For most homes, the best cheap WiFi extenders under $50 / $100 represent an opportunity. Picking up the signal where the WiFi router is starting to lose coverage, WiFi extenders ensure there are no internet drops of connectivity in corners of the home. Similar to routers, they work on a wireless basis, ensuring the smartphones, tablets and smart TV stay connected to the internet even when further away from the WiFi router.

Cheap WiFi Extenders Categorization

Cheap WiFi extenders are not as complex as their premium alternatives as they keep features to a minimum. But they are not the same and they can be categorized as follows.

Compatible devices

The number of maximum compatible devices is set by each device. This might not be an issue for the home user which only connects a few devices such as a smartphone, a smart TV and a gaming console. In commercial settings such as hotels, having just 30 devices connected to the WiFi extender is troublesome.

Internet speeds

2.4GHz and 5Ghz dual-band devices are still rare in this cheap category option. But this doesn’t mean users can’t find them and use them to their maximum potential and fastest internet speeds.

Best WiFi Extenders 2024 (Under $50)

Even when spending $50, home users can get impressive internet speeds and improved home network coverage to all corners of the house. Here are the top products for this purpose.

1. Netgear WiFi Range Extender EX3700

Design features
Small and elegant, the WiFi extender is one of the cheapest and most reliable in its class. While its 20Mpbs is not the fastest speed seen from the manufacturer, its affordability is what truly makes it a viable option for all types of users.

Designed with ventilation holes, the device remains cool even when it has multiple connected devices. Without any power cables, it connects directly to the wall plug and this means it remains highly versatile on where it can be installed in a house.

For example, as it connects directly to the wall plug, it may even extend the internet range in the basement of the house. Such areas are known for their loss of network coverage. Furthermore, there are plenty of instances where a WiFi extender also improves network coverage near the home. Plugged inside the house, it may even add connectivity outside the home for the moments when users have a coffee on the patio.

Convenient features
Up to 15 devices can be connected to this extender. This includes TVs and laptops. There’s no method of increasing these virtual ports but for most homes, they sufficiently-cover the needs of multiple residents.

Its extended coverage is around 1.000 square feet. This is not as much as what its bigger EX6250 brother offers. But fur such a low price, it does a top job even strengthening internet coverage through walls. But those who want to wire their consoles to the extender for even better internet speeds also have a dedicated port that supports this.

Verdict
This small WiFi extender is one of the cheapest methods of covering another 1.000 square feet in the house.

2. Rock Space WiFi Range Extender

Design features
Some users might be unsure about WiFi extenders. They’re afraid they aren’t able to install such extenders themselves and that they might even lose the internet connection when they least expect as it might be difficult to know when the extender is in the router’s range.

This is why the Rock Space WiFi extender has been made. It includes LED indicators for all types of router coverage issues. A good connection is linked to blue light. The poor connection is linked with a red light and no connection is linked to no light. As a result, the installation process is easy and the extender can also be moved easily as often as needed.

Convenient features
The extender covers an area of around 1.292 feet. It is among the smallest coverage devices but it is in line with what other brands are offering similar products. Up to 733Mpbs are available to use with multiple devices.

The WPS button immediately increases internet coverage at home. The setup process itself is easy and the extender can be configured online or even on smartphones. Of course, once installed, all wireless devices can join the home network as usual. From tablets to smart thermostats, they can all join the network at the same time.

During the installation purpose, a simple rule dictates its extended coverage range. It should sit somewhere in-between the WiFi router and the user which ensures good connectivity and that the WiFi extender can receive the network signal.

Verdict
Covering 1.292 square feet, the WiFi extender is made for daily use with normal wireless connectivity devices.

3. TP-Link N300 WiFi Range Extender

Design features
With a sleek design, the WiFi extender connects directly to the wall plug. It represents a simple device that has a quick setup process but which also has a few aces in its sleeve. First of all, it is one of the most affordable extenders in its class. Secondly, it comes with a WPS button design.

The WPS button toggles the WiFi extended range and it represents a quick method of getting the product to disconnect the internet network without having to take it out of the wall plug. Furthermore, the extender also works as an integrated home network solution where users have the ultimate control.

While made by Netgear, the WiFI extender also works well with other routers. Even if the manufacturer recommends pairing it with Netgear routers, the WiFi extender connects to almost all routers on the market.

Convenient features
Set schedules are one of its most convenient features. Made in a way in which it enhances the overall safety of a child navigating the web, it is suitable for families. Practically, parents can ensure the WiFi extender disconnects at a certain time when kids need to go to bed, based on a password account. This is why families may ensure their kids get sufficient overnight rest without spending too much time online.

The router also comes with an Ethernet port. This port is suitable for fast internet speeds needed for gaming consoles or various streaming boxes. Ethernet cables are not provided but they should come with the consoles themselves.

Another convenient aspect is given by smartphone controls. Users have the freedom of controlling the WiFI extender from their smartphone which means there are many reasons why it may even work with other similar extenders for large homes or commercial premises.

Verdict
Suitable for kids and families, this inexpensive WiFi extender is completely controllable via a smartphone app.

4. TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender

Design features
Made with a compact size, there’s nothing that prepares users for its capabilities. Unlike most devices in its price range which only expand internet coverage by 1.000 sq.ft., the AC 750 expands it to more than 3.000sq.ft. As a result, it is one of the convenient options to be considered for large homes or homes with thick walls which tend to lose network coverage.

Another fine aspect of the WiFi extender comes with its size. It only needs a wall plug to connect and with no cables, it doesn’t gather too much dust. Furthermore, it also features an Ethernet port which is highly valued by gamers or by those streaming and watching movies online.

Convenient features
It’s not complicated to use the cheap WiFi extender. Most users simply rely on their instincts to find sufficient network coverage to extend the signal. But this WiFi extender comes with LED status light indicators which show whenever the device is in the range of the router.

The router also comes with a web interface as well as an app where users can customize all of its settings. Unlike many other products, it also supports schedules that can be customized from the app. Parents can use their smartphone to manually disconnect the WiFi extender or to automatically disconnect it via set schedules.

The app works with both Android and iOs smartphones and tablets. However, those who don’t want to install yet another app on their smartphone can simply create a web profile that gives access to the same range of settings.

Verdict
Suitable for everyday use, this compact WiFi extender handles large areas and over 30 connected devices.

5. Amake Super Boost WiFi

Design features
If the older generation WiFi extender was not as durable, the newly designed Amake Super Boost WiFi extender now comes better equipped. While its design is similar to the light indicators, it also comes with a changed performance under the hood.

Those who have real signal issues such as users in commercial premises such as in hotels see the most benefits in its design. Even from a few yards, users can see the status lights quickly indicating if the cheap WiFi extender is in the range. This means fewer headaches and with a design that doesn’t overheat, the extender can be relied upon for years.

Convenient features
Supporting speeds of up to 300Mbps, the extender works without any troubles even for video streaming. As proven, high-quality videos can come with buggering issues on some WiFi extenders, which is luckily not the case.

Furthermore, there are other reasons why this affordable extender may even be used on commercial premises. Large buildings such as hotels have such problems. Coffee shops and bookstores also need WiFi extenders so that all customers can get online without any connectivity issues.

But the extender remains a viable option for home use mainly due to its price. It still is one of the most affordable options in its class, even after its chipset has been upgraded together with the way it looks.

Verdict
Suitable for home and commercial use, this extender is a durable option for tens of connected devices.

Best WiFi Extenders 2024 (Under $100)

Spending a bit more comes with WiFi extenders which cover larger areas. They are used for larger homes or for commercial premises where the cheapest option might not fully cover all corners of a room or a building.

1. TP-Link AC1750 Wifi Range Extender

Design features
The award-winning WiFi extender is designed like no other. If its performance is solid, so is its design. It features 3 small antennas which cover 3.000 sq.ft. homes. Its design also features a WPS button which immediately controls the connection.

A reset button is also added to the side of the extender, next to their air vents. This ensures users don’t have to take it out of the wall plug whenever there’s an issue. They can simply power it off or reset the extender as needed. LED lights have also been added for when the extender is on. These lights also indicate whether the extender is working on the 2.4Ghz or the 5Ghz dual bands.

Convenient features
The extender’s features a blue light indicator for when the connection is strong enough. This light turns red whenever there’s a loss of connectivity and when the extender needs to come closer to the WiFi router.

Since it’s operated via the Tether TP-Link app, the extender is also easy to use. Unlike many of its alternatives, it has intuitive settings and the app may even control whether kids get online when parents are away from home. Supporting direct wired connectivity for consoles, the extender is a solid choice for families in residential use and for businesses where the owner has total control over the local internet connection.

Verdict
Suitable for dual-band connectivity, the WiFi extender impresses with its user-friendly connecting and setup experience.

2. Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Design features
This dual band device uses two potent antennas and it covers both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands. It means its highly capable when it comes to speed. With a no-thrills design, it only focuses on coverage and speed without adding LED lights, fans or other physical buttons which might increase its prices without a good reason.

Convenient features
With a Gigabit Ethernet port, the WiFi extender works for higher speed devices as well. Its wired 1GB connection is suitable for gaming consoles. But the device is also valuable for high-quality players such as Blue Ray players. Smart TVs may also be connected to serve high-quality video streaming purposes.

Verdict
Fast and made with a simple design, this is the WiFi extender to choose for those who are not into tech and gadgets.

3. Galaway WiFi Range Extender

Design features
With 4 antennas, this extender can reach areas of the homes not many others at this price can. These antennas are directional and they can capture the signal from the home WiFi network where others can’t.

The plug and play design also make the WiFi extender a top solution for those seeking to improve setup simplicity, especially when they have multiple such devices to install. This is often the case with hotels that need to have a WiFi extender on every floor and simply installing the would take too much. At the same time, it’s worth noting not all users are after devices that connect to the wall’s plug and which may be stolen easily from public places.

Convenient features
The dual-band WiFi extender works with 2.4Ghz at 300Mbps and 5Ghz at 867Mbps. Of course, this may prove difficult to implement in real life were poor signal may cause users to only use the 2.4Ghz option.

However, the convenience of this WiFi extender is that offers 2 Ethernet ports. This is the main reason it may as well be one of the best solutions for homes with 2 gaming consoles. Most such devices are limited to a single or no Ethernet port.

Verdict
With 4 antennas and 2 Ethernet ports, the plug and play device works for gamers.

4. Utopb WiFi Range Extender Repeater

Design features
A heat dissipation design has been implemented on this WiFi extender. This is crucial for durability and safety purposes. Overheating is one common problem for many WiFi extenders and its reassuring to see that the manufacturer made a reliable job with heat management. Practically, heat is eliminated by the sides of the device. This means it’s also safer to use, especially when it handles a larger data volume when multiple devices are connected to the local network.

LED data lights are added for power, LAN, WPS, and signal strength. Unlike most similar products, this means the device also turns on a light when connected to the local network. This is a practical solution to seeing when it’s connected to the web, especially as it can be remotely connected via an app.

Convenient features
With stable signal boosts, the WiFi extender proves sufficient for any type of web browsing or downloading needs. This means devices that are made for online streaming, as well as gaming console such as PS4, can directly connect wireless to the device.

An on/off button is also added to the device. It ensures it can be switched off whenever needed without having to unplug it from the wall plug. This is why it doesn’t need to be stored around the house and even lost whenever not in use as it can stay permanently in the wall plug.

Verdict
With plenty of physical controls and added LED status lights, this WiFi extender is easy to use.

5. Linksys AC1200 Amplify Dual Band High-Power Wi-Fi Gigabit Range Extender

Design features
Not many WiFi extenders can offer such reliability when it comes to design innovation. Most manufacturers don’t even think their products are covering the wall power outlet permanently. Linksys has a design which fixes this and which still allows home electronics to be connected to the power outlet.

With cross band technologies, it allows users to use both bands for various normal and high-speed downloads. One Ethernet port is also added at the bottom of the device to allow all other wired devices to connect to the local network.

Convenient features
A useful Linksys app is also included with this WiFi extender. It allows users to check various internet settings. But it also offers a simple graph that shows signal strength according to the positioning of the WiFi Extender compared to the router. This is why it may as well be one of the best options for users who struggle to find the best location for their extender with other devices from alternative brands.

Verdict
Suitable to show real-time in-app network signal strength, this device also keeps the power outlet free to use with other electronics.