The Linksys WRT1900AC or the Linksys EA6900?

The question has been asked many times – should I go for the Linksys WRT1900AC or the Linksys EA6900?

Until recently, choosing the best Linksys router was an easy choice. The EA6900 was the router to go for. It was the fastest and had the most features. It was up there with the other AC1900 routers on the market, including the Netgear Nighthawk R7000, the TRENDnet TEW-818DRU, and the Asus RT-AC68U.

Things have changed however. Linksys have brought out a new player – the WRT1900AC. So lets compare the features of these two Linksys giants, and see where we end up…

 
Linksys WRT1900AC AC1900 - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900

Linksys WRT1900AC Router

The Linksys WRT1900AC router is now Linksys’s premium home router, which sports retro looks dating back to the classic WRT54G from yesteryear.

>>>Full Linksys WRT1900AC Review<<<


 
Linksys EA6900 button - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900

Linksys EA6900 Router

Linksys’s former flagship router has been out for a few months now. Costs less than the WRT1900AC (at time of writing).

>>>Full Linksys EA6900 Review<<<

 
 
 

Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900 AC1900 – 8 Shared Features

 
1.9Gbps WiFi Data Rates
Both these routers are AC1900, so are both capable of 1.9Gbps data rates. These speeds are of course theoretical. You can expect maximum speeds, on AC, around just over 400Mbps. More on that later.

Dual Core Processor
You can’t have a performance router without having a good CPU. Both models have dual core processors. The WRT1900AC comes out on top with a 1.2GHz ARM CPU, as opposed to the EA6900’s 800MHz equivalent.

Beamforming
Beamforming is great for faster wi-fi connections at longer distances. Both these beasts share this technology

Adjustable Antennas
Having antennas that are adjustable are useful for increasing coverage, especially in homes with multiple storys. You have the luxury of angling different antennas in different directions, effectively doubling the wireless coverage zone. The EA6900 loses out again though. It has 3 antennas compared to the RT1900AC’s 4 antennas.

USB 3.0 Port
You must have a USB 3.0 port on a performance router, USB 2.0 won’t cut it when it comes to HD streaming potentially bottlenecking the network. Again both routers have one USB 3.0 port. They also both have a USB 2.0 port, should you need it. The WRT1900AC’s USB 2.0 slot doubles up as an eSATA port. More on this later.

USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
Smart Wi-Fi is Linksys’ in-house software/app that gives you full control over monitoring, remote management and setting up.

Parental Controls
Control who can access what with the intuitive Parental Control system. Included on both routers.

Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Linksys have installed 1Gbps ports on each model. Would be a severe let-down if they didn’t!

 

Linksys WRT1900AC Router

Linksys WRT1900AC AC1900 Main - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900
Linksys WRT1900AC AC1900 Buy Button - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900


 

What Extra Features Does The WRT1900AC have over the EA6900?

 
DD-WRT Out The Box
Smart Wi-Fi comes as standard, but you have the option of easily switching over to the Linux based open source DD-WRT firmware. With DD-WRT, advanced users can get so much more out of the router, including amplifier power tweaks, network monitoring with SNMP, and full Quality of Service customization.

Intelligent Fan
Having a monster of a router means it’s more important than ever to keep cool, so that you can run at full performance all the time. Linksys have added a cooling fan which only turns on as and when required. This helps maintain good energy efficiency and keeps the noise levels down. Although it has to be said that the cooling fan is pretty quiet anyway.

Extra Antenna
The EA6900 has 3 external antennas, as opposed to the WRT6900AC’s 4 antennas. This gives more scope for manually extending coverage areas.

eSATA Port For Storage
Linksys have added an eSATA port to the WRT1900AC (which doubles up as a USB 2.0 port). Useful if you have an aSATA drive that you wish to use as storage.

 

Linksys EA6900

Linksys EA6900 AC1900 Main - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900
Netgear R6100-100PAS AC1200 sales button - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900


 

The Linksys WRT1900AC or the Linksys EA6900?

 
It’s also pretty clear to see that the WRT1900AC has the better hardware and has some extra features.
 
>>>Click here to learn more about the Linksys WRT1900AC at Amazon<<<
 
However, the EA6900 comes with a lower price tag. So, the bottom line – if money is of little concern, just pay the extra and go for the WRT1900AC.
 
>>>Click here to learn more about the Linksys EA6900 AC1900 at Amazon<<<
 
What do you think? Do you agree/disagree? Why not comment below and let us know what you think…
 

Alternatives To The Linksys WRT1900AC Worth Considering

Asus RT-AC68U AC1900  - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900 Netgear Nighthawk Button - Linksys WRT1900AC vs Linksys EA6900 Apple AirPort Exreme Base Station - The Linksys WRT1900AC or the Linksys EA6900? Trendnet TEW-818DRU button  - The Linksys WRT1900AC or the Linksys EA6900?

 

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One Comment - Write a Comment

  1. I have the EA6900 in my house for months now. It’s great, when it works. It works well for a couple of months, then all of a sudden, it looses connectivity and the only way to resolve it is to reset to factory default AND change the wireless SSID. It’s a pain! I’m going to buy the WRT1900AC to see if the software is more stable. And yes, I have the latest version installed on the EA6900.

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