Let me start by saying this little router packs a punch for its price point. I've been using the Tenda AC1200 for about 3 months now in my 1,200 sq ft apartment, and it's handled everything from my 4K streaming binges to late-night gaming sessions.

The setup was ridiculously easy - I had it up and running in under 10 minutes using the Tenda app. The interface is surprisingly intuitive compared to some more expensive routers I've used. Being able to quickly toggle guest networks or set up parental controls from my phone has been a game-changer when friends visit or when I need to limit my kid's screen time.

Performance-wise, I'm consistently getting about 85Mbps on the 5GHz band (I have a 100Mbps plan), which handles multiple devices without breaking a sweat. The four external antennas really do make a difference - I get solid coverage even in my bathroom which used to be a dead zone. The beamforming technology seems legit as the signal stays strong as I move around with my phone or tablet.

Now for the not-so-great parts: The Ethernet ports are only 100Mbps, which feels outdated in 2023. If you're planning to use wired connections for high-bandwidth activities, this could be limiting. Also, while the app is convenient, some advanced settings still require accessing the web interface - minor annoyance but worth noting.

The biggest concern came when I dug into those security vulnerabilities mentioned in some reviews. After researching, I took precautions like disabling IPv6 and changing default credentials immediately. Three months in with these measures, I haven't experienced any suspicious activity - but this is definitely something potential buyers should be aware of.

For basic home use where you don't need gigabit wired speeds and can implement basic security precautions, this router delivers exceptional value. It's not perfect, but at this price point, it outperforms many competitors while offering features usually found on much more expensive models.