10 Best Router for Apple Devices Reviews and Guide

Introduction

Finding the best Router for Apple Devices is a difficult task. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options that are best suited to your requirements. You will be able to evaluate the top options that have been chosen by people who have similar needs to yours.

A router is a network device that connects multiple devices into a single network. This means they can all access the internet at the same time because they share a single Internet channel. These routers have varying features and configurations, so it is critical to determine your requirements before you begin shopping.

A Wi-Fi router for Apple devices connects all of your iOS and Mac devices to your home’s wireless network. This enables the devices to operate in unison and ensures smooth synchronization. A Wi-Fi router is not in and of itself an Internet connection. Instead, it establishes a network to which all devices can connect. It is useful in home and office settings because it allows data to be exchanged without the use of wires.

The Best Router for Apple Products will be the best if it can be used with Apple products as well as other operating systems and devices. You can’t invest in a limited selection and then be concerned about the remaining devices that aren’t connected. So, most of the options here are extremely comfortable and adaptable, but they are more geared toward providing efficiency to Apple.

The following is a list of the best routers for Apple and Mac devices and products:

Best Router for Apple Devices 2023

Linksys EA7500 WiFi Router for apple devices
Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router
  • Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
  • Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac
  • Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
  • Frequency: 2.4 GHz
  • Connectivity Technology: WiFi^Ethernet
Netgear Nighthawk Tri-band Router for apple devices
Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6 Router
  • Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band
  • Compatible Devices: Laptop, Gaming Console, Smart Television, Smartphone
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
  • Control Method: App
Gryphon Tower Router for apple devices
GRYPHON Wifi Router System
  • Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band
  • Wireless Communication Standard: Bluetooth, 5 GHz Radio Frequency, 802.11bgn, 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency
  • Frequency: 5 GHz
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
  • Security Protocol: WPA2/WPA3 Personal
  • Number of Ports: 4
  • Control Method: App
NETGEAR Orbi Router for apple devices
NETGEAR RBK852-100NAS Router
  • Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band
  • Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ax, 802.11ac
  • Compatible Devices: Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Smart Televisions, Smartphone
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • Security Protocol: WPA2-PSK
Synology RT2600ac WiFi Router for apple devices
Synology RT2600ac Wi-Fi router
  • Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
  • Wireless Type: 802.11ac
  • Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
  • Frequency: 5 GHz
  • Connectivity Technology: Wireless
  • Antenna Type: Retractable
NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming router for apple devices
NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming
  • Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
  • Wireless Type: 802.11ac
  • Compatible Devices: Phone, Tablet, WiFi-Enabled Devices, Media Streaming Devices, Computer, PC, Mac, Gaming Consoles
  • Frequency: 5 GHz
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700 WiFi Router for apple devices
NETGEAR R6700-100NAS Router
  • Strong safety features
  • Simple network management
  • Quick initial setup
TP-Link AX6000 WiFi6 Router for apple devices
TP-Link AX6000 WiFi 6 Router
  • Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
  • Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
  • Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
  • Frequency: 5 GHz
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
  • Number of Ports: 9
ASUS AX6000 WiFi Router for Apple Devices
ASUS CMAX6000 Router
  • Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
  • Wireless Type: 802.11ax
  • Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
  • Frequency: 160 MHz
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
  • Control Method: App
ASUS AC1200 WiFi Gaming Router for Apple Devices
ASUS Dual-Band 2×2 AC1300 Super-Fast WiFi
  • Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
  • Wireless Communication Standard: 5 GHz Radio Frequency
  • Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
  • Frequency: 5 GHz
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
  • Number of Ports: 4
  • Control Method: App

Linksys EA7500 AC1900 Router for Apple Devices

The Linksys AC1900 is my preferred wireless router for use with Apple devices. It’s an excellent all-arounder with everything you’d want in a router: dependability, performance, and coverage.

Even if you don’t own any Apple products, this router is an excellent choice for any home network.

The AC1900 has the typical black design found in many routers and modems and must be positioned horizontally. Three high-performance antennas can be pointed in any direction to help provide the best signal to the devices that require it the most.

The AC1900 is a dual-band router that can reach 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1,300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Its Wi-Fi signal has a range of up to 1,500 square feet and can support up to 15 wireless devices.

The “mu Mimo” feature provides a Wi-Fi connection to multiple devices at the same time at the same high speed; no need to worry about your Mac in the office dropping the connection while someone is streaming Netflix on their iPad in the bedroom.

Also, the AC1900 uses what is referred to as “beamforming technology”. This allows the router to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal to specific devices rather than broadcasting the signal in general.

The end result? A more powerful Wi-Fi connection, improved overall coverage, and faster speeds.

The router includes both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. The USB 3.0 port is recommended for connecting an external storage device, allowing you to share files at high speeds among the devices on your network.

Although USB 2.0 is ten times slower, it is still adequate for small file transfers or connecting a printer, for example.

With Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, you can customize and manage your Wi-Fi from anywhere.

This simple app provides real-time information about your home Wi-Fi, allows you to send Wi-Fi passwords to guests, prioritizes specific devices, sets up parental controls, and more.

Some users have reported that Linksys customer service can be difficult to reach at times, which can be frustrating when your Internet connection is already down.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the guest network is not protected by WPA or any other security measure. It also makes use of a captive web portal, similar to those found in hotels or airports.

This is not only unsafe, but it can also be annoying and inconvenient for your guests to connect to your Wi-Fi in this manner. Something to think about if you have frequent visitors who need to connect to your network.

Pros

  • Fast Wireless Router
  • Suitable for Apple
  • Multiple devices can stay connected

Cons

  • It does not come with a free LAN wire

Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6 Router for Apple Devices

The NETGEAR 8-Stream AX6200 Wi-Fi 6 Router features Wi-Fi 6 technology, which can deliver up to 6.2 Gbps. It can also handle more devices, resulting in faster streaming and superior performance for multiple concurrent real-time applications. Its tri-band design provides the best possible performance for high-bandwidth connections.

The best thing about this device is that it works with all Apple products. Overall, it is the best router for Apple products.

Its powerful 1.5GHz quad-core processor can handle multi-gigabyte data without slowing down the CPU. It has a dedicated Quad-core Co-processor that handles LAN-WAN traffic, freeing up the main processor for other tasks. Additionally, the device supports WAN port aggregation, allowing you to share your network with other devices. The combined wireless speed of the Nighthawk AX8 AX6200 router is 6.2 Gbps.

Because of its tri-band design, it can easily support multiple devices. You can also make use of smart home automation devices. If you have two or more Apple devices on your network, you can choose between the two brands or have them work together.

To maximize Wi-Fi performance, the Nighthawk AX8 employs Wi-Fi 6 technology. It intelligently assigns your devices to the best available Wi-Fi band for the fastest possible connection. Furthermore, it employs 44 multi-user MIMO technology to simultaneously stream data to multiple devices. As a result, downloads are faster and streaming is smoother.

You can get speeds of up to 460 + 960 + 4800 Mbps with this device. It has a coverage area of up to 2500 square feet and can connect up to 40 devices. This router also includes 4 LAN + 1 WAN + 1 USB 3.0 port for a seamless connection. This device has six hidden antennas and supports OFDMA technology.

Pros

  • Tri-Band operation
  • Compatible with Mac OS and other Apple devices
  • 4×4 Multi-User MIMO
  • Excellent speed and coverage
  • DFS & 160MHz channels
  • Netgear Armor security
  • Alexa, Google assistant compatible

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited functionality of the mobile app

GRYPHON Wifi Router System

If you want a wifi device that is simple to use and manage, the Gryphon device combined with the Gryphon app will be an excellent choice. The pair allows you to set up your Secure Network by following the simple step-by-step instructions. The app allows you to manage your parental controls and all connected devices to keep them safe from hackers, among other things. This one will keep your family safe.

Gryphon device routers can provide dependable security while you sleep. It keeps itself up-to-date and secure by receiving daily security updates to protect against the most recent threats. You can avoid the AD Blocker and malware with this system. It also scans all devices, including IoT, for vulnerabilities and uses ESET Technology’s Intelligent Intrusion Detection and Malware Filtering Protection.

These optional add-on services are included in the Advanced Internet Protection Subscription, which is free.

You have control over what your children see and do online as a parent. You can protect your children from the online content they are exposed to by using their simple and easy free smartphone app, which includes features such as content filtering, viewing browsing history, setting bedtimes/homework times, limiting screen time, enforcing safe search, safe YouTube, and suspending the internet at any time.

For the first three months, this is a free feature. You will have to pay for it later. If you do not require it, you will not be charged for it.

The speed of the wifi is commendable. With 6 high-powered antennas, you will be able to access online games, download files, and browse the web all at the same time. The device is an MU-MIMO device and comes with an Antenna that is used for multiple beamforming.

The technology enables it to provide a 3 Gbps fast throughput throughout the house. It includes Tri-Band Radio. The Gryphon can cover an area of 3000 square feet, allowing you to cover the entire house.

Pros

  • Covers the entire house
  • Unprecedented malware and cyber threat protection
  • Child protection and monitoring possible
  • Can be used for a huge area

Cons

  • This is not a LAN option

NETGEAR RBK852-100NAS Router for Apple Devices

The NETGEAR RBK852-100NAS router is an excellent choice for users who require a large Wi-Fi range as well as high-quality network optimization. This model includes tri-band Wi-Fi with two high-speed 5GHz signals for streaming HD video or gaming.

This model also includes a slower 2.4GHz band for smart home connectivity and devices such as printers or network bridges. While the web app isn’t very responsive, users will appreciate the dedicated Orbi app for network monitoring and parental controls.

The NETGEAR RBK852-100NAS router provides a user-friendly path to a stable mesh network in addition to the strong wireless range and network optimization. This model has a coverage area of up to 5000 square feet and a Wi-Fi speed of up to 6Gbps.

Users will also appreciate the Orbi app, which provides access to advanced network tools such as network monitoring, Smart Parental Controls, and device prioritization. Finally, each mesh network unit in this model has four Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Great signal range
  • Four Ethernet ports

Cons

  • Sub-par web app

Synology RT2600ac Wi-Fi router for Apple Devices

The Synology RT2600ac is one of the company’s most powerful wireless routers. It has a total wireless bandwidth of 2.53 Gbps and includes features such as comprehensive VPN solutions, enhanced security, flexible media sharing, and more. This router works with Apple products.

The RT2600ac has a variety of ports and features that will appeal to users with a wide range of requirements. This router has a coverage area of up to 3,000 square feet and four external antennas. It also has dual-band Wi-Fi and can support speeds of up to 2.53Gbps. It comes with a power and reset button. The RT2600ac’s design is well-known and has a proven track record.

The RT2600ac has two USB ports, a WAN port, and an SD card slot in addition to a large LAN port. Its port can function as a second WAN connection. The Synology RT2600ac includes a NAS server as well. This enables data storage and sharing. The Synology RT2600ac has a lot of great features and is simple to set up.

This router includes advanced features such as MU-MIMO, threat prevention, powerful parental controls, 44 dual-band Gigabit, and more. Mesh Wi-Fi also provides expandable coverage.

Pros

  • MU-MIMO technology
  • Excellent threat prevention
  • Expandable coverage
  • Comes with its own VPN

Cons

  • Not meant for small homes

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router for Apple Devices

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming Wifi is another excellent option for Apple devices. With four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it can minimize ping while maximizing performance. These ports are loaded onto the device to provide lag-free wired connectivity and network efficiency with the 1.7 GHz dual-core processor.

An AC2600 dual-band router with blazing-fast speeds of up to 2.6 Gbps will allow you to boost your WiFi. It can also make processing faster by up to milliseconds by connecting to the closest servers and players, allowing you to always enjoy the best-optimized speed levels.

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming Wifi can protect your network by only connecting to a secure gaming VPN server. Furthermore, the wifi is configured to provide the lowest possible ping on Fortnite, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Overwatch, PubG, CS: GO, and other games.

Pros

  • Chooses the most secure signal
  • Picking the strongest signal as well
  • Provides a stable connection

Cons

  • Not suitable for 4-band gaming or beamforming

NETGEAR R6700-100NAS Router

For users who require high-speed internet for a mid-sized home or shared workspace, the NETGEAR R6700-100NAS router provides up to 1750Mbps over Wi-Fi and up to 1500 sq. ft. of coverage. This router supports dual-band Wi-Fi for improved network optimization and easy device organization between 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections.

Furthermore, beamforming technology ensures a strong wireless connection even at the edges of coverage. Because this model is large, users will need a large enough space with adequate ventilation so that the unit does not overheat.

The NETGEAR R6700-100NAS router includes 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for a stable wired connection for important remote work meetings or pro-level gaming sessions, in addition to dual-band connectivity and beamforming technology.

With minimal interference and optimized speeds, this router can support up to 25 simultaneous connections between dual frequencies. Finally, the Nighthawk App simplifies setup and allows users to activate their high-speed network in less than 5 minutes.

Pros

  • Strong safety features
  • Simple network management
  • Quick initial setup

Cons

  • Takes up space

TP-Link AX6000 WiFi 6 Router for Apple Devices

The TP-Link AX6000 Wifi 6 is another good option. It is widely used in commercial settings. In 2017 and 2019, the router received the JD Power Award for the level of customer satisfaction it can provide for wireless routers.

The wifi provides extremely fast WiFi through its 6 Router, which is equipped with an AX6000 Dual Band WiFi speed. This can also be improved by using 1024QAM. This allows you to deliver wireless speeds of up to 5952 Mbps, 4804 Mbps (5GHz), and 1148 Mbps (2.4GHz).

The device is extremely efficient. It is outfitted with OFDM, which can increase average throughput by a factor of four in high-density scenarios. This is significantly more than an 802.11ac standard wireless internet router. When compared to others, this one allows you to connect more devices and use WiFi at the same time.

It provides extremely long-range WiFi coverage. This can be used in conjunction with 8 high-gain external antennas to provide a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. BSS Color technology ensures a smooth and stable connection by removing signal interference from your neighbors, whereas beamforming and Rangeboost provide stronger and more distant networks.

So no more feeling left out, and your signals will no longer be stolen with this one.

The router provides extremely powerful processing. It has a 1.8 GHz Quad-Core CPU and two co-processors built in to prevent latency and deliver stable performance. With a free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare, the device provides advanced security and can protect your network and connected devices.

This package includes a brand-specific antivirus, strong parental controls, and QoS. It has all of the competitive features, but only for a lifetime subscription and for free.

Pros

  • Suitable for all households
  • Comes with a free service
  • Can be used with multiple devices

Cons

  • This is not a dedicated LAN option

ASUS CMAX6000 Router for Apple Devices

For users looking for a clean and modern solution for house-wide high-speed internet, the ASUS CMAX6000 router is a compelling option. This modem-router combo has a more pristine appearance than multi-unit internet setups, and the embedded Wi-Fi antenna allows the unit to fit in awkward places.

This model also includes the most recent Wi-Fi protocol, Wi-Fi 6, so users can enjoy excellent network efficiency even during peak usage. While there is no dedicated mobile app, the web interface of this model provides a user-friendly route to network control.

The ASUS CMAX6000 router provides comprehensive coverage for a multistory home or mid-sized office space, in addition to a clean design and the most recent Wi-Fi protocol. This model offers up to 6000 Mbps across the entire network, allowing multi-user households to enjoy streaming 4K content, playing online games, and working from home without experiencing network congestion or lag.

Finally, this unit has efficient passive cooling, allowing users to concentrate on their work or play without being distracted by a noisy fan.

Pros

  • Impressive speed
  • Combo unit
  • Dual-band connectivity

Cons

  • No dedicated mobile app

ASUS Dual-Band 2×2 AC1300 Super-Fast WiFi Router for Apple Devices

The Asus Dual-Band Super Fast Wifi is another viable option. It includes a Dual-band AC1300 with the most up-to-date 22 MU MIMO technology for combined speeds of up to 1267 Mbps. You will have access to four external 5dBi antennas for increased WiFi range.

This system enables you to connect multiple device performances without interfering with or slowing down others. For the best results and recommended speed, the connected devices must be 802.11ac compatible.

You can also monitor and manage your network from your mobile device using the simple ASUS Router App. It ensures that you and your family are protected from cyber threats. The router supports 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA2 PSK, WPA PSK, WPA Enterprise, and WPS encryption formats.

If you want an easy-to-use and manage the router, the ASUSWRT web-based interface, Super-Fast Wi-Fi: Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with concurrent speeds of up to 867Mbps (5GHz) and 400 Mbps (2.4GHz). It is quick and simple to use for anyone who is new to wifi routers.

The device has an integrated USB 3.0 port, which you can use to share external drives or data via flash drives with your network. However, this is primarily a Windows OS Support option.

Pros

  • Simple to use
  • Safe and cyber protected
  • Suited for all devices

Cons

  • OS Support Windows for the app

Beginner’s Guide to Routers for Apple

What is a Router for Apple?

A router for Apple products is a device that connects multiple computers and Wi-Fi devices to the internet via a single cable. The router receives internet data and sends it to your computer, phone, or other wireless devices. To keep your network private, you can also enable guest access.

A wifi router can also be used to boost the signal strength and performance of a wireless network, providing a stronger connection for your devices. Apple products use the Wireless AC protocol, and Apple routers have fast AC Wi-Fi wireless speeds. If you already have an older router, it may be prudent to upgrade it if you plan to purchase a new Apple laptop or phone.

NETGEAR produces routers compatible with Apple products, including the NETGEAR Nighthawk and NETGEAR Armor; Linksys produces the Linksys EA7500 dual-band wi-fi router; Amazon produces the Amazon Eero mesh router, and TP-Link produces the TP-Link Archer AX6000. Many of these have multiple antennas to improve internet access for connected devices, as well as a simple setup with parental controls, USB ports, and other features.

Why Use Wi-Fi Routers for Apple Devices?

There are numerous reasons to purchase a new wireless router for your Apple devices. For example, suppose you have a new iPhone or iPad and want to increase its internet speed. Perhaps you simply want to expand the number of people who can connect to your home network. In any case, you can get a high-quality router for a reasonable price to enjoy Apple Ecosystem connectivity.

To get the best Wi-Fi router for your Apple devices, look for one that is simple to set up, has a good range, and has all of the features you require. Getting one with the right specifications will ensure that your family has the best experience possible. If you have a large house and are concerned about signal coverage, a high-end router for Apple devices can assist you in staying connected.

There are numerous benefits to using routers for Apple devices. The iPhone, iPad, and MacBook are among the company’s most popular products. However, a faulty router can degrade the performance of these devices. To get the most out of your Apple devices, you should invest in a good compatible router.

Another reason to use a router with Apple devices is that Apple does not produce routers in order to concentrate on more profitable products. To improve the performance of your Apple devices at home, it is best to invest in a good compatible router.

Router for Apple vs Traditional Routers

Routers for Apple are, for the most part, not that different from traditional routers. This can be seen in our Airport Extreme vs Airport Express comparison mashup. They both receive and send data over the internet and handle security by blocking suspicious connections. Top routers for Apple also include security features that assist you in keeping your network safe by utilizing network security settings. This ensures that your network environment is appropriate for anyone who uses it.

The best router for Apple devices supports all operating systems, not just Apple products. They also have faster transfer rates than the traditional 802.11 wireless standards, making them ideal for a good PS4 gaming router. This is due to the fact that they employ Wireless AC technology, which can support speeds of up to 1 Gbps, though your ISP may not support this internet speed. A router designed for Apple is an extremely powerful router.

The 2.4 GHz band is supported by the majority of routers, but many also support the 5 GHz band, which is an important distinction. You can find a dual-band router that supports both, so if you choose the right one for you, you can get excellent performance, quality of service, and a better Wi-Fi signal. You should also keep an eye out for a tri-band router or WiFi mesh system for Apple.

If you subscribe to Frontier Fios’ gigabit internet or any other high-speed internet service provider, you must also select the best router for Frontier Fios. If you get a Google Fiber router, you should do the same.

Are Routers for Apple Devices Worth It?

If you have an Apple device and want to gain Internet access at home, there are several factors to consider when looking for a router for your Apple device. First and foremost, you must find one that is compatible with the operating system of your Apple device.

Although Apple routers are designed to work with iOS, they can also be used with other operating systems. Before making a purchase, make sure that the router you choose is compatible with your iPhone or iPad.

Buying a router for your Apple device may appear expensive at first, but it will save you money in the long run. There are numerous advantages to using a router with your Apple devices. A wireless connection will be faster and more reliable whether you are connecting multiple devices at home or relying on a single router. The following are just a few of the many reasons why you might want to use a router. You’ll benefit from increased speed and reliability, as well as a greater signal range.

A good router will provide a more consistent connection for Apple devices. This will ensure that your experience is smooth and convenient. A router with wireless capabilities will provide faster speeds and greater range. It will also have a dual-band antenna, which will be more effective at increasing signal strength. All of these advantages make routers for Apple devices worthwhile.

How Routers for Apple Work

Routers for Apple are essentially computers, with hardware similar to PCs. They are equipped with processors, software, memory, and networking capabilities. They are frequently combined with storage devices known as NAS servers.

The router is linked to the internet via a modem. Because you cannot connect any devices directly to the modem (unless you have a modem router), the router is used to send data between your devices and the Wi-Fi network.

The job of a router is to keep all of your devices connected without interruption, regardless of network congestion. It sends data to other computers on the network by identifying where it came from and then sending it to that computer or phone via your internet service provider.

Many of these routers will include external antennas in addition to internal antennas, which will increase your maximum speed and coverage area. This is useful for playing games or streaming content on your smart devices. Having a 1-gigabit ethernet port for wired connections also aids connectivity when the signal is weak.

While Apple routers support AC Wi-Fi, not all routers do. If your router does not support this type of wifi, you will need to purchase an AC Wi-Fi wireless adapter for your phone or laptop.

How to Choose a Router for Apple

With so many options available, selecting the best router for your needs can be difficult. Before purchasing a new router, keep the following points in mind:

Your Internet Speeds

Before you buy a router with incredibly fast speeds of up to 6 Gbps, keep in mind that you will be severely limited by the Internet package you have with your ISP.

For example, if you have a 150 Mbps plan, this is the absolute maximum speed you can expect to receive regardless of the router you use.

Buying a router solely because it has the fastest speeds compared to the competition may prove to be a waste of money.

It is an important factor to consider, but it must be considered in conjunction with the rest of this buyer’s guide.

Size of Your Home

When shopping for a new router, consider the physical size of your home as well as the size of each room.

If you live in a smaller home, such as an apartment, you can probably get away with a router with a shorter range.

In a large house, however, this is more important because some areas of the house may not receive a Wi-Fi signal, depending on the router and its coverage.

If you have a large house, a mesh Wi-Fi solution may be exactly what you need.

How Many Devices You Have

Because all Internet traffic is routed through the router, it must be capable of handling a large number of devices that wish to connect to it in order to access the Internet.

Having a router that can only handle one or two devices connected to it is simply insufficient these days.

With so many devices in almost every home, the router cannot be the bottleneck and must be able to meet the needs of your home network.

You must ensure that the router you intend to buy can support the number of devices you anticipate connecting at the same time. My advice is to overestimate just to have some leeway.

It’s also important to consider what each device will be doing when connected; streaming high-quality video online will consume more router resources than simple web browsing.

Security

Without the necessary security measures in place, it is possible for nearby intruders to gain access to your Internet connection, monitor what you are doing online, access files stored on your devices, infect your network with a virus, and generally annoy you.

You should make sure that any router you buy supports WPA2, the second implementation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol.

Furthermore, for this security measure to be effective, every device you intend to connect to the router must also support WPA2.

Keep in mind that your entire network is only as secure as the least secure device connected to it.

The previous generation of WPA is better than nothing, but it is far from ideal, and relying on WEP security is not a good idea because it can be easily cracked by tools that are freely available online.

Some routers will include extra security features such as an extra layer of encryption, the ability to monitor devices, and the ability to block specific devices or people from the network entirely.

If you are particularly concerned about the security of your entire home network, you should consider purchasing a router with these features.

Wi-Fi Standards

We are nearly a quarter of the way through 2021 at the time of writing, which means we are all in the process of transitioning from the Wi-Fi 5 standard to the newer, more powerful Wi-Fi 6 standard.

Wi-Fi 6 routers are becoming more widely available, not only because they are faster, but also because they support more devices connecting at the same time.

Devices that only support the Wi-Fi 5 standard will work with Wi-Fi 6 routers, but they will not be able to take full advantage of what Wi-Fi 6 has to offer.

You can still buy Wi-Fi 5 routers if you prefer and want to save some money, but I would recommend at least thinking about getting a Wi-Fi 6 router to be on the safe side.

This is especially true if you intend to upgrade some of your other technology in the future, which will undoubtedly support Wi-Fi 6.

Router Type

When it comes to routers, there are typically two types to choose from. These are traditional single-unit routers, and mesh routers are a newer technology.

Single-unit routers are still very common and are what I use in my own home network.

These are plugged into the modem to establish a local area network and provide internet access to all devices that connect to the router.

Many people, including myself, will have the router and modem built into a single unit, in which case it is simply a matter of connecting it to your home’s internet connection. In my case, this is DSL, which uses an existing phone line.

Because they have several built-in ethernet ports and emit a wireless signal, these single-unit devices can also function as a switch and wireless point.

Although these single-unit routers may be perfectly suitable for many people, some will find them insufficient in terms of wireless range, depending on the size of the home and any obstructions in the way of particular materials that affect the wireless signal.

Mesh routers are becoming increasingly popular in this application; they are made up of several individual units that are evenly distributed throughout the home to provide greater coverage.

The primary unit will connect to the modem, which will then wirelessly communicate with the other nodes to form a mesh network and more effectively distribute the wireless signal throughout the home.

If you have a particularly large home, you may want to consider a mesh-based router; however, many people will still choose a single-unit router and then help to improve wireless signal coverage with something like a wireless access point.

Number of Frequency Bands

Most wireless routers today are dual-band, but there are some that are tri-band. When doing your comparison shopping, keep an eye out for the number of frequency bands that the router can operate on.

Dual-band routers were created as a result of the traditional 2.4 GHz frequency band becoming overcrowded, so manufacturers decided to include the 5 GHz frequency band to better balance the load.

Some routers will only allow one frequency band to be used at a time, but most will allow both bands to be used simultaneously.

Tri-band routers broadcast three distinct wireless signals, giving the impression that it is hosting three distinct wireless networks at the same time.

You might expect a tri-band router to broadcast a third frequency band, but this is not the case. It transmits a single 2.4 GHz signal followed by two separate 5 GHz signals.

Tri-band routers operate similarly to dual-band routers in that they broadcast different signals to help reduce congestion and provide more speed that is shared by all connected devices.

Appearance

At first glance, you may wonder why the appearance of the router is important and why it is included in this buyer’s guide, but consider this: there are many routers available that offer similar features and performance, so the appearance of the router may be what makes you choose one over another.

To ensure the best wireless connection possible, position the router somewhere central and visible, where it will be noticed.

Given that you will be seeing it frequently, you may be willing to pay a little more for a router that is aesthetically pleasing.

Other Features of a Router

In addition to the extra security features that some routers include, there are routers available that include a plethora of other useful features.

These include USB 3.0 ports for connecting an external hard drive to create a NAS, quality of service for prioritizing network traffic to specific devices, and gigabit ports for achieving the best possible performance for specific devices.

Other than the ability to connect to the Internet, what you expect from your router will vary from person to person and network to network.

Before making a purchase, carefully read the product description and feature list of each router you are considering to ensure that it will meet your needs and include the features that will be most useful to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Did Apple Stop Making Routers?

Apple has disbanded and reassigned its wireless router division’s engineers. This decision could mean the end of the company’s 17-year-old router product line. For several years, the company has sold three devices developed by this division: the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule.

These devices were all popular among Apple customers, but their performance and features lagged behind the competition. As a result, in order to focus on more profitable products, Apple has discontinued the production of routers.

What Apple Devices Support Wi-Fi 6?

The new standard will be compatible with the most recent iPhone models. Wi-Fi 6 is already available on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, as well as the iPad Pro and iPad Air. It is not supported by previous iPhones.

Wi-Fi 6 is also supported by the most recent Mac computers equipped with Apple Silicon. There are several advantages to the Wi-Fi 6 standard. It enables you to connect to networks without the use of a wired connection. It also lets you share and stream content across a network.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 has the spec number 8064 and is also known as Wi-Fi 802.11ax. It is the most recent version of wireless technology, capable of connecting up to ten devices at once at faster speeds than previous versions. This standard is supported by Apple routers. If you want to use Apple’s wireless technology, make sure to purchase a router for Apple devices that supports wifi 6.

Final Thoughts

These are the best routers for Apple devices that I’ve found that offer the speeds, coverage, and features that I believe would work well as part of any home network that includes, but is not limited to, Apple devices.

Remember to consider the physical size of your home, the download and upload speeds you receive from your Internet service provider, how many devices you intend to connect to your Wi-Fi, whether adequate security protocols are in place, and any other features you may want, such as USB 3.0 ports or advanced parental controls, when selecting a router.

If I had to pick one of the routers on this list, it would have to be the Linksys EA7500 AC1900.

It is simply a fantastic all-arounder that provides excellent performance, coverage, and features while remaining reasonably priced. With this router, you certainly get a lot for your money.

It may not have as good coverage or the ability to handle more devices as some of the other routers on this list, but the AC1900 is significantly less expensive and I believe will be adequate for the majority of people.

Leave a Comment