If you've been trying to stream shows or play games on that beautiful MacBook screen or iPhone and been hit with the dreaded buffer bar, you need the best Wi-Fi routers for Apple devices.
While some work on an intelligent mesh system to get better coverage around the home, others can be purchased for super cheap. A good router is not only capable of high speeds but also consistent enough to ensure you don't go without internet as you're studying, streaming, and more. Some of them even come with a clever app or HomeKit support to allow you to control and monitor them from your Apple devices.
If you want to upgrade your infrastructure and want something as smart as your iPhone, here are the best Wi-Fi routers for Apple devices.
No more weak wi-fi signals with these routers
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Quick list
Best overall
The eero 6 delivers frustration-free Wi-Fi for homes up to 5,000 square feet with a user-friendly app that gets the system running in minutes. Dual-band radios inside each eero 6 node allow the system to cover your entire home, and Wi-Fi 6 offers speeds up to 550Mbps. The eero 6 also supports Apple's HomeKit router feature, which puts you in control of your smart home accessories.
Best budget
TP-Link's single-unit Archer AX50 ditches mesh networking in favor of a more affordable price that makes it perfect for smaller homes. Don't let the low cost and smaller size fool you, though, as this router can deliver speeds up to 3GB and supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. This router also includes several ethernet ports, which mesh systems often lack. If you're deciding between this router and our top pick, eero 6, be sure to check out how they stack up.
Best coverage
The Linksys MX12600 handles the largest homes with a coverage area of 8,100 square feet. The powerful, tri-band Wi-Fi 6 radios in the MX12600 support for 120 devices simultaneously and at speeds of up to 1GB. Thanks to the incredible range, the four ethernet ports on each node make this system a great addition to game rooms, offices, and even guest houses.
Best speeds
The NETGEAR Orbi 960 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System takes things to the extreme by offering incredible speeds with Wi-Fi 6E protocol. It isn't all about the speed, though, as this tri-band mesh system supports up to 100 devices, and each node provides up to 2,500 square feet of coverage. And if you somehow need more coverage, you can always add additional nodes.
Best support
While it lacks HomeKit, the Nest Wi-Fi Router is an excellent choice for those wanting to build the smart home of their dreams by supporting 200 devices per access point. Each Nest node covers 2,200 square feet and delivers speeds up to 1.2 GB — and it's the only router available in multiple colors.
If you like Google's own smart home systems, this is a particularly good choice.
Best for 6E
eero's Pro 6E system goes beyond the base eero by offering expanded coverage, more ethernet ports, and even faster speeds with Wi-Fi 6E. An additional 6 GHz band inside the Pro 6E nodes allows it to reach up to 1.3 Gbps speeds wirelessly and covers up to 6,000 square feet with less network congestion. Despite more power, the eero Pro 6E is still easy to manage with the eero app.
Give your home an instant upgrade with the best Wi-Fi routers for Apple devices
Even though Apple pulled the plug on the AirPort router line a few years ago, you can still get an Apple-like experience for the best iPhone or best Mac from various router vendors. Whether it is a whole-home mesh networking system or a tried-and-true single unit, the best Wi-Fi routers for Apple devices make it incredibly easy to manage your household phones, tablets, computers, and more from the convenience of an app.
If you're looking for Wi-Fi that just works, look no further than the eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System. This three-node Wi-Fi 6 mesh router blankets your home in fast, reliable Wi-Fi that takes just a few taps to set up. For Apple users, the eero 6 also supports Apple's HomeKit Secure Router features, so you can rest assured knowing your home's network is safe and secure.
On a budget but still want great Wi-Fi? The TP-Link Archer AX50 may be the router for you. Despite sporting a more traditional design, the AX50 packs plenty of power with four antennas that offer speeds up to three gigabits and coverage for 2,000 square feet. Plus, it supports Wi-Fi 6, so you can take advantage of your iPhone's latest and greatest networking capabilities.
Q&A
Are all routers compatible with Mac?
While some routers support extra features that tie into Apple products, like the eero 6 with its HomeKit Secure Router facility, you can still use any router or mesh setup with your Apple devices. It's also worth noting that Wi-Fi 7 will become more available in 2024, which could be a major reason for holding off on upgrading.
We've highlighted ones that work particularly well for numerous reasons, but all Wi-Fi routers will work with your iPhone, MacBook, Apple TV, and other Apple devices.
