What's the Difference: WiFi Extender vs. Booster?

UPDATED: APR 14, 2023

Don't know the difference between a WiFi extender and a booster? This article will help clear things up! Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or someone who just wants to be able to surf the web without any interruption, it's worth to know the difference between a WiFi extender and a WiFi booster. Keep scrolling and find out!

What's the difference between WiFi extender and WiFi booster?

What's the definition of WiFi extender and WiFi booster?

As the name suggests, a WiFi extender is designed to extend the reach of your wireless signal. This is cool if you have a large home or office and need to be able to connect to the internet in different areas of the building.

A WiFi booster, however, amplifies the signal of your existing WiFi network. It does not create a new network but simply boosts the signal of the network you already have. Any devices connected to the booster can access the internet with a stronger password.

What's the main difference between WiFi extender and WiFi booster?

WIFI EXTENDER

WIFI BOOSTER

Extend WIFI Range

Yes. Performance is better than WiFi booster.

Yes

Boost Existing WiFi signal

Yes

Yes. Performance is better than WiFi extender.

Change Network Speed

Improve WiFi Speed in Dead Zones

Yes

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Connection Type

WPS Setup; Ethernet cable connection is also available for most WiFi extenders.

WPS Setup; Most WiFi boosters have at least one ethernet port that can be used to connect directly with other devices.

Location

Sit between the wireless router and the location needs better wireless coverage

Find a spot with a weak WiFi signal and plug the WiFi booster into a wall outlet halfway between the spot and the router.

Both WiFi extenders and WiFi boosters are devices to improve your home WiFi network. As the table listed above implies, WiFi extenders and WiFi boosters are generally the same as they have similar functions and installation steps. The main difference between them is their performance. WiFi extenders perform better in extending the WiFi range than WiFi boosters, while WiFi boosters work better on boosting WiFi signals.

Which is better WiFi extender or booster?

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether a WiFi extender or a WiFi booster is the best option.

You might need a WiFi extender to cover more space if you have a big house or office. If you live in a small space, you might need a WiFi booster to amplify the WiFi signal.

However, if your home has many devices connected to the internet, you should invest in a WiFi signal booster.

To sum it up, you must thoroughly consider your specific needs when deciding between a WiFi extender and a WiFi booster.

What is downside of WiFi extender?

WiFi extenders help strengthen the signal in a certain area, but they are not perfect. There are two main downsides to WiFi extenders that you should know before you buy one.

On the one hand, it could cause interference with other devices that use the same frequency range. Microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones, for example, may experience reduced performance or connection issues as a result.

On the other hand, a WiFi extender may not work with all types of routers. If you are using an older router, it is possible that the extender won't work with it. Also, if you have a newer router that uses the latest WiFi standards, the extender may not be able to boost the signal enough to give you full coverage.

Meanwhile, WiFi extenders are not always the most cost-effective solution. If you only need to improve the signal in a small area, buy a mesh WiFi system or a signal amplifier instead.

Do WiFi extenders make WiFi faster?

Yes, WiFi extenders make your WiFi faster, and they can speed up & strengthen your WiFi signal effectively.

A WiFi extender takes the signal from your router and boosts it, making it stronger and more consistent throughout your home. This is awesome if you have a big house or if there are things in the way of the signal from your router.

WiFi extenders are easy to set up and usually don't need any additional software or configuration. To connect the extender to your router, just plug it into a wall outlet and follow the instructions. Once it's set up and running, you should see a boost in your WiFi signal..

Will WiFi extender go through walls?

In short, yes, most WiFi extenders will work through walls. However, there are a few things that will affect the performance of your extender. Different types and thicknesses of walls will have other effects on signal strength. If the walls of your house are made of concrete or brick, your WiFi extender might not work as well as you expect.

Another thing to think about is how far the signals have to go. WiFi extenders are made to make your WiFi signal reach farther, but the farther it has to go, the weaker it will be. If your house is big or has a lot of walls, you may need to buy a more powerful WiFi extender or put it in a central location between the wireless router and the location that needs a better WiFi signal to get the best performance.

Where should I put a WiFi extender?

The best place for your WiFi extender depends on your home's layout and WiFi needs. Here are some general tips that will help your extender work as well as possible:

1. Put the extender near the center of your home, as this will give it the best coverage. If you have a house with multiple floors, it's also best to put the extender on the same level as the devices you want to connect.

2. Put the WiFi extender near your WiFi router. If your router is in a remote corner of your home, your WiFi signal will most likely be weaker in other areas. In this case, moving the extender closer to the router can help boost the signal.

3. Don't put your WiFi extender in a dead spot where the signal is the weakest. Instead, try to find a place where the signal is strong, and then place the extender so that it is able to extend that signal to other parts of your home.

That's all about WiFi extenders and WiFi boosters. If you want a more in-depth understanding of WiFi networks, please read our comparison of WiFi repeater vs extender and WiFi extender vs mesh.

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Written By: Lonny Norris

Lonny is head of Network & Communications technology at WebEx. His experience spans over 18 years and he has worked as an advisor for major telecommunications companies across the United States.