Belkin AC1200 Review | 77 Data compared

The Belkin AC 1200 DB 802.11ac router is presented as an underpowered, budget-friendly option that delivers strong 2.4GHz performance and fast single-file read speeds, yet fails to compete in overall 802.11ac throughput due to a two-spatial-stream design. Critical drawbacks include a disappointing, non-configurable "Intellistream" QoS engine and severely slow network storage performance for tasks other than reading large files. Ultimately, PCWorld deems the router unrefined and not ready for prime time, recommending alternatives for users with demanding networking needs.

The PCMag review of the Belkin AC 1200 DB Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC+ Gigabit Router describes a "draft" 802.11ac device in an upright "shark fin" chassis, offering 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867 Mbps on 5GHz. While featuring an extremely easy, preconfigured setup process and dual USB ports, the hardware lacks individual LAN/WAN status LEDs for easier troubleshooting. The device provides strong 5GHz performance at close range, but throughput drops significantly at distance, and it lacks support for the faster 1,300 Mbps speeds found on other 11ac models. Software issues include conflicting Windows settings and buggy, complex parental controls.

The Belkin AC 1200 DB is an ADSL2+ modem router supporting the 802.11ac standard with a unique, non-integrated design requiring an Ethernet connection between the modem and router. It features a simple, user-friendly setup process, along with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB 2.0 ports for wired connectivity and peripheral sharing. Performance on the 5GHz band is decent at close range, with speeds reaching roughly 101Mbit/s at 1m, but throughput drops significantly over longer distances, falling to 26.3Mbit/s at 20m. The 2.4GHz band offers more consistent, albeit much slower, speeds, peaking at around 41Mbit/s. Expert ReviewsPros include easy installation, effective Norton-powered parental controls, and robust Gigabit networking. However, cons involve a high price point compared to better-performing alternatives like the BT Home Hub 5, limited wireless range, and a lack of physical LAN/WAN port LEDs.

The TechRadar review of the Belkin AC 1200 DB highlights a well-built, user-friendly modem router featuring effective air vents for performance maintenance and a straightforward, three-step setup process. Pros include excellent coverage for, strong media support for simultaneous HD streaming, and pre-installed Norton Parental Control. While offering decent performance for its class, the router faces cons regarding its "not amazing" speed compared to competitors and a lack of manual configuration for the Intellistream QoS engine.

a little longer The PCMag review highlights the Belkin AC 1200 DB as a user-friendly, draft-802.11ac router featuring an exceptionally fast setup process via smartphone or CD, and solid 5GHz performance with two USB 2.0 ports. Notable cons include frequent software glitches, such as the "Belkin Router Monitor" malfunctioning, and conflicts with Windows networking settings, alongside poor signal range at a distance. Featuring a vertical design lacking individual port LED indicators, the unit offers Norton-powered parental controls and IPv6 passthrough, but is deemed to need software refinements to compete effectively.

The CNET review describes the Belkin AC 1200 DB as a functional, early 802.11ac router with a sleek, vertical, yet unstable design. Performance is characterized by reliable, albeit average, throughput, with 5GHz speeds notably better than 2.4GHz, although it ranked among the slowest in its class for 802.11ac performance, with long-range speeds falling below its own Wireless-N standard. While praised for passing a 24-hour stress test, key drawbacks include slow network storage performance, limited dual-stream hardware, and a lack of versatile placement options, often making it a sub-par choice compared to competitors. For more details, visit CNET. CNET

The Cisco Linksys E4200v2 is a high-performance, dual-band router featuring a sleek, low-profile design and exceptionally simple setup, according to Laptop Mag. It boasts superior speeds, particularly in file transfers via its USB port, and impressive range, although it is limited to a flat-only orientation. While generally praised, the router faces competition from models offering better long-distance, 5-GHz performance, can run hot, and has limitations in its management software's advanced configuration options. For more details, visit Laptop Mag.