Linksys Velop AX4200 vs. Airport Extreme: The Ultimate Mesh Wi-Fi Showdown

In the realm of home networking, the Linksys Velop AX4200 and the Airport Extreme stand as two formidable contenders in the mesh Wi-Fi arena. Both devices promise seamless connectivity, extended range, and advanced features, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Linksys Velop AX4200 and the Airport Extreme, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Design and Hardware

The Linksys Velop AX4200 features a sleek and modern design with white, cylindrical nodes. Each node measures 3.7 inches in diameter and 7.1 inches in height, making them compact and unobtrusive. The Airport Extreme, on the other hand, has a more traditional router design with a white, rectangular chassis. It measures 7.8 inches in width, 7.8 inches in depth, and 1.7 inches in height, giving it a larger footprint than the Velop.

In terms of hardware, the Velop AX4200 boasts a tri-band design with a dedicated 5 GHz backhaul band for faster and more stable connections between nodes. It also features MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology, which allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns. The Airport Extreme, on the other hand, uses a dual-band design with a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz band. It does not support MU-MIMO, which can result in reduced performance when multiple devices are connected.

Performance and Coverage

The Linksys Velop AX4200 offers exceptional performance with a theoretical maximum speed of 4200 Mbps. It utilizes the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, which provides faster speeds, increased efficiency, and reduced latency compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. The Airport Extreme, on the other hand, has a theoretical maximum speed of 1750 Mbps and uses the older Wi-Fi 5 technology. This means that the Velop AX4200 will deliver significantly faster speeds and better performance, especially in congested environments.

In terms of coverage, the Velop AX4200 provides up to 6,000 square feet of coverage with a single node. With a three-pack system, you can extend the coverage to up to 18,000 square feet. The Airport Extreme, on the other hand, provides up to 3,000 square feet of coverage with a single router. This means that the Velop AX4200 is the better choice for larger homes or businesses.

Features

The Linksys Velop AX4200 comes with a host of advanced features, including:

• Easy setup: The Velop app makes setup a breeze, allowing you to connect your nodes and configure your network in minutes.
• Intelligent Mesh Technology: The Velop nodes automatically optimize performance by adjusting their power levels and channel selection based on the environment.
• Parental controls: The Velop app allows you to set up parental controls to manage your children’s internet access.
• Guest network: You can create a separate guest network for visitors to use.
• Speed test: The Velop app includes a built-in speed test to monitor your internet performance.

The Airport Extreme offers a more limited set of features, including:

• Easy setup: The Airport Utility app makes setup relatively easy.
• Beamforming: The Airport Extreme uses beamforming technology to focus the Wi-Fi signal towards connected devices, improving performance.
• Guest network: You can create a separate guest network for visitors to use.

Price

The Linksys Velop AX4200 is priced at around $300 for a single node and $500 for a three-pack. The Airport Extreme is priced at around $199. While the Airport Extreme is more affordable, the Velop AX4200 offers significantly better performance, coverage, and features.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for the best possible mesh Wi-Fi system, the Linksys Velop AX4200 is the clear winner. It offers faster speeds, extended coverage, and more advanced features than the Airport Extreme. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the most powerful mesh Wi-Fi system, the Airport Extreme is still a solid option.

Verdict: Linksys Velop AX4200

The Linksys Velop AX4200 is the superior choice for those who demand the best possible mesh Wi-Fi experience. It offers blazing-fast speeds, exceptional coverage, and a host of advanced features. While it is more expensive than the Airport Extreme, it is worth the investment for those who want the best possible home networking solution.

Popular Questions

1. Which is better, the Linksys Velop AX4200 or the Airport Extreme?

The Linksys Velop AX4200 is the better choice due to its faster speeds, extended coverage, and more advanced features.

2. How many square feet does the Linksys Velop AX4200 cover?

A single Linksys Velop AX4200 node covers up to 6,000 square feet. With a three-pack system, you can extend the coverage to up to 18,000 square feet.

3. Does the Linksys Velop AX4200 support MU-MIMO?

Yes, the Linksys Velop AX4200 supports MU-MIMO technology, which allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.