O-Sense
CONCLUSION
Since the EA8500 AC2600 router uses the QCA9980 4-Stream VIVE™ 802.11ac chipset I was curious to see just how well it would perform and although it did ok in both ATTO and QCheck it surpassed every other modem/router listed in our Passmark Network Performance Test (highest recorded number there from the EA8500 was 192Mbits/s, over double of any other in our charts). Now I don’t know if Passmark really likes Qualcomm MU/EFX technology but it does seem to make a good difference just like Beamforming did when it was first introduced in the market a few years back. On the other hand we can’t ignore that it didn’t do any better in ATTO and QCheck compared to similar models so it’s really up to you to decide which performance test you “trust” more. Average recorded power consumption was not half bad either with the EA8500 finishing 4th in that particular chart but only 2nd when compared to that of a similar router so there’s also that to take into account. The web-interface is also very detailed and easy to navigate but for more “advanced” users it may not include every single option/setting they’d like to see but since the EA8500 is a home-oriented model that doesn’t come as a surprise.
When first released a year back the EA8500 AC2600 MU-MIMO router was priced quite high but today it actually carries a very competitive price tag set at USD164.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and at 223Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). The only problem is that the WRT1900ACS again by Linksys is priced right around the same corner and that’s a more suitable solution for advanced users (not to mention faster in most tests). In the end the EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 MU-MIMO Smart Wi-Fi Router is a great upgrade from any previous-generation router and well worthy of our Golden Award.
PROS
- Build Quality
- Design
- Wireless Performance
- AC2600 Technology (Concurrent 802.11n & 802.11ac)
- Features
- 4 High Gain Detachable Antennas
- Smart Web Interface
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- USB 3.0 Port & USB 2.0/eSATA Port
- Price (USA)
CONS
- Price (EU)
