Apple Airport Extreme and Express - the differences

Airport Extreme and Express are the two router models from Apple. In this practical tip, we discuss the differences between the two devices.

Airplay function

Airport Express: The Airport Express supports Airplay and has a small jack connector, through which it outputs the Airplay sound. However, the Airport Express does not support airplay of video signals.
Airport Extreme: The Airport Extreme does not support Airplay. You cannot stream audio or video signals from your computer or iOS device through this router.

Airport Express: You can connect a printer to the Airport Express USB port. So you can print wirelessly.
Airport Extreme: However, the USB port on the Airport Extreme offers even more functions. In addition to a printer, a hard drive can be connected here, for example. How to create backups wirelessly or easily share files with other people in your household.

Airport Express: In addition to two Ethernet LAN ports, your devices can also dial in to the Airport Express via 802.11n WLAN. You are wireless on the move with a maximum of 300 Mbit / s.
Airport Extreme: In terms of network technology, the Airport Extreme has the edge. It has 4 LAN ports and uses 802.11ac technology, with which you can reach up to 1.3 GBit / s wirelessly. In addition, it uses beam forming to improve reception. The airport recognizes devices that support ac and sends the signal directly to them.

The Airport Express is particularly suitable for a smaller network or as an extension for a large one. At around € 100, it is also an inexpensive option for making your stereo system airplay-compatible.
The Airport Extreme benefits from the latest network standards. Before you buy an Airport Extreme, however, you should check whether your end devices also support these standards. At just under 200 euros, the big Apple router is not cheap either. However, you can also connect a hard drive to share files or create wireless backups.

In another practical tip, we explain how to use Airplay on a Mac.