7 Best WiFi Extenders for Gaming in 2023 [Low Latency]

Laggy and inconsistent WiFi networks can be worse, especially when gaming. You need high-quality signals at your place. But it’s impossible for a standalone wireless router to reach every corner of your house. So, what’s the solution?

You could get a mesh WiFi system suitable for gaming, but they’re pretty expensive. The best affordable alternative to them is WiFi extenders. But there are many options; you shouldn’t settle for a less powerful device.

Fret not. To help you find the best WiFi extender for your gaming needs, I took 15 popular models, tested each individually for over a week, and finally, here to list & review my top 7 picks for 2023:

1. Fastest Extender for Gaming: TP-Link RE715X
2. Best For PS4/PS5: ASUS RP-AX56
3. Best from Netgear: Netgear EAX15
4. Best For Outdoors: Linksys RE7000
5. Best For PC Gaming: Tenda A33
6. Best for Long Range: TP-Link RE550
7. Cheapest Good Option: Netgear EX5000

7 Best WiFi Extenders for Gaming in 2023

Selecting gaming-friendly WiFi extenders can be tricky as they can’t be judged just by going through their spec sheet. That way, one might become a victim of marketing gimmicks.

Whether you’re a professional or a casual gamer, this list has something that’ll suit your needs. So, without further ado, let’s get in.

1. Best Overall: TP-Link RE715X

TP-Link RE715X makes it to the top with a number of stand-out features it boasts. Starting with its 802.11ax WiFi 6 dual-band support that has multiple freed-up channels for fast data transfer. Then there is its OneMesh support, which intelligently connects your devices to the best possible network available.

Other than that, technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA take your gaming experience to a whole new level. These features combined make it a much better performer than its predecessor, TP-Link RE705X.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

This Wi-Fi 6 extender boasts a massive throughput capacity of 3000 Mbps, the highest in the list. The speeds are distributed as follows:

5 GHz: 2402 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

With such high speeds in disposal, it is fair to use it with Gigabit connections. I had Xfinity Gigabit, and my gaming consoles never fall short of bandwidth.

The download and upload speeds maxed out at 287 Mbps and 19 Mbps, which was enough to play games like Fifa 23, Destiny 2, Apex Legends, and other fast-paced games. And practically, the performance was nearly exceptional.

Fifa 23 on my Xbox ran at 85 FPS and 16ms ping, while Apex Legends at almost 80 FPS and 18ms ping throughout. So, the games ran jitter-free, and I completed the FUT champs weekend league on Fifa 23 with an 8-12 (Win-Loss) record, where my skills are to be blamed, not the network.

Aside from that, the device entails a Gigabit Ethernet port which further ups the gaming experience by a notch. Download and upload speeds now fared at 767 Mbps and 22 Mbps, while Fifa 23 ran at 90-92fps and 14ms ping, which improved the gameplay but not my record.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Unlike traditional extenders, TP-Link RE715X instills a OneMesh technology that makes sure your devices are connected to the best possible network wherever you move in your space.

Its added coverage is just below par with 1,350 Sq Ft (in practical scenarios), which adds to your router to cover the nooks and crooks of your large room. The games in my room, two walls away from the router, run lag-free.

Barring its lower coverage, it stands out regarding device handling capacity. It solely can handle up to 40 devices engaged in high-speed gaming. So, you don’t have to get your tinsel in a tangle when hosting a gaming tournament in your space.

Conclusion

To sum up, TP-Link RE715X is a top WiFi extender for gaming. The signals on my devices stay stable despite being placed in the extremities, which somewhat compensates for its middling range. These features come at a price, but I can bet on its performance all day long.

2. Best For Gaming on PS5: ASUS RP-AX56

Here is another gaming WiFi extender, RP-AX56, from a company with its own gaming routers, computers, and accessories, so they know what they’re doing. This AiMesh-supported device connects all your connections to the central router, so they never run out of bandwidth.

Besides, its wireless standard (Wi-Fi 6) and device-holding capacity are the upgrades it brings from its predecessor.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 range extender boasts a maximum speed capacity of 1750 Mbps, much lower than the previous recommendation. The speeds are distributed as follows:

5 GHz: 1201 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

But, considering the speeds, it should do a great job with mid-range internet plans.

I used it on the Xfinity 500 Mbps connection, and the download and upload speeds on my PlayStation 5 were recorded at 174 Mbps and 13 Mbps, respectively. Plus, its AiMesh tech ensures your gaming devices or others never drop a beat.

It clearly represented my gameplay, as I could play Fortnite with my friends at 72 FPS and 19ms ping. However, heavy games like Red Dead Redemption 2 played out at 68 FPS and 20ms ping. Still, the gameplay was pretty smooth.

If your games are hungry for even more bandwidth and you need a much better experience than in wireless, there’s an Ethernet port with a maximum Gigabit speed output. An improved performance was evident, with ping and FPS values topping 18ms and 78 for RDR 2.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Its two-antenna setup with a wireless signal booster and AiMesh tech is representative of its excellent coverage. Courtesy of these, signals could travel up to 1,800 Sq Ft, meaning a few extra feet than my previous recommendation and more space to keep your gaming routers.

Aside from that, integration of MU-MIMO further boosts the extender’s multiple device handling capacity, as it focuses the signals on the connected devices rather than spreading them everywhere. I could connect 35 devices without experiencing any network drops. The devices performed well even after putting them into intensive gaming for hours.

Conclusion

Overall, Asus RP-AX56 is an all-rounder WiFi range extender to use for gaming. The integration of MU-MIMO lets you handle multiple devices. AiMesh tech connects all your devices to the central router, and you never should run out of network.

3. Best from Netgear: Netgear EAX15

If you are a fan of Netgear devices, then you would love its top-tier WiFi extender suitable for gaming, EAX15. Besides its Wi-Fi 6 dual-band support, it boasts smart roaming with mesh technology where the extender and the router stay connected with one name and automatically switch to the best available network.

Compared to EAX12, its older version, you’ll find a boost in every aspect, be it speeds, coverage, or device-holding capacity.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

The device boasts aggregated speeds of 1800 Mbps, distributed over its bands as follows:

5 GHz: 1200 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

I paired it with an Xfinity 600 Mbps connection to test how it performs in real life, and the performance was pretty decent. Its speed values for downloads and uploads were recorded at 187 Mbps and 16 Mbps.

Netgear EAX15 produced quality results when it came to gaming. I played online multiplayer games like F1, Fifa 23, Destiny 2, and Valorant at a ping value between 18-22ms and frame rates of 68-72 per second. Its smart mesh technology ensured I won’t disconnect mid-game, thereby not hampering my progress and consistency.

Furthermore, a Gigabit Ethernet port takes your interference-less gaming up by a notch. As the signals don’t have to travel from one point to another, my gameplay was improved a bit, with ping value recorded at 17ms with games running at 74 FPS.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

It encases two internal antennas, which are claimed to cover around 1,500 Sq Ft at a stretch. But the real-world tests contrast with the theoretical limits, but not by much, as the numbers stayed at around 1,300 Sq Ft.

Moving on, the extender had a middling performance regarding device handling capacity, which can be credited to smart mesh and MU-MIMO technologies.

At a stretch, I could connect up to 15 devices, which was enough for me to host a Fortnite tournament on a small scale amongst my friends. I didn’t experience a single lag or latency during six hours or more of gaming.

Conclusion

Overall, the test results and the attained performance makes it a reliable Netgear WiFi range extender for gaming. It stands out with respect to consistency. This is why reasons why it is ranked in the third position.

4. Best for Outdoors: Linksys RE7000

If you have gaming consoles installed in the garage or want to chill in your garden playing on Nintendo Switch, then Linksys RE7000 should be ideal. Aside from its massive extended WiFi range, it boasts Wi-Fi 5, a decent throughput capacity alongside MU-MIMO tech to deliver stable and consistent signals every time.

And if you compare it to its predecessor, RE6300, you’ll find improvements in terms of coverage, speed, and device-handling capacity.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

Linksys RE7000 has an aggregated speed of 1900 Mbps, divided into its double bands as follows:

5 GHz: 1300 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

The extender delivered decent results in my speed tests with an Xfinity 400 Mbps plan. Although it runs on older Wi-Fi 5 standards, its score of 119 Mbps and 12 Mbps for downloads and uploads was impressive. It should easily handle most of your fast-paced online games.

I paired my Xbox 360 with the bandwidth to test it out and played games like Overwatch, Warframe, and DOTA 2. I was very optimistic, and the results turned out really well. The gameplay was pretty smooth, with a ping value of around 20ms, and my multiplayer tournaments could be wrapped up without any issues.

The range extender further entails a Gigabit Ethernet port for a better and much smoother network. My gameplay was further improved with increased download and upload speeds of 139 Mbps and 14 Mbps, respectively. And my wireless connection was free for other internet-bound tasks like streaming, video conferencing, and others.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Amongst my top recommendations, Linksys RE7000 performed better regarding coverage. Its two-antenna setup is said to transmit signals up to 2,500 Sq Ft, and things weren’t much different in reality. Single-handedly my devices kept within a 2,000 Sq Ft area were wholly enveloped by the extender.

I sat down in my yard with my Nintendo Switch to play Apex Legends with my friends, and a three-bar signal meant there weren’t many major lags or network throttles.

Aside from that, the multiple device handling capacity is assisted by MU-MIMO tech. I could pair 25 devices with the network at a stretch. Compared to the mesh extenders I recommended above, the device in the outskirts might not deliver a similar level of performance, but it should get you jitter-free gameplay.

Conclusion

RE7000 is an excellent option, especially for those with a Linksys Max-Stream router. It has decent throughput scores, and the signals can remain steady even when transmitted to multiple devices simultaneously, thanks to MU-MIMO. It doesn’t sport the latest wireless standard, hence ranking fourth.

5. Best Value for Money: Tenda A33

If you are restricted on a budget but aren’t willing to compromise much on the performance, Tenda A33 should get your motor running. With a Wi-Fi 6 dual-band support added with powerful antennas taking the router signals to a few hundred feet, and also doesn’t cuts down on the stability and effectiveness.

And you’ll find a range of upgrades over my previous recommendation in terms of wireless standard and throughput capacity.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

Tenda A33 boasts an aggregated throughput of 3000 Mbps distributed over its two bands as follows:

5 GHz: 2401 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

Considering its massive throughput capacity, connecting to Xfinity Blast seemed fair. Unsurprisingly, its performance was above par, despite extenders being known to cut down the speeds. Number-wise, its download and upload speeds were recorded at 129 Mbps and 16 Mbps, respectively.

In terms of gaming, its performance was decent as games like Fortnite and Counter-Strike: Go played out at around 20-22ms ping and frame rates in the range from 62 to 65. Despite lower values than my previous recommendation, there weren’t any visible lags, and I could win most games despite my poor skills.

Like most gaming-oriented WiFi extenders on my list, there’s an Ethernet port with a Gigabit speed capacity. The respective download and upload speeds fared around 275 Mbps and 17 Mbps. A few additional Mbps with the wired connection should let you upgrade your gaming experience, as games like Warframe and DOTA 2 run smoothly.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

This wireless extender by Tenda with its two antenna setup claims to cover a maximum range of 2,100 Sq Ft, but in reality, it fares out at around 1,800 Sq Ft. It, combined with a decent Tenda router, should be enough for any large space.

With the integration of MU-MIMO, the extender further extended the connections on around 15 devices at once. However, the devices in the extremities experienced a few jitters here and there, which can be a minor limitation.

Conclusion

Priced at around $70, the reliable performance and great specs make it one of the best value WiFi extenders that can handle gaming seamlessly. However, the middling brand value of Tenda pushes it down to the fifth spot.

6. Best for Long Range: TP-Link RE550

If you have set up a large video gaming studio and looking for a suitable wireless extender without spending much, TP-Link RE550 is worth consideration. Its three-antenna setup and MU-MIMO, combined with a decent internet plan, should keep your business running.

Besides, if you’re into TP-Link devices, you’d notice the upgrades it inculcates over RE450, its predecessor, regarding range and throughput capacity.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

The dual-band Wi-Fi 5 setup comes with an aggregated theoretical speed of 1900 Mbps, which is distributed as follows:

5 GHz: 1300 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

To test how it pans out in real life, I paired a 500 Mbps Cox plan with my staple TP-Link Archer AX90 and recorded the downloads and upload speeds over the extender. The values stayed at around 113 Mbps and 15 Mbps, which should be enough to satiate the bandwidth-hungry devices.

Although the casual games ran jitter-free, there were a few lags and latencies when playing fast-paced online games like Warframe, Destiny 2, and DOTA 2, especially those far away. In the proximity, the lags fairly dropped, and mid-tier games like CS: GO recorded a ping value of 20-24ms alongside frame rates at 58-60 per second.

If any gamer wishes to play top-tier games, a Gigabit Ethernet port shouldn’t disappoint them. The wired connection yielded download and upload speeds of 497 Mbps and 154 Mbps, respectively, and a lack of congestion or traffic means the ping value should also rise. The recorded values stayed at around 15ms ping and frame rates at 68 per second.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Coverage is the hero feature of this wireless extender as its three-antenna setup should easily encase a 2,400 Sq Ft area.

Aside from that, its ultimate compatibility allows you to connect with any router and spread strong signals to your large space. So, I connected my staple Asus Rog Rapture GT-AXE11000 and covered my client’s 5,000 Sq Ft space.

Furthermore, its performance over multiple devices was also excellent, courtesy of MU-MIMO, the extender entails. At a stretch, I could connect up to 30, and the numbers could go well beyond 100 combined with the Asus router.

Regarding gaming, the maximum you can work with is 20 devices, but there still be enough bandwidth left for light tasks like sending emails and browsing.

Conclusion

To sum up, TP-Link RE550 is a reliable WiFi extender with an abundance of features that can enhance your signal strength and provide smooth internet connectivity in a spacious area. Its three antennas and MU-MIMO technology can simultaneously deliver uninterrupted signals to multiple devices.

But for a faster gaming experience, ping and latency precede speeds and range, which is why it’s ranked at the penultimate position.

7. Best Budget Option: Netgear EX5000

As I have almost reached the end of my list, presenting you with the most budget-friendly yet reliable option, Netgear EX5000. Its Wi-Fi 5 support, decent speeds, and range should get the most out of your gaming devices and give you a decent gaming experience.

Compared to its predecessor, EX3700, it boasts a better range, throughput, and device-handling capacity.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

With an aggregated speed of 1200 Mbps, this dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router is the lowest on the list. However, its band-wise speeds aren’t disclosed by the manufacturer.

To test out its performance in real-life scenarios, I paired it with a 300 Mbps Cox plan and measured the download and upload speeds with Ookla.

Its performance was decent, with values clocking around 97 Mbps and 14 Mbps. With such speeds at your disposal, most of your residential internet-based activities like internet surfing, HD streaming, and others should get completed with ease.

Now when it comes to gaming, there’s a lot you can do with this speed. Some online games like League of legends are known to take up very minimal traffic in the range of 40-60 Mbps. However, web page-based games require a lot of bandwidth to load the maps beforehand, and 100 Mbps should be the minimum to get them up and running.

Now if you intend to play heavy games like Warframe, DOTA 2 and others, there’s a dedicated Ethernet port with a Gigabit speed capacity. With download speeds recording at 297 Mbps and more, games should not suffer any lags or inconsistencies.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Coverage of this wireless extender is much less compared to my previous recommendation, which is, however, valid considering its cost. At a stretch, the signals could travel around 1,200 Sq Ft, which, combined with any decent router, should be enough for your large space. The signals dipped a tad but were stable enough to keep you online while playing.

Aside from that, the wireless extender boasts a decent connection ability. Although it lacks MU-MIMO and beamforming, crucial for multi-device streaming, I could connect up to 20 devices at once. However, the available bandwidth lets you play games on only 12 devices at once.

And its Netgear Starlink app allows you to track as to which of your connected devices are consuming maximum bandwidth and remove them.

Conclusion

Priced around $45, Netgear EX5000 is a good cheap WiFi extender to buy for gaming. Despite middling in areas like speeds and coverage, any of your light-paced games should run smoothly. And occasionally, there were delays and interruptions in the connected devices, mainly due to the absence of MU-MIMO.

These limitations stand out when compared with others in the list and therefore ranked last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

The options mentioned above should handle most of your gaming needs easily. But if you still are confused, here’s a curated list of the best in each category:

• If you are a professional gamer who needs an extender that covers a decent range and comes with a good device handling capacity but delivers minimal ping and a lag-free connection, TP-Link RE715X is the best you can get.
• Next, if you are on a restricted budget but don’t want to compromise much on your gaming performance, Linksys RE7000 is a good WiFi extender for gaming.
• Lastly, if you want the cheapest option to play casual games, go for Netgear EX7000.

Saying that, I would like to wrap up my guide. Please feel free to share in the comments which extender you have decided to use and your personal experience with it. If you have any questions, please ask them below.