Linksys Velop AX4200 WiFi 6 Mesh System Now Available

[FNH15]

Agreed!!!

Every few days my Velops show down to a crawl.

This is what would happen to me - the 5GHz band in particular was very unstable. The app would have trouble finding the routers, and would freeze often. Nodes well within range would randomly turn red and then blue. Absolutely maddening. I purchased a few power line adapters for my Extremes (802.11ac models) and they have been way more stable than the Velops.

 

[CBlakeston]

Not my experience at all. I replaced an Airport Extreme with a Velop mesh network and couldn't be happier. Rock solid and fast. Definitely will look at these for WiFi 6.

Myself also. Replaced a 2012 Time Capsule with a solo Velop MX5300 and can't believe the speed increase. Both in network speed across all devices and External Storage speed as I have a drive plugged into the router to share wirelessly.

 

[CBlakeston]

This is what would happen to me - the 5GHz band in particular was very unstable. The app would have trouble finding the routers, and would freeze often. Nodes well within range would randomly turn red and then blue. Absolutely maddening. I purchased a few power line adapters for my Extremes (802.11ac models) and they have been way more stable than the Velops.

Ouch. Sorry to hear it didn't work for you. I think if you google hard enough there are issues with all brands. But happy you found something that works for you.

 

[easy4lif]

Replaced my AirPort Extreme/ time capsule (AC) with a linksys mx 5300 2 pack. Overall pretty great device. I get full speed on every device. I do miss Bonjour though.

 

[ryanmcv]

Does the eero Pro come with HomeKit support? If so, how well does it work? (Ease of setup, etc.)

Yes, eero supports HomeKit. Very easy to set up. Not much benefit to HomeKit support with any router other than basically firewalling your HomeKit-enabled devices.

How to use HomeKit with your eero Network

What is HomeKit and How Can I Use it with my eeros? Many of the connected devices we have in our homes, like light bulbs, thermostats, plugs, and door locks, only need access to a limited set of in...

support.eero.com

 

[MrLatte]

I just got this notification in an email. I have the linksys WiFi 6 AX5300 system that‘s priced at $699 (got it for $499 during a promotion). I’ve tried to find the differences between the two as the new ones are $499 for 3 nodes. There must be more features on the AX5300 otherwise if this is their flag ship Wi-Fi 6 system then the prices seem off.

I also have the older AX5300 Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that I bought last December 2019 - this new one seems to be a lower-priced version:

AX4200: MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 600+1200+2400 Mbps
Processor: 1.4 Ghz Quad-Core
Memory: Flash: 512MB; RAM: 512MB

AX5300: MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 1147+2402+1733 Mbps
Processor: 2.2 GHz Quad-Core
Memory: Flash: 512MB; RAM: 1GB

Looks like everything else is the same.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I have AT&T Gigabit Fiber, and they force me to rent their modem/router combo. Logging into the modem and going into its settings, I disabled the wifi radios to essentially make it a modem only. I then plugged in my own router/mesh system to the AT&T modem. I don't recall if it was plug and play, or if I needed to check off a box for bridge mode. I had found the instructions on forums with a google search, since many people want to do this. I have had no issues, getting full speeds, and happy to be using my own router.

Thanks for the feedback. Definitely will be something I'll be doing in the very near future. My provider here in Canada, Rogers, does some sort of MAC filtering - swap a computer, another modem and your service is immediately halted were ya gotta call into their support team. annoying.

 

[CBlakeston]

I also have the older AX5300 Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that I bought last December 2019 - this new one seems to be a lower-priced version:

AX4200: MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 600+1200+2400 Mbps
Processor: 1.4 Ghz Quad-Core
Memory: Flash: 512MB; RAM: 512MB

AX5300: MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 1147+2402+1733 Mbps
Processor: 2.2 GHz Quad-Core
Memory: Flash: 512MB; RAM: 1GB

Looks like everything else is the same.

I bought mine 4 days ago. Lol. Luckily Amazon have said I can send it back and buy another MX5300 at the new price that’s 100 less. The other differences seems to be.

3 Gigabit LAN + 1 Gigabit WAN
4 Gigabit LAN + 1 Gigabit WAN

40+ Devices
50+ Devices

2700 square ft coverage
3000 square ft coverage

 

[mattopotamus]

Nice to see the prices are finally dropping.

 

[supertomtom]

Ok for anyone wondering there are quite a few difference between the new AX4200 and the MX5300. They have just dropped the price of the solo MX5300 from £350 to match the AX4200 at £250 also.

AX4200 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 600+1200+2400 Mbps
AX5300 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 1147+2402+1733 Mbps

1.4GHz Quad Core Processor
2.2 GHz Quad-Core Processor

3 Gigabit LAN + 1 Gigabit WAN
4 Gigabit LAN + 1 Gigabit WAN

40+ Devices
50+ Devices

2700 square ft coverage
3000 square ft coverage

Flash: 512MB; RAM: 512MB
Flash: 512MB; RAM: 1GB

2.08 lbs
3.5 lbs

Both are same size
Both have USB 3 for external storage.

So I appreciate the AX4200 is the new 'Flagship' as it's way cheaper. But also isn't quite as specced out as the older one.

I just bought an MX5300 at the weekend for £350 and now its dropped to £250. Just spoke with amazon chat and they're refunding the difference. 🙂

thanks for the comparison. I upgraded from an old Orbi setup to Velop MX5300 earlier this year. Has been a solid system, no issues.

 

[CBlakeston]

thanks for the comparison. I upgraded from an old Orbi setup to Velop MX5300 earlier this year. Has been a solid system, no issues.

Ive really enjoyed mine in the few days I’ve had it. Massive upgrade from the 2012 Apple Time Capsule I had for 8yrs.

Every WiFi connected device on that topped out at 100 which was fine. But now every device connects way faster maxing out my 450mbps download. And my phone 11 connects at 700mbps on WiFi6 presumably.

That’s the only niggle I found is they the app tells you what band a device is connected to but not whether it’s wifi6 or not.

 

[CJ Dorschel]

Ok for anyone wondering there are quite a few difference between the new AX4200 and the MX5300. They have just dropped the price of the solo MX5300 from £350 to match the AX4200 at £250 also.

AX4200 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 600+1200+2400 Mbps
AX5300 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gigabit, 1147+2402+1733 Mbps

1.4GHz Quad Core Processor
2.2 GHz Quad-Core Processor

3 Gigabit LAN + 1 Gigabit WAN
4 Gigabit LAN + 1 Gigabit WAN

40+ Devices
50+ Devices

2700 square ft coverage
3000 square ft coverage

Flash: 512MB; RAM: 512MB
Flash: 512MB; RAM: 1GB

2.08 lbs
3.5 lbs

Both are same size
Both have USB 3 for external storage.

So I appreciate the AX4200 is the new 'Flagship' as it's way cheaper. But also isn't quite as specced out as the older one.

I just bought an MX5300 at the weekend for £350 and now its dropped to £250. Just spoke with amazon chat and they're refunding the difference. 🙂

Thank you for this. I was steaming over having bought the WiFi 6 nodes earlier this year (albeit at $499 on a promotion) and getting this news with a new "flagship" WiFi 6 mesh system, at $200 less with three nodes, I couldn't find details on the differences between the two. This makes me feel better lol

FYI I added two WiFi 6 nodes to my Velop Tri-band mesh nodes. Linksys WiFi 5 and wiFi 6 are compatible, just set one of the WiFi 6 nodes as your main node connected to your modem then add any additional WiFi 6 nodes, then add any Velop tri or dual band WiFi 5 nodes (and an ethernet backhaul if you want it). Speed and functionality is not hindered by the WiFi 5 nodes at all. Tested thoroughly as I have roughly 6000 sq ft of coverage in my NY home and also spoke with Linksys to confirm.

I've read a few comments regarding Linksys and other mesh systems. After Apple pulled out of the networking market I spent a year testing every mesh system as I had plenty of time using my AirPort Extreme Base Stations in my NY home and wanted to make use of return policies in order to thoroughly test systems. Here's my brief experience that some have found useful:

As for networking, I wrote up a rundown on systems after Apple ditched their AirPort line and spent roughly a year testing every brand I could from Netgear to Google to Ubiquiti to Linksys:

I used Apple routers for years, holding on to 5-6 last gen AirPort Extreme Base Stations for as long as I could. After Apple announced they were dropping their Airport line (which still baffles me as Apple pushes further into IoT support and streaming services, I don't know why they simply didn't update to mesh systems or at least buy out a company and focus on their wireless systems - even adding wifi to the Apple TV and/or HomePod would be perfect). I tested every system you could possibly think of as I had time and didn't want to invest in something that would end up not being up to par, bricked/ruined with firmware updates as Netgear's systems, etc. From Ubiquiti Systems (AmpliFi HD to UniFi Pro), Netgear Orbi, Eero, to Linksys Velop Tri-Band (at the time Apple's only approved systems sold via Apple). Handsdown, the Linksys velop's won every time. I read too many forums with owners of Netgear's Orbi having continuous problems after numerous firmware updates. AmpliFi HD was the only other system I was considering but Linksys nodes have ethernet for a backhaul and I wasn't crazy about plugin nodes. I've since invested in Linksys WiFi 6 nodes as I thought a dead spot in my ~6,000 sq ft place was the cause of two August Smart Locks disconnecting (it turned out the Connect Bridge was defective which August replaced without question). Instead of buying more Velop Tri-band nodes, I was able to grab a pair of WiFi 6 nodes for $499, $200 less than normal price, and my Velop Tri-band nodes are fully compatible and do not drag down speeds, etc. I haven't had a problem since (knock on wood).

I haven't owned a Linksys product since the 90's so I was VERY cautious. In fact, I was surprised to learn Belkin now owns Linksys. I'm also surprised more people don't seem to give the Velop's a chance. I know I know, everyone's mileage varies. Just thought I'd lend some help.

 

[CBlakeston]

Thank you for this. I was steaming over having bought the WiFi 6 nodes earlier this year (albeit at $499 on a promotion) and getting this news with a new "flagship" WiFi 6 mesh system, at $200 less with three nodes, I couldn't find details on the differences between the two. This makes me feel better lol

FYI I added two WiFi 6 nodes to my Velop Tri-band mesh nodes. Linksys WiFi 5 and wiFi 6 are compatible, just set one of the WiFi 6 nodes as your main node connected to your modem then add any additional WiFi 6 nodes, then add any Velop tri or dual band WiFi 5 nodes (and an ethernet backhaul if you want it). Speed and functionality is not hindered by the WiFi 5 nodes at all. Tested thoroughly as I have roughly 6000 sq ft of coverage in my NY home and also spoke with Linksys to confirm.

I've read a few comments regarding Linksys and other mesh systems. After Apple pulled out of the networking market I spent a year testing every mesh system as I had plenty of time using my AirPort Extreme Base Stations in my NY home and wanted to make use of return policies in order to thoroughly test systems. Here's my brief experience that some have found useful:

thats really informative. Thanks. Makes me feel better somehow knowing Belkin own Linksys lol.

yeah, the wording on the nee ‘flagship’ product is weird. It’s like a cheaper slightly cut down version. Which I’m sure is still awesome but I don’t feel bad I just got an MX5300.

One curious thing in the wording for the new one says ‘WiFi 6 on every band’ or something to that effect. Does that imply older models didn’t? Or is that not how Wi-Fi 6 works? I don’t know that much about it to know exactly but the spec sheets I compared didn’t mention that difference.

 

[zubikov]

Looks like it's straight out of 2001: A Space Oddyssey.

 

[drsox]

Does the Amplifi Wifi 6 router come in mesh?

It is fundamentally designed for a mesh. I don't yet have any as it's only in Black.

 

[Philly-GUI-Dude]

Run, don’t walk away from Velops. Absolutely horrible hardware and software. My 2013 AirPort Extremes proved to me more reliable than the Velop tri bands I bought to replace them.

I absolutely agree! I replaced my 3 AirPort Extremes & 3 AirPort Express for 5 Velop 3 Band Mesh Routers/nodes. I have to babysit them like crazy, they go off line all the time. I have had SEVERAL escalated calls with support, with no help. If one node goes off line, everything goes off line and I have to uplug the, all. I have tried everything to get these to work well, but nothing. They are unreliable and the software SUCKS! It takes like 20 minutes to add one node. They are the worst I tell you. I do not trust them, and never would again.

Maybe others have been lucky, I sure have not. I wish Apple would just release new Airports :-(

 

[DMinTX]

Go for the new eero Pro 6 system. You won't regret it. Having used both eero and Velop, I can say that the Velop systems work well most of the time, but the app interface is horrendous and I've experienced nodes randomly disconnecting at least a couple of times a month, requiring a restart of the entire Velop network. I switched to the current-gen eero Pro over the summer and it has been rock solid; haven't had to restart the network at all. The app interface is also MUCH nicer and more responsive.

eero is well worth the extra ~$100 in my opinion.

Sigh. I am hesitant due to Amazon’s ownership of eero. I avoid all devices owned by Amazon & Google.

 

[Kar98]

My AC1900 clone from T-Mobile is still working and until either it or my 12 year old WiFi printer dies, I’m not buying something new. Too much of a hassle to connect the printer to a new WLAN. Yes, I work in IT.

 

[Gouki]

Sorry, the stupid admin portal keeps me away from Linksys.

 

[MacBH928]

Who buys these shoddy products when you go with something more mainstream like NetGear Orbi or Asus ZenWifi?
I remember Linksys and D-Link were major brand names in wireless networking, whatever happened to them?

btw, I am running Orbi using custom firmware made by a guy called Voxel. Extremely stable, recommended if you are not happy with Orbi performance.

 

[CBlakeston]

Who buys these shoddy products when you go with something more mainstream like NetGear Orbi or Asus ZenWifi?
I remember Linksys and D-Link were major brand names in wireless networking, whatever happened to them?

btw, I am running Orbi using custom firmware made by a guy called Voxel. Extremely stable, recommended if you are not happy with Orbi performance.

I think you answered your own question. Tracking down guys on the internet to make custom firmware to get stable performance is a bit much for most people.

For many of us we want a replacement to the airport router which I set up and forgot about for 8 years. It just worked.

The Linksys app and portal may not be as advanced as some others but then neither was the Apple router back in the day.

 

[ryanmcv]

Sigh. I am hesitant due to Amazon’s ownership of eero. I avoid all devices owned by Amazon & Google.

Honestly, your ISP is probably collecting more data about your browsing habits than any router or mesh system would. eero's privacy policy is pretty straightforward, and they only collect information about the technical aspects of your eero network and how you use the eero app. I've reviewed the privacy policy multiple times and there is absolutely nothing about it collecting or monitoring the websites you visit or online services you use.

Legal: eero Privacy Notice | eero

Visit eero for more information on Privacy. If you have questions or complaints concerning our Privacy Policy, contact us at support@eero.com

eero.com

What type of data does eero collect and why?

Our Privacy Policy details what information we collect when you use our website. Our eeros and eero app collect data to help us operate, maintain, and improve your entire eero WiFi system. We may...

support.eero.com

Also, aside from the phrase "an Amazon company" that appears below the logo on the eero website, you would never know that eero was owned by Amazon during day-to-day usage.

 

[ScottHammet]

It's a Linksys, so the speed will be "meh", but you'll still have to reboot it every other day to keep it working. Cisco gutted Linksys.

 

[richpjr]

Who buys these shoddy products when you go with something more mainstream like NetGear Orbi or Asus ZenWifi?
I remember Linksys and D-Link were major brand names in wireless networking, whatever happened to them?

btw, I am running Orbi using custom firmware made by a guy called Voxel. Extremely stable, recommended if you are not happy with Orbi performance.

Not my experience. I bought an Orbi mesh network and it was slow and had poor coverage in my house. Exchanged it for a Velop AC2200 mesh network and that has been substantially faster, much better coverage and has been rock solid. I have had to reboot my network once in the past 2.5 years, when one of the nodes was having trouble with a firmware update. The UI on the iPhone is pretty clunky, but I rarely use it so don't really care.

 

[mariusignorello]

I have AT&T Gigabit Fiber, and they force me to rent their modem/router combo. Logging into the modem and going into its settings, I disabled the wifi radios to essentially make it a modem only. I then plugged in my own router/mesh system to the AT&T modem. I don't recall if it was plug and play, or if I needed to check off a box for bridge mode. I had found the instructions on forums with a google search, since many people want to do this. I have had no issues, getting full speeds, and happy to be using my own router.

Same experience. Had to put it on IP Passthrough and switch off both of the wifi radios, and my AirPorts work perfectly (With the modem, that is...their reliability with client devices is tanking. I think they’re starting to show their age, and I want WiFi 6 now that the iPhone 12 supports it)

I was vehemently against AT&T but their fiber service is rock solid and the price is as promised. We even got $250 back and free install at the time, so I’d recommend it to anyone who can get the service installed.