7 Best WiFi Extenders for Spectrum in 2023 [Expert Picks]

If you’ve been using Spectrum router, you must be encountering weaker signals in your kitchen, backyard, or garage. This is because it has limited coverage. And a WiFi range extender is what you need. But which one?

Well, I’ll tell you in a bit. But if you live in a large house or have too many obstructions like thick walls or complex structures, I suggest looking at mesh WiFi systems for Spectrum. They’re expensive but much better than extenders.

Now, to find you the best-suited WiFi extender compatible with Spectrum, I got 17 of them and used each for about 3-4 days. I tested their capabilities across distance speeds, extended coverage, consistency, reliability, and more during this period.

Out of 17, the following 7 devices performed excellently and made it to the list:

1. Best All-Around: ASUS RP-AX56
2. Best Runner-Up: TP-Link RE550
3. Best For Outdoors: Linksys RE7000
4. Best Value: Tenda A33
5. Best for Mesh Setups: Netgear EX6250
6. Best Budget Wi-Fi 6: TP-Link RE500X
7. Best Under Budget: Netgear EX5000

7 Best WiFi Extenders for Spectrum in 2023

Overview: Taking account of diverse users, requirements, and preferences, I have put the models in order of features, performance, and price. That way, you’ll get a Spectrum WiFi extender that best suits your needs.

1. Best Overall: ASUS RP-AX56

Do you have the facilities to spend extra for an all-good wireless extender that serves justice to your high-speed Spectrum Internet plan? Then, ASUS RP-AX56 should be the right choice with features like Wi-Fi 6, AiMesh, high throughput capacity, and an excellent range.

Unlike traditional extenders, its AiMesh technology connects every device centrally, leading to fewer speed drops. Compared to its predecessor, RT-AC55, it cuts down the range to accommodate greater speeds, device handling capacity, and overall stability.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

The dual-band RP-AX56 boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 1800 Mbps, with its speed distribution as follows:

5 GHz: 1200 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

It seemed fair only to pair it with a Spectrum Gigabit connection, and the performance was excellent.

At around 50 feet from the router (or 20 feet from the extender), the downloads clocked at 547 Mbps, while uploads were 23 Mbps. The speed output was almost sustainable and I could stream Netflix shows in 4K in the garage.

Besides, a Gigabit Ethernet port is capable of maximum speeds of up to 934 Mbps and 28 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively. That’s an upgrade over wireless connections, providing adequate freedom for undertaking high-bandwidth tasks with greater stability.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

This AiMesh extender claims to easily envelop a 2,200 Sq Ft area, courtesy of its two powerful internal antennas. And in real-time, numbers weren’t far from that at 1,950 Sq Ft.

So, it worked harmoniously with my TP-Link AX90 router to spread signals throughout my 3,700 Sq Ft house, which was a half-dead network zone with just a standalone router.

The best part of having AiMesh integrated is the creation of a single rather than dual home network, so you don’t have to switch the network when roaming around the house.

Other than that, the extender had a decent performance when it comes to its device-handling capacity. With the integration of MU-MIMO, connections over 35 devices seemed fine, and I could stay online on them longer working on tasks like gaming, streaming, and others.

Conclusion

Overall, Asus RP-AX56 is the best WiFi extender to use with Spectrum. Its AiMesh doesn’t drop signal, and Wi-Fi 6 gets you better speeds. Go for it if you don’t want to compromise on performance under any circumstances. You can pair it with any router and experience stable and high-speed internet on devices located in the extremities.

2. Best Runner-Up: TP-Link RE550

Moving on, bringing you a long-range extender with a coverage capacity of 2,800 Sq Ft, dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connectivity, and multi-device handling capacity. TP-Link RE550 also boasts a massive throughput capacity of 1900 Mbps, which taking others, makes for a much better upgrade to its predecessor, TP-Link RE450.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

TP-Link RE550 has 1900 Mbps speeds distributed over its two bands as follows:

5 GHz: 1300 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

The performance was decently impressive with feature-laid TP-Link Archer AX90 & Spectrum Gigabit plan in place.

The speed drops weren’t massive despite missing out on in-built tech like AiMesh or OneMesh. Downloads and uploads fared at around 305 Mbps and 21 Mbps, respectively.

A tad drop in speeds didn’t have a massive impact on my quotidian internet-based tasks. Connections over my PS4 and smart TVs stayed constant, and games like Valorant, Fortnite, alongside UHD movies breezed through.

Similar to my previous recommendation, there’s an in-built Gigabit Ethernet port for much faster and stabler throughputs.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Coverage is where TP-Link RE550 takes a lead over my previous recommendation. According to the manufacturer’s spec sheet, this two-antenna setup is capable of covering around 2,800 Sq Ft at a stretch.

These values are achievable only in ideal settings with zero interferences, but the thing is, the real-life value wasn’t poles apart. At a stretch, the RE550 could cover around 2,400 Sq Ft, which combined with any decent router can cover most large spaces you own. Now I won’t have to struggle to find signals in distant rooms of my house.

The device also entails MU-MIMO technology, further uplifting its multi-device connections ability. I could connect up to 30 devices at once without signals failing in any one of them. That’s more than enough for any residential as well as commercial setting.

Conclusion

To conclude, TP-Link RE550, with its two-antenna setup and a decent range of features, can be an ideal Spectrum compatible WiFi extender. It does potentially cause a drop in speeds by a few Mbps, but its extended range and stable signals compensate for it. Besides, there’s an Ethernet port with a Gigabit speed capacity for bandwidth-hungry devices.

3. Best for Outdoors: Linksys RE7000

Yes, Linksys also makes WiFi range extenders. Their RE7000 supports MU-MIMO and is easy to install. While its throughput capacity is middling, it’s an ideal fit if you want to access stable internet up to an area far-fetched for a standalone router.

Compared to its predecessor, RE6300, it makes a few substantial improvements regarding coverage, speed, and connection capacity.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

The Wi-Fi 5 extender has a maximum throughput capacity of 1900 Mbps, distributed over its two bands as follows:

5 GHz: 1300 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps

To get the best out of it, it seems an ideal choice for Spectrum mid-tier plans like 500 Mbps.

The speeds on the devices connected with the extender fell down a tad but still didn’t hit my streaming experience massively. Number-wise, the download and upload speeds were recorded at 287 Mbps and 19 Mbps, respectively.

These got a big boost upon connecting with the Gigabit Ethernet port at 389 Mbps and 23 Mbps. Such speeds are plentiful for high-bandwidth tasks like gaming, 4K streaming, etc.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Coverage-wise, the extender claims to cover 2,500 Sq Ft, but in practical use, it could impart signals to an area of up to 2,100 Sq Ft. Added to the router’s coverage, the network became accessible even from my underground parking.

Like other WiFi extenders that work with Spectrum, the built-in MU-MIMO tech assists in its multi-device handling capacity. The numbers could increase to 25 as my fifteen available devices breeze through the activities they were supposed to undertake.

Conclusion

Linksys RE7000 is a reliable WiFi extender to pair with Spectrum internet connection. The device provided satisfactory throughput scores, and the signals remained stable even when transmitted to numerous devices simultaneously.

4. Best Value for Money: Tenda A33

Moving on to the fourth position is Tenda A33, the best value wireless range extender for a Spectrum network. It is priced at around $70 and has Wi-Fi 6 dual-band support, massive throughout capacity, and great coverage.

Aside from that, it has got an MU-MIMO and a gigabit Ethernet port for stable and faster internet to your bandwidth-hungry devices.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

Tenda’s dual-band Wi-Fi 6 extender is designed for large houses with higher bandwidth needs. Its massive 3000 Mbps speed capacity is distributed amongst its two bands as follows:

5 GHz: 2402 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

This makes it suitable for those on Spectrum’s gigabit plan. Testing it with the same, despite its huge value, the extender turned out mixed results in my performance tests.

Its score of 392 Mbps and 17 Mbps for downloads and uploads over a 20 feet distance. The speeds dipped by 30% when the connected devices were shifted around 40 feet apart from the extender.

There’s a massive speed improvement through its wired connections over the Ethernet port.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

The two-antenna setup of Tenda A33 is a major catalyst following its decent coverage of 1,900 Sq Ft. My friend’s entire 3,300 Sq Ft space was enveloped with powerful signals when paired with a Tenda AXE6700 router, and he could stream HD movies seated three walls away from it.

But what’s concerning is a minor lag when connecting many devices simultaneously. Although its MU-MIMO tech boosts the extender’s multi-device handling capacity, the maximum you can connect is around 15. That’s not much when you have a large workspace with many devices to connect.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Tenda A33 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 extender with high throughput and a decent WiFi range. The devices in the outskirts can now receive satisfactory signals. Although there are some noticeable network delays, MU-MIMO technology ensures that you can enjoy streaming your preferred shows and movies in high definition.

5. Best for Mesh Setups: Netgear EX6250

If you can compromise a tad on wireless standard and throughput capacity but need a reliable device, Netgear EX6250 is a valid pick. Its Mesh smart roaming technology automatically connects your devices to the best possible bandwidth, giving you faster connections throughout the day.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

The dual-band Wi-Fi 5 extender boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 1750 Mbps, distributed over its two bands as follows:

5 GHz: 1300 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps

Based on features and throughput, I can recommend it for the Spectrum mid-range plan.

The Netgear extender performed well in my speed tests with a 500 Mbps connection. Connecting it to the router had download and upload speeds of 183 Mbps and 10 Mbps at 25 feet. And as expected, the speed over Ethernet improves significantly.

It can handle everything from 4K streaming, multiple video meetings, downloading large files, and online gaming simultaneously.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

In my range tests, Netgear EX6250 had a decent enough performance- around 1,600 Sq Ft with the WiFi. Such an extra range means most of your large house or workplace is covered with a strong wireless connection.

Pro Tip: To get a strong signal all across your space, make sure to install it halfway between the weak spot and the router.

Coming to its device handling capacity, the mesh smart technology and MU-MIMO does the trick. It means there isn’t any inconsistency in the network throughout the connected area, and you can connect multiple devices simultaneously without weakening the signals.

At a stretch, I can connect up to 30 devices at once, adding to your router’s capability to cover most of your setup.

Conclusion

Netgear EX6250 is well worth the money. Concerning price, it stays on par with most of my tested extenders but also offers decent throughput and coverage.

Its best feature is its mesh smart connect, which lets you stay online throughout the day. Despite its minor faults like long setup time and middling coverage, this device will surely give your money’s worth.

6. Best Budget Wi-Fi 6: TP-Link RE500X

If you’ve arrived with a limited budget but aren’t after an extender with limited features, TP-Link RE500X is low-key a device worth looking at. It’s a budget Wi-Fi 6 extender with decent capabilities in various aspects like throughput capacity, coverage, and device handling capacity.

It also takes a few steps forward to its older model, RE450X, regarding wireless standard,  speed, and coverage.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

TP-Link RE500X with Wi-Fi 6 support entails a maximum throughput capacity of 1500 Mbps, with its speeds distributed over the two bands as follows:

5 GHz: 1201 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps

The extender paired with TP-Link Archer AX55 on a 500 Mbps plan performed decently well in my speed tests.

In a close range (15 feet), the speeds of 192 Mbps and 15 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. At 30 feet, the speeds dropped by 30%, which is okay.

Similarly, the Ethernet port managed throughputs of 198 Mbps and 17 Mbps, respectively, an improvement over the WiFi. It still can fit your heavy online gaming or 4K streaming needs.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

RE500X comes with a 1,500 Sq Ft range which is a tad low compared to most extenders suitable for Spectrum I have tested. It reached an area of up to 1,200 Sq Ft, which, combined with a router, should be enough to cover a 3,000 Sq Ft house.

This tech makes the networking device summon the signals into one and focuses them onto the connected client devices. So, I could easily connect up to 21 devices, including laptops, computers, mobile devices, and others.

Conclusion

By spending around $70, you can acquire the TP-Link RE500X with numerous features to amplify your signal strength and ensure seamless internet connectivity in a large space. Its three antennas and MU-MIMO technology enable it to simultaneously transmit uninterrupted signals to multiple devices.

7. Best Budget Option: Netgear EX5000

The final recommendation on my list is Netgear EX5000, a cheap yet good WiFi extender for Spectrum. It is worth considering if you’re not feeling like getting into any complicated setup process or indulging in confusing instruction manuals.

Besides, it’s universally compatible, so get any router or gateway to connect it with.

Wireless & Wired Speeds

The dual-band Wi-Fi 5 extender entails maximum speeds of 1200 Mbps, with speeds distributed over the bands as follows:

5 GHz: 900 Mbps

2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps

The speed tests were carried out with Spectrum 300 Mbps plan paired with TP-Link Archer AX55 router, and the results were on par with my expectations.

I could obtain download and upload speeds of up to 97 Mbps and 9 Mbps, respectively. Besides, wired connections with the Ethernet port had respective values of 243 Mbps and 64 Mbps.

The EX5000 seems fast enough to stream UHD movies for most homes. And you can also extender to plug in your gaming console for even faster performance.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Coverage-wise, the wireless extender had a decent performance, considering its cost. In my tests, around 1,100 Sq Ft area was fully encased with powerful signals, and combined with TP-Link Archer AX55, the signals covered my entire 2,500 Sq Ft test lab. I could watch HD movies seated in the nooks of my space.

Despite covering a decent area, its device handling capacity stayed much lesser than most of my listed extenders. Its primary reason is the lack of MU-MIMO.

As a result, connections couldn’t be extended to more than 20 devices at once. Furthermore, you can track through the connected devices and remove any if it occupies a chunk of your bandwidth.

Conclusion

While the Netgear EX5000 may not be the top WiFi extender for Spectrum, its performance should be sufficient for most standard households. Although tests showed that it performed well, there were occasional delays and interruptions when using multiple devices, mainly because it lacks MU-MIMO technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

When you are experiencing WiFi dead spots, it’s crucial that you get an extender that gets you the desired speeds and enough coverage to get most of your devices up and running.

I hope my provided options should get you the ideal device for your plan, but if you still are scratching your mind, here’s a curated list of the best in each category:

• If you need a top-tier device with enough range and speed, then Asus RP-AX56 is the best you’ve got.
• Next, if you don’t have enough budget but want a reliable and effective option, look at Tenda A33.
• Finally, TP-Link RE500X is the cheapest option you’ve got with decent enough features for your entry-level Spectrum plan.

With that, I’d wrap up my guide on extending Spectrum WiFi. Do let me know any queries you have. Also, mention in the comments below which one you have gone for.