Finding the best outdoor WiFi Extender can be a pain. But if you know what they are and how they are used, then the search process may not be so difficult. A great WiFi extender isn’t just for expanding the WiFi throughout your house. You may need a WiFi signal for the purpose of utilizing your game cameras or communicate with devices that are WiFi compatible like night vision or thermal scopes.
It may also be used for your communication devices if you are low on a cell phone signal. We live in an age where WiFi is enough for you to communicate with someone with the use of your smartphone.
Yes, there are a lot of outdoor WiFi extenders on the market. But only a handful stand out as the best of the bunch. Before we get to the reviews, let’s talk about whether or not any WiFi extender can be used outside and how you can choose one for your own personal use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Outdoor Wifi Extenders
Comparison Chart of the Best Outdoor Wifi Extenders
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Best Budget Option  |
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Can Any WiFi Extender Be Used Outside?
Short answer: no. The reason for this is that a handful of WiFi extenders were made for the indoors. So they don’t have the material or the inner workings to sustain outdoor conditions (which may damage and render a WiFi extender useless). However, there are some that can be used outdoors and be able to resist weather damage and even give you a good amount of range in the process.
How to Choose an Outdoor WiFi Extender
Finding a great outdoor WiFi extender can be tricky. So, it’s important to know what you need to look for in order to make sure it will fit your personal needs and your devices that are WiFi-compatible. Here are some things that you need to keep an eye out for:
Price
If you are on a budget, then finding the best WiFi extender in terms of performance and quality (among other attributes) that you can afford is a must. You don’t want to spend money on a cheap WiFi extender that will give you a limited range or simply not work at all. In this instance, you should find the best range and signal strength within your budget so you get the best coverage possible.
Get One With Good Range
WiFi extenders do vary by range. So, you may want to consider getting one with a range that suits what you will be using it for. The range is important since you can position yourself from a good distance away while being able to use a rifle scope that has WiFi built-in or utilize it for a game camera that you have installed in your backyard. As for the latter, it will expand on where you can mount the camera itself.
Signal Strength is a Must
If you want a WiFi extender for outdoor purposes, you need to find one that can give you a strong signal. A weak to even middling signal might not cut the mustard at times and can also be a pain for when you are trying to communicate with someone on your phone. On top of that, a strong WiFi signal may be required for some of your game cameras or even hunting accessories like scopes.
Quick Take - Best Outdoor Wifi Extenders
In a hurry? Below are our recommendations for the best outdoor wifi extenders:
Review of the Best Outdoor WiFi Extenders
The following is a list of the very best outdoor WiFi extenders on the market. As you read each review, consider making notes of any features and characteristics that will be interesting to you. If you have an ideal WiFi extender in mind, be sure to choose the device that is the closest to your description. Let’s begin by unveiling our “best overall” choice for best outdoor WiFi extenders:
Best Overall:
Winegard RW-2035 Extreme Outdoor WiFi Extender
PROS
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What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were really happy with this WiFi extender, and for a few good reasons. The installation and setup were dead simple and the outdoor antenna provided a good deal of coverage for outdoor use. One user said that he purchased this with the intent of getting a couple more game cameras for his property. Both of them would be able to notify him if and when he got any motion recorded on either camera. So far, he was impressed with the overall signal strength and reach. To add, he didn’t miss much on his game camera, including a couple of deer that were hanging around in his backyard.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This WiFi extender has three expandable antennas, ensuring that you get the strongest signal and maximum reach possible. It doesn’t matter if you live in a duplex or a 30 story condo, there’s a good chance that your WiFi signal will be extended far beyond the confines of your home. If you want to access your personal WiFi signal outdoors and not have to rely on a signal that is public and clogged with other users (thus making it slow-performing), then you may want to consider getting this WiFi extender for yourself.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent WiFi extender for those who have game cameras or other outdoor equipment that they use (and rely on WiFi for better performance). If you want a strong signal that will expand beyond your windows and into your backyard, you would be hard-pressed to find a WiFi extender quite like this anywhere on the market.
Bottom Line
The Winegard RW-2035 Extreme Outdoor WiFi Extender might just be exactly what you are looking for if you need more WiFi to extend outdoors for all your WiFi compatible outdoor equipment. It’s got the coverage and the ability to extend a good deal better than its competitors. It’s proven itself to be one of the best WiFi extenders that you can find for expanding such a signal outdoors.
Runner-up:
GALAWAY WiFi Range Extender
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were impressed with the range extender and found it really easy to install outdoors. They said that it was perfect for using their cellphones outdoors to access the web and even better for security or game cameras. The signal was strong enough to cover the backyard area and resistant to all kinds of weather. One user said that he was able to install and set this up within a half-hour. So far, he is far from disappointed with the extender.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is an outdoor WiFi extender that was built for, you guessed it, the outdoors. It’s got antennas that will expand the signal outside and will definitely stand up to cold or warm weather (and even the thunderstorms). Not to be outdone, it will still function properly even if it is struck by lightning. The built-in lightning arrester will ensure that it will stay functional no matter how many times it gets struck. If that isn’t impressive, we don’t know what is.
Who Will Use This Most
This will definitely be used for outdoor purposes over the indoors and for good reason. You need a strong WiFi signal to keep you in the know about who might be snooping in your backyard (or who might be at home for the moment). No matter how far you are, you’ll be able to see what’s going on. Yes, it can be used to capture animals or criminals. But either way, it provides a strong, reliable WiFi signal that will remain strong even in the worst-case scenarios of weather.
Bottom Line
The GALAWAY WiFi Range Extender is the perfect choice for those looking for a real outdoor WiFi extender. It’s got all the equipment you need and you won’t have to worry about it getting hurt by nature’s fury. If you really want your backyard to have strong WiFi coverage, this could be the extender you need.
Best for the Money:
Outdoor WiFi Antenna Extender for WiFi routers
PROS
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What Recent Buyers Report
New users say that the setup and install was a cinch and it didn’t take any more than a half-hour or less. Meanwhile, it was perfect for those who were looking to expand their WiFi signals at their home or business. One user said that his phone was able to pick up his WiFi signal from at least a quarter-mile away from his home. He also added that the signal, for the most part, was strong when he was that far out. Most new users were on a budget and were not disappointed with this WiFi extender in the slightest.
Why it Stands Out to Us
You’ll notice that this extender doesn’t have the normal design of a WiFi extender. Your built-in antennas and boosters are inside the device itself, and they can cover a considerable amount of ground even when you are a bit farther away from your home or office (or wherever you set this up). If you want something simple for a WiFi extender that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg, you’ll enjoy putting this one to good use.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a WiFi extender that might be considered a starter model, then this device is surely one of your best options. It ain’t flimsy in the slightest, but it can get you by for the long-term or if you decide to get an extender that might give you a little bit more of a boost. Chances are you may settle with this one given its strong overall performance.
Bottom Line
The REMO Electronics Outdoor WiFi Antenna Extender is affordable, reliable, and can cover a pretty good range when installed. This budget WiFi extender combines solid performance with a cheap price tag. It’s got the ability to give you a stronger, faster WiFi signal (and slightly farther reach as well). If you hate the idea of dealing with complex equipment and just want an extender that is simple to install, look no further.
Best Long Range Outdoor WiFi Extender:
SimpleWiFi Ultra Long Range WiFi Extender
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PROS
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What Recent Buyers Report
This was a really impressive WiFi extender, according to most users. They were living out in rural areas and were able to get unobstructed signals from almost a mile out on a good day. One user said that he installed this on a ground pole and managed to access his WiFi from what he considered an impressive distance. He used this not just for his smartphone, but also had a security system and a couple of game cameras installed on his property as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This antenna is designed for the wide-open spaces and the rural areas where you face little to no obstructions for your signal. So, it makes a lot of sense to install this when you are not surrounded by a whole lot of buildings like suburban homes. Yes, it will provide a good amount of reach and will be a godsend if you just so happen to have a thermal scope that has WiFi built-in and you are able to connect it while you are in the woods. If you are looking for an antenna that is serious business when it comes to getting a good signal, this might be just what you need.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used mostly by residents who live out in the country and have a good WiFi signal. If they want to extend it beyond their home, they can do so by attaching an antenna. Plus, it will give you a great amount of distance when you are beyond the confines of your home. So, if you have to go to the store one mile away and email someone at the same time, you can do that. This will come in handy if and when you need to use your phone but the cellular signal is not the strongest.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a great WiFi extender that will be installed outdoors and will give you a serious amount of range in the process, the SimpleWiFi Ultra Long Range WiFi Extender will in all likelihood be the best option for you. While some extenders will go the distance, this one will go well beyond it. Who doesn’t want to access their own WiFi from a mile away?
Best Netgear Outdoor WiFi Range Extender:
NETGEAR Orbi Outdoor WiFi Mesh Extender
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This WiFi extender was pretty handy for those who lived in suburban neighborhoods or lived in split level homes. They were happy with the extender’s ability to work properly even when it was raining outside. One user said that she was able to get this installed in no time so she can access the internet while out in her backyard while using her iPad. She also admits that she also plays games on the iPad that usually depend on her WiFi signal.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a simply designed, easy to install outdoor WiFi extender that will give you a strong consistent signal whether it’s nice outside or raining cats and dogs. Nevermore will you have to deal with weather cutting out the reception. It will also be able to keep the inner workings dry and protected from a bolt of lightning as well. And most importantly, Netgear is one of the most trusted names when it comes to WiFi. If you have heard of what Netgear can do, then this should be an easy, no-brainer choice for you.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be ideal for those who want something simple and would rather quickly install an extender rather than deal with complicated antennas and mounting equipment. Just install it, set it up, and forget it. And before you know it, you’ll get excellent WiFi connections both inside your home and out.
Bottom Line
The Netgear Orbi Outdoor WiFi Mesh Extender is perhaps one of the best extenders that you can use for when you are in a suburban neighborhood and just want to enjoy using your iPad on a nice sunny day or need something that will strengthen the signal across other areas of the house. It’s compatible with most signals and won’t fail in even the worst weather conditions possible.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Outdoor WiFi Extender
Using a WiFi extender has its benefits. Knowing what they are will make purchasing one much easier than it has to be. Best of all, it will be perfect for keeping some of the devices you need running outdoors. Here are some benefits you’ll enjoy:
Keeps Your Outdoor Equipment Online
Do you have a weather station? What about a security system? If you have something that is outside and compatible with WiFi, it will need to rely on a strong enough signal to keep itself going. The solution is a no brainer: a WiFi extender that will keep them online and giving you real-time, accurate data right at your fingertips.
Access Your Own WiFi From a Far Enough Distance
No longer will you have to deal with a bad connection or even a lost connection when you’re stepping outside. You can access your iPad or smartphone from outdoors even if the signal strength for the latter isn’t the best. It might just be your backup option just in case cell service is a mess.
Weather Resistant
Most of these outdoor WiFi extenders will be resistant to bad weather. So you won’t have to worry about exposing any electrical wires or equipment to such elements as rain or snow. They will also have the right kind of equipment where they can be resistant to lightning strikes as well.
How to Install an Outdoor WiFi Extender
Installing an outdoor WiFi extender doesn't have to be a challenge if you know what you’re doing. But if you don’t know how, let this handy little guide below show you how to do it:
- Plug in your extender to an electrical outlet in the same room as your router. Follow the setup instructions depending on which extender you chose.
- Check your router to see if it supports WPS set up. A WPS button should be on the front or rear of your router. Press the WPS button on the extender (while doing the same on the router itself).
- Unplug the extender and move it to a new location that is half a distance away from your router. Plug it into a new outlet and wait for the power LED button to turn green (or remain solid). Then use the router link LED to help find an optimal connection.
- If the LED light for the router link is red, you’re out of range. Unplug it and place it in a different outlet until it is lit green. Once the router link LED light is green, you’re good to go.
- Once you find a good spot, connect your client device to the WiFi extender. It should use your WiFi name with _2G or _5G. Your password should still be the same.
- Go to an area where the WiFi signal is usually weak and test your device. Then, make sure the client device LED light is a solid green or amber. At this point, you should be done.
Conclusion
If you want to extend your WiFi signal outdoors and possibly beyond, finding an outdoor WiFi extender will be your mission. Find one that will give you easy installation and the best possibility of expanding far beyond its original reach. You’ll be amazed by how strong your WiFi signal can be in places where it was once weak or non-existent. Even better, you can use your devices just about anywhere you choose.
People Also Ask
The following is a list of frequently asked questions that will ensure you are better informed about outdoor WiFi extenders. Before you purchase one for your own, use this FAQ section as a guide so you know what to expect:
How Can I Extend My WiFi Outside?
You can extend your WiFi with the use of a WiFi extender. Find one that will be perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and you will be able to use it with whatever WiFi compatible device that you are comfortable with.
What is the Difference Between a WiFi Booster and Extender?
A WiFi booster is used for the purpose of boosting your WiFi’s uploading and downloading speed. An extender will be designed to extend your WiFi signal to a much farther distance.
Where Should a WiFi Extender Be Placed?
A WiFi extender should be placed about halfway between your WiFi router and the room farthest away from the router itself. If needed, use a measurement or an estimation of where that point is and find the nearest electrical outlet so you can extend the WiFi signal to all parts of your home.
Does a WiFi Extender Boost Signal?
Yes and no. Some of them may be equipped with a booster while some others won’t boost a WiFi signal at all. This will depend on the device you purchase.
Can You Have 2 WiFi Extenders?
You may. But there are some things you need to be aware of. One, you should not connect one extender to another. Also, both extenders should not be broadcasted using the same SSID. Each WiFi extender should have its own SSID in order to work properly.
Can I Use a Router as a WiFi Extender?
It is possible, especially with old WiFi routers. Just make sure you have the proper configurations and capabilities so it can work as a repeater for your Wifi signal.
