Linksys ac2600 vs. Netgear ac1900 – the battle for the best route
Are you tired of using an old router that does not provide a stable internet connection? Well, it is time to consider replacing it with a new and better one. Check out this Linksys ac2600 and Netgear ac1900 comparison to discover the best router for your internet connectivity needs.
In the past, browsing the internet involved a tedious process of connecting a wired device to various power outlets and devices. Luckily, the advancement of technology has transformed the means of internet connection by introducing Wi-Fi routers. However, with so many brands available on the market, it can be confusing when it comes down to choosing the best one for your home or office internet needs. Here is a comparison of two premium quality Wi-Fi routers, Linksys ac2600 and Netgear ac1900.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Linksys ac2600 and Netgear ac1900?
Model name |
Linksys ac2600 (Winner) |
Netgear ac1900 |
Weight |
2.11 pounds |
1.6 pounds |
Network coverage |
2500 sq. Ft. |
1800 sq. Ft. |
Speed |
2.53Gbps |
1900Gbps |
Linksys ac2600 vs. Netgear ac1900 – How do they compare?
Build
If you are searching for a router with a sleek and simple design, then the Netgear ac1900 may impress you. It has a trapezoid design and has three detachable external antennas. With product dimensions of 2.0 by 11.2 by 7.3 inches and a mass weight of 1.6 pounds, this router is wall- mountable and consists of a plastic chassis that is sturdy, solid, and does not attract fingerprints
On the other hand, Linksys ac2600 has a matte-black premium finish and product dimensions of 2.2” by 10.1” by 7.2” and a mass weight of 2.11 pounds. It has four movable external antennas and a backlit company logo that slowly flashes as the firmware upgrades, or when the device boots up and flashes more quickly when there is a connection error. The router also has four gigabit Ethernet ports, a USB 3.0 port, a WAN port, a power jack, a USB 2.0/eSATA combo port, a WPS button, and an on/off button.
Therefore, Netgear ac1900 is a more visually appealing and simple design that is easy to work with.
Devices
Different routers can connect to only a specific number of devices simultaneously. The number of devices a router accommodates helps the user gauge the extent of its application. Linksys ac2600 can connect a maximum of 32 users on its 2.4GHz and 64 users on its 5GHz. It also has four additional LAN ports, which significantly increases the number of devices connected to it, making it the perfect router for a large-sized or a medium-sized office.
Alternatively, the Netgear ac1900 up to 64 Wi-Fi clients at a go, with 32 users on each band (2.4GHz and 5GHz). More so, this router can connect up to 96 devices to a tri-band router, making it ideal for business use.
Netgear ac1900 is, therefore, a more reliable router as it can connect more users at the same time compared to Linksys ac2600.
Speed
Routers are designed to help boost internet coverage within a specific area. Linksys ac2600 has network coverage of 2500sq. Ft. and delivers an overall speed of 2.53Gbps. Theoretically, it offers 800Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1733Mbps on the 5GHz band. According to our tests, this router delivered a rate of 140Mbps from a range of 30 feet.
Netgear ac1900 delivers a total speed of 1900Gbps and has network coverage of 1800 sq. Ft. Theoretically, it provides 600Mbps on the 2.4Ghz band and 1300Mbps on its 5GHz band. After conducting tests on this router, it delivered a speed of 174Mbps at a distance of 15 feet.
Linksys ac2600 is, therefore, a faster router due to its high speeds compared to Netgear ac1900.
Linksys ac2600 vs. Netgear ac1900 – A comparison overview
Linksys ac2600
- Works with Amazon Alexa.IPv6 compatible: Yes
- 4x4 MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO) technology delivers four data streams for a seamless entertainment...
As the first router to use Qualcomm MU EFX Wi-Fi technology, the Linksys ac2600 router is a powerful and speedy device that offers consistent speeds that are three times faster than most available routers on the market. Furthermore, this router features a Qualcomm chipset that supports MU-MIMO and 802.11ac and a 1.4GHz dual-core processor. Its MU-MIMO technology allows the router to serve multiple clients simultaneously without compromising the device’s bandwidth.
Likewise, this router comes with 128MB of flash storage, 512MB DDR3 RAM, four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, one USB 2.0/eSATA combo port, and one USB 3.0 port. The EA8500 features Smart Wi-Fi firmware that makes setting up and using the device quite simple. It also has a Network Map that shows you all the users connected according to their type of connection, either wired or wireless.
Pros
- Impressive 5GHz Wi-Fi performance
- High network storage speed
- Uses new MU-MIMO technology
- Easy installation and use
Cons
- Poor 2.4GHz performance
Netgear Nighthawk ac1900
- Fast wifi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage with AC1900 speed (Dual band up to...
- Recommended for up to 30 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
If you are looking for a router with a unique design, the Netgear Nighthawk ac1900 is an ideal option. Its trapezoid shape, lightweight design and flared sizes, this router easily stands out from its competitors. In the same way, it delivers incredible speed that makes it suitable for gaming and streaming high-quality videos.
The ac1900 comes with at least three external antennas connected to its back panel, which also houses the Gigabit LAN ports as well as a power button. The router is easy to set up and use and also has LED lighting, which conveys information about the status of your internet network. Its packaging comes with an installation guide that outlines all the steps you need to follow to install it.
In addition, this router has QoS settings, which is an exceptional feature that optimizes video streaming. However, you have to configure some settings on the router for you to enjoy this functionality. You can turn on the Wi-Fi multimedia for both signals, as this feature gives priority to data like video or audio streams.
More so, the ac1900 from Netgear can sustain a decent and consistent performance even from an extended range. It uses beamforming technology and features additional features such as guest networking, parental controls, VPN capability, and NAT filtering.
Pros
- Excellent QoS
- Modern and sharp design
- Impressive range
- Incredible throughput at 5GHz
- Full VPN services
Cons
- Difficult bridge mode configuration
Conclusion
Depending on your internet needs and the area in which you intend to install your router, a good Wi-Fi router should deliver consistent speeds at various bandwidths. Both Linksys ac2600 and Netgear Nighthawk ac1900 are premium quality routers with impressive features.
Final verdict: So, which is the better option between Linksys ac2600 and Netgear ac1900?
Although the Netgear Nighthawk ac1900 has a simple design, when it comes down to it, the Linksys ac2600 is the better router as it features fast and consistent speeds. It also has the latest Wi-Fi technology and can serve multiple clients simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Linksys ac2600 be mounted on the ceiling or wall?
The router is designed to lay on a flat surface. However, you can mount it on the wall, although it does not come with any mounting screws.
Does the Netgear ac1900 come with USB ports?
Yes, the router has two USB ports at the front and rear parts.
