If you're looking for the best that 802.11ac networking has to offer, look no further than the $229 Linksys WRT1900ACS router. Not only is it the top-performing dual-band router, but it delivers good range, has lots of ports and includes powerful monitoring software.

High performance; Fast setup; Useful ports for connecting devices; USB and eSATA ports; Powerful monitoring and management apps

Bigger than most routers; uninspired design

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1900 (WRT1900AC) is without question the most ambitious consumer wireless router networking hardware available. The unit is a big, beefy router, with a big, beefy price to match. You get a lot for your coin, however, including very good performance.

Excellent performance and range; Unprecedented throughput speed when testing with second router as a bridge; Easy setup, remote access, and management; Firmware flashable via OpenWRT; QoS feature cuts down time to buffer a video

Expensive; Runs warm; Noticeable electrical odor when running; Can't set 5GHz band to 802.11ac-only mode

Up until a few years ago most people had but one smartphone which they'd use primarily to make calls so even the now "old" Wi-Fi 802.11n networking standard with its maximum data rate of 300Mbit/s (later pushed to 450 and 600Mbit/s) on the 2.4GHz band was more than enough.

- Build Quality; - Design; - Wireless Performance (Among The 3 Fastest In Our Charts; - AC1900 Technology (Concurrent 802.11n & 802.11ac; - Features; - 4 High Gain Detachable Antennas; - Smart Web Interface; - Open Source OS; - 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports; - USB 3.0 Port & USB 2.0/eSATA Port

- Price (For Some

When it comes to wired networking, nothing has changed much for years in terms of performance for the mainstream consumer. While 10GbE is now starting to make the rounds, it is still far too expensive and no practical for home or even small business users.

Clean and slick interface; Great wireless performance and great range; Dual-Band wireless with separate configuration; Secure Guest network; Flagship wireless product; Fast processor for smooth file serving

Not so cheap

Ten years ago, Linksys's WRT line of routers were simply put ‘the' way to go if you wanted to get the very best out of your network and as we fast forward to today, the WRT1900AC once again puts Linksys at the very top of the consumer networking charts.

Supreme wireless range and performance; Open-source ready; Long lasting heritage; Easy to use interface

Price may deter many users

Next to bringing back a lot of nostalgia for the design alone we have to say this; there is absolutey nothing about the WRT1900AC that can be compared to that old piece of hardware. The WRT1900AC is truly among the most powerful routers available on the web.

The Linksys WRT1900AC is a beast of a router both in performance and price (and maybe even size). For pure performance seeking shoppers that want the most bleeding edge and fastest router, this is your router. Stop looking. The search is over.

All the industry smart folks say 802.11ac is taking over and that more than half the devices sold this year, including a bajillion smartphones, will have AC support. With multiple antennas and clever signal routing and stream pairing, the WRT1900AC is the type of router you need to support the high...

It is the fastest, maddest and most expensive router we have ever tested and for most it will simply be far more than they need. But this is a router built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and if value is no object you can't go wrong here.

Class leading wireless performance; Exceptional range; Simple setup; The most intuitive router UI

Huge price tag; Marmite looks; 'Just' 4 Ethernet ports

The Linksys WRT 1900AC wireless router is a powerful device that is packed with useful software features. Transfer speeds were impressive in all of our tests, making this an excellent choice for home use.

High transfer speeds; Simple setup; Useful software features; Open source firmware; Media server capabilities; Extensive and easy to use parental controls

Expensive