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ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Routers Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Linksys EA6500 Review | 77 Data compared

Avg. price:~£140Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi speed:1750 MbpsLAN port speeds:1 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:no

Linksys EA6500 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Score components

90%

6.9

Technical score

10%

7.9

User score

â–²Better than 51% of routers
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

26%

5.6

Wireless

20%

6.3

Ports

18%

8.6

Networking

14%

8.5

Security

12%

5.7

Hardware

10%

7.5

Management

â–¼Worse than 51% of routers
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

User ratings

30%

8.1

Number of reviews

Based on 2,197 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 72% of routers
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of router Linksys EA6500

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

26%

5.6

Wireless

20%

6.3

Ports

18%

8.6

Networking

14%

8.5

Security

12%

5.7

Hardware

10%

7.5

Management

6.9
User score
User score
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

User ratings

30%

8.1

Number of reviews

Based on 2,197 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
8.1/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Popularity:
Linksys EA6500 has a popularity score of 8.1 points, which is higher than that of 67.9% of products in this category.
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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 55% of models
Score components:

60%

7.0

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

7.8
Brand name
Linksys
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
â–² Better than 39% of models
This router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is more advanced than 39.5% of routers and equal to 25.3% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
â–² Better than 25% of models
This router 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
1,750 Mbps
Wi-Fi speed
1,750 Mbps
â–² Better than 53% of models
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 1,750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 53.1% of routers and equal to 5% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
â–² Better than 41% of models
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 40.9% of routers and the same as 31.6% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA, WEP
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA, WEP
â–² Better than 41% of models
This router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 40.9% of routers and equal to 17.7% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
DoS protection
yes
â–² Better than 13% of models
This router includes DoS protection. 12.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
SPI intrusion protection
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 6.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
MAC address filtering
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This router supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
URL filter
yes
â–² Better than 3% of models
This router supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
yes
IPv6 support
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This router supports IPv6. 11.5% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
yes
Dynamic routing
yes
â–² Better than 48% of models
This router supports dynamic routing. 47.8% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
Inter-VLAN routing
no
â–¼ Worse than 24% of models
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
yes
VLAN tagging
yes
â–² Better than 38% of models
This router supports VLAN tagging. 38.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
QoS
yes
â–² Better than 3% of models
This router includes QoS controls. 3.2% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
4
N. of LAN ports
4
â–² Better than 24% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.7% of routers and the same as 69.2% of routers.
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
â–² Better than 27% of models
This router 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
1
N. of WAN ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 9% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
2
N. of USB ports
2
â–² Better than 79% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 2 USB ports, which is more than 79.2% of routers and the same as 20.6% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
Category Benchmark
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
Web UI, App
Management interface
Web UI, App
â–² Better than 33% of models
This router 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
Web UI, Automatic
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, Automatic
â–² Better than 35% of models
This router 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
yes
Traffic monitoring
yes
â–² Better than 18% of models
This router includes traffic monitoring. 18.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
â–² Better than 9% of models
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
Captive portal
no
â–¼ Worse than 24% of models
This router does not offer captive portal features. 23.5% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
1x 0.6 GHz
CPU clock speed
1x 0.6 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This router runs at 1x0.6 GHz, which is slower than 66.9% of routers and on par with 2% of routers.
RAM capacity
128 MB
RAM capacity
128 MB
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 128 MB of RAM, which is less than 51.6% of routers and the same as 17.1% of routers.
Internal storage
0.125 GB
Internal storage
0.125 GB
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >0.5 GB
This router 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
yes
Hardware acceleration
yes
â–² Better than 31% of models
This router offers hardware acceleration. 31.4% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
0
N. of external antennas
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 59.6% of routers and the same as 40.4% of routers.
Show more

Linksys EA6500 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • 1 more USB ports
    N. of USB ports
    2
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This router has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 6 more internal antennas
    N. of internal antennas
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (6 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    6 vs 0
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Wi-Fi security protocols
    WPA2, WPA, WEP
    â–² Better than 41% of models
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • 19.9% wider wireless coverage
    Wireless coverage
    223 m²
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <100 m² – >400 m²
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (223 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    223 m² vs 186 m²
  • 19.9% wider wireless coverage
    Wireless coverage
    223 m²
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <100 m² – >400 m²
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (223 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    223 m² vs 186 m²
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Wi-Fi security protocols
    WPA2, WPA, WEP
    â–² Better than 41% of models
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • 1 more USB ports
    N. of USB ports
    2
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This router has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 6 more internal antennas
    N. of internal antennas
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (6 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    6 vs 0
  • No VPN server support
    VPN server support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Firmware upgrade method
    Web UI, Automatic
    â–² Better than 35% of models
    This router 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
  • Narrower temperature range
    Operating temperature range
    0 to 35 C
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This router is rated for 0 to 35 C, while the average router is rated for 0 to 40 C.
    0 to 35 C vs 0 to 40 C
  • Less capable NAS services
    Built-in NAS services
    SMB, FTP, media server
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This router 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
    RAM capacity
    128 MB
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
    This router 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
    Band steering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    CPU clock speed
    1 x 0.6 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (1x0.6 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    1x0.6 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    N. of external antennas
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    0 vs 2
  • 55.6% more expensive
    Linksys EA6500 is more expensive than the average router (£140 vs £90).
    £140 vs £90
  • No band steering
    Band steering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
  • 39 fewer connected devices
    Maximum connected devices
    25
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >250
    This router supports fewer connected devices than the average router (25 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
    25 vs 64
  • No VPN server support
    VPN server support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • 8,488 fewer NAT sessions
    NAT concurrent sessions
    6,500
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <0 – >300k
    This router has fewer concurrent NAT sessions than the average router (6,500 vs 14,988). The average router supports 14,988 concurrent NAT sessions.
    6,500 vs 14,988
  • Limited firmware updates
    Firmware upgrade method
    Web UI, Automatic
    â–² Better than 35% of models
    This router 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
  • Less capable NAS services
    Built-in NAS services
    SMB, FTP, media server
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This router 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
  • Narrower temperature range
    Operating temperature range
    0 to 35 C
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This router is rated for 0 to 35 C, while the average router is rated for 0 to 40 C.
    0 to 35 C vs 0 to 40 C
  • 50% less RAM
    RAM capacity
    128 MB
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
    This router 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
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    CPU clock speed
    1 x 0.6 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (1x0.6 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    1x0.6 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    N. of external antennas
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    0 vs 2
  • 2.1 W higher power consumption
    Power consumption
    10.2 W
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <3 W – >18 W
    This router uses more power than the average router (10.2 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    10.2 W vs 8.1 W
  • 3 older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This router is an older model than the average router (2012 vs 2015). The average router release year is 2015.
    August 2012
    2012 vs 2015
  • 54 mm wider width
    Width
    256 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >300 mm
    This router is wider than the average router (256 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
    256 mm vs 202 mm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcworld.com
17/12/2012
Summary of the review
Linksys EA6500 review: A user-friendly 802.11ac router with decent performance
P
pcmag.com
26/11/2012
Summary of the review
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi AC 1750HD Video Pro EA6500 Review
T
techradar.com
08/12/2012
Summary of the review
Linksys EA6500 review - TechRadar
T
trustedreviews.com
11/10/2012
Summary of the review
Linksys EA6500 802.11ac router Review
K
kitguru.net
26/08/2013
Summary of the review
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router EA6500 Review
S
smallnetbuilder.com
18/09/2012
Summary of the review
Cisco Linksys EA6500 Review - Part 2
C
cgmagonline.com
24/10/2012
Summary of the review
Linksys EA6500 (Hardware) Review - CGMagazine
L
legitreviews.com
23/11/2012
Summary of the review
Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router Review Do you need help finding firmware updates or setup guides for this specific model?
K
kitguru.net
26/08/2013
Summary of the review
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router EA6500 Review - KitGuru
S
smallnetbuilder.com
30/10/2012
Summary of the review
First Look: Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro
U
uk.pcmag.com
06/11/2013
Summary of the review
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi AC 1750HD Video Pro EA6500 Review Would you like to compare these older test results against modern router performance standards?
T
tweakers.net
27/03/2013
Summary of the review
Linksys EA6500 review door anonieme gebruiker
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 2,197 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Linksys EA6500

  • Fast 802.11ac throughput, especially at close range
  • Simple, user-friendly setup process often taking less than 10 minutes
  • Intuitive 'Cisco Cloud Connect' web and mobile interface for remote management
  • Includes two USB 2.0 ports for sharing printers or storage devices
  • Sleek design that supports both flat and wall mounting
  • NFC 'Simple Tap' card included for easy mobile device connection

What we don't like about Linksys EA6500

  • Relatively high price point compared to competing 802.11ac routers at launch
  • Underwhelming 2.4GHz band performance compared to its 5GHz capabilities
  • Slow data transfer speeds when writing to attached USB storage
  • Limited advanced configuration options for experienced users
  • Initial firmware was reported as buggy, requiring immediate updates for stability
  • Significant throughput drop-off at longer ranges

Verdict

The Linksys EA6500 is a dual-band AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi router featuring the 802.11ac standard with theoretical speeds up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. It is equipped with a 3x3 internal antenna array, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and two USB 2.0 ports for sharing storage or printers across the network. Its primary strengths include high routing throughput for HD streaming, a user-friendly cloud-based management interface, and a stylish, wall-mountable design. However, it faces some drawbacks such as underwhelming 802.11n performance on the 2.4 GHz band, relatively slow data transfer speeds when writing to attached USB storage, and a lack of advanced customization features for power users.

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