WiFi extenders, while not a catch-all solution, are a great way to improve your internet speed and gaming experience. They make things much faster and allow all titles to run much more smoothly.
I’ve been gaming for almost all of my life, and have had to use various methods to increase my WiFi range in that time. That’s given me information on the best ones to use, as well as what separates the effective models from the slower ones.
Throughout the following guide, I will analyze the pros and cons of using a WiFi extender for gaming, look at some of the best models on the market, and go over tips to make sure you’re always getting the most from your connection.
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Key Takeaways
- WiFi extenders are a great way to improve your overall gaming experience.
- Keep your extender close to your router in an open area away from interferences in order to get the best results.
- Don’t get the first model you see. Always take time to research extenders and get one that falls solidly into your budget.
The Importance of WiFi in Gaming
There are various ways to set up a gaming internet connection, ranging from landlines to wireless routers. In today’s world, almost everyone uses WiFi. That’s because it’s easily accessible, requires little setup, and tends to be effective. However, it can be spotty too.
A good WiFi connection is critical to anyone who likes to play online. A slower one may not seem like a big deal, especially if your internet can easily load webpages, but it’s quite simple for a connection to work fine for daily use and struggle once you fire up a game.
Powerful or reliable WiFi is essential for a well-rounded gaming experience, as it cuts down on both buffering and lag. Those issues don’t just make a game less enjoyable to play, they can make it almost impossible to win as well. A solid extender can cut down on those problems.
Using WiFi Extenders for Gaming: Pros and Cons
WiFi extenders are one of the simplest and most accessible ways to improve your online gaming experience. However, they aren’t perfect either. As with any piece of modern technology, they come with advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to understand both.
Pros
The number one advantage of using WiFi extenders for gaming is their convenience. While many ways to increase internet speed are effective, they typically come with wires or are quite complicated to get up and running. Most extenders do not have such issues.
Anyone, from experienced gamers to those new to more advanced technology, should be able to get most models going without any huge issues or big setbacks. There’s a lot of versatility with the pricing as well.
Many technological devices cost quite a bit. With extenders, it’s easy to get one that fits your price point. Some can be quite expensive, but there is a range of solid budget options too. It’s all about what you need. That makes them even easier to get.
Cons
The biggest downside to WiFi extenders is that they aren’t always reliable.
Though they can strengthen your internet connection, you need to have strong WiFi in the first place if you want to make them work to the best of their abilities. They won’t fix a weak router.
Something else to keep in mind is that they don’t tend to be as effective as wired options. That’s not a big deal for most users, but it’s important to keep in mind.
Certain models can run into compatibility issues too. Always check your home internet before making a purchase.
Top WiFi Extenders for Gaming
If you’re struggling with your game’s internet speed, an extender is a good way to go.
That being said, picking just one model out from the pack isn’t always easy. It’s about finding the best model that suits your specific needs.
When looking at something with a strong range, quick setup, and great port options, it’s hard to do better than the Netgear EX7300. It’s a mesh range extender that’s dual-band, has a strong coverage of 2,300 feet, and can be moved without compromising signal.
On top of that, the EX8000 and the Linksys RE7000 are both extremely reliable too. The 8000 is a more heavy-duty option with tri-band WiFi, while the RE7000 is a compact device that comes equipped with Spot Finder Technology and covers over 10,000 square feet of space.
All of those options have subtle differences, but they will provide excellent results for all manners of games.
How to Make WiFi Extenders More Effective for Gaming
No matter how effective or well-made a WiFi extender is, it’s important to try and get the best signal from it possible. There are various ways to do that, but one of the most simple is to put it as close to the router as you possibly can.
That may seem counterintuitive, but don’t be afraid to try it in a range of different areas before settling on one. You don’t want it right next to the router, but putting it too far away can lessen its effectiveness.
It’s also a good idea to always make sure the extender has a line of sight to a router when you decide on its position. Many obstacles within a home can block or hinder an extender’s performance, including walls, microwaves, and mirrors.
The fewer things you have in the way of the device, the better it will be able to improve your overall connection.
Final Thoughts
There are a few ways to improve your online gaming experience, and none are as convenient as a solid WiFi extender. The devices do a great job of boosting your speed and cutting down on annoying problems like lag.
As long as you work on positioning it in the right place, understand the best model for your gaming needs, and keep it relatively close to your router, you’ll get a much stronger connection that will let you play to your heart’s content.
Have you ever used a WiFi extender? Which ones did you prefer and why? Let me know in the comments below!
