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Linksys Hydra Pro 6 Mesh WiFi 6 Router - WiFi Extender Replacement - MR5500-AMZ - Mesh WiFi Router for Wireless Internet - WiFi Mesh Wireless Router - Mesh Router Connect to 30+ Devices 2,700 Sq Ft

TLDR Review: Linksys Hydra Pro 6 Mesh Router MR5500-AMZ

Item: Linksys Hydra Pro 6 Mesh Router MR5500-AMZ
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 19th, 2026

Pros

•Provides significantly faster WiFi speeds compared to older WiFi 5 routers, delivering excellent WiFi 6 performance.
•Offers strong and consistent signal coverage throughout large spaces, easily covering over 2,700 sq ft and even additional guest houses or multtory homes.
•Reliable and stable connections with minimal signal drops, maintaining fast upload and download speeds without frequent reboots.
•Gigabit Ethernet ports perform well, supporting wired device connections effectively.
•Setup is straightforward via the Linksys smartphone app, allowing flexible and detailed configuration options.
•Strong 5G band performance ensures higpeed connections for compatible devices.
•Can function as a bridge to extend existing mesh WiFi networks if needed.
•Outperforms many competitors (Google Nest, Eero, Tink, Netgear, Asus) in terms of coverage and speed.
•Handles connection to 30+ devices simultaneously without notable slowdowns.
•Highly reliable over lonerm use, with many users reporting flawless operation over a year or more.

Cons

•Requires a smartphone app for setup and management, which may not be convenient for everyone; the app has been removed from Google Play and is no longer available for some current Android versions.
•No traditional web GUI interface available, limiting advanced control options for nomartphone users.
•Initial setup may involve manual changes like MTU adjustments to avoid connectivity issues, which could be a hurdle for less tecavvy users.
•Some users experienced an initial unit failure requiring replacement, though replacements worked well.
•The app can occasionally be slow or freeze during device renaming or management tasks.
•Official support is limited: the product is out of warranty and access to free manufacturer support is unavailable without additional paid services.
•Sales pages do not warn buyers about the discontinued app and lack of support, which may lead to frustration after purchase.
•Coverage can be inconsistent in certain areas, with some reports of weaker signal strength depending on setup and home layout.
•Advanced users may find the lack of traditional router settings limiting compared to competitors.

Bottom Line

The Linksys Hydra Pro 6 Mesh WiFi 6 Router is a strong choice if you need expansive, fast, and reliable WiFi coverage for a large home or multi-device environment. Its performance and range clearly outshine many competitors, making it an excellent "set it and forget it" solution for modern WiFi 6 demands. However, the mandatory smartphone app setup and its discontinuation on key platforms pose a serious usability and support concern that buyers must consider carefully. If you prefer a router with a fully supported app or a traditional web interface, or if ongoing manufacturer support is critical, you might want to explore other WiFi 6 mesh routers with more robust software and support ecosystems.