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Best Linksys Routers

Updated August 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Linksys AC5400 Tri Band
Linksys
AC5400 Tri Band
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Bottom Line

Dump the WiFi extenders with this massive 8-antenna router that handles numerous devices with aplomb.

Pros

Outstanding range, and ability to handle multiple high-bandwidth-demand devices. Can set up several guest networks. Easy to set up and not too difficult to configure most functions.

Cons

Can run fairly hot during high bandwidth use. No VPN server incorporated. Some users have trouble with frequent connection drops. Web portal lists only basic information about router performance.

Best Bang for the Buck
Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router
Linksys
Wireless-G Broadband Router
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Bottom Line

The best budget Linksys router available, handling high bandwidth demand easily and whole-home range.

Pros

Automatic setup is fast and easy, and even novice users can configure a separate guest network. Direct transfer speed (such as backups) is impressive. Handles high-bandwidth tasks like HD streaming like a champ. Very good transmission range.

Cons

Ethernet ports can wear out so that connectors may not clip in tightly. Router management software is not very intuitive.

Linksys AC1750 Dual-Band
Linksys
AC1750 Dual-Band
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Bottom Line

Straightforward setup and consistently strong connections make this a very good overall router at a competitive price.

Pros

Parental controls are easy to set up via PC and adjust using its companion app. Good signal strength and speed, with broadband streaming not a problem. Responsive customer service.

Cons

Instruction manual skips some important points, like button locations and functions. Some signal degradation occurs in rooms farther away from router.

Linksys Max-Stream AC2200
Linksys
Max-Stream AC2200
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Bottom Line

Breathes new life into internet connections with its multiple-connection capability.

Pros

Multi-User MIMO enables multiple high-speed connections. Sets up quickly and connects almost instantly to enabled devices, including Alexa, Wink, and more. Good WiFi range.

Cons

May develop personality issues, bumping users offline at random. Newer users may have trouble configuring router, particularly parental controls, as instructions are somewhat sparse.

Linksys WRT AC3200 Open Source Dual-Band
Linksys
WRT AC3200 Open Source Dual-Band
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Bottom Line

A stylish and high-performing router that outdoes its higher-priced cousins in the same dual-band class.

Pros

Feature-rich, with very improved connectivity over other Linksys routers. Handles multiple 4K streams or online gaming with few to no problems. Setup and configuration takes as little as 20 minutes even for casual users. Open-source capability and DD-WRT capable.

Cons

Connection may occasionally hiccup. Eschews older modes like 802.11b, so some older wireless-enabled devices may not connect to it. No VPN feature (passthrough only) and WRT is very basic.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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60
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Consulted
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Buying guide for best linksys routers

Wireless internet has gone from being a feature that would be nice to have to a practical necessity for daily life. We all love our WiFi, and we rely on it for just about everything. If you want faster speeds on your wireless devices, or if you just want to make sure everyone in your house can stream movies in 4K, you’ll need a wireless router that can handle everything. Linksys has routers that are ideal for everyone.

At BestReviews, we’re on a mission to provide our readers with trustworthy, unbiased reviews of the products that power our daily lives. That’s why we never accept any free gear or compensation from product manufacturers. We talk to professionals and assess customer feedback, as well as test products ourselves.

Read our shopping guide to Linksys routers to gain an understanding of the WiFi features you shouldn’t live without – and the ones that are pure hype. Once you’ve determined your individual router needs, check out the top models we recommend.

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Many of Linksys’ different models feature the same exterior design but have different internals. Pay close attention to the model numbers to differentiate among them.

Linksys router features

Most wireless routers offer the same core feature: WiFi access. Beyond that, Linksys has managed to become one of the biggest names in home networking by perfecting a few features and innovating new functionality, such as the following.

Coverage

Linksys’ WiFi networks aren’t just fast – they stretch far and wide. As each generation of WiFi has further extended its range, Linksys has built hardware that pushes the limits. (It’s not uncommon for Linksys router owners to see their WiFi coverage extend well beyond the walls of their homes.)

"Most Linksys routers provide data usage analytics, so you can measure which devices on your network are consuming the most data. This can help users with ISP data caps avoid going over the limit."
STAFF
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MIMO connections

Linksys routers leverage multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology to maintain connectivity between devices. That means that each antenna on the router is working to deliver internet to your devices instead of just one. If you have more than four users in your home (or more than one person who wants to stream video at the same time), MIMO is a must.

"WiFi devices typically use one of two broadcast frequencies: 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz. Whenever possible, use the 5.0GHz channel, as it’s less likely to suffer problems due to interference."
STAFF
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User-friendly administrative controls

Linksys has been a hit among the nontechnical crowd for years, mainly due to the equipment’s overall ease of use. Linksys’ administrative tools, which include everything from parental controls to port forwarding, are clearly explained in the tools themselves. Linksys routers are great for non-techies and even better for people who want to learn more about home networking.

Wireless routers vs. mesh networking

One of the newest trends in home WiFi is an approach known as “mesh networking,” which takes a different approach to delivering WiFi than traditional wireless routers. Both wireless routers and mesh networking devices have their pros, cons, and ideal-use cases, so make sure you know which is best for you and your living environment before you invest.

  • Wireless routers make your home internet connection wirelessly available for all of your devices. A wireless router will act as the only source of WiFi (unless you buy separate network extenders or wireless access points). It is responsible for load-balancing all of the different WiFi devices on your network. Wireless routers are ideal for small homes and apartments.

  • Mesh networking systems are based on multiple endpoints (“nodes”) that work together to deliver WiFi signals to your devices. Where a router is a single device sending data to you on a point-to-point basis, a mesh networking system uses multiple nodes to all deliver data to you at once. Mesh networking systems are perfect for homes that need wide coverage throughout the home.

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Did you know?
Linksys dual-band routers are capable of running multiple WiFi networks simultaneously. This can be especially useful for users who need to separate their internet traffic.
STAFF
BestReviews

Stock firmware vs. custom firmware

Linksys is well-known in the technical community for producing wireless routers that can be used with third-party firmware (a device’s operating platform that dictates how the hardware can be used). In fact, some Linksys routers are branded as “open-source” routers, meaning they are explicitly compatible with third-party firmware (although by default they do include the standard Linksys firmware).

As you’re shopping for a Linksys router, it helps to know the difference between Linksys stock firmware and your third-party options.

  • Stock firmware is what ships with Linksys routers. Stock firmware is your best choice if you’re new to network administration or simply want a “set-it-and-forget-it” router. Perhaps most importantly, Linksys stock firmware is officially supported, so if you’re running stock firmware and run into problems, you can contact the company.
  • Custom firmware can be manually installed on select Linksys wireless routers. Custom firmware often unlocks unique features only found on much more expensive equipment. For example, some custom firmware allows you to block all incoming ads. Keep in mind that running custom firmware is unsupported in most cases, so if you need help, you’ll have to rely on the Linksys user community.

Linksys router prices

Linksys router prices range from $99 to over $250. Consider the following guidelines when choosing the best equipment for your home.

  • Inexpensive: Linksys offers bare-bones wireless routers and legacy products for $99 and under. While it can be tempting to grab a hot deal on a Linksys router, many of their most affordable options rely on outdated technology. These routers can be useful for temporary situations but are generally to be avoided.

  • Mid-Range: Linksys offers its most popular wireless routers – models that are solid performers, deliver current-generation speeds, and offer luxurious features like Quality of Service (QoS) controls – at prices between $100 and $250. If you seek a solid performer that will last a few years or more, look in this price range. As the price increases, expect faster speeds and improved coverage.

  • Expensive: Linksys offers their most powerful, fully featured wireless routers for $250 and up. Routers in this category are for those who absolutely must have the most current available technology they can afford. If you have an exceptionally large home or more than 10 regular users on your network, consider spending the extra money on a Linksys premium router.

Tips

Before you purchase a Linksys router, consider these tips.

  • As you set up your home WiFi, also create a guest network. A guest network is a separate WiFi signal that you can provide to others so they can use your internet connection without accessing any other information on your network. Even if you trust your friends, you never know when someone’s device could be infected with malware. By isolating others to your guest network, you can protect your digital life while still providing them with WiFi.

  • Run network speed tests in your home before situating your router. Every house is different, and you never know where your dead zones are until you experiment. Download a speed-testing app to your smartphone, then use it to determine which parts of your home have the weakest signal. Use the information to guide where you place your Linksys router.

  • Take WiFi security seriously. Your wireless router keeps your data safe – everything from your personal information to your browsing history passes through it at some point. Treat it accordingly by prioritizing security: update your WiFi password regularly, keep your router’s firmware up to date at all times, and don’t allow WiFi access to any individuals or devices you don’t know.

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Most Linksys routers are administered using a web browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Some newer Linksys routers also allow you to make administrative changes via the Linksys mobile phone app.

FAQ

Q. Will a new Linksys router work with my older WiFi devices?
A.
Probably. Most Linksys routers are backward-compatible with older network protocols (like 802.11g), although some will only support the prior-generation protocol. If support for legacy WiFi standards is important to you, check each model’s specifications before you buy.

Q. Are Linksys routers okay for people who aren’t technically inclined?
A.
Yes! Linksys routers are designed to be accessible to both novice and expert users. All of the company’s wireless routers feature step-by-step walkthroughs to help you get started. Most nontechnical users are able to set up their Linksys routers in less an hour.

Q. What if my Linksys router doesn’t provide enough WiFi coverage?
A.
For instances where WiFi coverage needs to be improved, Linksys sells WiFi range extenders to increase the size and speed of your wireless network.

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