Linksys EA6900
Score: 73/100
Google Nest Wifi
Score: 75/100Rankings
Google Nest Wifi is a second-generation mesh system delivering AC2200 dual-band speeds and up to 4400 sq ft coverage with integrated Google Assistant. It trades off Wi-Fi 6 and tri-band capabilities for ease of use and modest port count. Best for families in medium-size homes who value plug-and-play setup and voice-assistant integration.
The Linksys EA6900 (AC1900) offers fast dual-band Wi-Fi 5 performance with a strong processor and three beamforming antennas. Its lack of mesh support, limited LAN ports and older Wi-Fi standard limit future-proofing. Suited for small-to-medium homes needing gigabit wired connectivity and solid Wi-Fi 5 speeds.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,900 Mbps | 2,200 Mbpsbest | |
— | 2,200 sqftbest | |
3best | — | |
2best | — | |
4best | 2 | |
1best | — | |
2best | — | |
1 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Frequency Bands | 2.4GHz/5GHz | Dual-Band |
Performance(1) | ||
Maximum Wireless Speed (Mbps) | 1900 Mbps | 2200 Mbps |
Ports(1) | ||
LAN Ports | 4 | 2 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Linksys AC1900 for its solid far-range throughput, easy app-based installation, and robust processor with beamforming that keeps connections stable. However, they criticize the lack of DD-WRT support on newer hardware revisions, the absence of mesh capability, and the modest four-port LAN count, suggesting that power users may need additional networking gear.
Everyday users generally find the router reliable for everyday broadband tasks, praising its ability to handle many devices, the convenience of USB storage sharing, and the effectiveness of guest networks. Recurring frustrations revolve around hardware-version confusion, limited LAN ports, and the fact that it uses older Wi-Fi 5 technology, which some feel falls short of newer standards.
Professional reviewers commend the Nest Wifi AC2200 for its intuitive app-based installation, solid AC2200 throughput, and sustainable construction, describing it as a reliable, easy-to-use solution for typical households. However, they criticize its reliance on legacy Wi-Fi 5 hardware, the absence of tri-band capability, and limited wired ports, noting that it falls behind newer Wi-Fi 6/6E competitors for power users and gamers.
Everyday users praise the system's plug-and-play setup, strong signal coverage across multi-story homes, and the convenience of the built-in Google Assistant speaker. Common complaints revolve around occasional speed drops, reduced performance through thick walls, and occasional buffering, especially when the mesh is stretched beyond its optimal coverage area.
