The best Linksys routers are affordable and reliable, making them some of the best routers on the market for the average homeowner. In addition, these devices are built well and have a variety of extra features, like parental controls and guest networks.
While these wireless routers offer a good value and are very easy to set up, they are relatively basic. Therefore, they aren’t the best option for advanced users who want more customization. However, you’ll still get the MU-MIMO technology you need to connect multiple devices via USB ports, gigabit ethernet ports, or your wireless network.
Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about Linksys routers.
Top Linksys Routers
#1 Linksys EA7500-4B Router
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Linksys router boasts decent coverage, making it a good choice for offices and apartments. It has beamforming tech for precise signal broadcasting and has two-band speeds of up to 1.9 Gbps for bandwidth-intensive applications.
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- Excellent connection speed
- Decent 1,500 sq. ft coverage
- MU-MIMO tech
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- Patchy signal on the 2.4GHz band
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The Linksys EA7500-4B router is a Wi-Fi device that brings fast internet connectivity to homes and offices. This router provides coverage of up to 1,500 sq. ft., so it’s ideal for offices, homes, and apartments. It’s compatible with modems and works with the Linksys app for easy setup. This device provides dual-band Wi-Fi, featuring data transfer speeds of up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1.3 Gbps on the 5GHz band. However, the signal on the 2.4GHz band is sometimes unstable.
This Linksys EA7500-4B router supports up to 15 simultaneous connections, so it’s suitable for small offices and homes with multiple users. Built-in Mu-MIMO tech enhances the user experience when multiple devices are connected to this system. It has high-tech beamforming antennas that send a focused signal directly to a connected device, offering excellent signal strength. The device has built-in parental controls for blocking potentially harmful websites. It also offers guest access without compromising the security settings.
#2 Linksys WRT3200ACM AC3200 Router
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This router features advanced features such as multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output tech to provide fast internet access in homes and offices. It has open-source firmware that will suit organizations with advanced needs.
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- Extremely fast speeds of up to 2.6 Gbps
- Open source firmware
- eSATA, USB, and Ethernet ports
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- Complicated setup
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The Linksys WRT3200ACM AC3200 router works with a variety of modems to broadcast wireless signals around the home. This router features tri stream 160 technology, doubling the bandwidth from 80 Mhz to 160 Mhz. With dual-band speeds of up to 2.6 Gbps, this device is suitable for multiplayer gaming and video streaming. It uses MU-MIMO tech to enhance the user experience when several devices are connected simultaneously. However, setting up this device can be challenging for non-technical users.
This Linksys WRT3200ACM AC3200 router has a stylish design with a blue and black palette. Its open source firmware comes in handy for advanced users who need to adapt the functions of the router. The router features a 1.8GHz processor that makes easy work of enterprise level workloads. It works with the Smart Wi-Fi app, offering easy setup via a mobile device. With a range of ports that include eSATA, Ethernet, and USB, this device easily connects to storage drives and printers.
#3 Linksys EA9300 AC4000 Router
Award: BEST FOR ORGANIZATIONS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This router offers very fast connection speeds that will appeal to small organizations with bandwidth heavy users. It uses MU MIMO and airtime fairness to ration the bandwidth intelligently across connected devices.
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- Cutting-edge MU MIMO + Airtime fairness tech
- Excellent coverage of up to 3,500 sq. ft.
- Beamforming tech ensures great signal strength
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- Lacks automatic band steering
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The Linksys EA9300 AC4000 router is an intelligent tri-band device with plenty of cutting-edge features. This router runs on a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU and three offload processors, providing excellent performance. The device has a combined speed of up to 4 Gbps, making it a good choice for small organizations and very large homes. It has auto firmware updates for security. However, this router lacks advanced band steering for auto-selecting the appropriate band for a device.
This Linksys EA9300 AC4000 router uses MU MIMO and airtime fairness tech to intelligently enhance the user experience when multiple devices are connected. The device features six advanced beamforming antennas with nine high-power amplifiers to extend coverage, making this device a good choice for large multi-storey homes. Featuring five Gigabit Ethernet ports, this router provides reliable wired connections to computers and printers. With two USB ports, the router supports NAS devices.
#4 Linksys E8450 AX3200 Router
Award: BEST APPEARANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Linksys router has a sleek, vertical design without external antennas that’s ideal for placement in offices and living rooms. The device features fast speeds and connects more than two dozen users.
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- Excellent simultaneous two-band streaming
- Connects 25 devices
- Great coverage of up to 2,500 sq. ft
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- WPS button doesn’t work with WPA2/WPA3 settings
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The Linksys E8450 AX3200 router impresses with its extended coverage, and it’s recommended for spaces of up to 2,500 sq. Ft. This device has an excellent Wi-Fi throughput, boasting dual-band connection speeds of up to 3.2 Gbps. With the ability to connect up to 25 devices simultaneously, this device is ideal for organizations and large homes. It features parental controls and advanced settings for online safety. However, the WPS option doesn’t work when the router is set to WPA2/WPA3 encryption.
This Linksys E8450 AX3200 router supports simultaneous dual-band streaming on both the 2.5GHz and 5GHz bands for convenience. Featuring a browser-based setup process, this device is relatively easy to configure. We like its sleek vertical design, which lacks external antennas. The four Gigabit Ethernet ports on this device offer fast, reliable connections to printers, smart TVs, and computers. This device also features a USB port for connecting broadband modems and storage devices.
#5 Linksys E5400 AC1200 Router
Award: BEST FOR SMALL HOMES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This router connects up to ten users and has a decent broadcasting range that makes it suitable for small homes and offices. Features such as a guest access function and parental controls offer convenience without compromising security.
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- Outstanding wireless throughput
- Connects up to 10 devices
- Guest access
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- Mediocre 1500 sq. ft coverage
- Lacks USB ports
- Lacks status indicator lights
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The Linksys E5400 AC1200 router delivers fast dual-band Wi-Fi to apartments and small offices. This device supports a combined Wi-Fi throughput of up to 1.2 Gbps, supporting bandwidth-intensive users easily. It has a convenient guest access function that allows system administrators to generate an independent password-protected Wi-Fi network for up to 10 guest users. However, its coverage of about 1500 sq. ft. is not adequate for large homes.
This Linksys E5400 AC1200 router has four Ethernet ports for connecting devices to the internet directly with cables. The router has a browser-based configuration process, which can be done via a computer or mobile device. This device features WPA/WPA2 encryption protocols to prevent unauthorized access to the network. An SPI firewall helps block potentially harmful websites and applications. The router has parental controls to help restrict access to distracting and inappropriate content for the family.
#6 Linksys MR9000 AC3000 Router
Award: BEST FOR LARGE HOMES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This router has impressive coverage and connects more than two dozen gadgets, making it a good choice for large homes. The router is compatible with Velop network extension systems to expand the coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft.
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- Incredible coverage
- Mesh system supports extending coverage to 6,000 sq. ft.
- Excellent tri-band bandwidth
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- Simplistic GUI lacks advanced network monitoring tools
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The Linksys MR9000 AC3000 router boasts an excellent coverage of up to 3,000 sq. ft., making this device a good choice for large homes and business premises. Connecting more than 25 devices at a go, this device is a good choice for restaurants, workplace lobbies, and offices.. It also has a USB port for connecting network-attached storage devices and USB modems. However, with an overly simplified GUI, the device lacks advanced network monitoring tools.
This Linksys MR9000 AC3000 router works with the Linksys app for hassle-free setup and configuration. With tri-band Wi-Fi, this device supports a throughput of up to 3 Gbps, supporting streaming, gaming, and video sharing applications. The device features four Ethernet ports for plugging smart TVs, computers, and printers directly onto the router. This device is compatible with the Velop mesh Wi-Fi system, so it can expand coverage up to 6,000 sq.ft., eliminating dead zones.
Introduction to the Best Linksys Routers
The Linksys company started in 1988 in California. It was founded by Victor Tsao, who was an electrical engineer at the time. The company’s first product was a high-density Ethernet card that allowed computers to connect to LANs at faster speeds. As the company grew, they started making routers for home and business use.
Today, Linksys operates as a subsidiary of Belkin International Inc. They specialize in routers for both home and business use, as well as network adapters, VoIP phones, and other networking products. Routers from this brand are known to be easy to use, reliable, and most of all, secure.
Although they offer products for a wide range of prices, it is a common misconception that they only provide low-quality products. This may be because their routers are usually cheaper than other popular brands. However, their products have been featured in several “best of” lists, and many users swear by them.
Designed with the home user in mind, Linksys is one of the most popular brands when it comes to routers, giving the best Belkin routers a run for their money. They are known for their impressive performance, a wide variety of features, and of course, their price. They offer several affordable Wi-Fi routers and are great for people who are just getting into the home networking scene.
How Linksys Compares to Other Brands
Pro 1: Linksys routers are affordable. Their most expensive home router is around $160, while some competitors charge up to $300 for the same product. That means they offer an excellent value for the average user.
Con 1: Linksys routers may not be suitable for more advanced users. They do not offer the same speeds, security, and other features that most businesses look for in a router. In addition, they are not compatible with some of the more advanced business-grade security protocols, and upgrading the firmware is sometimes tricky.
Pro 2: While Linksys routers may not be as feature-rich as some of the more expensive routers on the market, they are still packed with features that most users will need. They include parental controls, guest network setup, and a variety of security protocols that will keep your network safe. You’ll also enjoy wireless or wired connectivity, wi-fi 6 support, and plenty of throughput for faster speed.
Con 2: Linksys routers are not as fast as some of the more expensive routers on the market. If you are looking for a router that can handle a lot of traffic from your wireless devices, you may want to consider a model from a different company.
Pro 3: Linksys routers are very easy to use. They come with step-by-step installation instructions, and most users can have them up and running in a matter of minutes. You can set them up with your computer or mobile device to get started faster.
Con 3: If you are looking for a wi-fi router that offers a lot of customization options, you may want to consider a model from a different company. Linksys routers do not provide as much customization as some more expensive brands.
Pro 4: Linksys routers are very reliable. They are known to work well in most situations, and if there are ever any problems, you can always contact Linksys technical support.
Con 4: Linksys routers aren’t the most attractive devices. In fact, they can be an eyesore. They have antennas that stick out on all sides, and the design leaves much to be desired. If you want a stylish and sleek design, you’re better off looking at the best Euro router.
Pro 5: If you need superior speeds and a strong connection for all of your connected devices, Linksys supports the latest wi-fi 6 router technology. You’ll be able to take advantage of all your internet provider has to offer.
Con 5: Unfortunately, even some of the most expensive Linksys options that claim to be the fastest routers don’t offer the dedicated band control that many people need. Even if you don’t know anything about the 2.5GHz or the 5GHz band, you’ll miss out on the range and the speed that many other routers will let you control.
Pro 6: Linksys does offer the Linksys Velop tri-band router that allows you to take advantage of a better wi-fi signal and more speed on your 5GHz band, thanks to two 5GHz bands and one 2.5GHz band. You can even add a dual-band router node to your existing tri-band mesh network, allowing you to extend your reach.
Con 6: Some of the updated technology in newer Linksys models is too advanced for the average user, which makes them harder to set up and understand. Not everyone will be able to set up a complicated network with maximum performance to take advantage of the best Linksys has to offer.
Why Should You Buy a Linksys Router?
If you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, and reliable wifi router, Linksys is an excellent option. They offer a variety of routers and network adapters designed to meet the needs of most home and business users. This dual-band router helps you connect your smart home devices to the fastest internet speeds.
Linksys routers are known for their affordability, ease of use, and reliability. They are a great option for people who are just getting into the home networking scene, and they offer a variety of features that will keep your network safe. In addition, their customer service is known to be excellent, so you can always count on them for help if you ever have any problems.
Linksys routers work well with wifi extenders if you find you need more square feet of coverage. They also allow wired connections from your wired device if you need direct connectivity to the internet through a strong ethernet internet connection.
For people who need a balance of affordability and some advanced features, Linksys routers offer some of the best value.
How Long Will a Linksys Router Last?
Linksys routers are designed to last for two or three years. However, the length of time they will last depends on how often they have been used and the conditions in which they are used. While they’re known for being reliable, your router may last longer, depending on how you use it.
If you’re using your router every day for hours on end, then it may only last for a year or two. However, if you’re using it for a couple of hours a day, then it may last for three or four years. Too, you may find you need to replace it as technology changes.
Linksys Warranty
Most Linksys routers come with a one-year warranty, so you can always contact customer service if there are any problems. You can also purchase an extended warranty if you want more protection.
This one-year warranty is standard for most Linksys routers, but some models come with a longer warranty. If you’re concerned about the longevity of your router, be sure to check the product listing to see what kind of warranty is included.
