Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band+ Router
Bottom line: The Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band+ Router ($32.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Simultaneous dual-band: up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz plus 867 Mbps on 5 GHz; main trade-off: fast Ethernet ports cap wired connections at 100 Mbps, not gigabit.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Simultaneous dual-band: up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz plus 867 Mbps on 5 GHz
- ✓ Linksys rates it up to 2.8x faster than Wireless-N routers
- ✓ Smart Wi-Fi app handles device priority, parental controls, and guest networks remotely
- ✓ USB 2.0 port shares a printer or storage drive across your network
Cons
- ✗ Fast Ethernet ports cap wired connections at 100 Mbps, not gigabit
- ✗ USB 2.0 port is slow for large file transfers
- ✗ Wi-Fi 5 (AC1200) router with no Wi-Fi 6 support for newer devices
- ✗ Most advanced controls require the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi app
Manufacturer description
The Linksys EA6100 AC1200 dual-band router runs two Wi-Fi bands at the same time: up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz. Linksys rates it at up to 2.8 times faster than Wireless-N. Put streaming and video calls on the 5 GHz band, and leave 2.4 GHz for older phones, smart plugs, and devices farther from the router. The main reason to buy this router is Smart Wi-Fi. The Linksys app lets you prioritize specific devices or websites, block inappropriate content with parental controls, monitor network activity, turn Wi-Fi on or off, and create password-protected guest networks. You…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band+ Router using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the networking category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Linksys EA6100 AC1200 router?
It runs both bands at once, with up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz. Linksys rates this at up to 2.8 times faster than Wireless-N. Real-world speeds depend on your internet plan, distance, and interference.
Does the EA6100 have gigabit Ethernet ports?
No. Linksys lists the wired ports as Fast Ethernet, which tops out at 100 Mbps per wired connection. If your internet plan is faster than 100 Mbps and you rely on wired devices, look at a router with gigabit ports.
Can I set parental controls and a guest network on the Linksys EA6100?
Yes. With the Smart Wi-Fi app you can block inappropriate content, prioritize devices or websites, monitor network activity, turn Wi-Fi on or off, and create password-protected guest networks, from home or away.
What can I plug into the EA6100's USB port?
The router has one USB 2.0 port. Use it to share a printer or a storage drive of photos, video, and data files with devices on your network. USB 2.0 is slower than USB 3.0 for large transfers.
What comes in the box, and do I need the setup CD?
The box includes the EA6100 router, a CD-ROM with setup software and resources, an Ethernet cable, and a power adapter. Linksys says you can set it up without the CD. Some listings are sold open box, so check the product listing for condition and current warranty terms.
Key Features
- Up to 2.8 times faster than Wireless-N technology: Simultaneous dual-band speed up to N300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + AC867 Mbps (5 GHz) for media-intense applications
- Faster Transfer Rates: USB 2.0 and Fast Ethernet for sharing photos, video, data files or a printer across your network
- Smart Wi-Fi allows users to prioritize devices or websites, gain parental control over inappropriate content, monitor network activity, turn Wi-Fi access on or off, and create select password-protected guest networks.
- Smart Wi-Fi apps: A growing suite of apps offers improved opportunities to control one's home network
- Easy setup: Simple installation requires no CD
- Package includes: Linksys EA6100 AC1200 Dual Band Smart Wi-Fi Router + 1 x USB 2.0, CD-ROM with Setup Software and Resources, Ethernet Cable and Power Adapter
Full Specifications
| Brand | Belkin |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Coverage | Small to Medium Home/Office |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Easy setup | Simple installation requires no CD |
| Model Name | EA6100 |
| Antenna Type | Fixed |
| Connectivity | Wireless, USB, WiFi, 2.4GHz |
| Model Number | EA6100 |
| Built-In Media | Linksys EA6100 AC1200 Dual Band Smart Wi-Fi Router, 1 x USB 2.0, CD-ROM with Setup Software and Resources, Ethernet Cable, Power Adapter |
| Control Method | App |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Controller Type | Amazon Alexa |
| Mfr Part Number | EA6100 |
| Number of Ports | 7 |
| Special Feature | DC in Jack |
| Antenna Location | Home |
| Package includes | Linksys EA6100 AC1200 Dual Band Smart Wi-Fi Router + 1 x USB 2.0, CD-ROM with Setup Software and Resources, Ethernet Cable and Power Adapter |
| Smart Wi-Fi apps | A growing suite of apps offers improved opportunities to control one's home network |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Full listing title | Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band+ Router, Smart Wi-Fi App Enabled to Control Your Network from Anywhere (EA6100) |
Ready to buy?
Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band+ Router, Smart Wi-Fi App Enabled to Control Your Network from Anywhere (EA6100) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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