OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Routers Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation Review | 77 Data compared

Avg. price:~£25Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi speed:1300 MbpsLAN port speeds:1 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:no

Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

90%

6.0

Technical score

10%

7.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of routers
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

26%

5.5

Wireless

20%

5.3

Ports

18%

6.1

Networking

14%

7.2

Security

12%

7.1

Hardware

10%

5.5

Management

â–¼Worse than 89% of routers
7.3

User score

User score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on 703 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 85% of routers
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of router Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

26%

5.5

Wireless

20%

5.3

Ports

18%

6.1

Networking

14%

7.2

Security

12%

7.1

Hardware

10%

5.5

Management

6.0
User score
User score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on 703 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.3
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Popularity:
Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is lower than that of 60.5% of products in this category.
5.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

60%

6.1

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.3
Brand name
Apple
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
â–² Better than 39% of models
This router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is more advanced than 39.5% of routers and equal to 25.3% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
â–² Better than 25% of models
This router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 24.8% of routers and equal to 68.1% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
1,300 Mbps
Wi-Fi speed
1,300 Mbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 1,300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 50.6% of routers and equal to 1% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
â–² Better than 41% of models
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 40.9% of routers and the same as 31.6% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X
â–² Better than 59% of models
This router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 58.9% of routers and equal to 0.3% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
DoS protection
yes
â–² Better than 13% of models
This router includes DoS protection. 12.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
no
SPI intrusion protection
no
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
This router does not include SPI-based intrusion protection. 94.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
MAC address filtering
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This router supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
no
URL filter
no
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
This router does not support URL filtering. 96.8% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
yes
IPv6 support
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This router supports IPv6. 11.5% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
no
Dynamic routing
no
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This router does not support dynamic routing. 52.5% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
Inter-VLAN routing
no
â–¼ Worse than 24% of models
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
no
VLAN tagging
no
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
This router does not support VLAN tagging. 62% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
no
QoS
no
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
This router does not include QoS controls. 97.1% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
3
N. of LAN ports
3
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 3 LAN ports, which is fewer than 76.6% of routers and the same as 14.5% of routers.
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
â–² Better than 27% of models
This router offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 27.1% of routers and on par with 59.9% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
N. of WAN ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 9% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
1
N. of USB ports
1
â–² Better than 39% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 39.5% of routers and the same as 39.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
Category Benchmark
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
App, Utility
Management interface
App, Utility
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
This router uses App, Utility for management, which is less advanced than 69.3% of routers and equal to 0.5% of routers.
AirPort Utility
Firmware upgrade method
Utility
Firmware upgrade method
Utility
â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
This router supports Utility firmware update methods, which are less convenient than 99.5% of routers.
AirPort Utility
Traffic monitoring
no
Traffic monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
This router does not include traffic monitoring. 82.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
â–² Better than 9% of models
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
Captive portal
no
â–¼ Worse than 24% of models
This router does not offer captive portal features. 23.5% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
2x 1 GHz
CPU clock speed
2x 1 GHz
â–² Better than 56% of models
This router runs at 2x1 GHz, which is faster than 56.2% of routers and on par with 6.9% of routers.
RAM capacity
512 MB
RAM capacity
512 MB
â–² Better than 64% of models
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 512 MB of RAM, which is more than 64.4% of routers and the same as 22.8% of routers.
Internal storage
0.03125 GB
Internal storage
0.03125 GB
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.03125 GB of internal storage, which is less than 55.8% of routers and the same as 2.5% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
Hardware acceleration
yes
â–² Better than 31% of models
This router offers hardware acceleration. 31.4% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
0
N. of external antennas
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 59.6% of routers and the same as 40.4% of routers.
Show more

Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Wi-Fi security protocols
    WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • 2x more RAM
    RAM capacity
    512 MB
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
    This router has more RAM than the average router (512 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    512 MB vs 256 MB
  • 6 more internal antennas
    N. of internal antennas
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (6 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    6 vs 0
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation is cheaper than the average router (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    CPU clock speed
    2 x 1 GHz
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This router has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2x1 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    2x1 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 104 mm narrower width
    Width
    98 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >300 mm
    This router is narrower than the average router (98 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
    98 mm vs 202 mm
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation is cheaper than the average router (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Wi-Fi security protocols
    WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • 2x more RAM
    RAM capacity
    512 MB
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
    This router has more RAM than the average router (512 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    512 MB vs 256 MB
  • 6 more internal antennas
    N. of internal antennas
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (6 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    6 vs 0
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    CPU clock speed
    2 x 1 GHz
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This router has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2x1 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    2x1 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 104 mm narrower width
    Width
    98 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >300 mm
    This router is narrower than the average router (98 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
    98 mm vs 202 mm
  • Limited firmware updates
    Firmware upgrade method
    Utility
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    This router supports the firmware update methods Utility, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    AirPort Utility
    Utility vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • No VLAN tagging
    VLAN tagging
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 61.9% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    N. of LAN ports
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • No VPN server support
    VPN server support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • No QoS
    QoS
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This router does not support QoS, while the average router does. 96.8% of routers support QoS.
  • No dynamic routing
    Dynamic routing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This router does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 52.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • No traffic monitoring
    Traffic monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    This router does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 81.9% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • No SPI intrusion protection
    SPI intrusion protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This router does not support SPI intrusion protection, while the average router does. 93.9% of routers support SPI intrusion protection.
  • 7.3% worse value for money
    Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation has worse value for money than the average router (7.29 vs 7.8).
    7.29 vs 7.82
  • 8.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation
    the average router
    Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation has a lower user score than the average router (7.35 vs 8.000).
    7.35 vs 8
  • No band steering
    Band steering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
  • No VPN server support
    VPN server support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • No SPI intrusion protection
    SPI intrusion protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This router does not support SPI intrusion protection, while the average router does. 93.9% of routers support SPI intrusion protection.
  • No URL filtering
    URL filter
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This router does not support URL filtering, while the average router does. 96.6% of routers support URL filtering.
  • No network services filtering
    Network services filter
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This router does not support network services filtering, while the average router does. 93.2% of routers support network services filtering.
  • No PPTP server
    PPTP server
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This router cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
  • No VLAN tagging
    VLAN tagging
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 61.9% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • No QoS
    QoS
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This router does not support QoS, while the average router does. 96.8% of routers support QoS.
  • No dynamic routing
    Dynamic routing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This router does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 52.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • No UPnP
    Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This router does not support UPnP, while the average router does. 98% of routers support UPnP.
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    N. of LAN ports
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • Limited firmware updates
    Firmware upgrade method
    Utility
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    This router supports the firmware update methods Utility, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    AirPort Utility
    Utility vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • No traffic monitoring
    Traffic monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    This router does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 81.9% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • Less capable NAS services
    Built-in NAS services
    SMB, time machine, AFP
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This router includes SMB, time machine, AFP NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
    SMB, time machine, AFP vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
  • Weaker management tools
    Management interface
    App, Utility
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This router uses the management interface App, Utility, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    AirPort Utility
    App, Utility vs Web UI, App
  • No DLNA support
    DLNA support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This router does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54% of routers support DLNA.
  • Narrower temperature range
    Operating temperature range
    0 to 35 C
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This router is rated for 0 to 35 C, while the average router is rated for 0 to 40 C.
    0 to 35 C vs 0 to 40 C
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    N. of external antennas
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    0 vs 2
  • Fewer power options
    Power input type
    AC
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This router uses AC power input, while the average router uses DC barrel.
    AC vs DC barrel
  • 53 mm thicker design
    Thickness
    98 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <28 mm – >98 mm
    This router is thicker than the average router (98 mm vs 45 mm). The average router is 45 mm thick.
    98 mm vs 45 mm
  • 120.5 mm higher height
    Height
    168 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <30 mm – >180 mm
    This router is taller than the average router (168 mm vs 47.5 mm). The average router is 47.5 mm tall.
    168 mm vs 47.5 mm
  • 2.15x heavier weight
    Weight
    945 g
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <200 g – >1.2k g
    This router is heavier than the average router (945 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
    945 g vs 440 g
  • 75% less internal storage
    Internal storage
    0.03125 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >0.5 GB
    This router has less internal storage than the average router (0 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    0.03125 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 0.9 W higher power consumption
    Power consumption
    9 W
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <3 W – >18 W
    This router uses more power than the average router (9 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    9 W vs 8.1 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
trustedreviews.com
04/09/2013
Summary of the review
Setup, Performance & Verdict - Trusted Reviews
T
techadvisor.com
13/08/2014
Summary of the review
Apple AirPort Extreme 802.11ac review - Tech Advisor

Third-party reviews

Based on 703 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation

  • Simple and 'idiot-proof' setup via AirPort Utility on iOS or macOS
  • Reliable and stable connection with minimal need for reboots
  • Clean, minimalistic 'mini-tower' design that blends well with home decor
  • Fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi performance, especially on the 5GHz band
  • Supports beamforming technology to optimize signal for connected devices
  • Allows for easy wireless sharing of printers and external hard drives via USB
  • Small physical footprint with no protruding external antennas

What we don't like about Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation

  • Lacks a web-based management interface, requiring dedicated Apple software
  • Limited to only 3 Gigabit LAN ports, whereas most competitors offer 4
  • USB port is only version 2.0, leading to slow data transfer speeds for connected drives
  • No support for modern Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or WPA3 security
  • Inflexible for advanced users due to a lack of granular networking customizations
  • Does not natively support Time Machine backups when using an external USB drive
  • Discontinued by Apple, raising concerns about future security updates and EOL status

Verdict

The Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation (model A1521), released in 2013, is a dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi router featuring a vertical 'tower' design with a six-element beamforming antenna array and 3x3 MIMO technology, supporting theoretical speeds up to 1.3 Gbps on the 5GHz band and 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz. It includes one Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and a USB 2.0 port for network printing or sharing external hard drives. Main pros include its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem via the AirPort Utility app, reliable simultaneous dual-band performance, and easy setup for guest networks. However, notable cons include its lack of modern Wi-Fi 6/6E support, the use of the slower USB 2.0 standard instead of 3.0, limited advanced networking customizations, and the fact that it is a discontinued legacy product no longer receiving active hardware or frequent firmware updates.

Compare Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation with other routers

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Graphic comparison of Apple AirPort Extreme 6th Generation and other routers

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