OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v3.0
Routers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Routers Methodology v3.0

Linksys E2500 review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£90Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)Wi-Fi speed:600 MbpsLAN port speeds:100 MbpsMesh Wi-Fi:no

Linksys E2500 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and 11 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

Linksys E2500
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

40%

5.7

Technical score

25%

5.7

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 98% of routers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

26%

4.4

Wireless

20%

5.1

Ports

18%

6.7

Networking

14%

8.3

Security

12%

5.2

Hardware

10%

5.2

Management

â–¼Worse than 97%
5.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

5.7

Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.2

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 99%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • linksys-e2500
  • linksys-e2500
  • linksys-e2500
  • linksys-e2500
  • linksys-e2500
  • linksys-e2500
linksys-e2500
linksys-e2500
linksys-e2500
linksys-e2500
linksys-e2500
linksys-e2500
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Linksys E2500

Based on 6 · 2

Reviewers like the easy setup and compact design, but find speeds slow and the ports lacking.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of router Linksys E2500

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

26%

4.4

Wireless

20%

5.1

Ports

18%

6.7

Networking

14%

8.3

Security

12%

5.2

Hardware

10%

5.2

Management

5.7
Reviews score
5.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Brand name
Linksys
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This router uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is less advanced than 65% of routers and equal to 32.7% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 24.2% of routers and equal to 65.6% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
600 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 600 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 69.6% of routers and equal to 4.3% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz channel width options, which is fewer than 63.7% of routers and the same as 31.2% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
This router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS Wi-Fi security protocols, which are less advanced than 69.1% of routers and equal to 9.4% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 9.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 4.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 1.7% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 2.6% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
no
This router does not support IPv6. 91.4% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
yes
This router supports dynamic routing. 54% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 24.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
no
This router does not support VLAN tagging. 66.6% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 2.4% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 34.2% of routers and the same as 59.3% of routers.
LAN port speeds
100 Mbps
This router offers 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is slower than 74.5% of routers and on par with 25.1% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 0.8% of routers and the same as 89.4% of routers.
N. of USB ports
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 0 USB ports, which is fewer than 60.1% of routers and the same as 39.9% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 1.7% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
What reviewers say
Management interface
Web UI
This router uses Web UI for management, which is less advanced than 78.5% of routers and equal to 21.2% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI
This router supports Web UI firmware update methods, which are less convenient than 75.5% of routers and equal to 23.9% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
no
This router does not include traffic monitoring. 86.3% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 7.3% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
This router does not offer captive portal features. 22.4% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
0.3 GHz
This router runs at 0.3 GHz, which is slower than 95% of routers and on par with 3.5% of routers.
RAM capacity
64 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 64 MB of RAM, which is less than 70.5% of routers and the same as 13.3% of routers.
Internal storage
0.007812 GB
Market range: <0.0039 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.007812 GB of internal storage, which is less than 68.4% of routers and the same as 18.6% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
0
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 62.7% of routers and the same as 37.3% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say

Linksys E2500 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Supports dynamic routing
    This router supports dynamic routing, while the average router does not. 46.1% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 2.6 W lower power consumption
    This router uses less power than the average router (5.5 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    5.5 W vs 8.1 W
  • 4 more internal antennas
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (4 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    4 vs 0
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Supports dynamic routing
    This router supports dynamic routing, while the average router does not. 46.1% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 2.6 W lower power consumption
    This router uses less power than the average router (5.5 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    5.5 W vs 8.1 W
  • 4 more internal antennas
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (4 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    4 vs 0
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.3 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    0.3 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • 26.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    5.7

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.7 vs 7.7
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No VLAN tagging
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 66.5% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • No IPv6 support
    This router does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 91.2% of routers support IPv6.
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • 26.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    5.7

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.7 vs 7.7
  • 9.3% worse value for money
    Linksys E2500 has worse value for money than the average router (7.39 vs 8.1).
    7.39 vs 8.08
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 62.4% narrower wireless coverage
    This router has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (70 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    70 m² vs 186 m²
  • No MU-MIMO
    This router does not support MU-MIMO, while the average router does. 54% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • 65.7% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (600 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    600 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Narrower channel widths
    This router has a lower supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz + 40 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • 1 fewer spatial streams
    This router has fewer spatial streams than the average router (2 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    2 vs 3
  • No band steering
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 57.6% of routers support band steering.
  • No beamforming
    This router does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 62.1% of routers support beamforming.
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • No PPTP server
    This router cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 66.2% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
  • No VLAN tagging
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 66.5% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • No IPv6 support
    This router does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 91.2% of routers support IPv6.
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This router has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Weaker management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App
  • No traffic monitoring
    This router does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 86.1% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • No DLNA support
    This router does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 50.4% of routers support DLNA.
  • Less capable NAS services
    This router includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, media server.
    none vs SMB, media server
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.3 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    0.3 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • 93.8% less internal storage
    This router has less internal storage than the average router (0 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    0.007812 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 75% less RAM
    This router has less RAM than the average router (64 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    64 MB vs 256 MB
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    0 vs 2
  • 8 years older release date
    This router is an older model than the average router (2011 vs 2019). The average router release year is 2019.
    April 2011
    2011 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
mtandiz
≈ estimated
23/03/2020
Hands-on review · setup and daily use as backup
Verdict
Linksys E2500 works well with no complaints and is a bargain as a backup router, though some 2.4 GHz-only devices need a separate network.
8.0
mountainbikekayak
≈ estimated
22/05/2013
Unboxing and setup · first configuration and internet test
Verdict
Linksys E2500 is quick and easy to set up and works well, though the modem had to be restarted first.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Brand video
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
cnet.com
✓ explicit
24/08/2011
Hands-on test · Dual-band router
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 is an easy, good-looking dual-band router for a small apartment, but its short range and weak 2.4 GHz speed hold it back.
6.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2011
Lab test · Throughput comparison
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 suits light home networks, with a steady signal at distance and true dual-band operation, but its 10/100 Ethernet ports and unchanged 5 GHz speed hold it back.
4.0
movingpackets.net
≈ estimated
07/11/2011
Hands-on test · Consumer router
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 gives working Wi-Fi, but it hides useful settings and throws errors on many pages in Bridge Mode, so it frustrates anyone who wants more control.
6.0
cnet.com
≈ estimated
25/08/2011
Lab test · Compact dual-band router
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 is a compact, easy-to-set-up router that suits a dorm room or apartment, though its weak range limits it to small spaces.
4.0
movingpackets.net
≈ estimated
06/06/2013
Long-term use · Bridged home access points
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 gives solid Wi-Fi coverage when used as a bridge, but units freeze without warning, which makes it hard to recommend.
7.0
smallnetbuilder.com
≈ estimated
08/09/2011
Lab test · Simultaneous dual-band router
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 is a basic dual-band router with useful guest and access controls, but it can't repeat a signal and its 5GHz speed trails the E3200.
9.0
cybershack.com.au
✓ explicit
26/10/2011
Hands-on review · Slim home router
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 is a sleek, easy-to-set-up router with smoother 720p streaming and guest passes, but it has no built-in modem.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
≈ estimated
17/05/2014
Lab test · Dual-band Wi-Fi router
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 suits an average home with a few devices and light streaming, but Fast Ethernet ports and modest throughput limit heavier use.
5.0
redeszone.net
≈ estimated
08/11/2011
Lab test · Mid-range dual-band router
Verdict
The Linksys E2500 is a discreet, simple dual-band router for basic users, but its 100Mbps ports and built-in antennas limit speed.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Linksys E2500

  • Easy to set up and manage using Cisco Connect software
  • Sleek and compact UFO-style design
  • Simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) capability
  • Affordable price point compared to higher-end E-series models
  • Useful guest pass system for secondary network access
  • Reliable for basic internet sharing in small spaces

What customers don't like about Linksys E2500

  • Limited range, often requiring the router to be within 100 feet for decent speeds
  • Poor performance on the 2.4 GHz band, frequently cited as slow or subpar
  • Lacks Gigabit Ethernet ports, limited to 10/100 Mbps speeds
  • No USB ports for external storage or printer sharing
  • Known to occasionally hang or require reboots during long-term use
  • The built-in web management interface can be slow and unresponsive
  • Does not support WDS bridge or repeater modes

Verdict

The Linksys E2500 is a simultaneous dual-band Wireless-N router (N600) providing speeds up to 600 Mbps (300 + 300 Mbps) across the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. It features a MIMO internal antenna array for expanded coverage, an integrated SPI firewall with WPA/WPA2 encryption for security, and a 4-port Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) switch. Main pros include its easy setup via Cisco Connect software, sleek compact design, and the ability to reduce interference by using the 5 GHz band for media streaming. However, it lacks Gigabit Ethernet ports, which caps wired speeds at 100 Mbps, does not include a USB port for external storage, and has been noted for relatively short wireless range and subpar performance on the 2.4 GHz band.

Compare Linksys E2500 with other routers

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Linksys E2500 and other routers

No results found