Linksys AC1900 Review – The Perfect Smart Home Router?

What exactly is the Linksys AC1900 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band+ Router?

In an age where the internet has become as essential as the air we breathe (well, almost), the Linksys AC1900 positions itself as the lungs of your smart home. It promises to deliver high-speed connectivity across multiple devices, ensuring that your binge-watching, gaming, and late-night work sessions go uninterrupted. But it’s not just about speed; this router is designed with the modern smart home in mind, offering versatile connectivity and a sleek design that won’t look out of place next to your minimalist coffee table. In a market flooded with options, the Linksys AC1900 aims to stand out by being not just a router, but a gateway to a seamless online experience.

Benefits of using this router

1. High-speed connectivity: Say goodbye to buffering and hello to smooth 4K streaming and lag-free gaming.
2. USB versatility: With USB 3.0 ports, you can quickly transfer files or share devices across your network.
3. Powerful signal: Beamforming technology focuses the Wi-Fi signal to your devices, ensuring a stable connection even in Wi-Fi crowded environments.
4. User-friendly interface: Even the least tech-savvy among us can set up and manage the network with ease.
5. Remote management: Adjust settings or troubleshoot from anywhere using the mobile app.

Un-boxing & First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Linksys AC1900, its modern design and soft lighting immediately caught my eye – a pleasant departure from the typically utilitarian look of routers. It’s compact enough not to be an eyesore, yet substantial enough to promise robust performance. The build quality felt solid, reassuring me that this wasn’t just another flimsy gadget. But what intrigued me most was the promise of beamforming technology – a feature designed to lock onto your devices like a heat-seeking missile, ensuring a focused and strong Wi-Fi connection. It was love at first sight, but as we all know, looks can be deceiving.

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Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting

• High-speed connectivity: N600 + AC1300 Mbps for smooth streaming and gaming.
• USB versatility: Equipped with USB 3.0 for swift data transfers.
• Powerful signal: Beamforming technology for focused Wi-Fi.
• User-friendly interface: Simplifies setup and network management.
• Remote management: Control your network via a mobile app.
• Sleek design: Modern aesthetics that complement your home.
• Reliable performance: Designed for smart homes with multiple devices.
• Parental controls: Manage internet access for your children.
• Media prioritization: Prioritize devices or websites for high-speed streaming.
• Guest access: Create a separate network for guests.
• Advanced security: Keep your network protected against threats.
• Easy setup: Get up and running in minutes with the mobile app.

While the feature list is impressive, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the odd positioning of mounting holes which could make cable management a bit of a headache for some. Additionally, the short power cable might limit your placement options, which is a real shame considering the router’s otherwise versatile design.

My experience with the Linksys AC1900 has been a journey of highs and lows. From its sleek design and powerful performance to the minor inconveniences of its physical setup, it’s been a mixed bag. But in the grand scheme of things, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The router’s ability to handle multiple devices with ease, its user-friendly interface, and the convenience of remote management make it a strong contender in the smart home arena. It’s not perfect, but then again, what is?

Smart Features

Smart Wi-Fi App Control – The Linksys AC1900 EA6900 router comes equipped with a feature that allows you to manage your network from anywhere using the Smart Wi-Fi app. This means you can easily adjust settings, monitor your network’s performance, and even control which devices have access, all from the palm of your hand. It’s a game-changer for those of us who like to have control without being tied to the home office.

What we liked about the Linksys AC1900

High-Speed Connectivity

The router’s ability to deliver fast internet speeds across multiple devices was a standout feature. In a world where every device in your home demands a slice of your Wi-Fi, the EA6900 ensures that your streaming, gaming, and browsing can all happen simultaneously without a hitch. This isn’t just convenient; it’s a necessity for modern smart homes.

USB 3.0 Ports

We were really pleased to see the inclusion of USB 3.0 ports on the EA6900. This addition means quicker data transfers for connected devices. Whether you’re backing up files to an external hard drive or sharing a printer across your network, the speed and versatility provided by these ports are invaluable.

Powerful Signal Strength

A strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal is the backbone of any smart home, and the EA6900 doesn’t disappoint. Thanks to its advanced beamforming technology, this router focuses the Wi-Fi signal directly to your devices, ensuring that your connection remains robust, no matter where you are in your home. It’s like having a personal Wi-Fi butler that directs the signal exactly where it’s needed.

User-friendly Interface

Setting up and managing a router can often feel like you need a degree in computer science. However, the EA6900 simplifies this with its user-friendly interface. The setup was straightforward, and making adjustments to the network settings was a breeze. This ease of use extends to the mobile app, making remote management feel like a walk in the park.

What we were disappointed with

Impractical Design

The odd positioning of the mounting holes was a real shame. This design choice affects cable management and can lead to an unsightly protrusion of cables, especially if wall-mounted. It’s a small detail, but one that can impact the overall sleekness of your setup.

Short Power Cable

The short length of the power cable limited our placement options for the router. In an ideal world, routers would come with power cables long enough to give you the freedom to place them in the optimal position for signal distribution, not just where the cable can reach. This is an area where we’d love to see improvement in future models.

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Getting Set Up with the Linksys AC1900

Setting up the Linksys AC1900 was an experience that ranged from delightfully straightforward to mildly frustrating, a journey familiar to many who’ve ventured into the world of smart home tech. The process, while mostly intuitive, did have its moments of head-scratching, especially when it came to the finer points of network management.

1. Unbox the router and connect it to your modem using the provided Ethernet cable.
2. Plug in the power adapter and switch on the router. Wait for the power light to become stable.
3. Connect to the router’s default Wi-Fi network, details of which can be found in the manual or on the router itself.
4. Open a web browser and enter the router’s default IP address to access the setup wizard.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
6. For advanced settings, navigate through the router’s web interface to configure features like parental controls and guest access.
7. Download the Linksys mobile app for easy management of your network from anywhere.

While the above steps are straightforward, some users have reported challenges with firmware updates and connecting certain devices. A tip to ease these pains is to ensure all devices’ software is up to date and to perform a router reset post-firmware update.

Build Quality and Extras

The Linksys AC1900 boasts a sleek design that’s both modern and functional, though its build is not without its quirks. The odd placement of mounting holes can lead to a less-than-ideal cable management situation, a point of contention among the aesthetically inclined. Despite this, the router feels robust and is designed to withstand the demands of a busy network.

On the warranty front, the standard 30-day return policy offers basic protection, though it’s a far cry from the more generous policies seen with some competitors. This aspect might give pause to those who value long-term security in their tech investments.

Who is this product best suited to?

If You’re a Smart Home Enthusiast

The Linksys AC1900’s high-speed connectivity and powerful signal make it ideal for those with multiple smart devices. Its beamforming technology ensures that your smart gadgets receive a focused Wi-Fi connection, enhancing overall network efficiency.

If You Demand High-Speed Internet for Gaming and Streaming

With its impressive WiFi speed (N600 + AC1300 Mbps), this router caters to the needs of gamers and streamers alike, offering minimal lag and buffering.

If Remote Management is a Priority

The convenience of managing your network via a mobile app cannot be overstated for those constantly on the move. This router provides that flexibility, allowing for adjustments to your network settings from anywhere.

Who should avoid this

Despite its many strengths, the Linksys AC1900 might not be the best fit for everyone. Individuals living in smaller spaces might find the router’s physical size and the awkward cable management a bit cumbersome. Additionally, those looking for a plug-and-play solution might be deterred by the initial setup and occasional need for troubleshooting.

Value for Money

When it comes to value, the Linksys AC1900 sits in a sweet spot. It’s competitively priced, especially considering its high-speed connectivity and robust feature set. For those prioritising a strong, reliable network for a smart home setup, this router offers solid bang for your buck.

The Verdict: Is the Linksys AC1900 Worth a Buy?

My experience with the Linksys AC1900 has been largely positive, marked by its high-speed performance and user-friendly features. The router’s sleek design and softer lighting add a modern touch to any space, while its functionality caters to a wide range of needs, from gaming to streaming to everyday internet use.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The impractical design regarding cable management and the short power cable can be a source of frustration. Yet, when weighed against its strengths, these issues feel minor.

Compared to similar routers in its class, the Linksys AC1900 stands out for its combination of speed, reliability, and user-centric features. It’s a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their smart home setup or simply upgrade their home network.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a router that balances performance with price, the Linksys AC1900 is certainly worth considering. Its minor drawbacks are easily overshadowed by its overall value, making it a recommendation for those looking to boost their home network.

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Detailed Specs