Netgear nighthawk X6 vs Linksys WRT3200ACM Router
Have you ever been in a situation whereby you were just relaxing streaming your favourite series on Netflix and then all over sudden it just starts buffering constantly? Well I have and it was definitely not an experience that I wished to go through again.
I have to admit, my sluggish router was the issue and not Netflix. When I thought about getting a new router, the Nighthawk X6 and Linksys wrt3200acm immediately hopped onto the top of my list because they are routers that deliver great performance consistently which would allow me to stream my videos smoothly without any interruptions. Aside from this, these routers also support VPN which is a very essential feature for anyone who values securing their Wi-Fi connection.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Netgear nighthawk X6 and Linksys WRT3200ACM?
Name |
Netgear Nighthawk X6 |
Linksys WRT3200ACM (Winner) |
Size |
11.5 x 8.9 x 2.2 inches |
9.68 x 7.63 x 2.04 inches |
Processor |
Dual Core1 GHz processor |
1.8 GHz Dual Core processor
|
QoS Traffic Prioritization |
Yes |
No |
Throughput speeds |
2.4GHz- 600Mps, 5GHz- 3200Mbps |
2.4GHZ- 600Mbps, 5GHz- 2600Mbps |
Encryption Type |
WPA/WPA2-PSK, SPI and NAT firewall |
WPA2-Enterprise, WPA2 Personal, WPA/WPA2 |
Security |
Customized URL to set up personal FTP server, VPN support, Guest network access, DoS protection feature |
128 bit AES link encryption, PPTP, IPSec pass-through |
Availability |
Netgear Nighthawk X6 vs Linksys WRT3200 ACM- How do they compare?
Design
I always consider the practicality and appearance of a particular router before purchasing it because I always love having a neat looking living room 24/7. Here, the Linksys Wrt3200ACM has a more practical design than the NighhawkX6because the WRT3200ACM measures 9.68 x 7.63 x 2.04 inches with 4 removable antennas. I know you might be wondering whether the WRT3200ACM will still work efficiently when you remove its signal captors, well yes it will. Removing the antennas also makes the router look less bulky and you’ll also have a lot more options on where you could place it on your living room without having to mess up with your initial arrangement. On the other hand, the Nighthawk X6 is bigger as it measures 11.5 x 8.9 x 2.2 inches and comes with 6 non- removable antennas.
Performance and speed
Another factor that I always consider is how efficient the Wi-Fi router will be wheneverI connect a number of devices to it simultaneous.
Here, the Linksys Wrt3200ACM has a more powerful processor than the Nighthawk X6. It comes with a1.8 GHz Dual core processor which allows you to connect multiple devices to it and still deliver consistent throughput speeds to your devices throughout. The Nighthawk X6 on the other hand comes with a 1GHz dual core processor. However, the Nighthawk X6 comes withfaster throughput speeds than the Linksys Wrt3200ACM. This is because it comes with two channels, 2.4GHz which offers internet download speeds of 600Mbps and a 5GHz channel that offers 3200Mbps. These bandwidths provide you with great throughput which will enable you to enjoy a smooth internet streaming experience at all times. On the other hand, the Wrt3200ACM reaches 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz channel and 2600 Mbps on the 5GHz channel.
Netgear Nighthawk X6 vs Linksys WRT3200ACM – A comparison review
The NetgearNighthhawk X6
- 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...
The Netgear Nighthawk X6 is black in colour with 6 non- removable antennas that measure 3.3 inches each. You can only set it up horizontally because of these antennas. In terms of size, the Nighthawk X6 measures 11.5 x 8.9 x 2.2 inches. This router also has 13 LED lights which inform you what band is in use by the router.
This router is equipped with a Dual Core 1GHz processor without a fan however, it still manages to stay cool throughout its use. Internet download speeds is not something to worry about with this router as it has a Tri- band 2.4GHz and2 5GHz channels producing up to 3200Mbps. This router is able to support a number of devices connected to it and still maintain quality internet download speeds consistently. The Netgear Nighthawk X6 router also has two ports, a USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports where you can connect your hard-drive device to the router with ease.
The Netgear Nighthawk X6 also has an easy to operate genie software which shows you the devices that are connected to the Wi-Fi router. This software can be accessed using any type of device i.e. android or apple. You can also see which channels are being used through this software.
Pros
- Consistent download speeds.
- Fast wireless channels.
- It has very good range.
- It has two essential USB ports.
Cons
- It does not have a port for e-SATA
Linksys WR3200 ACM
- Fast wireless router provides Wi-Fi coverage for your home (works with existing modem)
- Open source firmware offers advanced customization; Certified operating systems: MacOS (10.X or higher),...
The Linksys WR3200 ACM router is black and blue in colour and measures 9.68 x 7.63 x 2.04 inches. It has removable antennas that are 4 inches each. One advantage about having detachable antennas is that its design offers you a variety of options on where you can place it on your living room. In addition to this, the Linksys WR3200ACM consists of a Dual core 1.8GHz processor that consistently promotes fast internet data processing even when there are many devices connected to it. The dual core processor works hand in hand with two channels, a 2.4GHz channel which offers 600Mbps internet download speeds and a 5GHz channel which offers 2600 Mbps internet download speeds therefore, supports great coverage at all times. This router offers smooth and reliable coverage up to 2000Sq. ft making it an ideal router for you if you live in a small to medium sized house.
This router is equipped with a Multi- User Multiple input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) Feature. With such technology, a number of devices can each connect to the router and run at their maximum internet speeds without any device suffering from buffering. MU-MIMO basically handles a broad bandwidth especially in homes that have a lot of devices that have different internet speed requirements.
Among the features that makes this router stand out is that it has four gigabit Ethernet ports. Therefore, you can directly connect your TV or console to the router with ease and enjoy streaming videos or seamless online game play. This router also has an E-SATA port and two USB ports (3.0 and 2.0) which enables you to connect some of your devices such as a hard drive and share data across your network to friends and family.
Pros
- It has a E-SATA port
- Easy to set up even for beginners.
- Supports multiple devices efficiently.
- Great processor that facilitates faster download speeds.
Cons
- Download speeds reduces past 2000Sq. feet.
Verdict- Which is better, Netgear nighthawk X6 or the Linksys WRT3200ACM?
The Linksys WRT3200ACM is the overall winner as compared to the Nighthawk X6. This is because it has a more practical design, and more efficient processor as compared to the Nighthawk X6. Linksys WRT3200 will deliver faster download speeds even under heavy use making it a better choice of the two.
FAQs
What processor does the Linksys WRT3200ACM router come with?
This Wi-Fi router is equipped with a Dual-core 1.8GHz processor which is a good feature for a router as it consistently promotes fast internet download speeds and counters internet buffering.
Can I be able to switch off the blinking LED lights on the Nighthawk X6?
Yes, you can switch off the LED lights if they bother you. However you should remember that those lights inform you the bands which are in use by the router. So you might as well take that into consideration.
