Know your internet speed.

Streaming video can be challenging without fast internet service, so as a rule of thumb, I recommend paying for download speeds of at least 15 Mbps for each device that you plan to use at the same time. With two TVs streaming simultaneously, for instance, your internet service should ideally provide download speeds of at least 30 Mbps.

If you have sufficient internet service, the issue could be due to dead spots in your WiFi Network. 

A WiFi Extender is a type of WiFi booster, which is a device that rebroadcasts your WiFi signal to another area of your home, thus extending your WiFi signal range. These devices can connect to your existing router— via Ethernet or WiFi. These are not ideal for a big home or a home that has many floors or winding halls.

• Not ideal for large homes with many floors
• Difficult to configure, and if there a multiple, they need to be configured individually

A Mesh Network is a home WiFi system, typically including several routers that are spread out throughout your home, acting as individual nodes. Each node communicates with one another to amplify your home’s WiFi signal and to extend its WiFi coverage so that you don’t lose bandwidth like you would with an extender.
This multi-node setup replaces your existing wireless network creating a single, big WiFi network for all your devices to connect to.

• Self-organizes when a node is removed so as to not interrupt the network’s performance
• Offers redundancy that allows for a 100% stable connection and no downtime due to a node failure

When deciding between the two options, it’s important to note that both have the same goal: To extend your WiFi coverage, thus eliminating your home’s WiFi dead zones.

To choose the right option for your home, consider the following three points:

1. The location(s) where your home has a weak WiFi signal— If you have a smaller home where you sometimes run into trouble with the WiFi dropping in certain rooms, adding a WiFi extender to your network may be enough to do the trick. However, if you find that the WiFi signal is simply not reaching various parts of your house at all since it is larger in size, upgrading to a mesh network will likely be the better option.
2. The usability of the new device(s)— There’s no denying that mesh networks are simpler to install and manage long-term. Additionally, the nodes in a mesh network all operate as one single network, meaning you won’t have to worry about switching to certain SSIDs throughout your home. WiFi extenders do require more upfront time to configure and set up but aren’t replacing your existing network so you can keep your existing router.
3. The price you are willing to pay for a network upgrade—This last point may very well be the deciding factor. On average, mesh networks can be costly depending on the size of the home, whereas a good WiFi extender can cost as little as $50 and can be installed yourself.
   The reason for this discrepancy is the simple fact that WiFi extenders are simply an add-on to your existing network setup whereas mesh networks are an entirely new network setup that requires multiple new devices to be placed around your home and should be installed professionally.