Apple airport extreme vs. Netgear nighthawk- Find out why these routers are rated differently
Modern offices, schools, and homes rely on the internet a lot. If you need a great router that will not let you down, this apple airport extreme vs. Netgear comparison review is for you.
We had been using a router that was quite annoying. Every time the network traffic got heavy, you had to keep on resetting it constantly. Since the router was not reliable, we had to get a better one. From our online search, we discovered that this was a common problem with some routers. We, therefore, had to compare different models to find one that had no such issues. This is what we discovered from analyzing Apple airport extreme vs. Netgear Nighthawk.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Apple airport extreme and Netgear nighthawk?
Name |
Apple airport extreme |
Netgear nighthawk (Winner) |
Antennas |
6 |
3 |
Speed |
Download speed-125 Mbps
Upload speed-35 Mbps |
Download speed-150 Mbps
Upload speed-50 Mbps |
USB ports |
1 |
2 |
Call to action |
Apple airport extreme vs. Netgear nighthawk- How do they compare?
Design
When it comes to design, Apple airport extreme is quite different from most conventional models. This looks like a rectangular tube that stands vertically on a surface. It is not meant to be mounted on a wall. It contains six internal antennas. Netgear Nighthawk, on the other hand, is a big router that has sharp edges. It is fitted with at least three external antennas.
Apple airport extreme is the clear winner in terms of the design. It has a smooth white finish that makes it stand out.
Ports
The number of ports in a wireless router can determine how many devices you can connect to it. Netgear Nighthawk offers at least 4 LAN ports and 2 USB ports. This is different from Apple airport extreme since the router comes with 1 USB port and 3 LAN ports.
Netgear Nighthawk, therefore, has a better port interface due to the inclusion of additional ports.
Performance
Netgear Nighthawk can deliver maximum speeds of 1900 Mbps on both channels. Apple airport extreme, on the other hand, has maximum speed rates of 1750 Mbps. From real-life tests conducted, Apple airport extreme records speeds of 578 Mbps at a short-range. When we tested Netgear Nighthawk, it recorded speeds of 650 Mbps from a relatively short distance.
Netgear Nighthawk, therefore, performs better since it delivers faster speeds.
Apple airport extreme vs. Netgear nighthawk- A comparison overview
Apple airport extreme
No products found.
Get a good looking router that delivers high wifi speeds. The manufacturer of this router not only focuses on the looks but also ensures that customers are not disappointed by its performance. That is why this router is equipped with at least six antennas that make use of beamforming technology. Though this is not the cheapest routers available in the market, most users reveal that it offers value for their cash.
Apple airport extreme offers simultaneous dual-band networks to help you enjoy streaming movies from Netflix without experiencing any lag. We, however, found the set of connectors a bit limiting compared to Netgear Nighthawk. This comes with three Ethernet LAN ports, 1 USB port, and a WAN port. You can use the USB port to connect a hard drive or printer. Utilize the WAN port to connect a cable modem.
The manufacturer designs it with ease of installation in mind. Instead of using the web-based interface, this router has a dedicated software app that you can use to manage your network. The app works on different devices. It can detect the router automatically. The screen then loads up quickly for you to configure the settings accordingly.
Apple airport extreme contains two channels, namely the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and utilizes the 802.11 ac wireless technology. When it comes to online protection, this router uses WPA2 and WPA encryption. Though it supports DNS services, it lacks certain crucial features such as VPN support and Quality of Service. This router also comes in a striking design that is hard to overlook. It has a white glossy plastic casing that makes it look classy. In case of any network problems, the included LEDs can quickly notify you.
Pros
- Offers online protection
- Elegant design
- It delivers fast speeds.
Cons
- It is pricey
- The router lacks some advanced features.
Netgear nighthawk
- Fast wifi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage with AC1900 speed (Dual band up to...
- Recommended for up to 30 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
The manufacturers of this router ensure that you can start using it straight out of the box. They simplify the set up so that you spend more time online than trying to configure the router. It features a 1 GHz dual-core processor, flash memory of 128 MB and RAM of 256 MB. Since this router supports open-source firmware, you can easily upgrade it based on your specific needs.
Unlike Apple airport extreme, Netgear Nighthawk contains at least two USB ports for you to connect storage solutions or printers. It also comes with 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports. When you want to make specific changes to your network, you can do it from the Genie app that is available on iOS or Android devices. It also comes with three antennas that make use of beamforming technology.
The amplified antennas can boost the wifi signal and give a small or medium-sized home enough coverage. Your package includes not only some reading materials for smooth installation but also a power adapter. Though the router is big, we liked the stunning edgy design. The LEDs are located on the top part of Netgear Nighthawk so that you can conveniently check if everything is working accordingly. In normal conditions, the lights should glow white. When something needs your attention, the LEDs glow orange.
If you have young ones that spend a lot of time online, you can prevent them from accessing gambling or adult related sites through the parental controls included in this model. The Genie app also gives you access to other features such as the traffic meter and network map. This map can show you the number of devices currently connected to your network. You will also like the guest networking feature included here.
Pros
- Supports VPN
- Has 2 USB ports
- Delivers a great performance
- Excellent parental controls
Cons
- It is bulky
Conclusion
As you look for a wireless router, you should not only rely on the specifications included on the package since most of them are theoretical. Reading reviews from different customers is what can help you find out how good a router performs. The above comparison guide shares insights regarding what to expect from both Apple Airport Extreme and Netgear Nighthawk
Verdict: So, which is better? Apple airport extreme or Netgear nighthawk
It took us a few days to compare and test both of these routers. Though Apple airport extreme tries to outdo Netgear Nighthawk, it still has a long way to go. This is because it lacks some of the crucial features you expect from a good router, such as QoS and VPN support. We were impressed by the capabilities of Netgear Nighthawk. It not only offers fast speeds but also contains a lot of useful features such as parental controls, security protocols, additional ports, and dynamic QoS. This made us conclude that Netgear Nighthawk is a better router than apple airport extreme.
FAQs
Does Apple airport extreme have problems with overheating?
No. Even when subjected to heavy use, the router does not overheat.
Can I use Netgear Nighthawk with Alexa?
Yes. These two are compatible.
