Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi 5 Router Review – Why It’s GREAT! Update 12/2024

We put the fantastic Linksys AC1200 wireless router through its paces to see if it still delivers the goods in 2018. Read the whole review right here! The straightforward yet stylish design of this router makes it a good buy. The Linksys AC1200 combines speed and affordability, making it suitable for everyday gaming as well as multi-user households or small businesses.

The Pros:

• Fair price
• Allows for a lot of data usage
• Superb Choices for Regulating Networks and Protecting Data
• Subtle aesthetics

The Cons:

• You can’t mount it on the wall.
• That there are no obvious LEDs
• Can’t connect to a gigabit network

Linksys’ AC1200 is a cutting-edge, mid-range, dual-band router.

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The AC1200’s reasonable price tag of around $50 may come as a surprise given the extensive set of features and dependable operation it provides. However, the AC1200 has plenty of rivals in the market, including the D-Link AC1200, which is also in a similar price range.

How does the AC200 fare in comparison to other mid-range routers? Can multiple users stream video to their devices at once and play demanding online games? Should you instead invest $100 in a more powerful model?

So that you can make an educated purchase decision, we’ll examine the AC1200’s build, features, and overall performance.

Specifications

Design

The Linksys AC1200’s recyclable packaging is the first pleasant surprise you’ll find when you take it out of the box. The people of Earth approve of that. The AC1200, an Ethernet cable, and an AC adaptor are all contained within this cardboard box.

Strangely, despite Linksys’ claims that the AC1200 does not need a disc for installation, the company has opted to distribute the device manual via CD.

Given that fewer and fewer people in the modern world even own a CD drive, this seems like a strange decision, but then again, who actually reads the manuals?

The AC1200’s layout is simple and effective. It won’t hog much of your desk real estate thanks to its compact 1.5 by 6.8 by 7.8-inch dimensions.

However, it does not include mounting brackets, so you’ll have to keep it on a shelf or desk. The AC1200’s sleek, slim design seems made for mounting, so it’s a shame that this useful design feature has been overlooked.

The whole thing is a matte black, except for the Linksys logo in shiny black plastic on the bottom left. The standard array of blinking lights typically found on a wireless router is conspicuously absent from this black plastic enclosure.

Some users may be disappointed by the AC1200 because it lacks blinking LEDs, which indicate a device’s connectivity status.

However, the router does have some LEDs behind it, right next to the USB ports, if you look hard enough.

So, you’ll have to put in a little extra effort to get the lowdown on your router’s connection status, but on the plus side, the AC1200 is less ostentatious flashy in a dark or dimly lit room than some of its competitors.

The AC1200 has four Fast Ethernet LAN ports, one Fast Ethernet WAN port, and a power port for the AC adaptor, in addition to two adjustable antennas and a plethora of other ports on its rear.

You will be let down if you expected gigabit ports. We would prefer gigabit ports, but at this price point, we can make do without them.

The AC1200’s design is understated and unobtrusive. Of course, the internals of a wireless router are the most important factor to consider. The Linksys AC1200 has been released, so let’s take a look at its specs and see how it fares under stress.

Features and Performance

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Is it possible to play games smoothly over a Linksys AC1200 connection? Certainly. A gaming router, though? In a word, no.

There are flashier, higher-end gaming routers on the market with features like 8 Gigabit LAN ports. However, there is a significant price increase for these additional features.

The Linksys AC1200 is a good option if you want to get a high-quality router at a reasonable price and still have enough spare cash to enjoy playing games at home.

The AC1200’s straightforward construction means it’s equally easy to set up. You can skip the hassle of setting up your system and go straight to the fun part—playing the game—thanks to the online software’s user-friendly instructions.

When multiple users are engaged in a resource-intensive activity, like playing an online game or watching a live video stream, the media prioritization feature allows you to prioritize certain devices.

Prioritizing your gaming PC will ensure smooth gameplay, though you may experience some buffering in your video stream. Distance and reception are two important topics, so let’s discuss them. The first thing you should know about the AC1200 is that it operates on both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequency bands.

There is still some new technology out there that doesn’t recognize the 5ghz band yet, particularly some smart TVs, so we’re glad to have the 2.4Ghz option even though some routers are phasing it out.

Using the 2GHz network, you can enjoy a transfer speed of around 77.5 Mbps in close proximity, and the signal strength is generally strong. If you move 30 feet away, the transfer rate drops to around 40 Mbps.

Looking at the 5GHz band, the results show speeds of about 95Mbps up close and 86Mbps at 30 feet. This is more than fast enough for playing games online.

The AC1200’s beamforming technology also enables precise signal localization. As a result, the connection is robust, quick, and reliable, as it is sent directly to compatible devices rather than as a blanket signal.

The AC1200 also has a guest Wifi option, which is a great perk. Since this allows for a different password for visitors, it’s a small victory for online safety.

With the AC1200, you can provide free Wi-Fi to customers without disclosing your primary network password, making it ideal for use in small businesses.

When it comes to devices in the household, the parental controls give you the option to restrict use at specific times and on specific gadgets. For a mid-range router, this level of customization and control is very impressive.

Software

The Linksys AC1200 is bundled with a custom software suite that not only simplifies the setup process but also serves as a central hub for configuring various aspects of the router.

You can control your network from anywhere in the world with the help of the Linksys Smart Wifi app and PC software.

This online smart monitoring software can be used during setup and beyond to do things like change the name of your wireless network, install updates, and change the password. Parental controls and other security options are also accessible from this section.

With the help of the Smart Wifi software and the corresponding app, you can monitor your network traffic and prioritize different types of media. The interface’s straightforward layout and intuitive controls made it a pleasure to use.

Linksys AC1200 Pricing & Alternative

In the same price range as the Linksys AC1200, you can find alternatives from other manufacturers that may better suit your needs. The Netgear R6120, for instance, is capable of doing a lot of the same things as the Linksys model.

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On the other hand, if you are looking for something more hardcore, the Asus AC5300 with its 8 gigabit LAN ports and 8 antennas is the way to go; it comes at a high price, but if you can put it to good use, it will be well worth it.

Oh, and it’s a mesh router, so you can connect multiple units in the same house for consistent connectivity everywhere you go.

Linksys AC1200: Final Verdict

There aren’t many ways to put it, but the Linksys AC1200 is an excellent value for the money. And that is usually the most important factor. It’s attractive and useful in everyday life.

We also have a list where you can look up the best router for gaming if your requirements are higher and you’re interested in getting more for your money.

The Results:

You’ve found the right place if you’re in the market for a router that won’t let you down on the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands. You will get your money’s worth if you stick to the plan and don’t deviate too much from it. The lack of gigabit LAN is disappointing, but to be expected at this price point.

The Plan:

We’d give this model a perfect five stars if the antennas were removable. It’s classy and understated, but won’t make your gaming rig look dull.

Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Depending on where you look, you might be able to find this product for a ridiculously low price. Those days of making do with whatever mediocre router your ISP provided are long gone.

In conclusion:

It’s a great little product that more than holds its own in most respects. While having more features and speed is always preferable (and Netgear Nighthawk R6700 is a good option in that regard), this product will meet the needs of the typical customer without any problems.

Linksys AC1200 FAQs

Is Linksys AC1200 a good router?

It’s a great router for the money, with features that not even more expensive models provide. It’s simple to use and looks great while doing it.

How do I install my Linksys AC1200 router?

The router is simple to set up, and it comes with a reliable software suite that allows you to customize many of its features.

It’s available for free download online, and Linksys even includes an installation CD in case you prefer that method.

What is AC1200?

The term “ac1200” refers to the amount of available bandwidth on a given router. Although the numbers can go much higher, they are currently at 1,200 Mbps.

How do I reset my Linksys AC1200?

Your Linksys router can be reset in two different ways. The product itself has a button on the side that activates the first option. Software resets can also be performed through the Linksys software on your computer, found in the Router Settings menu.

Is AC1200 enough for gaming?

It’s plenty for a single consumer. However, if there are multiple people using the router and hogging bandwidth by doing things like streaming high-definition video or playing online video games, you may want to consider upgrading your router’s bandwidth capacity.

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