Spectrum is an extremely well-known internet service provider in the United States. Tying for the third overall Best Internet Service Provider and second Best Cable Internet Provider, Spectrum generally provides high speeds and a reliable internet connection.
However, several customers have reported Spectrum as providing cheap quality routers with low WiFi signal coverage, leaving dead zones in the areas of the house where they need it most.
So, what is the solution to this problem without purchasing a new WiFi router altogether? Getting a range extender! In this article, we give you our choices for the best WiFI extenders for Spectrum, providing you with an easy and reliable solution when you need to increase your wireless coverage area.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Wifi Extenders For Spectrum
- OUR TOP PICK: TP-Link N300
- RUNNER-UP: Nextbox WiFi Extender
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: TP-Link AC750 RE230
Comparison of the Best WiFi Extenders For Spectrum
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What Makes a WiFi Extender Great For Use With Spectrum?
Curious about how we’ve narrowed down our decision for the best WiFi extenders to use with Spectrum? Let’s take a look at what makes a WiFi extender great for use with Spectrum.
Compatibility With Spectrum
To use a WiFi extender with Spectrum, it’s important to make sure it’s compatible with Spectrum and your other devices. Technically speaking, any WiFi extender should be compatible with Spectrum.
However, you also need to make sure it’s compatible with your router and the WiFi devices you wish to connect it to, including laptops, PCs, and the large variety of available smart products. Make sure you check the specs on both the WiFi extender and your WiFi products before proceeding with the purchase.
Range/Signal Coverage
With Spectrum being known for potentially poor signal coverage, it’s important to make sure that your chosen WiFi extender can improve your range as far as you need it. After all, the whole point of purchasing a WiFi extender is increasing your range, right? When narrowing down your search for the perfect WiFi extender, make sure that you take the range into account so you can make sure your whole house is covered.
Netgear EX2800
Single or Dual Band Frequency
You’ll notice that the majority of the WiFi extenders we’ve included in this article include the option of a dual-band. Usually, purchasing a WiFi extender with a dual-band spectrum is most ideal, but it does depend on what you wish to use your WiFi for. If you primarily use your WiFi for surfing the net and sending emails, then a single-band frequency should be fine for you.
However, if you often stream HD media and participate in hardcore gaming sessions, then a dual-band frequency will be best for you. A dual-band frequency allows you to turn up your frequency depending on your WiFi use, offering a higher data transfer rate for applications that use up a ton of data.
Price & Budget
When purchasing any product, it’s important to consider your price range. You’ll still be able to purchase a WiFi extender that’s compatible with Spectrum on a lower budget; however, you’ll need to beware of poor quality WiFi extenders. We’ve included some budget-friendly options in our guide that have still proven to be high-quality.
Review of the Best WiFi Extenders for Spectrum
Looking for the best WiFi extenders for Spectrum right off the bat? We’ve reviewed hundreds of WiFi extenders to bring you some that are most compatible with Spectrum.
Best Overall:
TP-Link N300
PROS
- Universal compatibility
- Simple to set up process
- Covers up to 800 sq./feet
- Features a compact design
- Includes two external Antennas with MIMO technology for improved range versus standard range extenders
CONS
- Low speed at 300 Mbps
- Single-band technology
Specs
Compatibility: Works best with routers that support N300 WiFi and above
WiFi-Band: Single Band 2.4GHz
Speed: Up to 300 Mbps
Coverage: 800 sq./ft.
Review
The TP-Link N300 takes the cake for the best overall WiFi extender for Spectrum. This WiFi extender can offer a wide coverage of 800 square feet, with fantastic speeds to boot. One of the great things about this extender is its ability to work with both wired and wireless connections, offering improved coverage for WiFi and Ethernet ports alike.
The TP-Link N300 boosts technology from its MU-MIMO feature, including two external antennas to provide greater signal strength and wider coverage. However, this model has a data transfer rate of only 300 Mpbs. While this is the minimum speed required for streaming HD media and online gaming, it’s not the most ideal for super fast-speed internet.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an easy-to-setup WiFi extender that boosts your WiFi coverage up to 800 square feet, then the TP-Link N300 may be for you. This WiFi extender will eliminate WiFi dead zones, offering a lag-free connection to both WiFi and Ethernet ports. It’s important to note that this product only offers a single band 2.4 GHz frequency, with speeds up to 300 Mpbs, so this is not the most ideal product for streaming HD video or gaming.
Runner-up:
Nextbox WiFi Extender
PROS
- Easy connection
- Attractive design
- Dual-band feature
- Universal compatibility
- Accommodates up to 30 devices
- Broad coverage of up to 3000 sq./ft.
- Super-fast internet speeds of up to 1200 Mbps
- Supports advanced wireless security encryption to avoid all unauthorized access
CONS
- Some trouble maintaining internet connection without reboot
Specs
Compatibility: Compatible with any router or access point
WiFi-Band: Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Speed: Up to 1200 Mbps
Coverage: Up to 3000 sq./ft.
Review
Our runner-up for the best overall WiFi extender for Spectrum is the Nextbox WiFi Extender. This dual-band WiFi extender is most ideal if you require high speeds due to HD video streaming and gaming, with a data transfer rate of up to 1200 Mbps when operating on a 5 GHz frequency.
The Nextbox WiFi Extender is a super ideal extender for those with busy households who demand the use of the internet at the same time, with a total number of 32 devices that can connect simultaneously. While it’s difficult to find a fault in this product, it does come at the slightly pricier end of the spectrum when it comes to WiFi extenders.
Bottom Line
When you purchase the Nextbox WiFi Extender, you are purchasing a dual-band, universally compatible WiFi extender with super high speeds of up to 1200 Mbps. This product is easy to install and is perfect for a large house that wishes to eliminate those pesky dead zones. The Nextbox WiFi Extender offers 360-degree coverage up to 3000 sq. ft. For most, it’s difficult to find fault in this product, even at the pricier cost.
Best for the Money:
TP-Link AC750 RE230
PROS
- Compact size
- Easy to set up
- Dual-band feature
- Universal compatibility
- Accommodates up to 20 devices
- Broad coverage range of up to 1200 sq./ft.
- Built-in Ethernet port easily turns your wired Internet connection into a wireless access point
CONS
- For a dual-band WiFi adapter, the speed is not ideal
Specs
Compatibility: Compatible with all WiFi-enabled devices, routers, and access points
WiFi-Band: Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Speed: Up to 433 Mbps
Coverage: Up to 1200 sq./ft.
Review
Our pick for the WiFi extender for Spectrum that will give you the most for your money is the TP-Link AC750 RE230. This budget-friendly WiFi extender features a range of up to 1200 square feet and can connect to 20 devices all at once, making this device perfect for most busy households.
While the TP-Link AC750 possesses the ability to plug into any standard outlet, you are also able to connect it to an Ethernet port, easily turning it into a WiFi hotspot for your favorite devices. The downside of this product? It could be faster. Despite this WiFi extender's dual-band feature, it has a maximum data transfer rate of only 433 Mbps.
Bottom Line
The universally compatible and budget-friendly TP-Link AC750 is both easy to set up and compact in size, making it an ideal WiFi extender for many. This WiFi extender features an Access Point mode, allowing you to turn your Ethernet port into your own personal WiFi hotspot. While this WiFi extender is a great deal for the cost, it’s important to note that it can only achieve speeds of up to 433 Mbps at the 5 GHz frequency level.
Editor's Pick:
Netgear EX2800
PROS
- Dual-band feature
- Simple setup process
- Offers universal compatibility
- Accommodates up to 20 devices
- Provides coverage of up to 1200 sq./ft.
- Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols
CONS
- Some issues with signal reliability
Specs
Compatibility: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFi
WiFi-Band: Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Speed: Up to 750 Mbps
Coverage: Up to 1200 sq./ft.
Review
Our editor’s pick is the universally compatible Netgear EX2800, boasting a network coverage of 1200 square feet and a high data transfer rate of 750 Mbps. This WiFi extender can support up to 20 devices at a time, with each having an equally stable connection, whether connected to a wireless or wired device. This product is security conscious and observes WPA/WPA2 security protocols, meaning that you won’t have to worry about intruders breaking into your network!
While this WiFi extender offers fantastic network coverage and signal stability, the speed could be better. While 750 Mbps is still an impressive speed that will allow you to both surf the web and stream HD media, you will be able to find faster speeds on the market.
Bottom Line
This product is a great pick overall if you’re looking for a product that is both budget-friendly and offers enough speed to surf the net, stream HD media, and participate in lengthy online gaming sessions. The Netgear EX2800 has extended coverage of 1200 square feet and allows connection for up to 20 devices, being an ideal fit for busy households.
Honorable Mention:
Linksys RE6500HG-FFP
PROS
- Easy setup
- Dual-band feature
- Super-speed of up to 1200 Mbps
- Ability to keep your network private
- Ethernet port feature for wired devices
- Extremely broad 10,000 square foot coverage
- Two high gain antennas amplify the WiFi signal strength throughout your home
CONS
- Some customers have experienced a significant WiFi speed loss
Specs
Compatibility: Works with all WiFi routers or ISP supplied gateways
WiFi-Band: Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Speed: Up to 1200 Mbps
Coverage: Up to 10,000 sq./ft.
Review
As our honorable mention, we’d like to introduce the Linksys RE6500. This WiFi extender can extend your coverage by up to 10,000 square feet and includes a high data transfer speed of up to 867 Mbps when operating on its dual-band 5 GHz frequency.
The Linksys RE6500 contains four Gigabit Ethernet ports which enable wireless as well as wired connections and an audio jack that enables you to connect speakers for streaming music wirelessly over your network. With its 128-bit encryption and WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) function, you can feel confident that your connection is safe.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a high-speed WiFi extender that virtually does it all, then the Linksys RE6500 is for you. Offering simultaneous dual bands of 2.4 and 5 GHz and a data transfer speed of up to 1200, this product will be able to support everything from internet browsing to continuously streaming HD movies and TV shows. While some customers have found that this product is difficult to install and/or needs an upgrade, most are impressed with its high speed and ability to extend coverage by up to 10,000 square feet.
What Does a WiFi Extender Do?
When it comes down to it, what does a WiFi extender do, and do you need one? Let’s take a look at why a WiFi extender is a popular purchase.
Improves Range
A WiFi extender improves the range of your WiFi signal, so you can reach every nook, cranny, and of course, workspace in your household. Purchasing a WiFi extender will allow you to work from anywhere you may please within your own house (as long as you purchase a product with the correct range for your space).
Eliminates Dead Zones
Dead zones are a common issue for WiFi routers with low range. The perfect solution? Purchasing a WiFi extender! By improving range, you’ll virtually be eliminating any dead zones in your household.
Improves Signal
A WiFi extender improves your signal strength, which in turn may increase your upload/download speed. The speed you receive is only as good as your WiFi extender, so it’s important to pay attention to both frequency and speed when choosing your extender.
TP-Link AC750 RE230
How to Boost Your Spectrum WiFi Signal
Looking for ways to boost your Spectrum WiFi signal? Let’s take a look at some easy fixes that may help improve your WiFi signal.
Strategic Placement of Modem and WiFi Router
When you set up your modem and WiFi router, it’s important to consider where you use your WiFi most. If you use your WiFi equally throughout the house, then it’s helpful to set up your modem and router as close to the middle of your home as you can. If you primarily use your WiFi in one area of the house, such as a media room, this is a good place to set up these products.
Nextbox WiFi Extender
Using a WiFi Extender
Of course, using a WiFi extender is one of the best ways to boost your Spectrum WiFi signal! By using a WiFi extender, placement of your modem and WiFi router is not nearly as important, with your extender helping to cover every area of your household.
Avoid Signal Blockers
Whether or not you’re using a WiFi extender, it’s important to avoid signal blockers. This means not placing these items in a closet or cabinet, not placing your router on the floor or low to the ground and not placing your router next to windows.
Conclusion
While it can be challenging to purchase a WiFi extender that works optimally with Spectrum connections, we have narrowed down the best options on the market that specifically work well with this provider. The WiFi extenders we’ve listed increase the strength of the wireless signal in your coverage area, eliminating those inconvenient dead zones that sometimes come along with a Spectrum provider.
People Also Ask
Do you have additional questions on choosing the best WiFi extender to work with Spectrum? Let’s take a look at some additional common questions about WiFi extenders.
Can I Use Any WiFi Extender With Spectrum?
While any WiFi extender should technically work with Spectrum, there is always a chance that you may run into connectivity issues. If this is the case, most WiFi extenders come with a warranty and/or access to a support line, which will help you fix the issue.
TP-Link N300
Does Spectrum Offer WiFi Extenders?
While the majority of WiFi extenders are compatible with Spectrum, Spectrum itself does not carry this type of product.
Does a WiFi Extender Slow Down Internet Speed?
No, a WiFi extender does not slow down the internet speed. However, your connection may be slowed down if other users in your household use the same band frequency with a WiFi extender connected to the same access point.
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FAQs
Can you use WiFi extenders with spectrum? ›
Can I use multiple WiFi extenders in my home? Yes, two Spectrum WiFi Pods are recommended for most homes. Larger homes may require additional Pods to provide optimized WiFi coverage to all areas. You can have up to five WiFi Pods associated with your Spectrum account.
How do I extend my spectrum WiFi range in my house? ›Place your modem and WiFi router in a central location. Avoid signal blockers, such as baby monitors, wireless headphones, microwaves, etc. Place your router away from obstructions such as cabinets, windows, etc. Periodically reboot your modem and router.
How can I boost my WiFi spectrum signal? ›As you increase your distance from your WiFi router, the signal strength and speeds of connected devices will decrease. Using a central and unobstructed location for your router will allow it to reach as broad of a signal radius as possible. If your modem or router is in a closed room, keep the door open.
How do I know which Wi-Fi extender to buy? ›Check what WiFi standards/speeds are supported by the WiFi booster. Specifically, does it support the latest 802.11ac standard? 802.11ac delivers wireless speeds up to 2.8 times faster than wireless N so you can stream HD-quality video and play online games without any glitches or lag.
Does it matter which WiFi extender you use? ›No matter which brand you go with, it's important to match your router and extender capabilities. As PCMag points out, if you have a dual-band AC1900 router, then you also need a dual-band AC1900 extender at least. And Wirecutter notes that you shouldn't bother buying any of the older 802.11n extenders.
Can Netgear WiFi extender be used on spectrum? ›But if you do not want an insanely high coverage area at the expense of network speeds, then you can go with Netgear EX8000 WiFi extender for Spectrum. When compared with other WiFi extenders, this one offers much higher network speeds of up to 3000 Mbps which should be more than enough for most.
What WiFi extender works best with spectrum reddit? ›- TP-Link Deco Spectrum Wi-Fi extender.
- 2022 WiFi Extender Wireless Signal Booster Cover to 5000sq.ft and 35 Devices.
- TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4 Gigabit Ports) – Up to 5,500 Sq.ft. ...
- NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home spectrum wifi booster.
Spectrum WiFi Pods put an end to that problem, providing a simple solution for customers looking to increase the range and strength of their WiFi network. Spectrum WiFi Pods improve their in-home coverage by extending their existing Spectrum-provided WiFi network through easy-to-install access points.
Why is my Spectrum WiFi so bad? ›The slow Spectrum internet connection can be due to several reasons: data overuse, congested WiFi networks, network outage, or routine maintenance. A 40-minute-a-day slow internet connection means 21 wasted days per year. Hence, it's safe to say that having a fast, reliable internet connection gives you an advantage.
What is difference between WiFi extender and booster? ›An extender utilises amplification to take the signals coming from your Wifi network and send out a strengthened signal, unlike WiFi Boosters this does not establish a second network.
Can I use my own WiFi router with Spectrum? ›
Spectrum Internet customers are required to use an authorized modem to connect to the Spectrum network. For a monthly fee, Spectrum will provide a pre-configured WiFi router. Customers may also choose to use or purchase their own router. Learn more about in-home WiFi and routers.
What is Spectrum Advanced WiFi? ›Spectrum Advanced WiFi is the simple solution to enjoy a faster, more secure WiFi connection for every device in your home WiFi network. Speed. Spectrum Advanced WiFi automatically optimizes your WiFi network to deliver the fastest wireless speeds.
How do I extend my WiFi signal to another building 300 feet away? ›With proper line of sight, you can extend your WiFi signal outside of your building to another using a wireless bridge . A wireless bridge uses a microwave or infrared transmission to span a single Internet connection across two or more buildings.
How do I install spectrum WiFi pods? ›Installation made easy - Plug them in and connect to WiFi. Manage the entire WiFi network with the My Spectrum App. Name pods by their connected location like “upstairs hallway”, or “living room” for easy reference. Locate and reboot pod through the My Spectrum App.
How can I extend my Wi-Fi range to 100 yards? ›The first step is to find an extender that's compatible with your current router, or you can buy a new router and extender to upgrade your entire network. There aren't a ton of wireless extenders designed for the outdoors, but a few notable manufacturers are Netgear, Ubiquiti, EnGenius and Hawking.
How to extend Wi-Fi range in house with another router with cable? ›If your current router has a free Ethernet port, you can simply connect another router to it with an Ethernet cable and place the new router anywhere you want. Since the maximum recommended length for Cat5e cable is around 100 meters, you can position the new router pretty much anywhere you want.