- Best Wifi Routers For Mac And Windows
- Best Wifi Router For Mac Osx
- Best Whole House Wireless Router
- Best Router For Apple Products
Check our wireless wifi router reviews and our top list of computer accessories reviews for the best wireless wifi router, hard drives, smart TVs, computer monitors, computer speakers and computer. Some wireless routers allow you to change the settings via a dedicated app – perfect if you want to be able to control every aspect of your wireless connection. If your router has two external antennae, you'll get the best signal if one is pointed vertically and the other horizontally. How Much Do Routers Cost? Current 802.11ac routers often sell for under $100 for basic, dual-band models. Many models will sell for more, but deliver better coverage, and range up to $300.
Need for Speed
Go for the latest 802.11ac standard routers, that promise data transmission speeds up to 1.3 Gbps.
The modern man has four basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and Wi-Fi. As we head towards the era of Internet of things and seamless integration across devices becomes an increasingly important necessity, Wi-Fi technology has become as indispensable, as a life-support system.
Wireless router technology has gone through its latest regeneration cycle, with the 802.11ac networking standard (a.k.a 5G Wi-Fi), that offers roughly 2.5 times faster data transmission speeds, compared to the earlier 802.11n standard.
Besides the enhancement in speed, the new standard allows for up to eight transmission antennas in routers, and operates entirely in the 5 Ghz frequency range, that is inherently less likely to have large-scale interference.
The beamforming technology, that provides directed signal transmission, is an added feature that enhances data transfer speed, by optimizing signal strength.
Ergo, with your brand new MacBook Pro or iMac in place, this is the right time to upgrade to a new router and create a ubiquitous wireless network, which lets you seamlessly share your data and connect with the Internet.
Top 5 Wireless Routers for a Mac
After an extensive analysis of the real world performance and specifications of a range of routers, that are on offer in the market, the ones that stood out, and which would especially suit Mac users, are the following. All of them are based on the new 802.11ac technology, that promises a theoretical maximum of 1.3 Gbps of data transfer speed, while actually delivering more than 300 Mb per second. This is a substantial improvement over the 50 - 150 Mbps speeds, provided by the earlier 802.11n standard.
All the reviewed devices are backward compatible with the earlier standard; however, to derive the full advantage of the new standard, you will need your Mac and other devices, to have wireless adapters that are based on the 802.11ac standard. The latest MacBook Pro and iMac, along with many high-end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S4, have 802.11ac chipsets and adapters.
Asus RT-AC68U Dual-band Wireless-AC1900 Gigabit Router (Avg. Price: USD 220)
If state-of-the-art and cutting edge is what you are looking for, this Asus product has it all. While offering up to 1.3 Gbps speeds on the 5 GHz band, through the 802.11ac standard, it offers a transmission speed up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4 Ghz band.
Inside, it's uniquely equipped with a Broadcom BCM4709 chipset, with a dual-core Arm Cortex A9 processor, that clocks at 800 MHz, with 256 MB RAM. Broadcom TurboQAM technology enhances the speed for 802.11n transmission by 33%, to offer a maximum of 600 Mbps. It's backward compatible with all earlier standards (802.11 a/b/g). Weighing a mere 640 gm, the device has 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as two USB ports, that can enable file and printer sharing.
It is equipped to be a media server, with support for multiple video and audio formats. The router can serve as a printer server, as well as a Samba and FTP server. In terms of encryption, the device offers WPA2 Enterprise level support, besides other options like WPA2-PSK.
A small feature that deserves mention is the option to turn off LED lights, when you need a room to be completely dark. The AiDisk feature allows easy sharing of data from a connected storage device, through an FTP server. AiCloud software allows the sharing of network data to remote users. While you can set up two main Wi-Fi networks for each band, you can set three additional networks per band, for guest users. In addition, it also offers built-in VPN connectivity, along with parental control features, for home users.
Real world speeds, offered by the router, on the 5 GHz band are close to 530 Mbps, while providing a maximum speed of around 200 Mbps, when switched to the wireless-N network. It is ideally suited for HD video streaming across networks, while its range of features, makes it a versatile device, that can be used for various purposes.
The only few minus points are its price, which is a bit on the expensive side and the fact that it is not wall-mountable.
Verdict
This is unarguably one of the most powerful routers at hand, that can effectively act as your complete wireless sharing management solution. Its extra features like built-in VPN and cloud sharing, make it an effective choice for small businesses, as well as power users, who would benefit from its personal cloud services. If high speed and versatility are the features you are looking for, this is the one for you.
Apple AirPort Extreme (Price: USD 199)
Sporting a sleek minimalistic design, this is the Cupertino-based company's very own wireless networking solution, ably equipped to deliver data across the Apple ecosystem, with an upgraded 802.11ac chipset. Among all the routers reviewed here, it has a natural advantage, due to the fact that it is specifically designed to work with iOS and Mac OS X devices. So Mac users will find this router to be the easiest to install. Designed to be compatible with Windows PCs as well, it can connect a maximum of 50 users.
In terms of specifications, not much has changed since its last version, except the threefold increase in transmission speeds, offered by the new networking standard. Your Mac has a native software program known as AirPort utility, that will help you easily set up this router. It offers file sharing, port forwarding, Dynamic DNS, as well as USB hard drive sharing. Real world transmission speeds on the 802.11ac band are reported to be nearly 280 Mbps, which would serve the needs of most home users.
The much-needed media streaming facility, through a connected USB hard drive, is sorely missed in this device. There is no parental control facility or VPN connectivity.
Verdict
All in all, the router is ideal for home users, with an Apple ecosystem, who need an easy-to-install system, that serves robust data transmission speeds in the range of 280 Mbps.
NETGEAR AC1900 Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000) (Price: USD 199.99)
With a name straight out of a spy novel, the NETGEAR Nighthawk is a powerhouse performer. A simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) device, that delivers up to 431 Mbps (real world) speed on the 802.11ac mode, this is one of the most feature-rich products in the market. Powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 128 MB Flash, and 256 MB RAM, it is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port, besides 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
This router is especially well-suited for gamers, with its upstream and downstream QoS, that enables smooth video streaming. Those into LAN gaming, will be pleased with the lag-free gaming performance offered by the device. It is equipped with powerful detachable antennas, that can provide an extended range for users, who are looking for a wider coverage area. The full VPN facility makes it ideal for businesses, who need remote sharing.
The only disappointing factor is the lower throughput on the 2.4 GHz band, which is about 230 Mbps. But considering the switching option to 5 GHz 802.11ac band, this is not much of a drawback. Besides this, another feature of note is its capacity to act as a NAS (Network-attached storage) server. For Mac users, it offers the extra advantage of support for automatic backup, using Time Machine.
Verdict
This product is an excellent choice for gamers and those looking for a long-range device, that can deliver high throughput. In terms of versatility, it actually competes with the Asus product.
D-Link Wireless AC1750 Dual-band Gigabit Cloud Router (Price: USD 169.99)
A substantial improvement over the earlier version, this D-Link router is a dual-band device, upgraded with the 802.11ac networking standard. Its prime USP is its ease of installation and excellent throughput on the 2.4 GHz band, along with decent speeds on the 5 GHz band. Its QoS feature is programmed to prioritize data traffic for optimum throughput. The AC smartbeam technology offers targeted signal transmission to devices, substantially boosting speeds.
The USP of this device is its easy setup, enabled by a Quick Router Setup app, available on the iOS and Android platforms. It provides easy personal cloud storage access through the mydlink SharePort app, while the mydlink Lite app offers access to your home camera feed, via your iOS or Android smartphone. While the apps are a great innovation, they have been executed poorly.
While performing poorly compared to other routers, in terms of 802.11ac data transmission speed, on the 802.11n front, it has some of the best speeds (around 170 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and about 60 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band).
Verdict
This is not a stellar performer, but it will do the job and in the price range offered, it is an excellent choice. If you are looking for a no-frills device, this is the one to go for.
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU AC1750 Dual-band Wireless Router (Price: USD 119.99)
The budget choice of the whole lot, this TRENDnet product is ideal for the home user, who is looking for a simple wireless networking solution, that offers high-speed data transfer. A throughput of about 260 Mbps on 802.11ac, around 190 Mbps on 5 GHz wireless-N range, and 53 Mbps on 2.4 GHz wireless-N range, makes it an excellent performer at this price range. The DVD setup is easy and it comes pre-encrypted, besides offering a one touch connection to a network, with a WPS button.
Verdict
The most affordable option, it offers a taste of high speeds that 802.11ac is known for, while offering excellent throughput on the Wireless-N network. It is ideal for a small home network and offers real value for money, at that price tag.
When it comes to choosing the router, there is no need to stick to the Apple pedigree by default, though AirPort Extreme is a formidable piece of equipment. More or less, every one of these devices fits the bill, as far as choosing the best router for your home or wireless network is the purpose of your search. Perhaps, on the basis of your budget and your specific requirements, you can find one among these, that has features which will suit your needs. If I have to choose a favorite, it would be the Asus RT-AC68U, for its all-round performance.
Go for the latest 802.11ac standard routers, that promise data transmission speeds up to 1.3 Gbps.
The modern man has four basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and Wi-Fi. As we head towards the era of Internet of things and seamless integration across devices becomes an increasingly important necessity, Wi-Fi technology has become as indispensable, as a life-support system.
Wireless router technology has gone through its latest regeneration cycle, with the 802.11ac networking standard (a.k.a 5G Wi-Fi), that offers roughly 2.5 times faster data transmission speeds, compared to the earlier 802.11n standard.
Besides the enhancement in speed, the new standard allows for up to eight transmission antennas in routers, and operates entirely in the 5 Ghz frequency range, that is inherently less likely to have large-scale interference.
The beamforming technology, that provides directed signal transmission, is an added feature that enhances data transfer speed, by optimizing signal strength.
Ergo, with your brand new MacBook Pro or iMac in place, this is the right time to upgrade to a new router and create a ubiquitous wireless network, which lets you seamlessly share your data and connect with the Internet.
Top 5 Wireless Routers for a Mac
After an extensive analysis of the real world performance and specifications of a range of routers, that are on offer in the market, the ones that stood out, and which would especially suit Mac users, are the following. All of them are based on the new 802.11ac technology, that promises a theoretical maximum of 1.3 Gbps of data transfer speed, while actually delivering more than 300 Mb per second. This is a substantial improvement over the 50 - 150 Mbps speeds, provided by the earlier 802.11n standard.
All the reviewed devices are backward compatible with the earlier standard; however, to derive the full advantage of the new standard, you will need your Mac and other devices, to have wireless adapters that are based on the 802.11ac standard. The latest MacBook Pro and iMac, along with many high-end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S4, have 802.11ac chipsets and adapters.
Asus RT-AC68U Dual-band Wireless-AC1900 Gigabit Router (Avg. Price: USD 220)
If state-of-the-art and cutting edge is what you are looking for, this Asus product has it all. While offering up to 1.3 Gbps speeds on the 5 GHz band, through the 802.11ac standard, it offers a transmission speed up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4 Ghz band.
Inside, it's uniquely equipped with a Broadcom BCM4709 chipset, with a dual-core Arm Cortex A9 processor, that clocks at 800 MHz, with 256 MB RAM. Broadcom TurboQAM technology enhances the speed for 802.11n transmission by 33%, to offer a maximum of 600 Mbps. It's backward compatible with all earlier standards (802.11 a/b/g). Weighing a mere 640 gm, the device has 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as two USB ports, that can enable file and printer sharing.
It is equipped to be a media server, with support for multiple video and audio formats. The router can serve as a printer server, as well as a Samba and FTP server. In terms of encryption, the device offers WPA2 Enterprise level support, besides other options like WPA2-PSK.
A small feature that deserves mention is the option to turn off LED lights, when you need a room to be completely dark. The AiDisk feature allows easy sharing of data from a connected storage device, through an FTP server. AiCloud software allows the sharing of network data to remote users. While you can set up two main Wi-Fi networks for each band, you can set three additional networks per band, for guest users. In addition, it also offers built-in VPN connectivity, along with parental control features, for home users.
Real world speeds, offered by the router, on the 5 GHz band are close to 530 Mbps, while providing a maximum speed of around 200 Mbps, when switched to the wireless-N network. It is ideally suited for HD video streaming across networks, while its range of features, makes it a versatile device, that can be used for various purposes.
The only few minus points are its price, which is a bit on the expensive side and the fact that it is not wall-mountable.
Verdict
This is unarguably one of the most powerful routers at hand, that can effectively act as your complete wireless sharing management solution. Its extra features like built-in VPN and cloud sharing, make it an effective choice for small businesses, as well as power users, who would benefit from its personal cloud services. If high speed and versatility are the features you are looking for, this is the one for you.
Apple AirPort Extreme (Price: USD 199)
Sporting a sleek minimalistic design, this is the Cupertino-based company's very own wireless networking solution, ably equipped to deliver data across the Apple ecosystem, with an upgraded 802.11ac chipset. Among all the routers reviewed here, it has a natural advantage, due to the fact that it is specifically designed to work with iOS and Mac OS X devices. So Mac users will find this router to be the easiest to install. Designed to be compatible with Windows PCs as well, it can connect a maximum of 50 users.
In terms of specifications, not much has changed since its last version, except the threefold increase in transmission speeds, offered by the new networking standard. Your Mac has a native software program known as AirPort utility, that will help you easily set up this router. It offers file sharing, port forwarding, Dynamic DNS, as well as USB hard drive sharing. Real world transmission speeds on the 802.11ac band are reported to be nearly 280 Mbps, which would serve the needs of most home users.
The much-needed media streaming facility, through a connected USB hard drive, is sorely missed in this device. There is no parental control facility or VPN connectivity.
Verdict
All in all, the router is ideal for home users, with an Apple ecosystem, who need an easy-to-install system, that serves robust data transmission speeds in the range of 280 Mbps.
NETGEAR AC1900 Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000) (Price: USD 199.99)
With a name straight out of a spy novel, the NETGEAR Nighthawk is a powerhouse performer. A simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) device, that delivers up to 431 Mbps (real world) speed on the 802.11ac mode, this is one of the most feature-rich products in the market. Powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 128 MB Flash, and 256 MB RAM, it is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port, besides 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
This router is especially well-suited for gamers, with its upstream and downstream QoS, that enables smooth video streaming. Those into LAN gaming, will be pleased with the lag-free gaming performance offered by the device. It is equipped with powerful detachable antennas, that can provide an extended range for users, who are looking for a wider coverage area. The full VPN facility makes it ideal for businesses, who need remote sharing.
The only disappointing factor is the lower throughput on the 2.4 GHz band, which is about 230 Mbps. But considering the switching option to 5 GHz 802.11ac band, this is not much of a drawback. Besides this, another feature of note is its capacity to act as a NAS (Network-attached storage) server. For Mac users, it offers the extra advantage of support for automatic backup, using Time Machine.
Verdict
This product is an excellent choice for gamers and those looking for a long-range device, that can deliver high throughput. In terms of versatility, it actually competes with the Asus product.
D-Link Wireless AC1750 Dual-band Gigabit Cloud Router (Price: USD 169.99)
A substantial improvement over the earlier version, this D-Link router is a dual-band device, upgraded with the 802.11ac networking standard. Its prime USP is its ease of installation and excellent throughput on the 2.4 GHz band, along with decent speeds on the 5 GHz band. Its QoS feature is programmed to prioritize data traffic for optimum throughput. The AC smartbeam technology offers targeted signal transmission to devices, substantially boosting speeds.
The USP of this device is its easy setup, enabled by a Quick Router Setup app, available on the iOS and Android platforms. It provides easy personal cloud storage access through the mydlink SharePort app, while the mydlink Lite app offers access to your home camera feed, via your iOS or Android smartphone. While the apps are a great innovation, they have been executed poorly.
While performing poorly compared to other routers, in terms of 802.11ac data transmission speed, on the 802.11n front, it has some of the best speeds (around 170 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and about 60 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band).
Verdict
This is not a stellar performer, but it will do the job and in the price range offered, it is an excellent choice. If you are looking for a no-frills device, this is the one to go for.
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU AC1750 Dual-band Wireless Router (Price: USD 119.99)
The budget choice of the whole lot, this TRENDnet product is ideal for the home user, who is looking for a simple wireless networking solution, that offers high-speed data transfer. A throughput of about 260 Mbps on 802.11ac, around 190 Mbps on 5 GHz wireless-N range, and 53 Mbps on 2.4 GHz wireless-N range, makes it an excellent performer at this price range. The DVD setup is easy and it comes pre-encrypted, besides offering a one touch connection to a network, with a WPS button.
Verdict
The most affordable option, it offers a taste of high speeds that 802.11ac is known for, while offering excellent throughput on the Wireless-N network. It is ideal for a small home network and offers real value for money, at that price tag.
When it comes to choosing the router, there is no need to stick to the Apple pedigree by default, though AirPort Extreme is a formidable piece of equipment. More or less, every one of these devices fits the bill, as far as choosing the best router for your home or wireless network is the purpose of your search. Perhaps, on the basis of your budget and your specific requirements, you can find one among these, that has features which will suit your needs. If I have to choose a favorite, it would be the Asus RT-AC68U, for its all-round performance.
![Best wifi router for mac 2016 Best wifi router for mac 2016](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126610758/732642703.jpg)
Our colleague Haroon Q Raja recently elected not to include any of Apple's devices in his roundup of the top five best Wi-Fi routers for your connected home. His rationale was that there are 'faster, more feature-rich, customizable, powerful and cheaper options.' He's right about that. But he's also wrong to exclude them from consideration. Let me explain.
Raja made a good case to consider options like Netgear's Nighthawk R700 and R6250, TP-LINK's Archer C7 v2, and Edimax's BR-6478AC. All of them have strengths and weaknesses; some are very inexpensive (less than half what Apple's AirPort Extreme retails for), some have myriad configuration features so you can extensively tweak their performance and abilities. If that sounds good to you, then have at it. But understand what you're giving up.
Simplified setup and management
There's a lot more to recommend Apple's devices than simply 'brand loyalty,' as Raja dismisses. Apple makes its network devices as easy to use as the Mac and the iPhone. And that goes a long way to effectively targeting Apple's customer.
That's because, put frankly, most Wi-Fi router manufacturers absolutely suck at making their devices easy to set up and use. They require you to use web-based interfaces. They present you with page after page of configuration information, myriad checkboxes and radio buttons that are either not well-described or not described at all, clad in techno jargon.
Setting up a Wi-Fi router can be tremendously intimidating to the layperson. Hell, I worked in IT, and I find setting these things up intimidating.
Most people buying these devices aren't IT people. They're not computer hobbyists either. They're just regular consumers who know they need Wi-Fi in their home. https://scriptspowerful357.weebly.com/best-mac-eyeshadows-for-brown-skin.html. What's drawn them, by and large, to Apple equipment is because they know it's easy to use and comfortable for them.
The AirPort Utility, by comparison, makes it a dream to set up and run an Apple router. It's included in OS X in the Utilities folder; you can download a Windows version, and a free App Store version is available for iOS devices. The software's great at connecting your Apple router to the Internet and making sure it's properly configured for whatever you need to do.
Apple's network device choices
The AirPort Extreme was introduced last year, when Apple's Haswell-based MacBook Air made its debut — the first Mac to support 802.11ac, the faster Wi-Fi implementation that's now standard across the board in every Mac that Apple's released since then.
It comes with three Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back, along with a USB 2 port to attach a printer or an external hard drive that can be shared on the network. Display driver windows 7 download. A fourth Gigabit Ethernet WAN port is used to connect to your Internet device - a cable or DSL modem or router, for example.
But what really makes the AirPort Extreme special is the software that Apple includes on the Mac and makes available for free download for the PC. AirPort Utility, found in the Utilities folder of your Mac, can help you set up and manage an AirPort Extreme within a couple minutes of opening the box.
Apple's Time Capsule is much the same story — it's the exact same device as the AirPort Extreme, though it's equipped with an internal 2 TB or 3 TB hard disk drive that's visible to the Time Machine software built into OS X. That makes it a cinch to use as a network-based backup system for the Mac. You set it once and forget about it, and every time your Mac is connected to the network it'll back up, so you'll always have a way to recover in the event of a catastrophic failure.
I'll readily admit that the AirPort Express is becoming a hard sell. It's a tiny box with unremarkable network performance — relegated to 802.11n — and it's pricey for a device in its category. But two things make it worth considering: Software and AirPlay. It's every bit as easy to configure because it works with the same utilities that support Apple's other routers, and it doubles as an AirPlay audio router.
In other words, if you hook the AirPort Express up to your stereo or to speakers using the mini jack that's built into it, it will appear in iTunes as an AirPlay device, so you can stream audio to it.
Other considerations
Best Wifi Routers For Mac And Windows
Here's another reason to consider an Apple-branded router: AppleCare coverage. If you've purchased, or plan to purchase, Apple's AppleCare service coverage to protect your Mac, AppleCare also covers an AirPort device. Here's the relevant details from Apple's North American coverage terms:
(i) Under APP for Mac, (a) one compatible Apple branded display if purchased at the same time as the Covered Equipment, (b) an Apple-branded mouse, Magic Trackpad, Apple Battery Charger and keyboard if included with the Covered Equipment (or purchased with a Mac mini), or (c) an AirPort Extreme Card, an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station, Time Capsule, an Apple-branded DVI to ADC display adapter, Apple RAM modules and MacBook Air SuperDrive if used with the Covered Equipment and originally purchased by you no earlier than two years before the Covered Equipment purchase.
In other words, you don't need to buy a separate AppleCare coverage plan for your AirPort Extreme, Time Capsule or AirPort Express. It's automatically covered within two years of the AppleCare-covered device's purchase.
What this means is that if you have an AppleCare-covered device and something goes wrong with your Apple router, you can call Apple and expect to get help and expect to get it repaired or replaced at no cost to you. That's certainly better than the standard factory warranties of many other routers from other manufacturers.
Also, good luck getting competent Mac or iOS-centric support from most of third-party router makers. Virtual dj pro full crack mac. What is the best spreadsheet for mac.
The bottom line
Best Wifi Router For Mac Osx
I've laid out some practical considerations for considering an Apple router for your next Wi-Fi networking purchase, but obviously one size does not fit all, and Haroon Raja makes some great suggestions for people who are more technically inclined and less intimidated by technology. Please read his piece and decide for yourself what your next 802.11ac Wi-Fi router should be. And if this nomenclature confuses you, I also recommend Raja's illuminating How to choose the best router for your connected home to brush up on the latest Wi-Fi technology. Best high speed photo scanners.
But getting the best 'bang for your buck' is about more than which router is the fastest or can be configured the most extensively. It also involves how happy you'll be after the sale, and how seamless is the experience of setting up and using the device.
Best Whole House Wireless Router
Canoscan lide 700f download mac. People don't just buy Apple routers because they're sycophants and acolytes that will buy anything with an Apple logo on them. I'm sure there are a few people out there like that, but many others do it because they've had positive experiences with Apple equipment and expect the same from Apple's routers — and the devices deliver. They're trying to reduce stress, eliminate grief to get connected, and make sure they'll get after-sales support and service without dealing with huge headaches.
Best Router For Apple Products
Have you purchased an AirPort Extreme or another Apple router? Are you happy with it? Best wireless controller for mac. Or are you considering one? Let me know if you have any questions or comments.