Linksys Tri Band vs. Linksys Dual Band- Which router will meet your expectation
Settling for one Wi-Fi router can be quite hectic given all the quality products that are in the market. This guide has narrowed down to Linksys Tri Band and Linksys Dual Band as the top two contenders for premium quality Wi-Fi routers.
Right off the bat, one clear difference between Linksys Tri Band and Linksys Dual Band is their radio frequency band. For Linksys Tri Band, it entails three bands- one 2.4GHz band, one 5GHz band and an additional 5GHz band as well that comes in especially when there is congestion and heavy traffic. Linksys Dual Band on the other hand uses two bands- one 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Beyond this clear distinction, there are other ways that these two models stand out. For example, the Linksys Tri Band is able to deliver fast data transfer speeds because of the additional band. Linksys Dual Band on the other hand is sold at a reasonable price but also has stellar qualities as well. This articlegives a detailed overview of how these two models compare. It does this so as to help you narrow down between the two, which on is best suited to meet your Wi-Fi requirements.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Linksys Tri Band and Linksys Dual Band?
Model |
Linksys Tri Band (Winner) |
Linksys Dual Band |
MU-MIMO &Beamforming |
Yes, but older versions do not have MU-MIMO |
Only has Beamforming |
Chipset |
Quad-core processor, 4 Ethernet ports, 3.0 USB port, |
4 Ethernet ports, USB 3.0 |
Speed (Long range) |
Combined up to 2.2Gbps (400Mbps on the 2.4Ghz + 867Mbps+867Mbps on the two 5GHz bands |
Combined up to 1.2Gbps (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band + 867Mbps on the 5GHz band) |
Antenna |
2 external |
2 external |
Coverage& Capacity |
1500 square feet, with more than 15 devices connected |
1000 square feet, with more than 10 devices connected |
Linksys Tri Band vs. Linksys Dual Band – How do they compare?
Linksys is a highly reputable brand that has many products in the market. Linksys Tri-Band and Linksys Dual-Band are the two major sellers. This article gives a broad overview of these two, while making reference to some specific models. For Linksys Dual Band, the EA6350 is one of the most popular and well-rated routers in the market. The Linksys Max Stream AC5400 on the other hand, is a highly rated Linksys Tri Band. Others include MR9000 and AC3200 which are all Linksys Tri Band routers.
Structure and Design
Given that they are from the same manufacturer, Linksys Tri Band and Linksys Dual Band have generally similar designs. For example, they both primarily come in white with a matte finish to keep away fingerprint marks. For the Max Stream, it entails a small-tower like router that weighs 1lb with the dimensions 6.37 x 8.41 x 2.16 inches. Linksys Dual Band on the other hand, weighs 1lb and measures 8.9 x 6.92 x 1.11 inches. It is also tower-like and mainly comes in white.
Coverage and Capacity
Linksys Tri Band Max Stream has the ability to offer wide coverage of up to1,500 square feet. This signal coverage can also handle more than 15 devices. If you need more out of this router, consider buying an extender or booster for the long haul. This comes in handy for larger households or an office set-up.
Linksys Dual Band, on the other hand can offer coverage of up to 1,000 square feet. This range works well on up to 10 devices. This works well for certain house designs like ranch houses which are typically long and narrow. However, it might prove inadequate for larger multi-story designed houses.
Speed
Linksys Tri Band supports up to 2.2Gbps (400 on the 2.4GHz band+867Mbps+867Mbps on each of the 5GHz bands). Combined, these speeds give you enough leeway for HD streaming in many devices with minimal buffering. Its MU-MIMO technology also enhances its fast yet reliable connection.
For Linksys Dual Band on the other hand it has combined speeds of up to 1.2Gbps (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz + 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). These speeds are further complimented by Beamforming technology for stable and reliable speeds across the board. Beamforming technology works by prioritizing specific devices to reduce lag on others and congestion in the entire network system. One drawback on its speed is that Linksys Dual Bands like the AC1200 do not have MU-MIMO technology. This usually comes in handy to ensure multiple users are able to enjoy seamless connections at the same time.
Compatibility
Linksys Tri Band is compatible with a wide range of router extenders/boosters. It also supports FAI, NTFS and HSFT. In addition to that, its wireless type is 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
Linksys Dual Band on the other hand is also compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. It is also compatible with a wide range of router extenders if you wish to expand the coverage of your router.
Performance in speed tests
On an average, Linksys does up to 288.42Mbps at 150 feet from the router. At 100 feet and 50 feet, they deliver 330.06Mbps and 459.35Mbps respectively.
Additional features
For both the tri-band and dual-band routers, installation and setup process is easy through the Linksys app. You can download this app on your smartphone or tablet to remotely control many functions on your router.
Another unique feature in Linksys Tri Band is its Airtime Fairness feature. This allows all connected devices to receive timely signals because of equitable distribution. It is also intelligent enough to reduce the log time for slower devices on less intense tasks.
Linksys Tri Band vs. Linksys Dual Band- A comparison overview
Linksys Tri Band
- Connector Type : USB
- Provides up to 3,000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 25plus wireless devices
Tri-band routers are a recent addition to the market. They have really hit the ground running as they offer speeds of up to 5GHz on each band.
In Linksys Max Stream AC5400, for example, it has 1 2.4GHz band and 2 5GHz bands with one coming in as an additional frequency to handle traffic. This tri-band is able to deliver a staggering speed of up to 5.3Gbps. That is: 1000Mbps (first 5GHz) + 2166Mbps (second 5GHz) + 2166Mbps (2.4GHz). Linksys Tri Band routers are therefore well able to handle multiple users on resource intensive tasks. This is also enhanced with the MU-MIMO technology they are designed with. MU-MIMO ensures that the router is able to provide a stable and fast connection to more than one device at the same time. Each device is treated as if it were connected to its own router for fast speeds.
Linksys Tri Band routers are also better suited in providing wide coverage. They also have a better capacity to handle many devices that are connected to the router at the same time. An example is the Linksys Max Stream AC5400 which provides coverage of 3,000 square feet for more than 25 wireless devices.
Pointer: The extra band comes in handy for houses and offices that are large and with more connected devices. If you live alone in a condo or apartment, the Linksys tri band might be overkill. Also remember that if you do not have many Wi-Fi devices that are 5GHz compatible, you need not go for the tri-band router. The upgrade which is certainly costly might not be entirely noticeable in your overall experience.
Pros
- Many connected devices do not compromise on the speeds the network experiences
- You can dedicate each band to specific devices
- Minimal buffering and interference
Cons
- Cost significantly more than dual bands
- Might be overkill if you do not have many 5GHz compatible devices
Linksys Dual Band
- Provides up to 1,000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 10 wireless devices
- Works with existing modem, simple setup through Linksys app
Like the name suggests, a dual-band router supports two frequencies. After the introduction of single-band routers, dual band-routers later came up as a solution to congestion and slow speeds.
Linksys dual band routers support the 2.4GHz frequency band as well as one more 5GHz frequency band. These operate on the 802.11ac standard which is fairly new at the market. Both bands should be able to seamlessly work together to give you reliable and fast speeds. On paper, they support combined speeds of up to 2,167Mbps and more.
They work almost like the freeway. The 2.4GHz takes up most of the ordinary tasks, while the 5GHz is open for faster and clearer connections when there is clogging. In Linksys EA6350, for example, it provides 1000 square feet coverage for upto 10 devices connected to the network. This connection is steady and fast enough for 4K HD streaming as well as online gaming with minimal lag time and buffering. This is because its dual frequencies combined deliver speeds of up to 1.2Gbps. The 2.4GHz band supports 300Mbps and the 5GHz band 867Mbps. Its Gigabit Ethernet ports also translate to faster speeds when you choose to use wired connections.
Another pro feature of Linksys dual band as it is with tri-band routers is the Linksys app. Once you have downloaded this app on your smartphone or tablet, you can easily control your router remotely. For instance, setup is quite easy with clear instructions to follow.
Most recent Linksys dual band routers also boast of MU-MIMO technology which comes in handy to manage many connected devices on one system. Simply put, this technology enables the router to seamlessly manage its connection. An example is how dual-band routers can now ensure the connection is smooth even when one person is surfing on the internet, another 4K streaming while yet another device is playing online games. Previously without MU-MIMO technology, routers could only focus on one device at a time.
Linksys Dual band still has a few imperfections though. First, the 5GHz band does not offer long range in houses or offices with many obstacles like doors and walls. Secondly, the tri-band easily wins out by being faster with wider coverage than the dual band.
Pros
- With recent additions, they offer wide range and stability
- Compatible with all devices ranging from iPhones to PlayStation 4 Pro
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Speed can slow down when there are many connected devices at once
- Offers shorter range than the tri-band
Conclusion
This article has given an overview on the differences that exist between Linksys Tri Band and Linksys Dual Band. They both have good quality features like wide coverage and good capacity. They are also compatible with existing and new Wi-Fi devices making them a good fit for all kinds of people.
When it comes down to it, Linksys Tri Band and Linksys Dual Band perform differently because of their frequency band type. The additional 5GHz in the Linksys Tri Band is able to manage traffic and ease congestion on the router. If you live in a large house or you have many connected users to your network, the Linksys Tri Band is the right router for you. Linksys Dual Band on the other hand is adequate for smaller households with fewer devices connected to the system. Spending the extra bucks on a Linksys Tri Band if you have a small household might be overkill for nothing.
Also, be sure to check on the speeds you experience with your Internet Service Provider. If you run on low speeds to begin with, the Linksys Tri Band might also be too excessive.
Verdict: So, which one is better between Linksys Tri Band and Linksys Dual Band?
As already stated, Linksys Tri Band is best suited for high-pressure environment. It is easily the better device as it is equipped for modern tasks like 4K and 8K streaming, online gaming and virtual reality. To ensure you experience this with minimal buffering at the highest quality, the additional band on the Linksys Tri Band comes in handy.
Therefore, Linksys Tri Band wins out.
Frequently asked questions
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How does the MU-MIMO work in Linksys?
Most modern routers including Linksys Velop Tri Band have now been developed using multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology. For such routers, they are better able to handle busy environments like where there are multiple devices connected to the network.
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Does the additional 5GHz band matter a lot?
If you live in a single-story home or you do not have many Wi-Fi devices, the additional 5Ghz band in Linksys Tri Band might not make much of a difference to you. However, if you live in a larger home with many connected users, the additional band counts.
