Linksys EA4500 Review | 77 Data compared
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Linksys EA4500 Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£45
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 900 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps
  • Mesh Wi-Fi: no

Linksys EA4500 review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.6

Technical Score

10.0%

8.7

User score

Good
6.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

5.1

Wireless

20.0%

5.8

Ports

18.0%

8.6

Networking

14.0%

8.3

Security

12.0%

6.2

Hardware

10.0%

6.5

Management

Good
8.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

9.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(3273)
amazon
3.7
(45)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(1706)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(35)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 8.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    ?

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    ?

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    10

    Maximum connected devices

  • 6.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Weight

    30.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    4.0

    SIM slot

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Linksys EA4500 is a dual-band N900 wireless router designed for high-performance home networking, offering simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency support with combined speeds of up to 900 Mbps (450 + 450 Mbps). Its core characteristics include a 3x3 MIMO internal antenna array for expanded coverage, four Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections, and a single USB 2.0 port for sharing storage or printers. Key pros include its DLNA-certified media server for streaming to home theatre devices, easy setup via Cisco Connect Cloud, and built-in Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritisation. However, notable cons include its lack of support for the faster 802.11ac standard, a design that cannot be wall-mounted, and privacy concerns regarding the required cloud account for full remote management.

Technical Specifications of router Linksys EA4500

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

5.1

Wireless

20.0%

5.8

Ports

18.0%

8.6

Networking

14.0%

8.3

Security

12.0%

6.2

Hardware

10.0%

6.5

Management

6.6
Linksys EA4500 has a technical score of 6.61 points, which is lower than that of 63.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

9.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(3273)
amazon
3.7
(45)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(1706)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(35)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.7
Linksys EA4500 has a user score of 8.7 points, which is higher than that of 82.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
9.0
Linksys EA4500 has a popularity of 9 points, which is higher than 81.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.8
Linksys EA4500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is higher than 44.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Linksys
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Linksys EA4500 uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is less advanced than 60.8% of routers and equal to 37.3% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Linksys EA4500 supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 24.8% of routers and equal to 68.1% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >2700 Mbps

900 Mbps
Linksys EA4500 delivers 900 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 60.7% of routers and equal to 2% of routers.
Channel widths supported
What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

20 MHz + 40 MHz
Linksys EA4500 supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz channel width options, which is fewer than 59.3% of routers and the same as 35.1% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
Linksys EA4500 supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS Wi-Fi security protocols, which are less advanced than 67.5% of routers and equal to 11.6% of routers.
DoS protection
What it is: Provides defenses intended to reduce the impact of denial-of-service traffic against the router or network.
When it matters: When exposed services or remote access make resilience against traffic floods more important.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys EA4500 includes DoS protection. 12.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
What it is: Uses stateful packet inspection to track sessions and block suspicious unsolicited traffic more accurately.
When it matters: When the router needs a stronger first line of filtering on an internet-facing connection.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys EA4500 includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 6.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
What it is: Lets the router allow or block devices based on their MAC addresses.
When it matters: When you want an extra device-level access rule beyond passwords and network names.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys EA4500 supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys EA4500 supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Linksys EA4500 supports IPv6. 11.5% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys EA4500 supports dynamic routing. 47.8% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
What it is: Allows the router to pass traffic between separate VLANs under controlled rules.
When it matters: When you need segmented networks to communicate selectively instead of staying fully isolated.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys EA4500 does not support inter-VLAN routing. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Linksys EA4500 supports VLAN tagging. 38.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
What it is: Provides quality-of-service controls that prioritize some traffic over less important traffic.
When it matters: When calls, gaming, and downloads compete and you want latency-sensitive traffic protected.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Linksys EA4500 includes QoS controls. 3.2% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 4 ports

4
Linksys EA4500 has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.7% of routers and the same as 69.2% of routers.
LAN port speeds
What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 Gbps

1 Gbps
Linksys EA4500 offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 27.1% of routers and on par with 59.9% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 WAN port

1
Linksys EA4500 has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 1 USB port

1
Linksys EA4500 has 1 USB ports, which is more than 39.5% of routers and the same as 39.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What it is: Power over Ethernet support, meaning the router can receive power, deliver it, or be part of a PoE-based installation.
When it matters: When you want cleaner installation with fewer separate power cables, especially in ceilings, walls, racks, or remote locations.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys EA4500 does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

Importance: MEDIUM

Web UI, App
Linksys EA4500 uses Web UI, App for management, which is more advanced than 33.4% of routers and equal to 57% of routers.
Cisco Connect
Firmware upgrade method
What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

Importance: MEDIUM

Web UI, Automatic
Linksys EA4500 supports Web UI, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 35.4% of routers and equal to 37.8% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys EA4500 does not include traffic monitoring. 82.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
What it is: Lets the router create a separate wireless network for visitors or less-trusted devices.
When it matters: When guests need internet access without reaching private devices on the main network.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys EA4500 offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys EA4500 does not offer captive portal features. 23.5% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

Importance: MEDIUM

1 x 1.2 GHz
Linksys EA4500 runs at 1x1.2 GHz, which is slower than 51.3% of routers and on par with 0.3% of routers.
RAM capacity
What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 MB

128 MB
Linksys EA4500 has 128 MB of RAM, which is less than 51.6% of routers and the same as 17.1% of routers.
Internal storage
What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=8 GB

0.125 GB
Linksys EA4500 has 0.125 GB of internal storage, which is more than 45.1% of routers and the same as 22.8% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Linksys EA4500 offers hardware acceleration. 31.4% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 3 antennas

0
Linksys EA4500 has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 59.6% of routers and the same as 40.4% of routers.
Show more

Linksys EA4500 vs the average router

  • 6 more internal antennas
    Linksys EA4500 has more internal antennas than the average router (6 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    What it is: Measures how many internal antennas the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
    When it matters: When antenna design is internal, the internal antenna count helps indicate how well the router can handle multiple streams.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 2 antennas

    Linksys EA4500 has more internal antennas than the average router (6 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.6 vs 0
  • 189 more connected devices
    Linksys EA4500 supports more connected devices than the average router (253 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
    What it is: The vendor’s stated upper limit for how many client devices the router can support at once.
    When it matters: When the network must handle many phones, TVs, smart-home devices, and PCs together.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=128 devices

    Linksys EA4500 supports more connected devices than the average router (253 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.253 vs 64
  • 24.7% wider wireless coverage
    Linksys EA4500 has wider wireless coverage than the average router (232 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    What it is: The estimated area the router is intended to cover with usable Wi-Fi signal.
    When it matters: When one router needs to serve a large apartment, multi-room house, or open office area.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >230 m²

    Linksys EA4500 has wider wireless coverage than the average router (232 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².232 m² vs 186 m²
  • 1.5 W lower power consumption
    Linksys EA4500 uses less power than the average router (6.6 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    What it is: The amount of electrical power the router draws during normal operation, usually measured in watts.
    When it matters: When the router stays on all day and you care about heat output and long-term electricity cost.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <6 W

    Linksys EA4500 uses less power than the average router (6.6 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.6.6 W vs 8.1 W
  • 8.8% higher user score
    Linksys EA4500 has a higher user score than the average router (8.70 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
    Linksys EA4500 has a higher user score than the average router (8.70 vs 8.000).8.7 vs 8
  • 20 mm thinner design
    Linksys EA4500 is thinner than the average router (25 mm vs 45 mm). The average router is 45 mm thick.
    What it is: The front-to-back depth of the router body, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When the router must fit behind furniture, inside a cabinet, or on a narrow wall bracket.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <35 mm

    Linksys EA4500 is thinner than the average router (25 mm vs 45 mm). The average router is 45 mm thick.25 mm vs 45 mm
  • 22.5 mm lower height
    Linksys EA4500 is shorter than the average router (25 mm vs 47.5 mm). The average router is 47.5 mm tall.
    What it is: The vertical size of the router body, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When clearance above or below the router is limited and airflow or placement space is tight.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <35 mm

    Linksys EA4500 is shorter than the average router (25 mm vs 47.5 mm). The average router is 47.5 mm tall.25 mm vs 47.5 mm
  • 37.5% more popular
    Linksys EA4500 is more popular than the average router (8.99 vs 6.536).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Linksys EA4500 is more popular than the average router (8.99 vs 6.536).8.99 vs 6.54
  • 189 more connected devices
    Linksys EA4500 supports more connected devices than the average router (253 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
  • 24.7% wider wireless coverage
    Linksys EA4500 has wider wireless coverage than the average router (232 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
  • 6 more internal antennas
    Linksys EA4500 has more internal antennas than the average router (6 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
  • 1.5 W lower power consumption
    Linksys EA4500 uses less power than the average router (6.6 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
  • 20 mm thinner design
    Linksys EA4500 is thinner than the average router (25 mm vs 45 mm). The average router is 45 mm thick.
  • 22.5 mm lower height
    Linksys EA4500 is shorter than the average router (25 mm vs 47.5 mm). The average router is 47.5 mm tall.

Total
Overall
Wireless
Hardware
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Linksys EA4500 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 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
  • Narrower channel widths
    Linksys EA4500 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.
  • No band steering
    Linksys EA4500 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
  • No beamforming
    Linksys EA4500 does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 56.7% of routers support beamforming.
  • 39% slower Wi-Fi speed
    Linksys EA4500 has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (900 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
  • No VPN server support
    Linksys EA4500 cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Linksys EA4500 supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
  • No traffic monitoring
    Linksys EA4500 does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 81.9% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • Less capable NAS services
    Linksys EA4500 includes SMB, FTP, media server NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
  • 50% less RAM
    Linksys EA4500 has less RAM than the average router (128 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    Linksys EA4500 has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
  • 3 older release date
    Linksys EA4500 is an older model than the average router (2012 vs 2015). The average router release year is 2015.
    April 2012
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Linksys EA4500 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 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
    When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

    Linksys EA4500 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 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No VPN server support
    Linksys EA4500 cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
    What it is: The ability to host the router’s own VPN server so you can connect back into your network securely from outside.
    When it matters: When you want secure remote access to your home or office network while you are away.

    Importance: LOW

    Linksys EA4500 cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Linksys EA4500 supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
    When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Linksys EA4500 supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.Web UI, Automatic vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • No traffic monitoring
    Linksys EA4500 does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 81.9% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
    What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
    When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

    Importance: LOW

    Linksys EA4500 does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 81.9% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • Narrower channel widths
    Linksys EA4500 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.
    What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
    When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

    Linksys EA4500 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
  • Less capable NAS services
    Linksys EA4500 includes SMB, FTP, media server NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
    What it is: Lists the onboard file-sharing services the router can provide, such as SMB, FTP, or media sharing.
    When it matters: When the router is expected to handle light file serving without separate NAS hardware.

    Importance: LOW

    Linksys EA4500 includes SMB, FTP, media server NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.SMB, FTP, media server vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
  • 50% less RAM
    Linksys EA4500 has less RAM than the average router (128 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
    When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=512 MB

    Linksys EA4500 has less RAM than the average router (128 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.128 MB vs 256 MB
  • No band steering
    Linksys EA4500 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
    What it is: Can guide dual-band or tri-band clients toward the more suitable frequency band automatically.
    When it matters: When you want devices spread more intelligently across 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz bands.

    Importance: LOW

    Linksys EA4500 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
Total
Wireless
Security
Management
Hardware

Graphic comparison of Linksys EA4500 and other routers

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
3273 Reviews
amazon
3.7
45 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
1706 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
35 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Linksys EA4500?

  • Sleek and understated design with internal antennas
  • Simple and quick setup process using Cisco Connect software or mobile app
  • Solid dual-band performance with good throughput for HD video streaming
  • Cloud management features allow for remote network monitoring and adjustments
  • Includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections
  • Fast NAS performance when used with an external USB hard drive

What customers dislike about Linksys EA4500?

  • Expensive compared to similar performing models like the E4200 v2
  • Lacks support for the faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard
  • 2.4GHz band performance and range are sometimes lower than competitors
  • Requires a live Cisco Connect Cloud account for full management of features
  • USB port is only version 2.0 rather than the faster 3.0
  • Limited CPU power struggles to handle full gigabit internet speeds

Expert reviews

S
smallnetbuilder.com
10/04/2012
Summary of the review
Inside Story: Cisco Linksys EA Series - SmallNetBuilder
U
uk.pcmag.com
16/05/2014
Summary of the review
Cisco Linksys EA4500 App Enabled Dual-Band Wireless Router with Gigabit and USB
C
cnet.com
05/08/2012
Summary of the review
Cisco Linksys EA4500 review - CNET
N
nzherald.co.nz
15/07/2012
Summary of the review
Review: Cisco Linksys EA4500
S
smallnetbuilder.com
21/05/2013
Summary of the review
ASUS RT-N66U and Linksys EA4500 / EA4200v2 Wireless Retest
U
uk.pcmag.com
04/01/2013
Summary of the review
Cisco Linksys EA4500 Enabled N900 Dual-Band Wireless Router with Gigabit and USB
L
laptopmag.com
08/10/2012
Summary of the review
Cisco Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router EA4500 (N900) Review
T
techradar.com
05/10/2012
Summary of the review
Linksys EA4500 review - TechRadar
C
cnet.com
03/07/2012
Summary of the review
Linksys EA4500 Media Stream N900 Smart Wi-Fi Router review

Video reviews

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