Linksys AC1900 Renewed Router Review: Conditional Verdict
The Linksys AC1900 Wi-Fi Router (Renewed, Black) continues to spark lively debate among home network enthusiasts. Rated anywhere from 3.6 stars on Amazon Renewed to 4.6 stars on Best Buy, it sits at the intersection of affordability and pro-level customization. Many praise its “industrial-strength capability and reliability,” as one verified Amazon buyer put it, but certain flaws—like guest network security gaps—persist. Our verdict: 8.2/10 for tech-savvy users who will exploit its open-source strengths; more cautious buyers may need to weigh alternatives.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent range and signal strength in large homes | Guest network lacks WPA2 encryption |
| Open source firmware support for customization | 2.4GHz performance can degrade over distance |
| Easy physical setup, strong coverage for multiple floors | Stock firmware lacks advanced QoS features |
| Handles 20+ devices without lag | Occasional need for reboots |
| Strong USB storage performance | Mixed reliability in refurbished units |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts “coverage up to 1,500 sq ft” and “speeds up to 1.9Gbps.” Digging into user experiences, several owners in large spaces report exceeding those specs on real-world performance. A Trustpilot reviewer described, “located in an upstairs centrally-located room in our 2900 sq. ft. home, and it covers the basement and two floors easily.” Yet others, like one Amazon buyer, saw “real speeds of 50-90 Mbps” in a 2800 sq ft home despite a 300 Mbps ISP package—suggesting that environment and placement heavily influence results.
Another major claim is smart Wi-Fi app control. While many find it intuitive—Best Buy customers consistently highlight ease of use, with one noting “I was able to connect all my devices within 30 minutes… labeling them in the app makes it simple”—advanced users complain the app glosses over deeper controls. Newegg reviewers criticize the “Links Smart Wi-Fi account” requirement, seeing it as unnecessary brand lock-in.
Finally, Linksys promotes open-source readiness. Here, reality matches the pitch: Reddit users swap stories of flashing DD-WRT or OpenWRT “without any problems,” turning the router into a custom networking tool. For tech hobbyists, this is a rare promise that holds.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Coverage and range stand out. Owners of large homes or offices testify to full signal across challenging spaces. Best Buy customer wrote, “no dead spots in my 2700 sq ft home… great reception in the yard.” One warehouse user claimed “full signal throughout the full facility” in a 10,000 sq ft metal building.
Multi-device handling earns similar praise. Spectrum customers replacing inferior gear note stability with “up to 30 devices… holds up like a boss!” Gamers, like one Reddit poster, enjoy mixed-mode support for both N and AC at 2.4/5GHz, allowing simultaneous connections without interference.
Open-source support is celebrated in almost every forum. Trustpilot users run third-party firmware for VLAN tagging, detailed logging, and tailored performance. “This router is very fast and open source firmware is supported… running great,” one owner shared after switching to LEDE.
Common Complaints
The guest network’s lack of WPA2 encryption frustrates many. One Best Buy reviewer calls it “very unsafe… disappointing to see this feature lacking in a high price point router.” The only option is password gating, akin to hotel Wi-Fi.
Performance variability, especially on the 2.4GHz band at greater distances, is another sore spot. An Amazon Renewed buyer admitted “awesome 5GHz performance but real bad 2.4GHz when distance is 30 feet and beyond.”
Refurbished reliability raises red flags. Users report receiving units with third-party VPN firmware pre-installed, missing packaging, or hardware defects leading to frequent Wi-Fi drops. “Certified refurbished my eye!” one Amazon buyer complained after spending an evening restoring factory firmware.
Divisive Features
USB storage capabilities split opinions. CNET acknowledged “comparatively good USB storage performance,” and some Trustpilot reviewers compare favorably to dedicated NAS devices. Others, like one Newegg buyer, find it lacking—no easy Windows Explorer mapping, making DLNA/FTP the only access methods.
QoS—or lack thereof—is another fault line. Advanced users are dismayed at the absence of general automated QoS, while casual buyers appreciate simple “media prioritization” in the app. Some complain it can inadvertently “slow the entire network down” when misused.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished units complicate trust. Several buyers receive mismatched hardware/firmware, forcing manual resets or firmware flashes before normal operation. Return rates among dissatisfied refurbished buyers suggest a risk unless purchased from reputable resellers.
Long-term durability, however, earns glowing mentions from those with solid units. One Amazon owner’s router is “nearing 4 years of age, still running as strong and reliably as new” after surviving a house move and multiple ISP upgrades. Others enjoy constant uptime: “Always-on and always working 24x7,” said a Trustpilot reviewer.
Alternatives
Users compare the Linksys AC1900 to Netgear Nighthawk X8 and Asus RT-AC3200. In one case, a buyer replaced their AC1900 with the Nighthawk X8, achieving “200-300 Mbps real speed in same areas… night and day difference.” Asus fans note slightly superior range, but Redditors caution Asus lacks the same open-source friendliness.
Some abandon consumer brands entirely, moving to Ubiquiti AP AC Pro for better whole-house coverage and stability, especially in larger layouts.
Price & Value
At renewed prices ranging from $25 on eBay to $59.99 on Amazon Renewed, the AC1900 offers strong value for tech-savvy buyers ready to customize or troubleshoot. New units push into $150–$250, making them compete directly with stronger out-of-box performers.
Community tips emphasize buying from sellers with clear return policies, especially for refurbished models, and flashing preferred firmware early to avoid stock limitations.
FAQ
Q: Does the Linksys AC1900 handle multiple devices well?
A: Yes. Many owners report stable performance with 20+ active connections, including gaming consoles, streaming devices, and smart home gear, without lag.
Q: Is the guest network secure?
A: Not by WPA2 standards. It offers password-only access similar to hotel Wi-Fi, which some users deem insufficient compared to competitors.
Q: Can I install third-party firmware?
A: Absolutely. It supports OpenWRT, DD-WRT, and LEDE, giving advanced users full control over functions, from VLANs to custom QoS.
Q: How is 2.4GHz performance?
A: Mixed. Close-range speeds are fine, but performance over 30 feet can drop sharply. Placement and interference matter here.
Q: Is it worth buying refurbished?
A: Conditional. If sourced from trusted sellers with return policies, savings can be significant. Expect potential setup work if firmware isn’t factory.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an advanced user, gamer, or large-home owner who values range, multi-device stability, and open-source flexibility. Avoid if you demand top-tier stock firmware or require WPA2-secured guest access. Pro tip from the community: flash your preferred third-party firmware immediately to unlock the router’s full potential.
