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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Linksys WRT1900ACS Review | 77 Data compared

Avg. price:~£200Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi speed:1900 MbpsLAN port speeds:1 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:no

Linksys WRT1900ACS Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

Linksys WRT1900ACS
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 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 72% of models
Score components

90%

7.5

Technical score

10%

8.3

User score

â–²Better than 72% of routers
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 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–² Better than 63% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–²Better than 63%
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 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–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

26%

5.9

Wireless

20%

6.3

Ports

18%

9.2

Networking

14%

8.7

Security

12%

8.0

Hardware

10%

8.9

Management

â–²Better than 72%
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

8.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 73%
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Best prices
*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 owners say about the Linksys WRT1900ACS

Based on 16 owners sharing their experience in online comments

31%positive19%mixed50%negative

Owners value flexible firmware and stable operation, while Wi-Fi problems, speed limits, and risky firmware changes cause frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners report Wi-Fi that drops or performs poorly, with phones and laptops reaching far lower speeds under OpenWRT than under stock firmware.3
  • Owners say speeds stall around 200 Mbps on fast connections, and on DD-WRT one owner saw throughput fall from 500 Mbps to 25 Mbps.3
  • Some owners report the router was bricked after flashing firmware, with no response to factory reset or power-cycle recovery attempts.3
  • Owners say reverting from OpenWRT or DD-WRT back to stock firmware is hard, and recovery after a failed flash can be difficult.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of router Linksys WRT1900ACS

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 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–² Better than 72% of models
Score components:

26%

5.9

Wireless

20%

6.3

Ports

18%

9.2

Networking

14%

8.7

Security

12%

8.0

Hardware

10%

8.9

Management

7.5
User score
User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

8.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
8.6/ 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 76% of models
Popularity:
Linksys WRT1900ACS has a popularity score of 8.6 points, which is higher than that of 76% of products in this category.
8.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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–² Better than 63% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

8.1
Brand name
Linksys
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
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
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
1900 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 1900 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 63.2% of routers and equal to 2% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
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
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
no
This router does not include DoS protection. 87.5% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 6.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
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IPv6 support
yes
This router supports IPv6. 11.5% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
yes
This router supports dynamic routing. 47.8% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
yes
This router supports inter-VLAN routing. 76.7% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
yes
This router supports VLAN tagging. 38.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 3.2% 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 23.7% of routers and the same as 69.2% of routers.
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
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
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
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
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, CLI
This router uses Web UI, App, CLI for management, which is more advanced than 96.3% of routers and equal to 1.2% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, Automatic
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
This router includes traffic monitoring. 18.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
yes
This router offers captive portal features. 76.7% of routers offer captive portal features.
Browser-based guest login page.
Show more
CPU clock speed
2x 1.6 GHz
This router runs at 2x1.6 GHz, which is faster than 67.7% of routers and on par with 0.9% of routers.
RAM capacity
512 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 512 MB of RAM, which is more than 64.4% of routers and the same as 22.8% of routers.
Internal storage
0.125 GB
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
This router offers hardware acceleration. 31.4% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
4
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 4 external antennas, which is more than 71.9% of routers and the same as 17.5% of routers.
Show more

Linksys WRT1900ACS vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Better management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, App, CLI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI, App, CLI vs Web UI, App
  • 1 more USB ports
    This router has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports captive portal
    This router supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support captive portal.
    Browser-based guest login page.
  • 39.8% wider wireless coverage
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (260 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    260 m² vs 186 m²
  • Supports inter-VLAN routing
    This router supports inter-VLAN routing, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
  • 2x more RAM
    This router 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
  • Suitable for gaming
    This router is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    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
  • 4.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.3/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Linksys WRT1900ACS
    the average router
    Linksys WRT1900ACS has a higher user score than the average router (8.34 vs 8.000).
    8.34 vs 8
  • 39.8% wider wireless coverage
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (260 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    260 m² vs 186 m²
  • 28.8% faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (1900 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1475 Mbps.
    1,900 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    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
  • Supports inter-VLAN routing
    This router supports inter-VLAN routing, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This router has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes memory card slot
    This router has a memory card slot, while the average router does not. 9.8% of routers have a memory card slot.
  • Better management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, App, CLI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI, App, CLI vs Web UI, App
  • Supports captive portal
    This router supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support captive portal.
    Browser-based guest login page.
  • 2x more RAM
    This router 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
  • Suitable for gaming
    This router is designed for gaming, while the average router is not. 36.9% of routers are designed for gaming.
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    This router has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (2x1.6 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    2x1.6 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • Removable antennas
    This router has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
  • 2 more external antennas
    This router has more external antennas than the average router (4 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    4 vs 2
  • Limited firmware updates
    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
  • No DoS protection
    This router does not support DoS protection, while the average router does. 87.3% of routers support DoS protection.
  • 2.22x more expensive
    Linksys WRT1900ACS is more expensive than the average router (£200 vs £90).
    £200 vs £90
  • 64.1% heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (722.2 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
    722.2 g vs 440 g
  • 43.8 mm wider width
    This router is wider than the average router (245.8 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
    245.8 mm vs 202 mm
  • 2.22x more expensive
    Linksys WRT1900ACS is more expensive than the average router (£200 vs £90).
    £200 vs £90
  • No DoS protection
    This router does not support DoS protection, while the average router does. 87.3% of routers support DoS protection.
  • Limited firmware updates
    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
  • 64.1% heavier weight
    This router is heavier than the average router (722.2 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
    722.2 g vs 440 g
  • 43.8 mm wider width
    This router is wider than the average router (245.8 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
    245.8 mm vs 202 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
Nerd on the Street
≈ estimated
18/07/2017
Unboxing and OpenWrt setup · hands-on speed and network tests
Verdict
Linksys WRT1900ACS is much faster than the old router and runs OpenWrt without slowing it down, though port forwarding was still unresolved.
9.0
Andrew Wright
≈ estimated
23/08/2016
Unboxing and range test · comparison with older router
Verdict
Linksys WRT1900ACS has stronger range than the old router, so no extender is needed, and the packaging and build feel premium.
9.0
Brian Fagioli
≈ estimated
27/10/2015
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Linksys WRT1900ACS looks good, is fanless and faster than its predecessor, with full testing still to come.
9.0
CNET
≈ estimated
08/10/2015
Short first look · speed tests and comparison with older model
Verdict
Linksys WRT1900ACS is a clear upgrade over the older model, fast, cool-running and worth the money.
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
cnet.com
07/10/2015
Summary of the review
Linksys WRT1900ACS Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router review - CNET
smallnetbuilder.com
09/10/2015
Lab test · Storage and VPN
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS is a strong 5GHz router with fast USB storage and a built-in OpenVPN server, but its 2.4GHz Wi-Fi ranks near the bottom.
N
nikktech.com
24/02/2016
Summary of the review
Linksys WRT1900ACS AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Wireless Router Review - NikkTech
K
kitguru.net
18/03/2016
Summary of the review
Linksys WRT1900ACS 802.11ac Wireless Router review - KitGuru
tomsguide.com
29/03/2016
Real-world test · Dual-band router
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS ranks among the best for speed and range, with deep settings for experts, but it is bulky and lacks MU-MIMO.
nikktech.com
24/02/2016
Lab test · Successor comparison
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS is a smoother-feeling update of the WRT1900AC, but its Wi-Fi and wired speeds are essentially unchanged.
trustedreviews.com
26/02/2016
Hands-on review · High-end Wi-Fi router
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS is a dependable router with fast 5GHz speeds and OpenWRT support, but its setup pushes you toward a Smart Wi-Fi account.
tweaktown.com
06/08/2016
Lab test · AC1900 wireless router
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS has the fastest 5GHz results of any AC1900 router tested, with gigabit wired speeds and quick USB storage, but its 2.4GHz speed is average.
M
mbreviews.com
30/01/2017
Summary of the review
Linksys WRT1900ACS vs ASUS AC2400 RT-AC87U - MBReviews
M
mbreviews.com
22/09/2015
Summary of the review
Linksys WRT1900ACS Wireless Router Review - MBReviews Are you looking for specific performance benchmarks or open-source firmware compatibility detail...
popzara.com
30/03/2016
Hands-on review · Speed tests
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS is a strong 5GHz router that holds speed through walls, but it only pays off on a fast internet plan and its 2.4GHz band lags.
techtest.org
14/10/2015
Hands-on test · Setup and speed
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS is a fast, low-power router for sharing content from a USB drive, but bridge mode drops most of its extra features.
geekbecois.com
20/04/2016
Long-term test · Tinkerer's router
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS is a reliable router for tinkerers who want DD-WRT or OpenWrt, though its front lights are hard to read.
gadgetgear.nl
24/11/2016
Hands-on review · OpenWRT router
Verdict
The Linksys WRT1900ACS suits both everyday users and tinkerers, with easy setup and OpenWRT support, though its signal struggles through concrete floors.
T
tweakers.net
14/01/2016
Summary of the review
Linksys WRT1900ACS Ultra Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900(knack.be) | 24 November 2016 | Review: router te gebruiken met open firmware (Linksys WRT1900ACS)
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
10/04/2016
Summary of the review
Linksys WRT1900ACS Ultra Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Linksys WRT1900ACS

  • Exceptional Wi-Fi performance and long-range coverage
  • Unsurpassed network storage (NAS) speeds via USB 3.0 and eSATA
  • Support for open-source firmware like OpenWrt and DD-WRT
  • Powerful 1.6GHz dual-core processor and 512MB RAM upgrade
  • Easy and intuitive setup process via web or mobile app
  • Fanless design in the ACS model for silent operation
  • Sturdy build quality with a nostalgic, stackable design

What we don't like about Linksys WRT1900ACS

  • High price point compared to other AC1900 class routers
  • Large physical footprint that takes up significant space
  • Relatively basic stock firmware with limited advanced settings
  • 2.4GHz band performance can be inconsistent or slower than rivals
  • External power brick is bulky and may block adjacent outlets
  • Lack of support for Mac Time Machine backups on network storage
  • Reported occasional 5GHz band stability issues on stock firmware

Verdict

The Linksys WRT1900ACS is a high-performance AC1900 dual-band Wi-Fi router featuring a powerful 1.6GHz dual-core ARM processor, 512MB of DDR3 RAM, and 128MB of flash memory. It delivers wireless speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, supported by four external detachable antennas with beamforming technology. Connectivity includes four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, a USB 3.0 port, and a unique eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port for high-speed network storage sharing. Main pros include exceptional storage throughput, a fanless design for silent operation, and robust support for open-source firmware like OpenWRT. However, common cons include its large physical footprint, lack of Time Machine backup support for Mac users, and a relatively high price point compared to newer Wi-Fi standards.

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