
Maximizing your network needs means finding the most reliable and high-speed network support like a wireless router. An ideal way to determine the best router is through its high performing networking standard. We will help you figure out which standard between the AC600 vs AC1200 you want to experience in your home. In this review, we will dive into the specs, the pros and cons, as well as the unique features that can help ease your network usage volume.
Let’s Define “AC”
Simply put, “AC” is the indicator that supports the latest networking standard in wireless routers, the 802.11 ac. The number that follows is not the model number, but the theoretical speed the router potentially provides. In the case between AC600 vs AC1200, the AC1200 is said to have doubled the rate of AC600. Simply put:
Battle of the Boldest: AC600 vs. AC1200
When it comes to performance, we have to look into the speed, range, and router’s software boosts and determine if it’s lag proof or buffer proof for optimal user experience. Between the AC600 vs AC1200, there’s a lot to unpack. With the AC1200 being the projected model with more upgrades and updates, the AC600 could either be the right choice depending on your household’s activities.
Let’s kick off the AC600 vs AC1200 showdown by looking at some models that meet quality and precision beyond just their wireless network standards.
AC600 Routers
PROS
CONS
The WAVLINK AC600 is not just a signal extender but also serves as a router. It is designed for outdoor use, so users don't have to worry about getting the device wet when it rains. It is shielded with waterproof housing making it adaptable to various weather conditions. It also supports a 4k lighting protection ensuring stable connection regardless the weather.
This extender/router stands out from its rivals as it supports the next generation 802.11AC Wi-Fi technology. It also has dual-band external antennas providing speeds up to 2.4GHz 150Mbps and 5GHz 433Mbps. This means it may resolve your signal problem and boost your existing Wi-Fi connection.
The most important advantage of this is the built-in high power amplifiers that make the transmission increase up to 5x more power. The strong power and extended coverage make it suitable for use in factories, within the community, and even from the streets.
PROS
CONS
With more than 300 professional and experienced software and hardware engineers, Netis Systems brings optimal human use to their AC600 router, the Netis WF2375 Wireless Outdoor AP router. It boasts a sleek exterior that is easily portable, perfect as an outdoor access point. Ideal for big houses with spacious backyards, this router’s antennas are built-in, which aids in superb long-distance connections. This wireless router has a range of 100 meters in the right conditions and can go beyond 10km.
Another great feature of the Netis AC600 wireless router is that the IP55 is waterproof with certification and 15KV ESD protection. This type of wireless router is perfect for the garden patio where it will survive harsh weather conditions, rainy, windy, or shiny. The AC600 router is a sturdy outdoor device.
However, a few cons about this outdoor-friendly Wi-Fi router include the LEDs hidden behind the units. The LEDs show the power status, signal strength, wired connectors, and wireless bands, but this router model can only display two of the four indicators with the lights. The same goes for the USB and ethernet ports hidden in the bottom of the device with a cover. The most significant disadvantage would have to be the firmware updates that lack essential features like maintenance scheduling.
AC1200 Routers
PROS
CONS
When it comes to reliable network devices and accessories, TP-Link is made with stability and value in mind, making their AC1200 contender, one to watch. The TP-Link Archer C1200 is value for money at its best despite the glossy and tacky exterior. It’s complete with an easy installation and management via the Tether app.
Those who live with children will find ease in superb parental controls, allowing you to do more than just basic diagnostics and configure guest networking. The only downside is having to access the web portal to access more advanced settings for additional security and parental controls.
The TP-Link Archer C1200 wireless router boasts MU-MIMO data support, which makes streaming and gaming quite the experience with no lagging and buffering. The 5GHz has reliable performance and aids in seamless roaming throughout large households. Apart from a lack of USB ports and non-detachable antennas, this router is a pretty solid representative of the AC1200 network standard.
PROS
CONS
To globalize mainstream connectivity, Linksys has been consistent in creating top-grade customizable networking activities. The Linksys E5400 Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC1200 router boasts many features that represent quality and reliability in one. This router is positioned at an affordable price point with notable features like media prioritization perfect for households that deal with high-traffic activities like HD streaming, gaming, and heavy file transfer.
The Linksys E5400 goes beyond its sleek and straightforward design with impressive security features for a mid-range wireless router. Users can do more than just set passwords and tap into advanced parental control through the Smart Wi-fi software with a compatible Linksys app. The only disadvantage with this model is that it can’t be mounted and has no visible LED lights for status prompts.
Final Verdict
Every step you take counts when finding a highly effective, reliable, and long-lasting wireless router. In the AC600 vs AC1200 battle, the winner will be determined by the user-friendliness, affordability, design, functionality, and overall performance of the router. Let’s break this down.
Winner for Best AC600 Router
Netis WF2375
Apart from high-speed internet and extensive coverage, user-friendliness is a significant factor to consider since not all purchasers are familiar enough with setting up a router for their home. The Edimax BR-6288ACL AC600 router has a unique design that can easily blend in with your furniture if you’re particular with aesthetics.
The Netis WF2375 AC600 router may not have a visible antenna, just like the Edimax AC600 router, but it has a built-in dual-polarization directional dual-band antenna meant to go beyond a dual-band router’s usual performance. While the Netis WF2375 router also has a minimalist design with mounting support, this model is mostly compatible with smart wireless devices that will be quite a hassle when using the outdoor area.
When it comes to range, the Netis WF2375 wireless router works best with long-distance connectivity, making it ideal for households with big backyards who have a high network volume. This model’s scope reaches up to a 10km radius since it serves as a wireless access point router.
While the Netis router’s range performance is stellar, the Edimax BR-6288ACL router has its QoS boding well for itself. It offers an easier way to manage internet bandwidth while also helping users prioritize their network activity during a busy household time. This also makes streaming, gaming, and using VoIP applications a more pleasant experience in your home.
In fairness to the Netis AC600 router, its transmission power deserves four stars and will have users maximize its 30dBm/1000mW administration, making the use of the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz simultaneously with no fluctuations.
Price-wise, the Netis WF2375 outdoor router and the Edimax BR-6288ACL router both cost a little more than $81. However, if we’re looking at them with value for money in mind, then the Netis AC600 model leads in terms of unique features and overall performance.
Winner for Best AC1200 Router
TP-Link Archer C1200
The leading contender for the AC1200 wireless router model would be TP-Link’s Archer C1200 router for its superb user-friendliness. Advanced parental controls make this an ideal choice for families with kids in their households since they can better manage time limits, filter levels, get access to user profiles and relevant insights about their child’s user behavior.
In terms of remote app management, Linksys E5400 no longer has the hassle of CD installation. But, the TP-Link’s Archer C1200 is compatible with the personalized Tether app, allowing users who are often on-the-go to modify specific settings when urgent.
In contrast to Linksys’ E5400 router, the TP-Link’s Archer C1200’s exterior is far less distracting and more straightforward design-wise. However, we’d have to give credit to the Linksys E5400 router for its equally impressive and competitive security and parental control features. Apart from generating passwords, guest networks, and creating restrictions for specific content, it has a very thorough WPA and WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall upgrade.
When it comes to functionality, though, the TP-Link AC1200 gets the point for its ability to eliminate dead zones in large households that need consistent Wi-Fi connection. It’s also relatively safe and functional with its Access Point Mode feature that allows users to switch the router’s working mode when sharing network access to other devices, especially new devices.
For those purchasing a router with a budget in mind, you can get both models for $50. Still, in terms of value for money, the ideal choice for large homeowners with children would have to be the TP-Link AC1200 router with an outstanding MU-MIMO feature. It supports beamforming for uninterrupted gaming and streaming, as well as the Tether app, which is a hassle-free management feature that is a bang for every buck.
The Bottom Line
In the AC600 vs AC1200 duel, the clear winner is the AC1200 networking standard, which doubles the bandwidth and capacity of the AC600. It boasts increased speeds and reliability in overall network performance while also prioritizing network congestion.
Get the Netis WF2375 wireless router if:
- You like working outdoors or most of your work is done outside your house.
- You appreciate the discreet design that blends with your interior.
- You live with many housemates who need long-distance connections for work.
- You like to mount the router for extra protection.
Learn more about the AC600 wireless router here.
Get the TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Router if:
- You’re lazy to check networking updates.
- You’re on a tight budget but need fast internet when working from home.
- You like to save time by installing complimentary technology tools.
- You live with children and need to monitor their network usage.
Learn more about the AC1200 wireless router here.