D Link DIR X1870 Review
The D Link DIR X1870 (also known as EXO AX1800) is a budget WiFi 6 router designed for users upgrading from older WiFi 5 or ISP provided routers who want better efficiency and higher device handling without paying flagship prices. It targets small to medium homes where streaming, video calls, and light gaming happen simultaneously across multiple devices. Unlike premium WiFi 6 routers, it focuses on baseline AX performance, mesh expandability, and affordable entry into next generation networking rather than advanced tuning or enterprise features. Expert testing places it as a value oriented WiFi 6 router with solid 5 GHz performance but weaker legacy band behavior under load.
: The DIR X1870 is a budget WiFi 6 router positioned for users upgrading from WiFi 5 who want improved multi device performance and basic mesh capability. It is best suited for households with moderate internet speeds where stability matters more than advanced customization or premium throughput.
Who Should Buy
- You are upgrading from a WiFi 5 router that struggles with multiple devices
- You want WiFi 6 efficiency for streaming and video calls
- You live in a small to medium home with moderate coverage needs
- You prefer simple setup and app based network control
Who Should Avoid
- You expect high end gaming grade latency performance
- You rely heavily on strong 2.4 GHz long range stability
- You need multi gig internet or advanced routing features
- You want premium mesh performance across large properties
Unique Buyer Trigger
The purchase is usually triggered when a household upgrades internet speed or adds more connected devices, but the existing router cannot handle simultaneous usage. Video calls begin to stutter when streaming starts, and smart home devices increase congestion on the 2.4 GHz band. Buyers choose the DIR X1870 when they want a low cost entry into WiFi 6 to reduce congestion issues without moving into expensive mesh systems or high end gaming routers.
What Makes This Model Different
The DIR X1870 stands out as a “budget WiFi 6 gateway” rather than a performance focused router. It delivers strong 5 GHz speeds in near range conditions but does not prioritize legacy band optimization or advanced QoS control. Compared with the Asus RT AX55, the DIR X1870 is often cheaper but less refined in firmware experience and long term ecosystem support. Compared with older D Link AC routers like DIR 853, it offers improved efficiency under modern device loads but sacrifices simplicity in configuration behavior.
Its identity is defined by entry level WiFi 6 transition rather than full home network optimization.
Why Buy This Model Instead Of Others
The DIR X1870 is chosen when the buyer wants WiFi 6 benefits at minimal cost rather than a fully optimized networking experience.
Compared with the Asus RT AX55, the DIR X1870 offers similar WiFi 6 category performance in ideal conditions, but Asus provides more stable software behavior and better long term ecosystem integration. Buyers choose D Link when price sensitivity is higher than firmware maturity.
Compared with the D Link DIR 853 (WiFi 5), the DIR X1870 provides better handling of modern multi device environments, especially for households with many WiFi 6 capable devices. However, the upgrade is not always noticeable unless the network is under simultaneous load.
The key decision conflict is whether the user wants “cheap WiFi 6 access” or “stable long term networking experience.”
Biggest Strength
Its strongest advantage is affordable access to WiFi 6 efficiency. The router handles multiple connected devices more effectively than older WiFi 5 models, especially in 5 GHz usage scenarios where congestion is reduced. For users with growing numbers of smartphones, laptops, and streaming devices, this creates a noticeable improvement in everyday responsiveness without requiring expensive mesh systems or premium routers.
Biggest Weakness
The main limitation is inconsistent performance across bands and slower system responsiveness during configuration changes. Testing shows weaker 2.4 GHz performance compared to expectations and noticeable delays when applying settings changes, which can make setup and tuning feel less smooth.
Position In Product Line
- Higher model: D Link EXO AX3000 series routers for stronger throughput and stability
- Lower model: D Link AC1200 AC routers like DIR 1253 for WiFi 5 budget setups
- Similar level alternative: TP Link Archer AX20 as competing entry WiFi 6 router
Ideal Use Cases
- Streaming 4K video across multiple devices in a small home
- Video conferencing while other devices remain active on the network
- Basic smart home setups with mixed device usage
- Upgrading from WiFi 5 routers experiencing congestion
- Light gaming with moderate latency expectations
Better Alternatives
If your household values stability, smoother firmware experience, and better long term reliability, the Asus RT AX55 is a stronger choice because it offers more consistent performance tuning and ecosystem support.
If you are comparing within D Link’s WiFi 5 lineup, the DIR 853 may still be preferable for users who do not yet need WiFi 6 and want simpler behavior under stable loads.
If your home requires strong coverage across multiple rooms or floors, a mesh system such as Asus ZenWiFi or TP Link Deco provides a more consistent experience than a single router upgrade.
The DIR X1870 is best chosen when the goal is to enter WiFi 6 at the lowest possible cost while accepting some tradeoffs in tuning depth and long term platform refinement.