Netgear nighthawk ac1900 vs. Linksys wrt1900ac – Which is the best for home use?
Wi-Fi routers are not the same. Some come with multiple Ethernet ports for console connection while others operate on three separate bands. You do not need to curse your network every time once you have identified the right router.
As homes are getting smarter so are routers becoming more crucial. Today, almost all your home devices now come with internet connections, which means you not only need a router but a faster one at that. To help you extend your Wi-Fi coverage you also need to purchase wireless range extenders and mesh Wi-Fi systems. In this article we review two routers that have made a mark in the router world and tell you which is the best.
Table of Contents
What are the key differences between Netgear nighthawk ac1900 and Linksys wrt1900ac?
Model |
Netgear Nighthawk ac1900 |
Linksys wrt1900ac (Winner) |
Dimensions (inches) |
11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 |
11.5 x 8 x 5 |
Processor |
1 GHz dual core processor |
1.2GHz dual core ARM processor |
Flash memory |
128MB |
128MB |
RAM |
256MB |
256MB |
Speed |
1.3Gbps for 5GHz and 600Mbps for 2.4GHz |
3 spatial streams deliver 600Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1.3Gbps for 5GHz |
Availability |
Netgear nighthawk ac1900 vs. Linksys wrt1900ac – How do they differ?
Design
The Linksys wrt1900ac is a large router measuring 11.5 x 8 x 5 inches. The router comes in the characteristic black and blue colors common with previous models. Due to its enormous size it does come with some four sturdy legs for stability. The Linksys wrt1900ac comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for your gaming consoles and two USB ports – 3.0 USB and combination of 2.0 USB and eSATA. When compared to the Linksys the Nighthawk is slightly smaller at 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches but it does come in a sleek trapezoid design. You can place the router horizontally or mount on walls. The Nighthawk comes with four Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports, one Gigabit WAN port and 2.0 & 3.0 USB ports.
Performance and speed
The Linksys wrt1900ac spots a powerful 1.2GHz dual core ARM processor with 256MB of DDR3 and 128MB of flash storage. It is compatible with various third party firmware. The Nighthawk runs on a fast 1GHz dual core processor that is supported by 256MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory.
While the wrt1900ac leverages on beamforming technology for superior strength it does perform well in various speed tests. On its AC band at 50 feet the router scores 251.5Mbps while at 140 feet it scores 261.8Mbps. On its N band it scores 37.4Mbps at 140 feet. When the nighthawk is put to the test it scores 174Mbps at 15 feet. Performance on its 2.4GHz is a bit of disappointment as it scores 69Mbps at 15 feet when you have configured it to N mode. What we liked about the router is it can sustain itself at longer ranges without one losing a signal.
Installation and technologies
One of the best feature for the preference of the Linksys wrt1900ac by network enthusiasts is its hackability. The router comes with an open source firmware that allows one to customize the router for additional functionality. The Nighthawk comes with some impressive setup features like the enhanced QoS. With this you are capable of giving priority to video streaming or advanced gaming. The router can be set to optimize downstream traffic for video streaming or upstream internet traffic for gaming. The router also comes with beamforming technology that enables it to offer better signal strength to your devices.
Netgear nighthawk ac1900 vs. Linksys wrt1900ac – A Comparison Overview
Netgear nighthawk ac1900 – Overview
- 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...
The Nighthawkis a dual band 802.11ac router that comes in a trapezoid design. It offers excellent 5GHz speeds and comes with the latest Quality of Service (QoS) feature. The Nighthawk ac1900 is a large router measuring 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches. It can be placed horizontally or mounted on a wall; it also comes with a wide base with rubber feet so you do not have to worry about the router toppling over.
To enable the router run on high speeds, the Nighthawk comes with a 1GHz dual core processor with 256MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory. This enables the router to reach speeds of up to 600Mbps for the 2.4GHz band and 1,300MHz for the 5GHz band. While the router does deliver excellent speeds and range, it does get warm after repeated use.
Installation of the router is easy as it comes with an installation package. All you need once you have connected it is head to its web browser for more customization options.
Pros
- Fast processor speed
- Customization flexibility through the genie app
- Enhanced QoS feature for optimized video gaming
- Full VPN capabilities
Cons
The 2.4GHz throughput speeds are not that great
Linksys wrt1900ac – Overview
- Wireless AC, up to 4.3x faster than N technology: Simultaneous dual band speed up to 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) +...
- 4 high performance antennas: Engineered to enhance dual band communication, four external, adjustable...
The Linksys wrt1900ac comes in distinctive black and blue colors with the LINKSYS logos on the top and front. The router is massive measuring 11.5 x 8 x 5 inches; you have four sturdy legs to keep the router secure. At the front you have your white LED lights that are not that irritatingly bright to light up like Christmas lights at night but still visible even under sunlight. The wrt1900ac features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0 port and another that works as either a 2.0 USB or eSATA.
A 1.2GHz dual core ARM processor runs the wrt1900ac. This is supported by 256MB of DDR3 RAM and 128MB of flash storage. The Linksys router also supports third party firmware meaning you should be on the lookout for any upgrades. The router has four external antennas but you should note that it is three stream rather than four stream. At its best the router will deliver speeds of up to 600Mbps on its 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps on its 5GHz band.
Installation of the router has been simplified due to a set of default settings printed at the back of the router. Once you have connected it to your broadband modem it will start detecting devices. You can get more settings through its web interface which you access through your free Linksys smart Wi-Fi account. There is also a mobile app for both iOS and Android. When it comes to performance, it scores 261.8Mbps at 140 feet and 251.5Mbps at 50 feet. On the n band it scores 37.4Mbps at 140 feet.
Pros
- For easy starts comes with toggle power switch
- Easy to install and setup
- Open source firmware
- Great design
- eSATA port
Cons
- Bulky
Conclusion: So, which is better – Netgear Nighthawk ac1900 or Linksys wrt1900ac?
The Linksys wrt1900acis our winner for this review. We were impressed by its open source firmware that boosts hackability hence enabling users to add features to the router. On performance you get good internet speeds and coverage has been boosted by the addition of beamforming technology. The router also comes with a 2.0 USB/eSATA port.
FAQ
How many devices can you connect with the Netgear Nighthawk ac1900?
The Netgear allows you to connect up to 30 devices on its network. This allows you to stream 4K videos, surf the net, and play various multi-player games.
Can I change the firmware in the Linksys wrt1900ac?
The router is open source ready meaning you can change the firmware and customize the router as you wish. This comes in handy for network gurus who desire more from their routers.
