AC1750 routers belong to the more affordable types of routers that work on Wi-Fi 5, meaning it can connect to faster internet in the 5GHz band. Most routers lower than AC1200 have a single-core processor and mostly connect to a slower 2.4GHz band, too. We reviewed two routers, the Linksys AC1750 vs Netgear AC1750. While both have dual-core processors and work on dual-band frequencies, there’s more underneath that we need to understand.
Netgear offers several AC1750 models to choose from. But for this review, we’ll focus on two popular routers from both Netgear and Linksys. On the surface, the two models look the same but each feature and hardware makes one better than the other.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying a Router?
The following are the key features you should consider when buying a wireless router to augment your home network.
- 1The number of wireless devices. Before buying a cheaper router, take inventory of the actual number of wireless devices at home. Believe me, you have more than you think you have. From there, consider the possible upgrade or additional devices in the next 3 years (the average lifespan of your router).
- 2Speed and band frequencies. The single-band router works well but if you want more optimized connectivity, go for the dual-band. Consider also the potential speed of your router. The AC on the router name means it works for Wi-Fi 5 which is the current generation and the number next to it is the speed on the router in Mbps. So, an AC1750 router means it works for a Wi-Fi 5 connection with a combined speed of up to 1,750Mbps from its 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
- 3Range. If you live in a small house or apartment. Additional features like beamforming are not necessary. You can add a range extender or repeater if you have a lower range router and you need to widen it.
- 4Security features. Security features like parental control are WPA/WPA2 encryption basic features every router should have. Additional security features such as VPN protection and third-party cyber threat protection may entail a more expensive router and annual third-party subscriptions.
- 5Processor and RAM. At the minimum, look for a router with a 1GHz dual-core processor and 256MB RAM. Of course, a higher RAM and flash memory means faster data transfer within your network.
Optimized for gaming, the Netgear Nighthawk XR300 Pro Gaming Router provides better connectivity and faster data transfer with its 512MB RAM, 128 MB flash memory, and dual-core processor. For hardcore gamers, these features and hardware mean a lot in optimizing their gaming experience.
PROS
CONS
The Linksys Max-Stream EA7300 is a smart Wi-Fi router that’s easy to manage and works best for small houses. It can connect up to 10 wireless devices and has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for your gaming console, IPTV, and desktop computers. However, compared to most AC1750 routers of the same specs and build, it performs up to 4 times the download speed.
PROS
CONS
The Linksys AC1750 Vs Netgear AC1750
Range and Devices
The Linksys Max-Stream EA7300 router can only connect up to 10 devices and further discloses that it works best for smaller houses. On the other hand, the Netgear XR300 connects to more than 10 devices and offers a wide range of coverage. Here, we vote for the Netgear XR300 to be the better router, especially if you have a medium or large house.
The beamforming feature allows you to connect with the router even when you are farthest from the router. The smart QoS and efficient MU-MIMO technology also ensure gaming devices get the best connection possible. Those who love streaming get their fair share with the Airtime Fairness feature of the Netgear XR300.
Processors
Both routers run on dual-band frequencies with a maximum combined speed of 1,750Mbps. Both also have dual-core processors for faster data transfer. However, the Netgear XR300 AC1750 works on a dual-core processor with 512MB RAM and 128MB flash memory versus the undisclosed RAM of the Linksys EA7300. For this category, we vote for the Netgear XR300.
Security
Lastly, if you have kids who use the internet, the smart parental controls of Linksys EA7300 AC1750 is the winner. The Netgear XR300 AC1750 uses standard security and parental controls. Because its target segment is mostly online gamers which Netgear assumes are adults, the parental controls are more basic.
Additional Features to Consider
Design
Both the Linksys AC1750 and the Netgear AC1720 have undetachable and fixed antennas, but the Netgear router has a sleeker design. The name is also embossed on the router itself so it looks very high-end. Here, the Netgear AC1750 is the clear winner.
Download Speed
Compared to most AC1750 routers, download speed tests show that the Linksys EA7300 has a higher download speed. However, because of the higher RAM and comparable dual-processor of the Netgear XR300, we choose this AC1750 router as the winner.
Cloud and Data Transfer
Both the Linksys AC1750 and Netgear AC1750 have USB 3.0 ports for faster data transfer within the network. The Linksys EA7300 saves data only on the network, while the Netgear XR300 enables the automatic PC backup through the ReadyShare vault application, allowing for cloud access. This Netgear router also has an additional USB 2.0 to connect a printer or music device for online printing and streaming. The Netgear XR300 gets our vote in this category.
Modes
Unlike the Linksys AC1750, the Netgear AC1750 does not support access point mode as it is dedicated only to its wireless router mode. Therefore it is not compatible with a mesh setup since it cannot be used as a node. Here, we vote for the Linksys AC1750 EA7300.
System Requirements
The Linksys AC1750 EA7300 accommodates only the newer versions of operating systems, both for Windows and Mac. However, the Netgear AC1750 XR300 is compatible with older Windows 2000, Linux, and UNIX without prejudice to the newer versions. Linux and UNIX regularly update their systems so system unit requirements should not be a problem. However, we still vote for the Netgear AC1750 for not being choosy of operating systems.
Winner for Best AC1750 Router:
Netgear Nighthawk XR300
The clear winner for us is the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 Pro Gaming Router (XR300). Sure, it’s not the perfect router for everyone with the rather basic security features, but this is a budget-friendly router for college students or those living in bachelor pads.
Its gaming dashboard allows you to control the bandwidth according to use per device. You and your friends can enjoy hours on end of gaming and movie marathons without experiencing any lags. Even if you are staying in a large home, you can still use the Netgear XR300 because of its wide range of coverage. You can also connect your wired devices to it with its 4 Gigabit LAN ports.
Instantly backup files with the ReadyShare vault thru the USB hard drive connected to the router. No need to hook up things to each of your devices. Talk about convenience and ease of access to your files even if you are not at home.
This does not connect to a mesh system, though, so if you’re thinking of upgrading your network to a mesh system, this is not for you. Otherwise, it’s a great router.
Conclusion
Both the Linksys AC1750 vs Netgear AC1750 works for your individual router needs. Though we picked the winner for this review, we still think that the other router works for people who prefer some features over the others. For example, parents would love a secure network for their kids. Some people would love a router that they can use in their mesh system. If that is the case, then you should get the Linksys AC1750 EA7300 here.
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