The redesigned ... AirPort Express ... has become the mouse that roars. The revisions transform this model into a tiny powerhouse by adding to its previous modest attributes a second ethernet port, simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi, and a guest network option all in a form factor identical to the Apple...
Read the full review →
82
Conclusion: We like it
Apple's updated Airport Express is a tiny, easy-to-configure router that includes most of the features you'd expect in a modern router, including simultaneous dual-band networking, printer sharing, and the ability to add guest accounts. It supports AirPlay for wireless audio streaming, letting you plug speakers directly into its analog/optical audio port. One missing feature: You can't add a USB drive to create an instant network-accessible storage device, as you can on many recent routers. If you can get along without that, and you want a simple, robust, tiny router that can stream audio straight to your speakers, the Airport Express is a good deal.
90-Day Price History
Critic reviews
sort by
This thing is pretty, fast, wonderfully simple, and appropriately capable. Unless you're a mega-power networker with a need for intricate customization, or are put off by the less sophisticated Windows version of AirPort Utility, the 2012 Express is the ultimate buy it and never think about it again...
Read the full review →The Express is stuck with 10/100Base-T Ethernet speeds (no limit on Wi-Fi speeds) instead of Gigabit Ethernet. But the AirPort Express is still a capable, full-featured router for a decent price.
Read the full review →For covering a house without having multiple networks, this is a great option and AirPort Express is extremely easy to set up.
Read the full review →There is little reason to upgrade from a 2008 unit, but for those looking to buy their first AirPort Express we find it impossible not to recommend.
Read the full review →In all, the refreshed AirPort Express is a good, but not great simultaneous dual-band router. "N600" routers are pretty much commodities now and there are many more fully-featured products for less money—even less if you buy refurbished.
Read the full review →
beingboston
The best network equipment is the equipment that you forget about. I got this airport express to extend my existing network and add airplay to my kitchen. I haven't had any problems with this since day one. I have wifi accessibility on my back porch and tunes in my kitchen while I make beer and...
Read the full review →
nswint
My setup wasn't as smooth as smason. I assumed that I would extend the network by simply plugging this into my switch that is connected to my Airport Extreme and it would "just work". Not quite. It created a dhcp storm and knocked everything offline. This should never happen because it should...
Read the full review →
j4s0nmuzik
Apple recently updated its Airport Express portable router with a new design. This white puck like device looks like a cousin of the popular Apple set top box the Apple TV second generation. Much of the similarities are size and shape of the package and the unit itself. The Apple Airport Express...
Read the full review →
reizahaniff
Configurability / networking features are limited but it works out of the box with little effort. In less than five minutes the network was setup, all devices connected and the printer was ready for network printing.
Read the full review →
johanejohansson
All in all, it's a great router for casual users, home users and novices. It does what it's supposed to do and you never have to care about it again. I'd recommend this for anyone living in an apartment (otherwise range may be an issue) and anyone tired of the hassles that other routers with...
Read the full review →
space337
SIMPLE TO SETUP LITERALLY, manual was straightforward and easy to understand. Thanks to the picture. Recommended for users that doesn't know how to setup a router or doesn't want the hassle.
Read the full review →
mrk
If you need > 100Mbps performance skip this router. The WiFi is fast but it is crippled by 100Mbps ethernet ports!
Read the full review →
justus87
This is a very nice looking wireless router with simple configuration (especially on a Mac). AirPlay is a welcomed addition.
Read the full review →
How it stacks up
Instantly compare the Apple AirPort Express 802.11n 2nd-gen side by side with some of the top devices on gdgt!
Compare these-
Apple AirPort Express 802.11n 2nd-gen 82 from $97 -
ASUS RT-N56U 90 from $95 -
Novatel Liberate (Mifi5792) 89 Free on contract -
Apple AirPort Extreme 5th-gen from $179 -
ASUS RT-N66U from $149
Other Apple routers
-
Apple AirPort Extreme 5th-gen from $179 -
Apple AirPort Express 82 -
Apple Time Capsule from $229 -
Apple AirPort Extreme 4th-gen -
Apple AirPort Extreme from $184
Don't forget to check out these other devices by Apple, you might find something good!