It’s evident that WiFi extenders offer significantly lower speeds and are not completely consistent in terms of wireless coverage & connectivity. That’s when getting an ethernet WiFi extender makes perfect sense!
These are superfluous options to experience higher throughput and lower latency and can be used as access points. You may even connect with powerline adapters placed next to a router, and rather than WiFi, use a powerline to extend the coverage.
But finding an ideal ethernet range extender can be a bit tricky, as there are multiple choices claiming 1 Gbps of throughput. Plus, the spotlight shouldn’t just be put on Ethernet ports, but its other aspects, which I shall discuss below.
7 Best WiFi Extenders with Ethernet Ports
Before I begin, let me tell you that I now own 29 extenders and am well-adept with their use cases & performance. After detailed testing of all 29 devices over the last six months, I’ve curated this list of top wired network extenders.
And as usual, there are diverse choices available for people with specific needs or budgets. So, let’s dig in!
1. Best Overall: TP-Link RE715X
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 50
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- App Support: Yes
TP-Link takes the top spot with RE715X’s excellent performance, ability to link up with a mesh network, and multi-device handling without breaking down the signals. There is only one ethernet port but it entails multi-functionality like wired backhaul, AP mode, and others for increased convenience.
Besides, compared to its predecessor, it has got multiple upgrades in terms of device-handling capacity, speeds, and in turn overall performance.
Wired Connectivity
As mentioned earlier, RE715X has got a single Ethernet port with a max speed output of 1 Gbps. I paired it with my staple TP-Link Archer AXE75 (one of the top WiFi 6e routers), and a Cox Gigablast plan, and measured wired download and upload speeds on my Dell XPS laptop.
As a result, the values carried out were 347 Mbps and 21 Mbps for download and upload, respectively. Thus, gaming on PS5 was a walk in the park. Plus, the extender’s AP mode involves a connection with the router via an ethernet port and dissipates strong signals everywhere.
Wireless Speeds
Aside from its excellent wired capabilities, TP-Link RE715X with a Wi-Fi 6 standard, bestows a massive throughput capacity of 3000 Mbps, which is distributed over its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
To test how it performs in real life, I kept the setup the same, except for the laptop, which was connected through WiFi. The download speed clocked at 203 Mbps, while the upload speed was at 17 Mbps when the laptop was kept 40 feet away. While, increasing the distance by 20 feet, had speeds clocking at 168 Mbps and 12 Mbps, respectively.
The values are less than wired, which is expected with the bandwidth loss among extenders. But, its ability to create a mesh network still makes way for a faster wireless connection, letting you play 4K movies on multiple devices at a time.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
RE715X boasts two-antenna support with a maximum range of 1,500 Sq Ft, which barely managed to cover 1,300 Sq Ft in my tests. Nevertheless, combining any decent router should be enough for your large apartment.
The extender further comes with MU-MIMO support that lets you connect up to 45 devices at once. And considering its throughput capacity, most should run UHD movies on Netflix.
Conclusion
Overall, TP-Link has traveled a long way with its latest offering, RE715X. Despite its signal ethernet port, you can use it to get faster speeds over your devices by using it as an access point or with a powerline adapter. Besides, its wireless capabilities combined with OneMesh tech work well when connecting through WiFi.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Excellent wired capabilities
- Great wireless speeds
- Handles multiple devices
- OneMesh support
Cons
- Middling coverage
2. Best for Outdoors: Linksys RE7000
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 30
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- App Support: Yes
Linksys RE7000 stands out in the list with its long range and the multi-functionality of its Ethernet port. And despite boasting an older Wi-Fi 5 tech, its throughput capacity and signals received over the devices are strong and stable, courtesy of smart roaming.
Besides, it takes a few steps ahead of the predecessor, RE6300, in device handling capacity and coverage, making it one of the best WiFi extenders to use outdoors.
Wired Connectivity
The wired capability of RE7000 is exceptional, courtesy of its Gigabit ethernet port which supports wired backhaul for faster speeds, and its usability as an access point.
Starting with the speeds, I have got the perfect setup for testing the extender: a Cox gigabit connection, a Linksys MR9610 router, and a Dell XPS laptop.
I put a large file (24GB) to download on my laptop and at speeds of 315 Mbps, it took only a few minutes to complete. At the same time, at upload speeds of 19 Mbps, I had a jitter-free gaming experience.
Besides, courtesy of its usability as an access point, you can avoid the bandwidth from getting halved and enjoy high-bandwidth tasks on multiple devices at once. And if you prefer wired connections over wireless, you can use it to connect with a powerline adapter located near the router and plug in your required devices.
Wireless Speeds
The dual-band Wi-Fi 5-enabled Linksys RE7000 endows a maximum throughput capacity of 1900 Mbps, with its individual speed caps placed at:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
With a similar setup as in a wired connection, the download speeds on my Dell XPS laptop were recorded at around 198 Mbps, while upload speeds stayed at 15 Mbps. That were the values when testing devices were placed at around 30 feet.
At the same time, the speeds over a distance were decent with its smart roaming tech, as the dip was around 30%. Theoretically, such speeds should accommodate around fourteen 4K streams on any of your favorite platforms like Amazon, Netflix, or HBO+.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Despite boasting single antenna support, Linksys RE7000 rakes a maximum capability of covering 2,500 Sq Ft, which makes it a reliable ethernet port extender in terms of range. And in my tests, the values stayed close to 2,200 Sq Ft, which should work harmoniously with any decent router to get most of your large spaces covered.
And similar to my previous recommendation, there’s MU-MIMO but compared to the former, it lacks in terms of handling multiple devices. The numbers stayed at 25, which should get most additional smart devices at your home covered with ease.
Conclusion
Linksys RE7000 is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable extender that can effectively extend signals to distant areas. It performs well in tests involving close proximity and wired connections. However, the setup process may be challenging and time-consuming for beginners.
Pros
- Excellent wired capability
- Great throughput capacity
- Exceptional WiFi range
- Stable connections
- Affordable price
Cons
- Setup process can be arduous
3. Best Budget Wi-Fi 6: TP-Link RE500X
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 25
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- App Support: Yes
TP-Link RE500X is the next pick in my list of WiFi extender with an ethernet port that comes with a decent performance with Wi-Fi 6 support. It however betters my previous recommendation and its predecessor in terms of range and device handling capability. Besides, its Ethernet port is as functional as the previous ones.
Wired Connectivity
RE550 comes along with an Ethernet port with a maximum speed capacity of 1000 Mbps. I got the Cox 1 Gbps plan and plugging my Dell laptop into the port yielded speeds at around 297 Mbps and 13 Mbps respectively for downloads and uploads.
There’s an AP mode that only requires you to plug in an Ethernet cable to the port and turn the wired connection into an access point. This results in much boosted wireless speeds and minimum bandwidth reduction.
Wireless Speeds
Barring its wired capabilities, the RE550 extender bestows excellent wireless capabilities despite Wi-Fi 5. It’s rated at AC1900 where each band speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
The bandwidth transmitted by the extender could manage download and upload speeds at 183 Mbps and 13 Mbps respectively at a 30 feet distance. At the same time, increasing the distance by 30 feet had a speed drop of around 40%, mostly due to the lack of any mesh tech.
So, any high-bandwidth tasks like gaming or 4K streaming seem improbable at a distance, but there’s still more than enough bandwidth to get your light tasks like web surfing and audio streaming done.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Moving on, the extender scored average in this department, which was quite expected with its theoretical range of 1,500 Sq Ft. When put on a test, the signals were found even at a 1,250 Sq Ft distance. In the outskirts, signals were a tad weak, as the device lacks any mesh tech.
RE550 could also handle multiple devices, courtesy of MU-MIMO. Streaming audio and attending video conferences on 30 devices felt like a walk in the park.
Conclusion
TP-Link RE550 lacks any roaming technology but is still capable of performing basic tasks without any issues. Besides, its antennas are powerful enough to cover a significant portion of my yard and garage, making it one of the top pick picks.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Decent speeds
- Has MU-MIMO
- Easy setup
- Affordable
Cons
- Middling coverage
- Lacks mesh tech support
4. Best with 2 Ethernet Ports: Linccras Extender
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Moving on to the fourth position, I have a budget-friendly Linccras Extender that made it to the list courtesy of its two Ethernet ports with a Gigabit capacity, which wasn’t there in my previous suggestions.
Besides, its ports are multi-functional with several modes adding to your convenience. It further entails four high-gain antennas with a long range of 8,000 Sq Ft, the highest amongst the lot.
Wired Connectivity
This is one of the few WiFi extenders with 2 Ethernet ports. So, now you can connect two of your bandwidth-intensive devices and experience good speeds.
In my tests, at 30 feet from the router, the extender clocked to 284 Mbps and 12 Mbps respectively for downloads and uploads, with my Cox Gigablast connection. Other than that, the multi-mode ports including repeater, router, bridge, AP, and client mode are there to meet the different demands of users.
In a way, it’s a 5-in-1 device, that lets you connect your devices in any way you need to. Besides, its router mode lets it function as a standalone router, where you plug it into your modem and access bandwidth on your devices.
Wireless Speeds
Speeds aren’t the overhauling aspect of this extender, with its maximum capacity standing at 1200 Mbps, split over its two frequency bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 900 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
When paired wirelessly, with Linksys MR9610, the 25 feet test generated speeds at 206 Mbps and 16 Mbps for downloads and uploads. Such speeds are ideal for handling any residential internet-based tasks like HD streaming, video conferencing, and more.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
This is the best part of Linccras Extender, as its four-antenna setup can extend its coverage to up to 8,000 Sq Ft. In my tests with it both working as an extender and router, the signals could reach every corner of my 3,700 Sq Ft house, along with the yard and the garden.
The extender also demonstrates a decent ability in terms of connecting other devices. The antennas with MU-MIMO can transmit stable signals to up to 40 devices at once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Linccras as a wireless ethernet extender is a versatile device in terms of usability and flexibility. You can use it for anything at your convenience and it gets you the best results every time. Despite being the cheapest, it has an exceptional range and is probably the best of the rest, but lacking any mesh tech and middling speed performance has pushed it to the fourth position.
Pros
- 2 Ethernet ports
- Exceptional range
- Multi-functional ports
- Decent speeds
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Lacks a mesh tech
5. Best Value for Money: Tenda A33
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,100 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 25
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- App Support: Yes
Gradually moving on to the list, I stuck upon a value Wi-Fi 6 extender, Tenda A33. Despite being a budget pick, it boasts a two-antenna setup with a maximum range of 2,100 Sq Ft and a throughput capacity of 3000 Mbps, ranking alongside my top-rated LAN extenders.
Wired Connectivity
Similar to most extenders on my list, Tenda A33 entails a single Gigabit Ethernet port made exclusively to handle demanding tasks like streaming and gaming.
Paired with the Cox 1 Gig plan, the downloads, and uploads continued at the rates of 291 Mbps and 14 Mbps, making it a tad faster than my previous recommendation.
But it lacks most of the modes, except the AP which should enhance its wireless capabilities, as it doesn’t cut down the bandwidth.
Wireless Speeds
In terms of wireless capabilities, this future-proof device with Wi-Fi 6 standard presents a speed rating of AX3000, where its individual speed limits are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
With Cox’s Gigabit plan, the Tenda A33 paired with my TP-Link Archer AX90 achieved speeds close to 200 Mbps and 15 Mbps respectively for downloads and uploads.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The two-antenna setup of Tenda A33 works wonders when it comes to covering my leftover 1,700 Sq Ft space. So, my entire house including my yard is now covered with decent signals, and I can now sit beside my pool and work on my online work project.
Added to it, it has got MU-MIMO support that works harmoniously with the antennas to send signals to up to 15 smart devices. That doesn’t sound much but is great for any residential network setup.
Conclusion
Tenda A33 might not be one of those feature-laid extenders but with Wi-Fi 6 and decent antenna support, it has got most of your space and needs covered. Its performance is comparable to others in its range.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Great WiFi coverage
- MU-MIMO enabled
- Decent wireless speeds
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Low brand value
- Middling device handling capacity
6. Best from Netgear: Netgear EX6250
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 32
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- App Support: Yes
If you don’t want to pick a less popular device, EX6250 from Netgear is a solid choice. It comes with a decent range of features that contribute to its decent performance. Starting, it has got a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 which pairs well with its two high-gain antennas and MU-MIMO to transmit signals of decent strength across space.
Wired Connectivity
Despite being a budget extender, there’s an Ethernet port with Gigabit speed capabilities. But considering its wireless capabilities, it seemed like a smart choice for mid-range internet connections.
I used it with a Cox 500 Mbps plan and at 30 feet from the router, the extender witnessed 125 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads. The games like Destiny 2 and Valorant ran perfectly fine. You can also plug in any bandwidth-demanding devices like smart TVs and laptops.
Alongside, it lets you use it as an access point by switching to the AP mode and plugging in a router using an Ethernet cable.
Wireless Speeds
This Wi-Fi 5 extender bestows a maximum throughput capacity of 1750 Mbps, where the respective speed values on two bands are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps |
Although the speed values are a tad low compared to other options, the device performs well. With smart roaming tech, you can roam anywhere within the stipulated space without experiencing a major speed drop.
So with my Cox 500 Mbps connection, the wireless download speeds at 30 feet were recorded at 112 Mbps, while it managed an upload speed of 8 Mbps.
Aside from that, its FastLane technology is particularly unique to this device, which allows you to use both bands to establish one high-speed connection. With this in hand, pairing any high-speed plan should be a smart choice.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Courtesy of its two-antenna support alongside smart roaming technology, a stable network ecosystem was established within the 1,700 Sq Ft space. You can roam anywhere within without and find yourself always connected to a high-speed internet connection.
Added to it, MU-MIMO technology lets you stream HD videos on up to 27 devices at a stretch.
Conclusion
Netgear EX6250 strikes an ideal balance between price and functionality, putting it on par with other WiFi range extenders with ethernet I’ve evaluated.
A notable highlight is its mesh smart connect technology, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity throughout the day. Although the installation may be time-consuming and the coverage may not be exceptional, this device is definitely worth considering.
Besides, it doesn’t exhibit anything exceptional in terms of its wired output and therefore ranked at the penultimate position.
Pros
- Mesh smart roaming
- Stable throughput
- Gig Ethernet port
- Also has an AP mode
- Decent device handling capacity
Cons
- Middling coverage
7. Best Budget Option: Cudy RE1200
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Devices Capacity: 30
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- App Support: Yes
As now we have made out to the final product, let me tell you this isn’t one of your high-tech options, but an affordable yet extremely reliable wired WiFi extender, Cudy RE1200.
Its two external high-gain antennas are powerful enough to take the signals to far corners. Besides, boasting a Wi-Fi 5 standard, it should get throughput support enough to run video streams and calls with minimum jostles.
Wired Connectivity
Cudy RE1200 is an extender cum access point that provides you maximum flexibility of use. You can now experience an interference-free and speedy wireless connection even when connected to the bandwidth transmitted by the extender.
However, compared to my previous recommendations, RE1200 entails a 100 Mbps Ethernet port rather than a Gigabit one. So paired with a similar plan by Cox, my Dell XPS could clock speeds of 91 Mbps for downloads and 8 Mbps for uploads.
So you can stream your favorite shows and movies plugged into the port without any issues.
Wireless Speeds
In terms of wireless capabilities, this Cudy extender has a speed rating of AC1200, meaning you get a maximum speed of 1200 Mbps, distributed on its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 900 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
With a similar plan (100 Mbps Cox) at 30 feet, the recorded download and upload speed was 29 Mbps and 6 Mbps, respectively. And with such speeds, you could only work on basic internet tasks like sending emails and surfing the web.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
In terms of coverage, on paper, the two-antenna setup had numbers at 1,500 Sq Ft. And in my test, the device could add up with TP-Link Archer AXE75 to give out a range of 3,000 Sq Ft, meaning, it values at around 1,200 Sq Ft as a standalone device.
So, any of your three-bedroom apartments should be a piece of cake with this extender paired. It demonstrates a decent device-handling capacity, as you can connect up to 26 additional devices at a stretch.
But the signal strength won’t be equivalent in all, as the device lacks MU-MIMO. But still, it won’t hamper any of your internet-bound tasks.
Conclusion
To conclude, with a decent range and device-handling capacity, Cudy RE1200 comes as a bargain buy. Its speeds alongside ethernet port aren’t as great but with any entry-level plan and any decent router, it should get most of your residential internet-based tasks done without any issues.
Pros
- Universally compatible
- Decent range
- No-interference signals with a wired connection
- Decent device handling capacity
Cons
- MU-MIMO is absent
Frequently Asked Questions
Ethernet ports in extenders are meant for the connected device to access uninterrupted and lag-free signals so as to stay active on any bandwidth-intensive tasks, and I got the desired result from it. So yes, they work.
Plug in one end of the ethernet cable to the router and the other to the WiFi extender, and click the WPS button. That’s it.
Ethernet ports offer a more reliable connection than WiFi, as the latter is subjected to more interference than the former.
WiFi extenders are meant to expand the range of wireless networks, but they generally half down the bandwidth the router imparts, so your devices have access to much slower speeds. But the ethernet port eliminates all disadvantages and you can experience a much speedier internet.
When connected through an Ethernet, you won’t experience many drops in speeds compared to wireless.
Verdict
With that comes the end of this article. Hop on and make your selections. But if you still scratching your head, I’ve got you covered. Below, I have listed the best models in each category:
- If you need the best extender, not only in terms of ethernet but its other aspects like speeds, coverage, and device-handling capacity, go for TP-Link RE715X.
- If the above device feels a bit pricy, go for its sibling model, TP-Link RE550 at almost half the price. Compared to its counterpart, it lacks mesh tech but improves range and device handling capacity.
- Finally, if you’re in pursuit of a cheap yet reliable option, you can go for the Linccras extender which has two Gigabit ports that are multi-functional. Besides, its range is probably the most extensive you can find.
