Are you sick of having to shout "The internet’s down again!” from across the room, hoping someone will hear and reset the router?
In 2025, our homes are more connected than ever. Now, every member of the family has a device that they either use (laptops, tablets) or that watches over the (security cameras, doorbell cams, and baby monitors)
But are you having trouble getting certain rooms of your home to stay connected? WiFi dead zones can pop up unexpectedly - even when you’ve invested money in the latest high-speed internet plan in your area.
The solution? A quality WiFi range extender. Extenders can help create a stronger, more reliable WiFi signal in areas of your home that may have been previously out of range.
But hop online and search for the best WiFi extender, and you’ll likely see a long list of options. Which is the right one for your home? How can you ensure that it works with your internet?
But with countless options flooding the market this year, finding the right one for your specific needs can feel overwhelming.
Why You Might Need a WiFi Extender in 2025
Is a WiFi extender really necessary for your home this year? When you look at how our device use has expanded over the past few years, it's clear that a single wireless router may not be able to provide adequate coverage anymore.
In 2025, the average household has more connected devices than ever before:
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Multiple 8K streaming services running simultaneously
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AR/VR systems demanding stable, high-speed connections
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Video calling and remote work from every corner of your home
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Cloud gaming platforms requiring near-zero latency
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Smart appliances constantly communicating with servers
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Home security systems sending high-definition video feeds
Each one of these technologies – when combined on a single network – plays into an increased strain on your WiFi network. This can make dead zones and weak spots even more noticeable (and frustrating) than ever before.
Modern Home Construction Makes WiFi Access Tougher
You may not realize that some of the materials used in modern homebuilding can actually work against your WiFi coverage.
Energy-efficient windows can often contain metal that blocks WiFi signals, and open-concept homes that are reinforced with concrete or brick features can create unexpected dead zones. Even multi-level homes can struggle to maintain consistent internet coverage between floors.
What worked five years ago simply doesn't cut it for the connected home of 2025. As our devices get smarter and more numerous, our WiFi solutions need to evolve too. That’s why investing in a quality WiFi extender and other smart home technologies can help you make the most out of every square foot of your home.
Smart Home Integrations Require Reliable Connectivity
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is just how prevalent smart home technology has become. Many homeowners now expect their homes to have smart thermostats, security cameras, voice assistants, and more. These devices rely on a stable internet connection to function correctly.
When your WiFi falls short, your entire smart home ecosystem suffers. That's why solutions like the Aqara Hub E1 have gained popularity – they don't just extend your WiFi; they enhance the connectivity of your smart home devices through additional protocols like Zigbee.
For homes with numerous smart devices, an extender that understands both WiFi and smart home needs brings far more value than traditional extenders focused solely on internet coverage.
What to Look For in a WiFi Extender
Shopping for a WiFi extender in 2025 can feel overwhelming – there are so many options with different features and specifications! The key is knowing what you are dealing with when it comes to your connectivity issues, and what WiFi extender will bring the most value per device.
Let's break down the essential features to consider before you buy:
Range Coverage – How Far Will It Reach?
The whole point of a WiFi extender is to boost your signal to areas where it's currently weak or non-existent. But not all extenders are made the same.
As you shop, you’ll want to look for extenders that clearly state their coverage area in square feet. For the average home, you'll want an extender that covers at least 1,200-1,500 square feet. Larger homes may need multiple extenders or one with greater range.
The Aqara Hub E1 offers excellent coverage for its compact size, allowing you to extend your network to previously unreachable areas of your home. Its adjustable antenna helps direct the signal exactly where you need it most!
Speed Compatibility – Will It Keep Up With Your Devices?
What good is extending your WiFi if the extended signal is still just as slow as it was before? Sure, you can connect, but if you can’t use your devices effectively, you might as well not have internet at all!
When shopping for an extender, pay attention to speed-related features such as dual-band capability and WiFi 6 compatibility:
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Dual-band capability – Look for extenders that support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
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WiFi 6 compatibility – The newest standard for faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices
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Maximum speed ratings – Match these to your internet plan (no point paying for features your service can't utilize!)
The extender can't make your internet faster than what your provider delivers – but a poor-quality extender can definitely slow it down!
That's why it's worth investing in quality options that maintain excellent speed while also offering smart home functionality.
Setup Simplicity – Can You Install It Without a Tech Degree?
Let's be honest – nobody wants to spend hours configuring a WiFi extender. Many of the extenders that come with big brand routers don’t have explainers, and working with support can leave you with more questions than answers.
The best options in 2025 offer simple, app-based setup that takes minutes, not hours.
Look for extenders that have intuitive mobile apps for quick setup and management, as well as a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button for one-touch connection.
The Aqara Hub E1 excels here with its plug-and-play design. Simply connect it to a USB power source, use the Aqara Home app for setup, and you're good to go – no networking expertise required!
Smart Integration – Will It Play Nice With Your Smart Home?
A WiiFi extender that only extends your internet is missing half the point. If your home is filled with devices that need both WiFi and particular protocols to work their best, then you’ll need a device that offers a full set of smart features:
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Compatibility with multiple smart home ecosystems (Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home)
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Support for smart home protocols like Zigbee, Matter, or Thread
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Ability to function as both a WiFi extender and a smart home hub
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No monthly subscription fees for basic functionality
The Aqara Hub E1 goes beyond the basics of standard extenders to both boost your WiFi signal and offer extra features – such as acting as a Zigbee 3.0 hub that can connect up to 128 smart devices.
Top WiFi Extenders for Home Use
Standard WiFi Extenders: The Basic Options
The most basic WiFi extenders typically offer a single feature: expanding your internet coverage. These traditional options usually plug directly into a wall outlet and create a “secondary network” that can extend your router’s primary internet signal.
The most standard WiFi extenders offer:
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Coverage ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet
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Single or dual-band connectivity
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Simple setup with WPS button or basic app
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No smart home functionality
These traditional extenders are a decent choice if all you need is a basic internet extension to eliminate a few dead zones in your home.
The downside? Standard extenders often create a separate network name – which can cause devices to disconnect and reconnect as you move throughout your home.
Many also deal with reduced speeds on the extended network, with some dealing with bandwidth shortages up to 50%.
When it comes to smart devices, a basic extender won't offer much beyond providing them with internet access. They lack the specialized protocols or "smart hub" capabilities that are needed to create an integrated smart home experience.
Smart-Enabled WiFi Extenders: The Better Choice
If you want your smart home devices to utilize their full potential across your entire home, you’ll want a WiFi extender that goes beyond the basic.
Smart-enabled WiFi extenders do double duty. Not only do they extend your WiFi network, but they can also operate as control centers for your smart home.
Unlike basic extenders that simply relay your internet signal, smart-enabled extenders include extra wireless protocols that are designed for home automation.
They support specialized smart home protocols (like Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter)
They can directly control compatible smart devices without requiring separate hubs
They integrate with major ecosystems like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home
They often include automation capabilities for creating routines and scenes
They eliminate the need for multiple single-purpose devices cluttering your outlets
Our Top Pick for 2025: The Aqara Hub E1
When it comes to smart-enabled WiFi extenders, the Aqara Hub E1 may be one of the best overall choices for 2025.
A compact device, the Hub E1 packs an impressive functionality into a flexible frame. Here are just a few of the key features that make the Aqara Hub E1 one of the best WiFi extenders on the market today:
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Coverage: Excellent for its compact size, extending your 2.4GHz WiFi network to previously unreachable areas
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Speed: Dual-band WiFi repeater functionality that maintains strong performance
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Smart features: Full Zigbee 3.0 hub capabilities connecting up to 128 devices, including sensors, lights, and other smart accessories
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Compatibility: Seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT
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Power: USB-A powered design with 210° adjustable shaft for optimal positioning
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Size: At just 4.25" x 1.18" x 0.3" and weighing only 58 grams, it's remarkably compact
For families looking to both improve internet coverage and manage smart devices, this dual functionality eliminates the need to purchase, set up, and maintain separate devices. The space-saving design and USB power option allow you to place the device virtually anywhere in your home where a USB power source is available.
Which Option Provides the Best Value?
When weighing your options, consider both initial cost and long-term value.
Basic extenders may seem cheaper at first, but if you later decide to add smart home devices, you'll need to purchase additional hubs and controllers.
The Aqara Hub E1 offers an exceptional balance of affordability and functionality. Its dual role as both a WiFi extender and smart home hub eliminates the need for multiple devices, saving you money, reducing outlet clutter, and simplifying your network setup.
For most homes in 2025 that have or plan to have smart devices, a dual-function extender like the Hub E1 provides the most practical and cost-effective solution.
FAQ
What is the best WiFi extender for a home in 2025?
Choosing the ideal WiFi extender relies on your unique requirements; however, dual-purpose devices such as the Aqara Hub E1 provide outstanding value for many households in 2025. By integrating WiFi extension with smart home hub features, it effectively enhances both internet coverage and connectivity for smart devices.
Will a WiFi extender work for multiple floors?
WiFi extenders improve multi-floor coverage, but placement is key. Position your extender halfway between the router and the problem floor for best results. The Aqara Hub E1's adjustable design effectively directs signals between floors.
Can a WiFi extender help my smart home devices?
Standard WiFi extenders only expand network coverage for smart devices. In contrast, smart-enabled extenders like the Aqara Hub E1 support protocols like Zigbee, used by many smart home devices for reliable, low-power communication.
How do I know where to place my extender?
The ideal placement is midway between your router and the dead zone you want to fix. For the Aqara Hub E1, use its USB power flexibility and adjustable shaft to optimize positioning. The device should be close enough to your router to receive a good signal but far enough to extend coverage to problem areas.
Does the Aqara Hub E1 require a subscription?
No, the Aqara Hub E1 doesn't require any subscription fees. Once purchased, all its features are available without any additional costs. This makes it a more economical choice than many subscription-based smart home solutions.
How many devices can connect to a WiFi extender?
The number of devices connecting to an extender will vary by model. Most extenders support 10-20 simultaneous connections. The Aqara Hub E1 can extend WiFi to numerous devices and connect up to 128 Zigbee smart home devices.
Extend Smarter with Aqara Smart Home Technology
The difference between a frustrating smart home experience and a seamless one often comes down to the foundation you build. While there are a variety of options on the market, the Aqara Hub E1 offers the key benefits of both WiFi coverage and smart device connectivity in one device.
By choosing a dual-function device like the Hub E1, you're not just fixing today's dead zone issues – you're preparing your home for the increasing connectivity demands of tomorrow.
Ready to eliminate dead zones while building a smarter home? Explore what the Aqara Hub E1 can do for your connected lifestyle – and say goodbye to shouting about internet outages from across the house!
