mesh WiFi system due to seamless connectivity for many, it’s not a viable solution as it requires changing the entire setup and is a bit expensive. That’s why many people consider using a WiFi extender to extend their existing router’s coverage. But which one’s good for CenturyLink plans?
Simple, just determine your needs, decide your budget, and read through this detailed guide, where I have reviewed the top 7 WiFi extenders that work with different CenturyLink plans. The reviews are made on multiple aspects like speed, coverage, and others for you to make an informed investment decision. So let’s get in.
Note: While you might be inclined towards getting the best WiFi extender, do make sure that its performance is close to your CenturyLink modem. For instance, buying a fast extender won’t make sense for a slower modem or modem/router.
Best WiFi Extenders For CenturyLink
But why would you trust me? Being a technical nerd and years of using these networking devices, I have established a checklist including factors that make a model the best. To start with, I purchased 19 top models (from companies like Netgear, Tenda, TP-Link, and others), tested them under various scenarios, and picked the best options for 2024.
My 7 selected models are the most reliable and trustworthy ones in every price bracket. I made sure you don’t invest hundreds of dollars on a feature-laid device when you are subscribed to an entry-level CenturyLink plan. So, continue reading!
1. Best Overall: TP-Link RE715X (WiFi 6)
- Suitable For: CenturyLink Gigabit
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices: 50
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
Starting off my list is a TP-Link RE715X that embodies everything that lacks in a typical WiFi extender. Features like OneMesh and Gigabit LAN port makes sure you’re always connected to a lag-free and consistent internet connection. Besides, it takes a few steps forward from its previous model in terms of speed, coverage and device handling capacity.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The dual-band WiFi 6 extender exhibits a maximum throughput capacity of 3000 Mbps, with its speeds distributed over its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
I tested this extender over various roles over a week, and it proved to be a reliable performer. Paired with my staple TP-Link Archer AX90 connected to a CenturyLink gigabit plan, I measured the download and upload speeds. And values at around 821 Mbps and 214 Mbps over a 5 feet distance allowed me to undertake any bandwidth-intensive tasks with ease.
Its best part is OneMesh tech which automatically connects you to the best possible connection. So, moving the client device a tad far away from the extender (30 feet) had a 25% drop in speeds but consistency stayed the same. Still, tasks like UHD streaming, attending video calls, and others glide through without any issues.
Now, as mentioned above, there’s a Gigabit Ethernet port that can clock speeds of up to 947 Mbps and 287 Mbps. So, if you have any extra bandwidth-consuming device which your router can’t accommodate, this extender comes in handy. Compared to wireless connections, the ping value and frame rates with games like Valorant and RDR2 boosted up to 12ms from 18ms, and 65 to 75.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Moving on, the four-antenna setup of TP-Link RE715X does a decent job in terms of coverage. Despite their claims of covering around 1,500 Sq Ft area, the extender managed to add up around 1,100 Sq Ft to my Archer AX90’s overall range. The range however might vary depending on the layout of your place. But thanks to OneMesh, the signal quality was exceptional throughout.
Other than that, there’s an in-built MU-MIMO tech that fosters its ability to emit stable and strong signals to the devices you connect. The numbers can go as high as 45, meaning the entire workplace set-up is filled with strong signals and workers can’t complain about network frailty.
Conclusion
Overall, TP-Link RE715X is a great CenturyLink WiFi extender that makes sure you never run out of strong connections throughout your large space. All credits go to its OneMesh support, MU-MIMO, and its powerful antenna setup that even lets you connect several devices at once. Its only limitation is its price but if you have the facilities, go for it without giving it much thought.
Pros
- Excellent throughput capacity
- Decent coverage
- OneMesh support
- Great device handling capacity
Cons
- Premium price
2. Best For Coverage: ASUS RP-AX56
- Suitable For: CenturyLink Gigabit
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,200 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices: 40
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
Asus RP-AX56 wireless extender, or rather a mesh-ready broadcaster is a much better option than spending hundreds on mesh routers. With AiMesh support, it can be used as a node to create a mesh network throughout your space, and never run out of internet at any time. Besides, features like WiFi 6, dual-band antennas, and others make it a major upgrade to its predecessor.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
An aggregate speed of 1750 Mbps is distributed over its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
The speeds make the extender a viable pair for any router that supports the CenturyLink Gigabit plan.
As with the typical extenders, there won’t be a massive drop in speeds with AiMesh extenders, and it was pretty evident from the results. The downloads and uploads on my Dell Xps laptop continued at the rate of 645 Mbps and 147 Mbps, respectively. So, it can handle any of your graphics-intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing without much effort.
Besides, its Ethernet port with Gigabit speed capacity paves way for a much faster internet-using experience. The respective values over wired connections stayed at 921 Mbps and 195 Mbps, a holy grail for gamers and streamers. You can also stream your games on Twitch without any issues.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
As a small device, it has quite impressive WiFi coverage. Putting numbers on it is a bit tricky, but from my tests, it’s safe to say that an additional 1,800 Sq Ft area should be a pretty simple task for it. And combined with any decent AiMesh compatible router (like Asus RT-AX88U), the signals could travel long without getting frail over distance.
Moving on, the AiMesh extender passed my week-long stress test with ease and proved to be reliable. Courtesy of MU-MIMO, the signals stayed consistent and stable despite connecting 30 additional devices to the network. These devices include laptops, mobile devices, computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
Conclusion
In general, the Asus RP-AX56 extender is a versatile device that can enhance your gaming experience. Its incorporation of MU-MIMO technology allows for efficient gaming across multiple devices. Although it can’t be put on the same line as mesh routers, its AiMesh technology enables seamless connectivity to your central router, ensuring a constant network connection for all your devices.
Pros
- Convenient design
- Decent throughput
- AiMesh support
- Excellent coverage
Cons
- Works better with AiMesh systems
3. Best for Outdoors: TP-Link RE550
Be it connecting your garage doors or getting connectivity in a disconnected garage, the TP-Link RE550 won’t let you down.
- Suitable For: CenturyLink Fiber Internet 200
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,800 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices: 35
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
As I mentioned earlier, I’m not the biggest fan of wireless extenders, but this device caught my eye. TP-Link RE550 entails some top-tier features like 802.11ax WiFi 6 support, extensive range, and multi-device connectivity to stay ahead of many mesh extenders out there.
The manufacturer has made improvements in several aspects like speeds, coverage, and others over the device it replaces, i.e. TP-Link RE450.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
This dual-band WiFi 6 extender comes at an aggregated speed of 1900 Mbps, with its band-wise speeds as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
I had my staple TP-Link Archer and a CenturyLink Gigabit plan available for testing, which was paired with the extender. The speeds were much less than what was in my previous suggestions, valued at 415 Mbps and 103 Mbps, respectively for downloads and uploads. The speeds were cut by more than half than in the router, but it didn’t compromise on consistency.
Nevertheless, if you have a gaming computer setup far away from the router, the extender’s Gigabit Ethernet port should come in handy. The download and upload speeds boosted up to 943 Mbps and 315 Mbps, not any improvement from my previous recommendations. So, fast-paced online games like DOTA 2 and Warframe breeze through it.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Coverage is TP-Link RE550’s standout feature with manufacturer claims that the maximum it can reach is 2,800 Sq Ft. In real-life tests it was difficult to put numbers but it should be around 2,400-2,500 Sq Ft, which is massive when you pair it with a decent router like TP-Link Archer AX90.
The best part is the signals stay stable even after travelling long. With this extender installed, I could even get my rendering done seated in the garage.
In addition to that, my tests involving connections with multiple devices also bore decent results. Courtesy of MU-MIMO, a plethora of smartphones, laptops, computers, and others totalling to 30 devices could be connected at once, without any jitters or lags. Besides, if you are only into light tasks like sending emails, browsing social media, etc., the numbers could go up to 33.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TP-Link RE550, available at $70, is a value-for-money extender that can take your signals to long distances, and the MU-MIMO lets it make a simultaneous connection on multiple devices possible. However, it cuts down the speeds by much compared to the traditional routers and thereby placed them in the third position.
Pros
- Stable signals
- Excellent range
- MU-MIMO and multi-device connectivity
- Easy to install
Cons
- Middling speeds
4. Best from Linksys: Linksys RE7000
- Suitable For: CenturyLink Fiber Internet 200
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices: 30
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
If you’re affixed to Linksys routers, then Linksys RE7000 wireless extender is the best you can get. Its notable features include WiFi 5 support, MU-MIMO technology, a set of powerful antennas and an Ethernet port that translates into a good performance. Besides, if you’re a loyal Linksys user, you will notice the upgrades it makes over its predecessor, RE6300.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The Linksys wireless extender boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 1900 Mbps, with its band-wise speeds as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
For my tests paired with Linksys MR9610 and a CenturyLink 200 Mbps plan, the performance was decent in close and long-range tests. In close range, its speeds for downloads and uploads couldn’t get more than 50 Mbps and 11 Mbps, respectively, while there was a 35% drop in speeds when tested at far distances.
The speeds over the Gigabit Ethernet port were also valued at 185 Mbps and 56 Mbps, respectively, making it a viable fit for high-bandwidth connections. You can also choose to upgrade your internet plan to a Gigabit one to experience even faster internet.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Amongst the devices I have included in the list of the best WiFi extender for CenturyLink, this model ranks second with a theoretical range of 2,500 Sq Ft. In numbers, the maximum signals could reach was around 2,200 Sq Ft, and added to my Linksys MR9610, it can get as high as 4,700 Sq Ft at most. The coverage might drop depending on the space where it’s installed.
I could easily access the network from my garage and could use it to complete my workplace-based online tasks like sending emails, attend meetings, and completing other online tasks.
Similar to my other recommendations, the extender entails MU-MIMO technology whose task mainly is to concentrate the signals to the connected devices, rather than spreading them around. I have around 15 devices lying around, and each of them could connect to the bandwidth at a time. The numbers could increase up to 25, depending on the tasks you undertake.
Conclusion
The Linksys RE7000 is an excellent choice if you need a wide area of smooth network coverage and already have a Linksys Max-stream router. Its decent throughput scores, combined with MU-MIMO technology, allow it to maintain a stable signal even when transmitting to multiple devices simultaneously.
However, it doesn’t provide the same level of speed output and consistency as my previous recommendations, which is why it ranks fourth.
Pros
- Supports MU-MIMO stream
- Solid throughput results
- Great coverage
- Easy to install
Cons
- Middling performance in terms of speed
5. Best for Mesh Setups: Netgear EAX20
- Suitable For: CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices: 20
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
Moving on further into the list, let me present to you another mesh extender, Netgear EAX20. With Mesh smart roaming, it automatically detects the best possible bandwidth and connects your device to it for you to undertake any internet-bound tasks sitting in any part of your space. Besides, there are OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies for a seamless and consistent network.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
This dual-band WiFi 6 extender boasts an aggregated speed of 1800 Mbps, distributed over its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
In my speed tests, the Netgear EAX20 superseded my expectations. And with a CenturyLink 200 Mbps plan connected, the download and upload speeds clocked at 102 Mbps and 21 Mbps, respectively, much improvement over my previous recommendation. The wired connection, on the other hand, had respective values of around 187 Mbps and 57 Mbps.
The wireless speeds might not sound very high but it’s enough for streaming HD videos on YouTube and even high-quality music on Spotify or Amazon Prime Music. Besides, the Gigabit Ethernet port gives out enough bandwidth to play casual games like Fortnite, Fall Guys and others.
EAX20 can be tagged as a decent router in terms of speed but I encountered jitters and lags in my one week of use. Besides, it takes a long time to reboot once there’s a power outage.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Netgear EAX20 gave subpar results in my tests, numbering at around 1,000 Sq Ft on a wireless connection. Still, such additional coverage alongside a mesh network is nothing to sneeze at all, and combined with a router, it can fill up your average apartment with powerful signals. You can further up the coverage by placing the extender halfway between your hard-to-reach locations and the router.
Similar to the coverage, the extender performed decently well when it comes to device handling capacity. Alongside MU-MIMO, it brings on OFDMA to the playing turf to establish better connections with the devices. At a stretch, you can connect up to 16 devices and maybe one/two more, depending on the activities you’re invested in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EAX20 does one thing and does well, i.e., carries signals to different places of your home without weakening them. Its throughput capacity is decent and brings in OFDMA to further stabilize the signals. Despite coming at around $100, the network drops and longer rebooting time were very unsettling and thereby are ranked so down in the list.
Pros
- WiFi 6 support
- Creates a mesh network
- Decent throughput
- Good coverage
Cons
- Few network drops
6. Best Value for Money: Tenda A33
- Suitable For: CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,100 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices: 20
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
Moving on, if you have a limited budget to spend on extenders but need one that does a decent job of fulfilling your daily internet needs, Tenda A33 should be your go-to model. Features like WiFi 6 standard, massive coverage, and MU-MIMO should easily fill your network void zones with adequate data. Let’s find out in detail if the extender does justice to its spec sheet.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
The Tenda A33 is an excellent way to fulfil the network needs of your family with an aggregated speed capacity of 3000 Mbps. Its two bands has respective speed capacity at:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
As far as performance goes, with my Tenda RX9 pro, the A33 had decent scores with the CenturyLink Simply Unlimited internet. It could move upwards of 35 Mbps and 6 Mbps, respectively for downloads and uploads, when the client device was around 10 feet from the extender. While increasing the distance to 40 feet, led to around a 35% drop.
At the same time, plugging in through the extender peaked the throughput to 129 Mbps and 35 Mbps, respectively. If you only want to establish wired connections, it would be viable to upgrade your internet plan according to the budget. The tasks like online gaming, UHD streaming or any other heavy tasks shouldn’t seem like much.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
In terms of coverage, it boasts a theoretical coverage of 2,100 Mbps, much higher than my previous recommendation. In my tests, the value stayed out at around 1,700 Sq Ft, which added to my Tenda RX9 Pro, could easily envelop my 3,700 Sq Ft house. The signal strength however was much inferior when compared to the previous device.
Apart from that, the device’s performance was subpar when it comes to connecting multiple devices at once. Courtesy of MU-MIMO, signals didn’t lose their strength when asked to connect 15 devices at once. That’s more than enough for any residential setting.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tenda A33 is an inexpensive WiFi extender that works seamlessly with all Tenda routers. It effectively improves signal strength to devices located in remote areas. Despite some minor network latency, the MU-MIMO technology enables smooth streaming of your favorite movies and shows in high definition.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Decent coverage
- Easy to set up
- MU-MIMO enabled
Cons
- Middling device handling capacity
7. Best Budget Option: Netgear EX5000
- Suitable For: CenturyLink DSL 100 Mbps
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices: 25
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- App Support: Yes
Simple to set up, this Netgear EX5000 resonates well with any router to fill your house’s dead spots without breaking the bank. At around $50, the router is a bargain compared to double or more. This dual-band WiFi 5 extender is rated to cover around 1,500 Sq Ft, and combined with any decent router it covers around 4,000 Sq Ft of space.
Wireless & Wired Speeds
Netgear EX5000 is a dual-band WiFi 5 extender with a top speed of 1200 Mbps, with its band-wise speed distribution as follows:
| 5 GHz: 900 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
A low-throughput extender like this should fare well with one of those CenturyLink rented routers, I had the Greenwave C4000BG installed at my grandpa’s 100-year-old home. Pairing a DSL 100 Mbps plan had resulted in speeds at around 31 Mbps and 6 Mbps for downloads and uploads respectively.
At the same time, wired connections yield respective values at around 89 Mbps and 15 Mbps, which aren’t capable of handling online games but can get your basic internet needs and light streaming on smart TVs covered.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
If you are looking for an extender that pairs with your subpar router to cover a decent space without paying much, then EX5000 should do the job well. Single-handedly, the extender could cover an area of up to 1,100 Sq Ft, and with a C4000G, it got my client’s 3,000 Sq Ft encased with powerful signals. I could stream HD music sitting in any corner of my home.
Now, its performance in terms of handling multiple devices at a time was below par with most of my listed extenders. The reason can be attributed to a lack of MU-MIMO and as a result, stable connections on more than 15 devices couldn’t be achieved. But, there’s a compatible Netgear app that lets you browse through the devices connected and eliminate the ones occupying most bandwidth.
Conclusion
To conclude, Netgear EX5000 may not be the top choice for users looking for exceptional coverage and high data transfer rates, but it is sufficient for most household network requirements. While tests indicate that it performs well, occasional delays and interruptions occur when using multiple devices due to the absence of MU-MIMO technology.
Pros
- Good speeds
- Compact design
- Easy to install
- Decent range
Cons
- MU-MIMO absent
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re a die-hard gamer or working from home, it’s important to have a stable and strong connection to keep all your devices up and running. So, here’s what you need to do to boost your WiFi signal:
– Place the router in a spot to access most parts of your house
– Minimize interferences from electronic devices
– Reduce the fight for bandwidth among devices
– Install an extender to take your signals far to the corners
Unlike modems or routers, there isn’t any compatibility quotient with the extenders, and you can purchase any one from the market that you find appealing. Just make sure you aren’t just intimidated by the specs and conduct detailed research before purchasing an extender.
Extenders are much easy to set up, and you don’t need to be an expert for that. Start by plugging your extender into the power plug and wait for the indicator light to turn yellow. As it does, install the compatible app on your smartphone and wait for it to detect the extender, then put in the username and password to complete the setup process.
The best place would be to put it right between the router and network inaccessible areas.
In theory, the WiFi signals through extenders should pass through walls and other obstacles with ease. But if your house is pretty old with thick walls made of reinforced concrete might block your signals to some extent. However, it can easily penetrate through materials like plywood, glass, drywall, and wood.
Verdict
CenturyLink doesn’t have a wide range of plans for you to pair with. And that’s why it requires you to make your decisions wisely when selecting the best WiFi range extender for CenturyLink. You must determine your needs first and carefully examine an extender before investing. But you can’t go out and purchase every model you like, so here’s my curated list of the best options:
- If you don’t want to compromise on the features and want the best connection all across your large space, TP-Link RE715X is the best bet. With features like WiFi 6 dual-band support, extensive coverage, and multi-device holding capability, it’s the best you’ve got.
- Next, if you aren’t willing to spend much and need an extender that fulfils most of your internet needs, go for TP-Link RE550.
- Finally, Netgear EX5000 is the cheapest option you have got. With a decent range of features in terms of coverage and speeds, it does get your money’s worth.
This concludes my guide. Until we meet again, take care and stay safe!
