Mesh Wi-Fi or a range extender? Here's how to know which one you actually need
Key takeaways
- Wi-Fi extenders are cheap, but come with distinct drawbacks.
- New Africa/Shutterstock Few inconveniences inspire as much angst as a spotty Wi-Fi network.
- Consumers looking to expand their home or office internet signals typically turn to one of two options.
Wi-Fi extenders are cheap, but come with distinct drawbacks.
New Africa/Shutterstock Few inconveniences inspire as much angst as a spotty Wi-Fi network. Whether your favorite streamer's video quality fluctuates or you can't stop losing connection during your Zoom interview, a poor signal can ruin the best laid plans. But before you ditch your internet service provider, it may be worthwhile investigating how to bolster your current network.
Consumers looking to expand their home or office internet signals typically turn to one of two options. Plug-in Wi-Fi extenders boost your router's signal in distant rooms, but can suffer from strength and reliability issues. Mesh Wi-Fi systems, on the other hand, spread your router's network equally throughout a given space with localized satellites, but are more expensive. Which you choose depends on context specific factors, ranging from your budgetary appetite to the physical dimensions of your home or office.