Linksys AC1900 Router Review: Strong but Firmware Flaws
A refurbished unit with the performance of a premium model — that’s how many owners describe the Linksys AC1900 Wi-Fi Router (Renewed, Black). Across platforms, satisfaction hovers between 4.1 and 4.6 stars, translating to a solid reliability score of 8.3/10 in aggregated sentiment. Yet buried beneath glowing praise for range and speed are persistent gripes about firmware quirks, setup hurdles, and oddly limited guest network security.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — ideal for users comfortable tweaking settings or installing third‑party firmware, but may frustrate plug‑and‑play buyers who expect seamless stock software performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong, stable range in multi‑story homes | Guest network lacks WPA2 security |
| Handles dozens of devices without lag | Stock firmware bugs and driver issues |
| Easy physical setup | Complex or error‑prone smart setup process |
| Supports open‑source firmware (DD‑WRT, OpenWRT) | Occasional dropped connections with OEM software |
| Solid build and “industrial strength” reliability | Bulky size compared to newer slimline designs |
| Good refurb value for performance level | Some reports of mislabeled or rebranded hardware |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing for the AC1900 Renewed promises “superior performance” and “extreme range” via Wireless‑AC tech and dual‑band speeds up to 1900Mbps. On paper, it’s designed for large households, 4K streaming, and gaming without buffering.
But digging deeper, many buyers discovered the gap between stock firmware claims and actual usage. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “When I first got this and set it up, it would regularly drop Wi-Fi for a minute or three… try watching a video like that.” This contrasted sharply with another Trustpilot review praising that “coverage is as good or better as previous wireless routers… haven’t checked out in the yard. Pleased with this purchase.”
The “Smart Wi‑Fi” setup is billed as quick and intuitive. Some did experience that — a Best Buy customer wrote: “This is as simple a plug and play there is… very easy to set up and set password.” Others hit snags: “We tried my iPhone and got an error… finally got it with my iPad,” reported another Best Buy reviewer, underscoring that setup may require trial and error.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
When it works, the AC1900 delivers formidable range and stability. Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly mentioned full coverage in multi‑story homes: “We have it located in an upstairs centrally‑located room in our 2900 sq. ft. home, and it covers the basement and two floors easily.” For families with many devices, its dual‑core processor and MU‑MIMO support maintain throughput — one user streamed WWE Network live on Blu‑ray while browsing on a desktop and using an iPhone without lag.
Open‑source firmware compatibility draws an enthusiastic niche audience. Reddit user feedback framed it as a “fantastic choice… will definitely support open firmware,” empowering tech‑savvy owners to bypass OEM limitations. With DD‑WRT or OpenWRT installed, several report months of uninterrupted service: “Works great with DD‑WRT, very stable, fast transfer and the clients don't seem to drop very often.”
Common Complaints
The most consistent criticism is with Linksys’ stock firmware. Multiple Amazon reviewers warn of premature loss of official driver support, particularly affecting 5GHz performance. One owner bluntly stated: “Do not buy this router if you are planning on using the Linksys provided firmware. Has bad wireless drivers and… they will not be providing new improved firmware after a year or two.”
Guest network security is another sore spot. Despite flagship pricing, it lacks WPA2 encryption, operating with only password‑gated login pages. A Trustpilot reviewer called this “very unsafe… really disappointing to see this feature lacking at such a high price point.”
Setup reliability also varies. Twitter feedback shows frustration when instructions leave gaps: “It took longer than I expected to install the router because the instructions weren't inclusive of all necessary steps… devices upstairs for some reason can't get the wireless signal.” Others mention DHCP reservation limits and disruptive reboots whenever settings change — a potential deal‑breaker for high‑uptime environments.
Divisive Features
Range performance is polarizing. While many laud its reach past garages and into yards, others saw little improvement over older gear: “It works OK… but didn’t work much better than the one I was replacing,” admitted one Amazon buyer. Physical bulk is similarly debated; some appreciate the “industrial‑strength” look, others find it unwieldy in tight spaces.
Trust & Reliability
Long‑term owners on Amazon and Trustpilot paint a mixed durability picture. Units running third‑party firmware often survive years of 24/7 operation, with one 4‑year‑old unit still “running as strong and reliably as new.” But refurbished buyers warn of mislabeled hardware and inconsistent quality control — one reported receiving a returned unit with VPN firmware installed and ink stains on the reset button, calling into question “certified refurbished” claims.
In terms of brand trust, veteran Reddit voices note Linksys’ shifting corporate stewardship has eroded past consistency, particularly for consumer firmware support. However, the underlying hardware earns respect from those willing to manage it themselves.
Alternatives
Several users explicitly compared the AC1900 to Netgear and Asus counterparts. One Redditor nearly purchased a Nighthawk before concluding, “When I read up on this one and all it had to offer for the price, it was a no brainer.” Some, however, feel Asus routers match or exceed range without firmware hassles, and Netgear offers more secure guest networks. The Apple AirPort Extreme came up as a baseline; replacing it with the AC1900 yielded stability but not always massive range gains.
Price & Value
Refurbished units often sell between $59‑$99 on Amazon Renewed, compared to the $159‑$249 MSRP for new. eBay listings show functioning used models as low as $25‑$65, reflecting strong resale potential if maintained. Community advice leans toward buying refurb only from trusted sellers and budgeting time for firmware flashing to unlock full value.
FAQ
Q: Does the Linksys AC1900 support open‑source firmware like DD‑WRT?
A: Yes. Many owners install DD‑WRT or OpenWRT for better stability, features, and ongoing support, bypassing limitations in Linksys’ stock software.
Q: Is the guest network encrypted?
A: No WPA2 encryption is offered — only password‑gated access via browser pop‑up, which some consider inadequate for modern privacy needs.
Q: How is the range in large homes?
A: Reports vary. Many achieve full coverage in 2‑ and 3‑story homes; others notice minimal improvement over older routers, especially on 5GHz.
Q: Are refurbished units reliable?
A: Quality is inconsistent. Some run flawlessly for years; others arrive mislabeled or with prior custom firmware installed.
Q: Can it handle many devices at once?
A: Yes. Positive reviews cite smooth streaming and gaming with 20‑30 devices connected, aided by MU‑MIMO support.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a power user comfortable installing custom firmware, need strong multi‑device handling, and want refurb‑level pricing. Avoid if you expect secure guest networking or OEM‑grade firmware longevity. Pro tip from community: flash DD‑WRT or OpenWRT early to get the most out of the hardware.
