What Is the Difference Between a WiFi Extender and a WiFi Repeater?

WiFi Repeaters

A repeater simply captures your existing WiFi signal, duplicates it, and rebroadcasts it further away. While inexpensive, they often cut your total bandwidth in half because they must receive and send data simultaneously on the same channel.

WiFi Extenders

Extenders typically use a wired backhaul connection to bridge the gap. They plug into an Ethernet wall jack, allowing them to receive the full internet speed from your router and broadcast a fresh, high-speed signal in a distant room. They are the superior choice for high-definition streaming and gaming.