Do Wi-Fi Boosters Work?

By: Sean

Content Writer

14 min read

Are you having trouble with slow or lagging Wi-Fi? Whether you're using your internet for work meetings or online gaming, you'll need it to be strong—learn more about Wi-Fi boosters and how they work.

Do Wi-Fi Boosters Work?

Before we dive into whether or not Wi-Fi boosters work (spoiler alert: they do), let's discuss what these devices are. "Wi-Fi booster" is a catch-all term for wireless range extenders, repeaters and more. In other words, they're a category, not a specific product themselves, and any device that "boosted" your internet's performance was once classified under this term. Do Wi-Fi boosters work? And more importantly, what does a Wi-Fi booster do? It solves one main problem—your Wi-Fi can't reach your entire home or has trouble reaching certain spaces of your space. That's when boosters, extenders, or repeaters come in to bring you reliable, speedier Wi-Fi.

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How Does a Wi-Fi Booster Work?

So, how do Wi-Fi boosters work? Wi-Fi boosters work in one of several ways, depending on the type. Popular Wi-Fi extenders, for example, use a wired cable connection and take the Wi-Fi signal from your existing wireless router. It then broadcasts that signal to reach areas that are further away, or even in dead zones. Wi-Fi extenders are best for those who hope to cover large homes or businesses—no one wants to spend the night crowded around the living room just to be beside the router. And the best part? The internet quality is the same as if you were sitting right next to your router. The only negative is that you need to connect via a cable (but that can be a big negative for some). Next up, Wi-Fi repeaters. Repeaters work similarly, but instead of using a wired connection, these Wi-Fi boosters connect wirelessly and amplify the signal when connected. You can place them anywhere since there's no need for a cable. The one downside of using a repeater is that it can reduce your internet's bandwidth and you'll likely experience some latency or lag.

Now that we've answered the question "How do Wi-Fi boosters work?" with gear like extenders and repeaters, let's explore the benefits they offer:

Optimized Coverage: Wi-Fi boosters can eliminate dead zones in your home, office, basement or attic, ensuring that you have a strong signal no matter where in your home you are.
Faster Speed: Boosters extend how far your Wi-Fi can reach, and that can give you faster connections depending on your home and your Wi-Fi booster placement.
A Budget-Friendly Choice: While upgrading your home's entire setup can truly be costly, using a device like a repeater or extender can be much more budget-friendly (depending on the model you choose).

What Are the Pros of Wi-Fi Boosters?

Now that we've answered the question "Do Wi-Fi boosters work?" we should note what some of the other benefits are. There are the major benefits listed above, and then there are other pros that make them a good choice for several users and homes. For one, they're incredibly easy to set up. All you really have to do is plug yours in; there's no need to contact your internet provider or go through extra hassle. Next, they're relatively easy to understand. There's the powerful wired signal of an extender and the weaker yet wireless signal of a repeater. Finally, there's the number of boosters you need. You can have multiple Wi-Fi boosters if you need: that's if you have trouble covering your whole home with just one.

What Are Your Upgrade Options?

"Does a Wi-Fi booster work?" The benefits of Wi-Fi boosters we discussed above make these machines sound pretty dreamy, but there's a catch. It all leads back to the fact that you are only extending the range of your existing router. Instead of strengthening it, you're either moving it physically via an extender or wirelessly moving it via a repeater to send out a weaker signal. So, what are all of your options when it comes to upgrading your home internet?

Wi-Fi Boosters: Discussed above, these are crafted more for extending internet coverage in specific areas where weak signals interrupt connection. These are budget-friendly and easy to install.
Upgrading the Router: This is necessary when your internet speed is slow all across the home, especially if you have multiple devices. This upgrade is a larger investment.
Mesh Network: A newer connection method, this blanketing Wi-Fi network system uses multiple devices to cover your entire space with strong internet connectivity. Most systems use at least two satellites (or nodes) and a router. A higher cost gives you more coverage, but if your regular router covers your home, you may not need mesh.

Common Misconceptions

So, does a Wi-Fi booster work for you? Before you buy a Wi-Fi booster, you'll need to know about some common misconceptions. The top one to keep in mind is that Wi-Fi boosters are not cure-alls. While boosters can enhance signal strength in some areas, they may not always match the speed of the original router. But in many cases the difference is negligible. For many, the benefits of better coverage and stability outweigh a slightly slower signal. And if you're worried about the added security concerns a Wi-Fi booster may bring, have no fear. A correctly installed Wi-Fi booster will have no effect at all on your Wi-Fi's security. Do keep in mind that following security practices is a must: don't forget to enable WPA3 encryption and change your default login credentials. That way, your network and all of the devices that connect to it stay safe and secure.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wi-Fi Booster

You've decided that a Wi-Fi booster like a repeater or extender is the right choice for your home, so how do you choose which one to buy? These are the most important elements to consider:

Compatibility: Make sure that the booster you pick matches your router's frequency and standards, such as 2.4GHz or 5GHz, and Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 or even Wi-Fi 7. A compatible booster will fit your existing network perfectly.
Range of Coverage: Choose a booster that can cover your space, considering things like the size of the area you want to cover as well as walls and other obstacles.
Ease of Setup: A user-friendly setup process makes everything better. While a Wi-Fi booster's exterior may look difficult to navigate, many modern models are designed with smartphone apps that guide you through installation with a step-by-step process.
Brand and Reviews: It's always a good idea to research brands and products before you buy. Read customer reviews to find products and brands with a track record of quality and positive customer support, and you'll have a strong list of Wi-Fi boosters to choose from.

So, do Wi-Fi boosters work for your needs? Whether you're struggling with dead zones or are hoping to improve the strength of your signal and coverage, a Wi-Fi booster may be the perfect solution for your home or business. And now that you know the difference between devices like Wi-Fi extenders and repeaters, you'll be able to tell which booster is best for your home. Go wired or wireless depending on your needs. And if Wi-Fi boosters still aren't enough, invest in a new router or even a mesh system for a true internet upgrade. With the right product for your home, you'll be able to say goodbye to dead zones and hello to stronger internet: have fun playing online games, working from home and hosting video calls, and simply streaming videos with the family. If you have questions on how to upgrade your home's internet access (or how to build a smart home), our team of experts is here to help. Call us at 800-860-3577 or learn more about smart homes with our home automation buying guide. We've got Wi-Fi powering gear in the store, too: swing by our Glenview location to take a look at gear like routers and mesh products in person.

Q&A Summary

Explore some of the most popular questions people ask when it comes to the topic of Wi-Fi boosters, as well as what to look for in a new Wi-Fi booster.

What Makes For a Good Wi-Fi Extender?

A good Wi-Fi extender carries a strong signal all across the entire area it covers. It's easy to set up and should have few technological hiccups.

What Are Must-Have Features of a Wi-Fi Booster?

Those looking to bring Wi-Fi extenders home will want 2.4GHz/5GHz frequencies. An extender with both frequencies allows users to enjoy fast speeds on their devices, even if your network is connected to computers, TVs and other smart devices like speakers and even appliances.

What Are Features to Look Out For, Like Ease of Use, Range, and More?

Easy setup and ease of use are a must-have for any Wi-Fi booster. Brands like Eero and Google offer easy set-up mesh Wi-Fi systems, as well as coverage for small to very large areas. Meanwhile, an ethernet cord connected to your Wi-Fi extender is a must-have: with this, you'll be able to wire a product directly to your internet for the best connection possible.