5 Best WiFi Extenders for Security Cameras in 2023

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 2023

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

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.

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.

2. Best Blink WiFi Extender: TP-Link RE650

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.

3. Best for Ring Cameras: Linksys RE7000

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.

4. Best for High-Quality Recording: ASUS RP-AX56

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.

5. Best Budget Option: Netgear EX5000

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

Saying that, I’d wrap up this article. I hope you found the guide informational and enjoyable to read. I will see you in another informative article.