Linksys is one of the well-established networking brands. While it’s not as good as ASUS in terms of security features, a few models with support for third-party firmware, like DD-WRT, OpenWrt, and Tomato, compensate for that.
But then, the options are many, and not choosing the right model might end you up with an underpowered device. This is why I decided to research, test, and review the best available routers from Linksys.
To prepare this list, I got my hands on 29 offerings and tested each in various scenarios. This article is the outcome of 3-month long detailed testing in various aspects.
7 Best Linksys Routers in 2024
The list consists best options in every category, be it premium, mid-range, or budget. Just make sure to go through their detailed reviews, align your needs and budget, and make a wise decision.
1. Best Overall: Linksys Hydra Pro 6E
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,700 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x 5G WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 55
- App Support: Yes
With Wi-Fi 6e based routers getting more mainstream, Linksys aims to make it more affordable with its Hydro Pro 6E, aka MR7500.
Alongside its excellent throughput owing to an additional 6 GHz band, its highlight is a 5 Gbps Ethernet port for high-speed data transmissions. All these sound extraordinary on paper, so let’s find out how do they fare in real-world use.
Speeds & Performance
With tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, the Hydro Pro 6E comes with a throughput rating of AX6600 (6600 Mbps), where the speed split is as follows:
| 6 GHz: 4800 Mbps | 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
To test its performance, I paired the Google Fiber 2 Gig plan and used my MacBook Air M1 as a testing device. At a distance of 20 feet, it yielded 1820 Mbps for downloads and 1791 Mbps for uploads.
While respective speeds at 50 feet clocked at 1254 Mbps and 964 Mbps. The availability of an additional 6 GHz WiFi band and more free channels makes way for more speeds.
Besides, the Hydra Pro 6E passed the saturation test where I streamed movies, played online music & games, sent emails, and tuned to an internet radio simultaneously. There wasn’t a single lag or jitter in any of the devices in action.
And if there’s any bandwidth-demanding device at bay, there’s an option to plug it into a 5 Gbps Ethernet port.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Speaking of range, the Hydra Pro 6E with four beamforming antennas has a maximum stipulated range of 2,700 Sq Ft, which is great for any mid-sized home.
At my test lab, with a typical office setup, the maximum signals could disperse to around 2,400 Sq Ft, so it should work out.
But if it doesn’t, let me tell you it’s mesh-ready, which means it can team up with a similar router to establish a mesh network across a large area.
Besides, it entails typical technologies like MU-MIMO, QoS, and OFDMA to stabilize the signals sent over to your smart devices. So, despite 50 devices hogging the bandwidth, you can stream your favorite online web shows or movies lag-free.
Security Features
Linksys routers don’t instill advanced security features like Asus, TP-Link or Netgear routers, but also don’t leaves the security to God’s grace.
Its latest WPA3 encryption standard keeps the shared datasets and user credentials safe from any external agents. Features like guest network, VPN, access control, and auto-firmware update do a decent job.
In terms of parental controls, it has got an internet dashboard to keep track of a user’s online time, pause the internet at any time, and, importantly, content filtering.
Conclusion
Overall, Linksys Hydra Pro 6E is the latest and the fastest Linksys router on offer. It’s priced well, and its features are top-shelf. It offers a quick setup and more usable speed while sending your signals to long distances. Besides, its security controls are decent enough to keep your home network protected.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6E & Tri-Band
- Reasonable pricing
- Handles multiple devices
- 5 Gbps ethernet port
- Content filtering
Cons
- Doesn’t support Link Aggregation
- Security features aren’t advanced
2. Best for DD-WRT & OpenWRT: Linksys WRT3200ACM
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- App Support: Yes
Next on my list is Linksys WRT3200ACM, which based on its spec sheet, is a major downgrade over Hydra pro 6E, but it’s designed for power users looking to flash a custom router firmware.
Also, compared to my top pick, it has an increased range and compatibility with any open-source firmware.
Speeds & Performance
The WRT3200ACM, with a Wi-Fi 5 standard, comes at a maximum speed cap of 3200 Mbps, where each band has an allocated speed of:
| 5 GHz: 2600 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
I tested the network performance on Spectrum 1 Gbps plan, utilizing the 20ft/40ft technique. And unsurprisingly, the device performed well at 20 feet with respective download and upload speeds of 931 Mbps and 32 Mbps, respectively.
I got about 521 Mbps and 24 Mbps at a 40 feet distance. The installation of OpenWRT firmware made things even better, as the router cleared the congestion test with flying colors. I continued to stream TV in 4K despite my brother playing online games and my father taking video calls.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
On paper, WRT3200ACM has a better range at 3,000 Sq Ft compared to my previous recommendation.
In my test across my 2,500 Sq Ft test lab and it had reliable coverage throughout. The signals were available in the conference room, most of the workspace, and even the pantry.
Besides, with MU-MIMO and beamforming, the devices in the outskirts had stable connections, and connecting many of them was possible at a time. The number maxes out at 25, which is still more than decent for any household setup.
Security Features
As mentioned earlier, its support for open-source firmware comes as a stand-out feature for this Linksys router.
With the OpenWRT software installed, I had access to some advanced features like a firewall, RELRO protection, GCC format security, and many others for the securest network. Also, easier installation of the firmware makes things much better.
Regarding parental controls, you can establish as many as 50 guest networks and password-protect them. Besides, you can manually block any website you consider harmful to your kids.
Conclusion
To conclude, WRT3200ACM is a great investment to make if you need advanced security, decent throughput and signals throughout your working space.
Open-source firmware compatibility takes it to the second position on my list but relatively outdated Wi-Fi 5 standard and high price point are its major limitations.
Pros
- Supports open-source firmware
- Great WiFi range
- MU-MIMO and beamforming
- Easy to set up
Cons
- No Wi-Fi 6
- Higher price
3. Best for Large Homes: Linksys Atlas MX2000
Linksys not only make traditional wireless routers, but they also make great mesh WiFi systems. Atlas MX2000 is one of them!
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 4,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 3 x Gig LAN
- Number of Devices Supported: 50
- App Support: Yes
If you have a large house filled with weak and dead network spots, then the Linksys Atlas MX2000 is the most appropriate choice.
It comes with a massive 4,000 Sq Ft range, multi-device handling capacity, and latest Wi-Fi standard to deliver improved performance.
Speeds & Performance
The Atlas MX2000 has a maximum speed of 3000 Mbps, and each of its bands has a share as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2401 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
To get the best performance, it helps if you have a Spectrum 1 Gig internet plan and a device with high-cap receiving antennas.
At 20 feet, my iPhone 13 records download speeds of 939 Mbps and upload speeds of 37 Mbps, while respective values at 40 feet were around 561 Mbps and 27 Mbps.
The better speeds with MX2000 denotes its wireless capability where signal strength is not dropped over a distance.
Besides, with plenty of devices like smart TVs, laptops, computers, smartphones, and others connected, the stability of online tasks didn’t tick the slightest.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The two-pack Atlas MX2000 comes at a theoretical range of 4,000 Sq Ft, superseding most of my recommendations.
The mesh system should feast most of your large apartment or a mid-sized workspace easily with a practical range of 3,600 Sq Ft. And since the router and node act as a single network, signal quality won’t drop much in the outskirts.
Other than that, technologies like beamforming, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO help me connect up to 43 devices simultaneously. This includes bandwidth-hogging devices like laptops, gaming consoles, computers, etc.
Security Features
Starting with, it brings forward the latest WPA3 standard to password-protect your database alongside a VPN to let you access any webpage remotely and securely.
Besides, it lets you create multiple guest networks and updates the firmware automatically whenever it is available.
Conclusion
The Atlas MX2000 is the best-rated Linksys router for large homes that offers an impressive range of features, which translates well in real life to deliver an excellent WiFi performance.
It seems like a perfect pick for a mid-sized workspace that demands reliable and stable speeds throughout the space. But the lack of any advanced security or parental controls has pushed it down to the third position.
Pros
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 setup
- Exceptional WiFi coverage
- Stable and fast throughput
- Handles multiple devices
- Easy to install & set up
Cons
- Lacks advanced security tools
4. Best for Gaming: Linksys Hydra Pro 6
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,700 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 30
- App Support: Yes
Linksys Hydra Pro 6 comes is among the best routers for gaming on a budget. Replacement to the hot-selling Linksys Hydra 6, the router with mesh support brings many upgrades with a 5,400 Mbps speed, device-handling ability, and range.
Let’s discuss how it fares in real life.
Speeds & Performance
Linksys Hydra Pro 6 is a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with a maximum speed cap of 5400 Mbps. It operates on two bands where share of each is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
Like most wireless routers I review, I tested the Hydra Pro 6 with Spectrum Internet Gig plan in the 20ft/40ft format. And the scores were decent in both instances.
At 20 feet, the download and upload speeds fared at 901 Mbps and 29 Mbps, respectively. Similarly, at 40 feet, the router delivered respective throughput scores of 514 Mbps and 23 Mbps.
The results are encouraging, especially for a 200-dollar router, and the available speeds are fast for my online gaming, with ping and FPS values recorded at 18ms and 65.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Although speeds are decent, a stipulated range of 2,700 Sq Ft is above par, and its mesh support gives an option to further boost its range by adding a similar Hydra or a Velop router.
In real-time, the mesh-supported router could encase most of my test lab with powerful signals, taking its range to around 2,400 Sq Ft. It’s safe to say that you can install it in any mid-sized house.
Besides, the MU-MIMO and beamforming tech, as with most of my reviewed models, concentrates the signals which are rather distributed. As a result, I could connect up to 26 devices without any massive slowdowns or lags.
Security Features
Despite the reasonable range and good throughput, the router lacks any extra security software, as with many in this range. It, however, ingrains basic features like WPA3 encryption, guest network, and access control.
I reckon these features are fitting for any household setup where the internet is only used for gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and other basic tasks.
Its user-friendly Linksys app displays the number of connected devices and lets you add or remove them when required.
Other than that, using the app, you can limit the internet usage for a specific user by pausing the internet and blocking any dangerous or explicit websites.
Conclusion
Hydra Pro 6, the Linksys WiFi 6 router, is aimed toward a network that might not need a high-end performance, be it in terms of throughput, range, or device handling capacity.
It turned out reliable in my tests and is wholly recommended for people who wish to upgrade their basic router. But the lack of any advanced security tools and middling device handling capacity ranks it fourth.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6
- Decent range
- Good throughput
- Easy to set up
- Good customization options
Cons
- No extra security software
5. Best for Streaming: Linksys MR7350
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 20
- App Support: Yes
Linksys MR7350 stays true to its tag of a reliable router that costs less than $150. It takes over the previous model, MR7340, and offers improvements like a 3,000 Sq Ft coverage, doubled device handling capacity, and ample ports.
Besides, it’s a mesh-supported device, and you have the option to expand its range if you wish to.
Speeds & Performance
On paper, Linksys MR7350 has a maximum speed capacity of 1800 Mbps. The respective speeds on each band are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
The performance of the router with my Spectrum 500 Mbps was quite pleasant. You can upgrade to a 1 Gbps plan, but it seems an overkill for a mid-range router.
With my iPhone 13 kept 20 feet away, I clocked a score of 477 Mbps for downloads and 21 Mbps for uploads. Similarly, keeping it 40 feet away got me respective speeds of 244 Mbps and 14 Mbps.
Now the question is, how well it handles the internet activities? Well, the achieved speed are more than enough for a family of four to six and can support up to 29 simultaneous Netflix streams. You probably won’t want anything more!
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
In terms of range, my test reveals that Linksys MR7350 can hold signal strength up to 2,600 Sq Ft. That’s above average for a traditional router and should fare well with any mid-sized home. Also, like many routers on this list, MR7350 allows you to extend the range seamlessly, thanks to mesh support.
Besides, I can connect up to 42 WiFi devices simultaneously to the MU-MIMO without laggy internet in. These even include bandwidth-intensive devices like laptops, computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and others.
Security Features
Despite being the frontrunner in terms of coverage, MR7350 keeps the playing field the same as Hydra Pro 6 when it comes to security features. It also offers a limited set of tools, such as guest access, access control, VPN, WPA3, and auto-firmware updates. While these provide basic protection, they may not suffice for commercial settings where more advanced security measures are required.
Parental controls are also not any different, with basic features like scheduled internet pausing and tracking the online duration of the connected devices.
Conclusion
The MR7350 stands out as a cost-effective Linksys router for streaming. It delivers impressive performance capable of efficiently handling a wide range of network-intensive activities such as gaming, streaming, and video conferencing.
As a result, it proves to be a suitable choice for students engaged in online studies or individuals working remotely from home.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Stable throughput
- Decent range + mesh support
- Can handle multiple devices
- Affordable price
Cons
- Speeds at a distance suffer a bit
6. Best Budget Tri-Band Router: Linksys EA8300
In search of a tri-band router on a budget? Look at the Linksys EA8300!
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Tri-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Number of Devices Supported: 35
- App Support: Yes
The tri-band is far better than the dual-band as it adds more stability to the network and offers more usable speeds to the connected devices. This is why Linksys EA8300 made it to this list of top Linksys routers.
Aside from that, it boasts a decent arrangement of ports for faster-wired speeds and a decent range to encase most of your mid-sized apartments.
I tested it beside EA7500 and had access to an increased throughput, courtesy of an extra band and a better range.
Speeds & Performance
The tri-band Wi-Fi 5 setup of EA8300 comes at a speed rating of AC2200 with the band-wise division as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 867 Mbps | 5GHz (2): 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps |
Eyeing the max throughput capacity, the router seems more than capable of a mid-tier 500 Mbps to even 1000 Mbps plan.
The EA8300 turned out mixed results in my throughput tests with Xfinity 800 Mbps plan. Its download score of 741 Mbps and upload score of 26 Mbps in close proximity (20 feet) was a bit slower than the previous recommendation.
The distance speed at 40 feet was slower at 349 Mbps and 18 Mbps, respectively, while the signals were inaccessible at 70 feet.
Nevertheless, the available speeds let me download a 1.5GB of file in a few seconds, while there weren’t buffers or lag in my UHD streams and online games.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Despite a decent performance in the throughput department, the scores were below par in terms of range.
The signals could only travel up to 1,300 Sq Ft, which still is enough for any small homes or apartments. And not to mention, signals in the encased space stay stable, and the device didn’t have any problems streaming UHD movies.
Besides, it only can handle up to 12 devices at once, lower than most Linksys routers I’ve tested until now. It does, however, instill an MU-MIMO tech to stabilize the signals.
Security Features
In terms of security and parental controls, MR8300 doesn’t offer much to be excited about. There are those traditional tools like WPA3 and VPN that keeps the network data safe and secured and let you browse in peace.
So if you’re installing it in your commercial space, it’s better to subscribe to a third-party antivirus for better network security.
Conclusion
For households with numerous gaming consoles, mobile devices, and smart gadgets competing for bandwidth, the Linksys EA8300 presents itself as a superb choice. By leveraging the additional channels provided by the second 5GHz band, you can be assured of a secure, reliable, and fast WiFi connection that remains steadfast throughout.
Pros
- An extra 5 GHz band
- Good close-band speeds
- MU-MIMO streaming
- Easy to install
Cons
- Distance speed is slow
7. Cheapest Option: Linksys E5400
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band Frequency: Dual-Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 1,500 Sq Ft
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN
- Number of Devices Supported: 10
- App Support: Yes
Now that I have reached the end of my list, presenting the cheapest Linksys router, E5400. Despite costing less than $40, it offers dual-band Wi-Fi 5, multi-port, and decent coverage, courtesy of its two-antenna setup. And its clean design and multi-functional app make it a good investment.
Speeds & Performance
A dual-band setup, the E5400 creates an 802.11ac network to move data at a maximum rate of 1200 Mbps. The split between the two bands is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
After using the Linksys router for a week with the usual Spectrum 500 Mbps plan proved reliable for basic household internet, although the output was a bit varied. The setup was a bit different with iPhone 11 as the testing device kept 20/40 feet away.
In the first test, the E5400 clocked 345 Mbps for downloads, while uploads were recorded at 19 Mbps. Moving on, the 40 feet test yielded respective speeds of up to 2424 Mbps and 13 Mbps.
Despite the lower speeds in the lot, the router seamlessly manages a few UHD Netflix streams alongside other online tasks easily.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
If you compare it with the high-end routers on the list, its coverage seems less, with a stipulated value of 1,500 Sq Ft.
However, its two-antenna setup with a practical range of 1,200 Sq Ft makes it ideal for small homes. The signals are also stable, courtesy of its MU-MIMO support.
When it came to supporting the data needs of multiple devices, E5400 did well by feeding enough data to play videos on up to 7 devices at once. The numbers are low but the performance isn’t.
Security Features
While the security of this device may not be the highest level, it does offer WPA2 encryption to safeguard your passwords and other data by keeping them in an encrypted format.
Additionally, it provides a few fundamental features, such as a straightforward access filter, VPN capability, and a guest network.
Conclusion
Linksys E5400 takes a step forward for budget-minded people. At just around $40, it brings the power of dual-band Wi-Fi 5 tech and MU-MIMO to disperse stable signals across the space. Its most disappointing aspect is its ability to handle multiple devices and besides, its security is pretty basic, which is why it ranked at the bottom.
Pros
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5
- Decent WiFi range
- Clean design
- Stable network performance
- Easy to setup and use
Cons
- Below-par device handling ability
Frequently Asked Questions
Linksys has a long-standing reputation for producing quality routers that offer a balance between performance, features, and ease of use. Their models come with a sturdy build and have offerings for varied user needs.
Both Netgear and Linksys have a wide range of models to suit several market needs, and there isn’t much to differentiate between the two, except Netgear has a premium and advanced security software, Netgear Armor.
As such, it’s difficult to put numbers as to how long a Linksys router might last. But, with the build quality and features it offers, Linksys is confident that a three to five-year window is appropriate for them.
When you upgrade to a mesh system, you have an increased range, better speeds, and increased control over the network. It provides you with multiple customization options adding more to the convenience. However, mesh systems are a bit on the expensive side, so if only you have a large space with heavy internet needs, it’s smart to invest in Linksys mesh routers.
Verdict
That’s it for my Linksys router reviews. They’re reliable, sturdy, and long-lasting, which is the reason why they gained such massive popularity over the years.
I hope the above list helped you make an informed decision, and if not, here are my final suggestions:
- If you want the best of the best without worrying about the budget, go for Linksys Hydro Pro 6E. An additional 6 GHz makes way for more usable speeds.
- If security is the primary concern, Linksys WRT3200ACM is the Linksys business router you should choose.
- If you need a mid-range device with reliable features, MR7350 is your best bet.
- And lastly, if you seek the cheapest option for your small home, go for Linksys EA8300.
With that comes an end to my review-based guide. I look forward to meeting you again in another informative guide. Until then, farewell and take good care!
