This article will provide a list of the best router for Mac & Apple devices. You should read this article if you own an Apple device/Mac or are considering buying one.
In order to have the best internet speed, you must have the best router, so you should consider the following factors when purchasing a new router for your Mac.
To begin, let’s look at how you can choose the right Mac router
How To Choose The best router for mac
Here few things that you consider before selecting the best router for mac.
Speed of your Internet
How fast your best router for Mac can deliver depends on your internet speed package. When your internet package is only 200 Mbps, there is no need for a router that can reach up to 7 Gbps.
Must check: Best Router For 400 Mbps
If you would like a Macintosh router with higher speeds by default, then that is great, but you will only get the speeds you pay for, not what the router can offer.
Home Size
Depending on whether you have a one-, two-, or even three-story home, you will need different types of routers. You should also consider how many rooms you have.
Must check: Best Router For 2 Story House
If you live in a large house, a mesh network might be better than a single device, but if you live in a small apartment, it is not necessary to have such a spread-out network.
The number of devices connected
One device browsing the internet at the same time is different from five devices streaming simultaneously. You need a router that can cope with your network’s requirements.
Almost every router can connect a certain number of devices at once, so make sure your router can handle the number of devices you need to connect. Since a heavy streaming network has different needs, it is also important what you are doing online.
Features of a WiFi router
A router comes equipped with a wide range of features, including MU-MIMO technology for dual-streaming, QoS to prioritize devices, Gigabit ports, USB 3.0 ports, and even security features.
Depending on the type of network, you will require different features from your router. By considering what you expect from your router, you can ensure that it comes with the features you need.
7 Best Routers For Mac
Here is our list of the best router for mac:
1- Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 WiFi Router – Best Router For Mac
Design
It looks more like a drone than it does like a router when you look at the design of the RAX40. Nevertheless, its innovative design comes with a purpose: It’s a router that performs well. A series of vents run along the top center of the router. As a result, the router won’t overheat because the warm air can be directed upward.
Two antennas are included with the RAX40. The RAX40 comes with only two antennas, which is impressive considering how much power it can deliver. There are four 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports on the router, as well as a 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet port, something that is nearly unheard of with other routers. You are guaranteed the highest speeds possible with this kind of port.
Performance
The fact that the RAX40 can reach speeds of up to 3 Gbps proves it to be a perfect router for Mac users. You can expect to get the fastest and best speed possible regardless of what package you have with your internet provider. The router is based on the Wi-Fi 6 standard, so these speeds are possible. Wi-Fi 6 is the most current wireless technology available.
In addition, the RAX40 can provide coverage to an area up to 1500 square feet. Despite not being the largest range available, it should cover most networks without any issues. In case this is a concern for you, place the router in a central location so that it will be able to transmit as widely as possible.
Additionally, the RAX40 features Smart Connect technology. Using this method, you will be able to easily connect your home Wi-Fi devices with a high degree of reliability.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]WiFi 6 is the latest standardCoverage of up to 1500 square feet
Three gigabit per second speeds
Connecting smartly
Exceptional security features
[/i2pros][i2cons]It is an enormous router
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2- Netgear Nighthawk R7000 WiFi Router
Design
This black router rests horizontally on a countertop and comes in black color. There are three antennae on this router to boost the signal strength. Also included are two USB ports, one USB 3.0 in front and one USB 2.o on the back. Additionally, there are four Gigabit Ethernet ports that will offer speeds up to 1 Gbps to connected devices.
The OpenVPN Connect app lets you remotely monitor network activity. The Amazon Alexa Voice Control feature is also available on the Nighthawk R7000 WiFi router.
Performance
The 1 GHz dual-core processor in the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 WiFi router provides a powerful performance. The router can support up to 30 simultaneous connections. Furthermore, beamforming + technology will improve multi-user performance for a better user experience.
Must check: Best Wireless Router For Apartment
It also features Dynamic QoS, which allows you to choose the device with the highest priority. There is more than enough coverage on this router for a typical house as it covers 1800 square feet.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Setup is easyMulti-user performance enhanced by beamforming + technology
At the same time, 30 devices are connected
Tracks and manages activity using the OpenVPN Connect App
Automatic backup with ReadySHARE
[/i2pros][i2cons]NETGEAR Armour Protection is a paid feature after 30 days.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3- TP-Link Archer A7 Router – Best Wireless Router for Mac
Design
Three high-performance antennas help enhance your signal with the Archer A7’s horizontal design. The power lights make it easy to monitor what is happening with your router since they are right on the front.
There are 4 Gigabit ports on the Archer A7 router, so the devices can be plugged directly into the router rather than wirelessly. Devices that cannot suffer a break in the connection should be linked directly to the router since they cannot suffer a break for any reason.
Performance
Based on the device’s performance, the device can cover up to 2,500 square feet, which is quite good for such a budget-friendly device. It provides 3x faster Wi-Fi than traditional routers, with a speed of up to 1750 Mbps.
Dual-band router, the Archer A7. You can download at 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1,300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, but both bands work together for decent download speeds.
The QoS technology built into the Archer A7 router improves performance as well. The QoS prioritizes bandwidth, ensuring that all your devices have enough bandwidth. The device also supports 4K HD streaming, ideal for any type of online streaming.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Printing and other USB devices can be accessed wirelesslyStream in 4K HD
There are 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Technology for Quality of Service
Easy to set up
[/i2pros][i2cons]Occasionally needs to be restarted
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4- Linksys Tri-Band EA9500 WiFi Router
Design
The Linksys Tri-Band EA9500 is not the most compact wireless WiFi router you have ever seen, but that is because it has many more features than most others. It has eight antennas in total. Furthermore, the laptop also has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as two USB ports (1xUSB 2.0 and 1xUSB 3.0).
Performance
You’ll be able to use this router with Tri-Bands, i.e. 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5.3 GHz frequencies. With all three frequencies combined, you’ll receive internet speeds of 5.3 Gbps. This router enables you to connect up to 25 devices to it at once without any problems. To make the Multi-user experience even better, this router uses MU-MIMO technology to prevent lag, interruptions, and stuttering during streaming and gaming in 4K UltraHD. Linksys’s Tri-Band EA9500 provides coverage of 3000 Square Feet, which is quite impressive.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A maximum speed of 5.3 gigabits per secondUp to 3,000 square feet of coverage
Gaming and streaming in 4K
Ethernet port with eight gigabits
At the same time, 25+ devices are connected
[/i2pros][i2cons]Some users may find it bulky and larger than a normal router.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5- Gryphon AC3000 Mesh WiFi Router – Best Mesh Router For Mac
Design
In the first place, the Gryphon router has an extremely unique design, as mentioned previously. Its tall, white design makes it easier to blend with your home than the traditional black, horizontal router.
There are six high-powered internal antennas built into the device, so it should be able to cover your entire network. Despite having parental controls, the Gryphon router is not as customizable as some people would like. You can even filter the time allowed to watch the screen, as well as the times of day you’ll be able to get onto it with the smartphone app.
The program does not allow you to block specific access, however, if you wanted to prevent access to certain types of content from a logged-in device.
Performance
Gryphon has a throughput capability of up to 3Gbps when utilizing its simultaneous tri-band radios. Additionally, it has 4×4 MU-MIMO and antenna beamforming, which improves overall coverage. Consequently, multiple devices can stream simultaneously.
Due to the fact that this router provides coverage, we cannot ignore it. In addition to its 3,000 square foot coverage, the Gryphon also functions as a mesh system. The number of points you have now should be more than adequate for most networks, but you can add more if necessary. Gryphons will expand your coverage if you have more of them.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Covers an area of 3,000 square feet.Mesh system that expands
Multi-user MIMO technology
Three gigabits per second
Triple-band
[/i2pros][i2cons]Parental controls cannot be customized
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6- TP-Link Archer A9 Smart WiFi Router
Design
There is nothing fancy about the Archer A9 WiFi router, which sits horizontally on a countertop in black color. The device is equipped with three antennas, which will be more than enough to provide decent signal strength and coverage. Gigabit Ethernet ports are available on one WAN port and four LAN ports. A router such as this will come with built-in security features such as Firewall and Parental Control.
Performance
With two simultaneous data streams, the TP-Link Archer A9 will increase performance by enhancing communication between the router and connected devices. This router also supports dual-band frequencies (2.5 GHz and 5 GHz). With the dual-band, you’ll get combined internet speeds of 1800 Mbps, which will be more than enough to stream HD video and play games online.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Wireless Internet access for guestsStreaming of two data streams concurrently
A 4-port Gigabit LAN
Control by parents
Faster than 1800 Mbps (combined)
[/i2pros][i2cons]NETGEAR Armour Protection is not available
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7- Motorola MG7550 Modem Router
Design
Your modem can stay as cool as possible with the MG7550’s upright tower design. You can also conceal it easier with the upright tower design. It is best to choose tower devices because they offer a longer lifespan than horizontal designs.
With four Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can connect any device that cannot risk being kicked off WiFi to this modem/router combo.
Must check: Best Gaming Router
The modem can also be used to connect other devices to the network so they can be accessed. Even though the signal from the MG7550 is stable, interruptions will interfere with anything you might be streaming.
Performance
The Motorola MG7550 has the Motorola Power Boost feature, which will increase the network’s overall coverage, and it can reach speeds of 650 Mbps, so you should have enough power to maintain your signal all through your network.
In our experience, the modem/router comb has one downside: the setup can be a bit overwhelming.
In addition to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the MG7550 is a dual-band router. Due to the fact that the 5 GHz band is not as commonly used as the 2.4 GHz band, you are more likely to experience interference-free streaming on the 5 GHz. Today, most routers have dual-band capabilities.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Ethernet ports (1 Gigabit each)PowerBoost for Motorola
Design of a tower
650 Mbps download speed
Wireless dual-band router
[/i2pros][i2cons]Setting up is difficult
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
What caused Apple to stop making AirPort routers?
Mac users don’t replace their computers too often, so if you are a Mac user, you may still be able to use an AirPort router. AirPort routers were discontinued in 2018. A way for Apple to provide wireless access to Macs, AirPort Routers were introduced in 1999. At the time, Wi-Fi was still a new technology, but as technology progressed, the AirPort Routers evolved as well.
Then, around 2016, Apple announced they could no longer keep up with the advancements in wireless technology. Apple pulled out of making AirPorts in order to focus on other initiatives that are more likely to yield profits rather than continuing the uphill battle of Wi-Fi technology.
It’s not often that you see routers, and since Apple keeps its logo out in the open, they are not really on-brand.
Setting Up The Best Router For Mac
- If you have a modem setup, disable it, so you won’t have any connectivity.
- An Ethernet cable should be used to connect the wireless router to the modem.
- Let the modem initialize after plugging it back in. Make sure your computer is also on.
- You can set up the modem on the computer by plugging it in.
- The router address could be found by opening a browser and typing it in.
- You will need a password and the name of your network. Follow the instructions.
- Ensure your Mac is connected to the wireless router by right-clicking on the network icon.
Buyer’s Guide for Best Router For Mac
Your home’s size
When shopping for a new router, consider your home’s size as well as the size of your rooms.
When you live in a small space, such as an apartment, you will probably be able to get away with a router that doesn’t have as great a range. It is particularly important if you live in a large house, as some parts of the house may not receive a Wi-Fi signal based on your router’s coverage. When you have a large home, mesh Wi-Fi may be the solution you need.
Speeds of your Internet
You should remember that you will be greatly limited by the Internet package you signed up to with your ISP before purchasing a router that offers speeds of up to 6 Gbps. If you have a 150 Mbps plan, for instance, this is the maximum speed you will get regardless of the router you use.
It may well prove to be a waste of money to buy a router purely because it offers the fastest speeds compared to the others. Although it is a crucial factor to consider, it must be considered alongside the rest of this buyer’s guide.
Your number of devices
When multiple devices wish to connect to the router in order to access the Internet, the router must be able to handle the traffic. Nowadays, having a router that only allows one or two devices to connect is no longer acceptable.
The router cannot become a bottleneck because there are so many devices in almost every home, and it must be able to meet the needs of your home network. Be sure that the router you plan to purchase is capable of supporting the number of devices you expect to connect simultaneously. Having a bit of a buffer is a good idea.
In addition to this, keep in mind what each device will be doing when connected; streaming high-quality video online is going to take more resources from the router than browsing the web in its simplest form.
Security
It’s easy for nearby troublemakers to install viruses on your network, monitor your online activities, and generally bother you if you don’t have the proper security measures implemented.
When purchasing a router, make sure it supports at least WPA2; the second version of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol. To take advantage of this security measure, every device you plan to connect to the router must also support WPA2. The security of your entire network depends on the device that is the least secure on your network.
There’s nothing wrong with the previous generation of WPA, but it’s not ideal, and it’s not a good idea to rely on WEP security as this can be easily cracked by tools that are free and easily accessible online.
Routers often come with extra security features, such as an extra layer of encryption, the capability to monitor devices, and the ability to block certain devices or people from accessing the network entirely. The security of your home network should be a priority if you are getting a router with these features.
Router Type
You will typically find two types of routers when picking one. Traditional routers consist of a single unit, while mesh routers represent the new form of technology. It is still extremely common to use single-unit routers, which I personally use in my own home network.
Connecting one of these to the modem creates a local area network and allows all the devices connected to the router access to the internet. There are a lot of people, including myself, who have both the router and modem built into one unit, at which point it is simply a matter of connecting it to the internet connection in your home. This is DSL, which utilizes an existing telephone line in my case.
In fact, thanks to the fact that they contain several built-in ethernet ports and emit a wireless signal, these single-unit devices also work as a switch and a wireless point.
Although many people find these single-unit routers to be quite suitable for their needs, there will still be those who find that they don’t have enough range in terms of wireless coverage, based on the size of the home and if there are any obstructions in the way of the wireless signal.
It is for this reason that mesh routers are becoming increasingly popular; they are composed of several individual components that are evenly distributed throughout the home for wider coverage. Upon connecting to the modem, the primary unit will establish a wireless mesh network that will distribute the wireless signal throughout the entire house.
You may want to consider the use of a mesh-based router if you have a large house, but many people pick a single-unit router and then use something like a wireless access point to extend the range of a wireless signal.
Wi-Fi Standards
By the time this article is published, we will be almost a quarter of the way through 2021, which means that we will be moving from the Wi-Fi 5 standard to the new, more powerful Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 routers are becoming increasingly available. In addition to being faster, they are also better able to support multiple devices connected simultaneously.
You will still be able to use Wi-Fi 6 on devices that only support Wi-Fi 5, but you won’t be able to take full advantage of all that Wi-Fi 6 has to offer. As an alternative, you can still purchase Wi-Fi 5 routers if you would prefer and are looking to save some money, but I would strongly suggest investing in a Wi-Fi 6 router to at least future-proof your network.
Additionally, you’ll undoubtedly be able to make use of Wi-Fi 6 in the future if you upgrade some of your other techs.
The bandwidth of each frequency
There are a few wireless routers available today that are tri-band, though most are dual-band. A router’s capability to operate on multiple frequency bands is definitely something you should keep in mind when comparing routers.
In order to help balance the load, manufacturers decided to offer both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands on dual-band routers. There are routers that will only allow you to use one frequency band or the other, but most will let you use both at once.
The tri-band router broadcasts three different wireless signals at once, which gives the appearance that it is supporting three different wireless networks simultaneously. Despite what you might think, tri-band routers actually do not broadcast a third frequency band. The device broadcasts two 5 GHz signals, one at 2.4 GHz and the other at 5 GHz.
Tri-band routers work in a similar way to dual-band routers and broadcast different signals in order to cut congestion and provide a higher speed that can be shared among all devices connected to the router.
Appearance
In the first instance, you may wonder why the appearance of a router is important, and why it is included in a buyer’s guide, but consider this: there are many routers out there with similar features and performance, so you may choose a particular router based on its appearance.
Ideally, you should position the router somewhere central and prominent, so that it is undoubtedly visible and provides the best wireless connection.
As you are likely to see your router quite frequently, you may be willing to pay a bit more for one that looks nice.
Other Features of a Router
Some routers come with extra security features in addition to a wide variety of other useful features.
There are USB 3.0 ports that can be used with an external hard drive to create a NAS, quality of service settings that can prioritize network traffic for particular devices, and gigabit ports that can provide the best performance for particular devices.
Other than connecting you to the Internet, what you expect from your router will vary from person to person and network to network. Make sure that you thoroughly review the product description and feature list of each router you are considering before making a purchase to ensure that it will meet your needs and offer the features you desire.
Final Words
Netgear’s Nighthawk RAX40 router is the best choice for Macs. A reliable Netgear RAX40 with adequate performance and range is available. The Linksys router will get the job done, even if the customer service isn’t the best. You can identify the best router for Apple devices on your network by figuring out what you need from a router.
