Linksys ac1900 vs. Netgear nighthawk – Which offers the best coverage?
Slow internet speeds can make it impossible to enjoy movies or surf online. Choosing the right router can dramatically change your surfing experience.
If you find yourself constantly frustrated by your Wi-Fi network then it is time to upgrade. Technology keeps changing by the day and new devices are increasingly becoming bandwidth hungry due to the multiple applications they run. Linksys and Netgear are two router markers with models across all categories. In this review, we check out two of their main routers.
Table of Contents
What are the key differences between the Linksys ac1900 and Netgear nighthawk?
Model |
Linksys ac1900 |
Netgear Nighthawk x6 (Winner) |
Dimensions (mm) |
246 x 52 x 194 |
295.5 x 226.8 x 54.5 |
Processor |
Dual core 800MHz chip |
I GHz dual core |
Weight (grams) |
1.1 |
883 |
OS |
Open WRT/DD-WRT |
OpenWRT |
Antennas |
6 x 6 dBi |
4 x 3.8dBi |
Speed |
Maximum theoritical speed of 1.9GHz |
600MHz on 2.4GHz band & 1.3Gbps on 5GHz band |
Availability |
Linksys ac1900 vs. Netgear nighthawk x6 – How do they compare?
Design
The Netgear Nighthawk x6 is the larger of the two routers. It comes with six external and foldable antennas that make the router look like a giant spider when folded down. The router spots a large mesh on top for ventilation and a broad strip for LED lights. The x6 measures 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches and has four gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN port, 2.0 & 3.0 USB ports. The air vents on this router work exceptionally well and will not overheat even after extensive downloading of movies. The ac1900 was previously a router owned by Belkins before its acquisition by Linksys. Very little has changed in regards to its design besides the fact that it know comes with the Linksys logo on top. The router is smaller than the Netgear but still comes with some similar features like four Gigabit Ethernet ports. The router has three external antennas that work well to support its two bands.
Performance
Between the two the Netgear x6 is the faster router. A dual-core 1GHz processor supported by 256MB of RAM and 126MB of flash memory runs the router. This enables the tri-band router to hit speeds of up to 600MHz on its 2.4GHz band and 1,300MHz on its 5GHz band. The total advertised maximum speed is 3.2Gbps. The Linksys has a powerful Broadcom TurboQAM Wi-Fi chip that delivers 800MHz of processor speed. The dual band router is capable of delivering 600Mbps on its 2.4GHz band and 1.3Gbps for its 5GHz band. Due to its use of the spartialTurboQAM technology the router is capable of 200Mhz on its 2.4GHz spatial stream instead of the usual 150Mhz.
Installation and technologies
Installation and management of the Netgear x6 is through the Genie app that is available as a desktop version and mobile. Since you can configure the router through either the web browser or the genie app it can be confusing for some users. What you need to know is that the if you want to monitor your router and do some basic router settings then go with the desktop app while if you want more advanced settings then the Genie app is more ideal. The Linksys ac1900 is very easy to setup as it comes with its own Wi-Fi settings. You have one password for both your bands. The first thing you will need to do is first setup your Linksys Wi-Fi account. You can also manage the router through its mobile app.
Linksys ac1900 vs. Netgear nighthawk x6– A Comparison Overview
Linksys ac1900 – Overview
- Up to N600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + AC1300 Mbps (5.0 GHz) speeds with Simultaneous Dual Band
- Platform Compatibility : Windows XP, Windows Vista 32/64, Windows 7 32/64, Windows 8 32/64, Mac 10.5.8...
The Linksys ac1900 is a mid-sized router that was originally been developed by Belkins before Linksys acquired it. The router has been praised for its exceptional performance which makes it ideal for home video streaming. The ac1900 features a black and silver metallic housing with three external antennas. The router is a dual band 3×3 transmit that is capable of hitting speeds of up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps on the 5GHz band. It also spots four Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2.0 & 3.0 USB ports for connecting your external hard disks and printers. To help boost the router speed the ac1900 comes with a Broadcom TurboQAM Wi-Fi chip that is capable of delivering 800MHz of processor speed.
Setting up the router has been simplified due to its Quick smart guide. You will need to configure some of the router settings through the linksyssmartwifi.com URL. You will find the setup password and username printed on the underside of the router. The two bands share the same password. During the login procedure you will be required to create for yourself a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account. The router also comes with parental control and media prioritization list (replaces the QoS feature).
Pros
- Excellent cloud management features
- Excellent speeds and coverage
- Speedy NAS functionality
- Media prioritization and parental control feature
Cons
- The 3.0 USB does not work that well
Netgear nighthawk x6– Overview
- Recommended for up to 50 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
- Wired Ethernet ports: plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices...
Netgear is today one of the most known brands in the world. They are known for fast and innovative routers. The routers are mostly ideal for home use and offer exceptional coverage. You will find some of the latest router technologies like beamforming or MU-MIMO in most Netgear routers.
The Netgear Nighthawk X6 ac3200 is a tri-band router that enables you to connect multiple devices on its network. This router comes with power amplifiers that ensure your connection reaches all places in your home. This class of router is ideal for those homes where you have many IoT devices. Operation of Wi-Fi is through one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. The 5GHz bands also double up as performance load balancers. Instead of saturating your 5GHz band the router will automatically configure the two bands on its channels.
The design for the Netgear X6 is like a gigantic bug with its six external antennas. The antennas can be folded and swiveled for the best signal. The X6 advertised speed is 600Mbps for its 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps for the 5GHz band. This gives it a maximum theoretical speed of 3.2Gbps. To support this speed the router is run by a dual core 1GHz processor with 256MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory. At the back of the router are four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one WAN port and 2.0 USB and 3.0 USB port.
Pros
- Compatibility with Amazon Echo/Alexa
- Delivers impressive router speeds and range
- Amplifiers help boost the range
- Ethernet ports support multiple connections
Cons
The router is not that easy to setup
Conclusion: So, which is better – Linksys ac1900 or Netgear Nighthawk x6?
In this review, our winner is the Netgear Nighthawk x6.Firstly, the router is a tri-band router capable of 600MHz on its 2.4GHz band and 1300MHz on its 5GHz band. It also comes with six external antennas that are amplified for improved Wi-Fi coverage. Management of the router is through its Genie software app.
FAQ
Does the nighthawk come with advanced router technologies?
The Nighthawk x6 is one of the latest routers from Netgear. It comes with some innovative technologies like Smart connect, beamforming, dynamic QoS and Amazon Alexa voice controls.
How fast is the Linksys ac1900?
The Linksys ac1900 is a mid-sized router that runs on a 800MHz dual core processor. It also comes with beamforming technology for a more directed signal.
