# TLDR Review: Linksys AC1200 Router

*Published: 2025-06-20 | Updated: 2025-07-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/linksys-ac1200-router*

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## Product: Linksys AC1200 Router
**Brand:** Linksys

## Pros
- Easy and quick setup, taking less than 5 minutes with straightforward instructions.
- Offers dual-band capabilities with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
- Enhanced security features, including WPA/WPA2 encryption and an SPI firewall.
- Reliable and stable performance for basic internet usage.
- Good range, similar to older high-end routers.
- Connection of additional devices is simple using the WPS button.
- Economical on energy consumption, with a usage rate of 0.5 amps.

## Cons
- Maximum actual speed is capped at 100 Mbps, far below advertised 1200 Mbps.
- WAN and LAN ports are limited to 10/100 Mbps, misleadingly labeled as 'Fast Ethernet.'
- User interface considered plain and less intuitive than competitors’.
- Lacks certain standard features like switching to access point mode and indicator lights.
- Poor performance reported, with frequent need for resets and troubleshooting.
- Customer service is unhelpful and cumbersome, making warranty claims difficult.
- Reports of the router failing after a few months of use.
- Advertised capabilities are not reflected in real-world performance, leading to user dissatisfaction.

## Bottom Line

While the Linksys WiFi Router Dual-Band AC1200 offers basic functionality with dual-band support and enhanced security at an affordable price, it significantly underperforms in terms of speed capabilities. The misleading marketing, limited port speeds, and unreliable long-term performance make it an unsuitable choice for those with higher-speed internet plans or advanced networking needs. For users seeking a more robust and reliable option, investing in a different brand might be worth considering.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Easy and quick setup, taking less than 5 minutes with straightforward instructions. | Maximum actual speed is capped at 100 Mbps, far below advertised 1200 Mbps. |
| Offers dual-band capabilities with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. | WAN and LAN ports are limited to 10/100 Mbps, misleadingly labeled as 'Fast Ethernet.' |
| Enhanced security features, including WPA/WPA2 encryption and an SPI firewall. | User interface considered plain and less intuitive than competitors’. |
| Reliable and stable performance for basic internet usage. | Lacks certain standard features like switching to access point mode and indicator lights. |
| Good range, similar to older high-end routers. | Poor performance reported, with frequent need for resets and troubleshooting. |
| Connection of additional devices is simple using the WPS button. | Customer service is unhelpful and cumbersome, making warranty claims difficult. |
| Economical on energy consumption, with a usage rate of 0.5 amps. | Reports of the router failing after a few months of use. |
|  | Advertised capabilities are not reflected in real-world performance, leading to user dissatisfaction. |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*