Routers to Replace The AirPort Extreme & Time Capsule

[UPDATED November 2021]

There’s a lot of things to consider when choosing the best router for your Mac and other iOS devices. For one, you have to ensure that the router you’re getting is of good quality and is capable of supporting all your activities and devices. The best choice before was Apple’s AirPort Extreme but the company discontinued these in 2018. Hence, if your AirPort is becoming old and slow, it’s high time to look for other options, even if it holds a special place in your heart – as it does in ours.

You need to consider four main factors in choosing the router to replace your AirPort: your internet package speed, the size of your home, the expected number of connected devices, and the desired router features. Here are some of the best options you have that are currently available in the market.

Linksys Max-Stream EA7500 Wireless Router (now $149.99 from $219.99)

If you’re looking for the best of the best without having to consider the budget, you should check out the Linksys Max-Stream EA7500 Wireless Router. Not only is this router reliable, but it also provides great performance and amazing coverage. This router is capable of supporting over 25 devices all connected simultaneously. Isn’t that just incredible?

In addition, the EA7500 also features the famous MU-MIMO technology. This means that it allows more than one user to stream on several devices at the same time. It can also cover up to 1,500 square feet, so it’s great for those with bigger spaces. Serving as a dual-band router, the EA7500 offers a 2.4GHz as well as a 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band can run at a speed of up to 600Mbps while the 5GHz band can run up to 1300Mbps.

NETGEAR WiFi Router R6230 (now $49.99 from $74.99)

On the other hand, if you’re a little bit tight on the budget, you might consider the NETGEAR WiFi Router R6230. This is a router that provides good performance while still being easy on the pocket. It comes with an 880MHz processor, 2 amplified antennas, and advanced QoS. Despite it being more affordable compared to other routers, the R6230 does not compromise on quality and performance. It provides AC1200 speed with a wireless coverage of 1200 square feet. Connect up to 20 devices and you can still stream videos and play games all at the same time.

Gryphon Smart Mesh Wireless Router (now $199 from 219)

If high performance is what you’re after, then there’s probably no better option than the Gryphon Smart Mesh Wireless Router. For one, it features simultaneous tri-band radios. Yes, you read that right. This router comes with 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands. Overall, this router can provide 3Gbps.

Plus, it also comes with antenna Beamforming as well as 4×4 MU-MIMO technology. Thanks to this, the Gryphon Smart Mesh Wireless Router can accommodate streaming on more than a single device at the same time. Its features stop the streaming from lagging or slowing down. This router can also cover up to 3,000 square feet, which you can also increase by adding extra points since it functions similar to a mesh system. And we have to say, we love how it looks.

Gryphon AX ($279)

Another winner from Gryphon is the Gryphon AX, designed ideally for smart homes where several devices will be connected. Some of its features include 40% Faster WiFi Connectivity and Intrusion & Malware Smart Home Protection. This device offers 4.3Gbps so it can support several devices and has a coverage of up to 3,000 square feet. This is a Gryphon Parent Control router as well and connects the Gryphon app so it’s easier to manage from the tip of your hands.

The app itself is easy to set up and you’ll be able to see everything that’s on your network. To make sure that your system is well-protected, this device features Intelligent Intrusion Detection, Daily Security Updates, Device Vulnerability Scanning, and Malware Filtering. It’s like a cyber-armor that protects the whole family at home.

NETGEAR Nighthawk XR500 Router (now $198.99 from $249.99)

Now, if you’re a gamer and you’re using an Apple device, possibly the best router for you is the Netgear Nighthawk XR500 Router. Who else knows gaming requirements but gamers themselves? Hence, you’d be glad to know that this router was actually designed by gamers for gamers. With this in mind, the XR500 probably has all the features you’d need or want in a router for gaming purposes.

For one, this router provides excellent performance and ensures that you get the lowest ping possible while playing through optimization. It also utilizes geo-filtering to ensure that users are connected to the closest services and players available. In addition, it can also deliver a speed of up to 2.6Gbps. It also features QoS that allows users to bypass network congestion as well as decrease any potential for lag spikes. This allows users to play uninterrupted games and isn’t that what a gamer truly wants?

Google WiFi Mesh System Router (now $174.16 from $269)

On the other hand, if extended coverage is what you’re on the lookout for, you can check out the Google WiFi Mesh System Router. It features an excellent extended system for any Mac setup. This router is possibly the best mesh system out there right now. It features a network assist technology that provides users with a strong signal at any point. You can also extend this by adding more points. Considering the proper configuration of all points, this router can actually cover up to 4,500 square feet.

Whichever router you choose to replace your AirPort, just make sure that it can meet your specific needs. A router of this caliber may cost you a bit, so ensuring that it has the features that you need is important. These options are some of the best out there today, so you won’t be disappointed with their performances.

TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (now $109.99 from 149.99)

On the more affordable side is the TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System. Even if it’s relatively cheaper, it certainly doesn’t compromise on quality. This system comes with three units that work seamlessly to build a WiFi mesh network. Together, they can cover an area of up to 5,500 square feet with no dead zone. Instead of using WiFi range extenders, we believe that using a mesh WiFi system like this is better for the Wifi to be seamless and stable. Even if there are three units, you only need one network name and password and you’ll stay connected throughout the entire house. You pay less and you still get the amazingly fast AC1200 speeds!

ORBOCOM Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (now $139.99 from 149.99)

Some mesh WiFi systems require customers to download apps to manage everything. While it’s not applicable for all systems, some of these apps tend to be clunky and difficult to use. If you prefer a mesh WiFi system that you can manage through a web interface, you can try out the ORBOCOM Whole Home Mesh WiFi System. You won’t have to provide your data to the manufacturer through the app, which makes the management of the system more secure and private. This system is dual-band and provides great gigabit fiber service and incredibly fast internet. You can even prioritize devices and set up a guest network if desired. A single unit can cover up to 2,000 square feet and if you want more, you can just add more units. How easy is that?