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Linksys EA9300 Max Stream Review | 77 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$180
Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi speed: 4000 Mbps
LAN port speeds: 1 Gbps
Mesh Wi-Fi: no

Linksys EA9300 Max Stream review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Very good

7.3

Very good

9.0

Exceptional

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
33.0%
?
Wi-Fi speed
28.0%
?
CPU clock speed
22.0%
?
RAM capacity
17.0%
1.5
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

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#58 in Best Gaming Routers
#103 in Best Wi-Fi Routers

Verdict

The Linksys EA9300 Max-Stream is an AC4000 tri-band Wi-Fi 5 router powered by a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. It delivers combined speeds up to 4.0Gbps across one 2.4GHz band (750Mbps) and two 5GHz bands (1625Mbps each), supported by six external antennas and MU-MIMO technology for efficient multi-device streaming. Key advantages include its class-leading file-transfer speeds via two USB 3.0 ports, built-in beamforming for improved range, and seamless roaming compatibility with Max-Stream extenders. However, notable drawbacks include limited parental controls, a lack of built-in malware protection, and reported performance inconsistencies on the 5GHz downlink compared to competitors.

Technical Specifications of router Linksys EA9300 Max Stream

Overall score

7.5

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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.

Wireless

6.6

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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 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

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

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

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Security

8.4

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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

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

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

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

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

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Networking

8.6

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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

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

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

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

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

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Ports

6.3

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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

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

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

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

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

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Management

7.5

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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

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

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

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

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

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Hardware

7.3

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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

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

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

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

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

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Linksys EA9300 Max Stream vs the average router

Why is Linksys EA9300 Max Stream better than the average router?

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2.71x faster Wi-Fi speed
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (4,000 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
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
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (4,000 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.4000 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps
74.7% wider wireless coverage
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has wider wireless coverage than the average router (325 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 EA9300 Max Stream has wider wireless coverage than the average router (325 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².325 m² vs 186 m²
Higher CPU clock speed
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
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
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.4x1.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
1 more USB ports
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 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
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.2 vs 1
2x more RAM
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more RAM than the average router (512 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 EA9300 Max Stream has more RAM than the average router (512 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.512 MB vs 256 MB
Supports MU-MIMO
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
What it is: Supports multi-user MIMO so the router can serve more than one client stream at the same time.
When it matters: When many active devices share the network and you want wireless capacity used more efficiently.
Importance: LOW
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
Suitable for gaming
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
What it is: Highlights whether the router is aimed at gaming-focused use, such as lower-latency traffic handling or gaming-oriented controls.
When it matters: When gaming traffic, lower latency, or easier prioritization of consoles and gaming PCs matters in your network setup.
Importance: LOW
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
4 more external antennas
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more external antennas than the average router (6 vs 2). The average router has 2 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
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more external antennas than the average router (6 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.6 vs 2
2.71x faster Wi-Fi speed
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (4,000 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
74.7% wider wireless coverage
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has wider wireless coverage than the average router (325 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
Supports MU-MIMO
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
Stronger Wi-Fi security
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
1 more USB ports
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
Includes memory card slot
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a memory card slot, while the average router does not. 9.8% of routers have a memory card slot.
Higher CPU clock speed
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
2x more RAM
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more RAM than the average router (512 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
Suitable for gaming
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
4 more external antennas
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more external antennas than the average router (6 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
2x more internal storage
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has more internal storage than the average router (0.3 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.

Why is Linksys EA9300 Max Stream worse than the average router?

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Narrower channel widths
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a lower supported channel width than the average router (80 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
39 fewer connected devices
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream supports fewer connected devices than the average router (25 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
No VPN server support
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
No PPTP server
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
No L2TP passthrough
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream does not support L2TP pass-through, while the average router does. 96.3% of routers support L2TP pass-through.
Limited firmware updates
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
Less capable NAS services
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream includes SMB, FTP, media server NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
No hardware acceleration
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
2.89x heavier weight
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream is heavier than the average router (1,270 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
95 mm wider width
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream is wider than the average router (297 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
No hardware acceleration
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer 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
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
No VPN server support
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream 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 EA9300 Max Stream cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
Narrower channel widths
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream has a lower supported channel width than the average router (80 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 EA9300 Max Stream has a lower supported channel width than the average router (80 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.80 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
Limited firmware updates
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream 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 EA9300 Max Stream 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
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream 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 EA9300 Max Stream 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
2.89x more expensive
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream is more expensive than the average router (£260 vs £90).
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream is more expensive than the average router (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
No PPTP server
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
What it is: An older PPTP VPN server option for incoming remote connections.
When it matters: When legacy devices or older network setups still depend on PPTP for remote access, even though newer VPN standards are usually preferable.
Importance: LOW
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
No L2TP passthrough
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream does not support L2TP pass-through, while the average router does. 96.3% of routers support L2TP pass-through.
What it is: Lets L2TP VPN traffic pass correctly through the router for compatible client connections.
When it matters: When remote users or legacy VPN clients still rely on L2TP tunnels.
Importance: LOW
Linksys EA9300 Max Stream does not support L2TP pass-through, while the average router does. 96.3% of routers support L2TP pass-through.

Graphic comparison of Linksys EA9300 Max Stream and other routers

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Linksys EA9300 Max Stream?

Simple and easy setup process, even for non-technical users
Strong tri-band performance that handles multiple high-bandwidth devices like 4K streaming and gaming simultaneously
Impressive signal range and coverage, often eliminating the need for extenders in large homes
Powerful 1.8 GHz quad-core processor that maintains stability under heavy network loads
Effective 'Smart Connect' band steering that automatically optimizes device connections

What customers dislike about Linksys EA9300 Max Stream?

Higher price point compared to routers with similar features
Bulky physical design that takes up significant space
Lack of advanced security features like built-in malware protection
Limited parental controls restricted mostly to basic site blocking and scheduling
Reports of long-term reliability issues and occasional connection drops after several months of use
Weak performance on the 2.4 GHz band compared to competitors

Expert reviews

cgmagonline.com

03/07/2017

Summary of the review

Linksys Max Stream EA9300 Hardware Review

The Linksys Max-Stream EA9300 is a powerful tri-band router featuring a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and MU-MIMO technology, designed to handle high-demand, simultaneous internet traffic. It offers extensive coverage via six adjustable antennas, yielding significant speed increases and eliminating dead zones. While offering robust performance with two USB 3.0 ports and seamless roaming support, the device is hindered by a high price point, large physical footprint, limited parental controls, and, in some tests, trailing 5GHz close-proximity throughput.

pcmag.com

26/02/2019

Summary of the review

Linksys Max-Stream AC4000 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Router (EA9300) Review

The Linksys Max-Stream EA9300 is a tri-band 802.11ac router designed for high-bandwidth households, featuring a 1.8GHz quad-core processor and MU-MIMO technology. It offers impressive file-transfer speeds and solid 5GHz throughput, with perks like Alexa voice commands and easy installation, but it lacks advanced malware protection. While offering good close-range performance, the router has only basic parental controls and shows middling, long-distance throughput compared to competitors.

smallnetbuilder.com

17/07/2017

Summary of the review

Linksys EA9300 Max-Stream AC4000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router Reviewed

The SmallNetBuilder review of the Linksys EA9300 Max-Stream AC4000 identifies it as a powerful, cost-effective tri-band router utilizing a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor to offer performance comparable to higher-end models. Key pros include high throughput, strong traffic handling, and effective Smart Connect and Airtime Fairness features, making it a competitive, lower-cost alternative to AC5300 routers. Conversely, the review notes significant cons, specifically a 5 GHz downlink interoperability issue, limited 2.4 GHz range, and an "undistinguished" software feature set lacking OpenVPN support. For the full, detailed review, visit SmallNetBuilder.

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