Router comparison advice

[lairdhenn]

I recently bought this TP-Link router that has been working very well, but I noticed I could get a refurbished Airport Extreme for almost the same price. I'm wondering if anyone could tell me if there is any real reason I should switch from what I have now to an AE. We have a small apartment with only four or five devices attached at any one time, so it's not that I'm looking for anything in particular, rather I'm wondering if I'm missing out on anything considering the Airport Extreme's non-refurbished price is ~70 greater. We also have iPhones, MBP's and ATV4, so I'm not sure if they're known to synergise better with AE. Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Wirel...UTF8&qid=1458770926&sr=8-1&keywords=archer+c9

For comparison: http://www.apple.com/airport-extreme/specs/

 

[kohlson]

I think you're OK as is. Apple makes good stuff, and it can be easier (though not always) to extend networks with Apple wi-fi products. But for coverage and performance, I don't think you'll see any difference. And then there is the hassle of returning the old and configuring the new.I have a previous model extreme, and D-Link router in our home wi-fi.

 

[cruisin]

If your current needs are met then there is no point. If you want to use the wireless Time Machine function then you would need the Extreme and a USB hard drive, or even the full Time Capsule. If you have two Extremes it is simple to extend your network but for an apartment it is not needed.

 

[Tomorrow]

I replaced my old Linksys router with an AE, and I love it. I like using the Network Utility on my iPad or iPhone to diagnose or restart it remotely if I need to, I like having the additional guest network, and the ability to plug in a USB drive - but I agree with the other posters, if what you have is working for you, there's little reason to upgrade.

 

[Weaselboy]

That TP-Link C9 is better in almost every way than the Airport Extreme. It has a newer and faster CPU and better speeds that the Extreme plus is much more configurable. The only reason I could see going to the Extreme is if you plan to use Time Machine to backup to a USB drive attached to the Extreme.... for that the Extreme would be officially supported by Apple and a better choice. But for everything else the TP-Link is a better router.

 

[lairdhenn]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I'll be sticking with the current router and appreciate your input.