Amplifi Instant vs Google Wi-Fi – An In Depth Comparison
One of the most important connectivity devices for your home or office is a Wi-Fi router. Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi are two premium quality options with the Google Wi-Fi standing out for its reliability and sleek design.
For pros and novices alike, selecting the best Wi-Fi router is often an arduous task. This is because there are many elements you need to consider including the technical specifications of the router. For example, the coverage and chipset of a router highly matters. Also, additional features like parental control options also make one router stand out.
This guide has narrowed down to Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi which are two quality options to meet all your needs and expectations. Amplifi Instant is well-rated for its good-looking yet practical design that comes in affordable prices. Google Wi-Fi on the other hand, is ultra-modern and compact sized making it a favorite among many.
To help you choose between the two, this guide is a detailed overview on both routers. It has gone into the specifics of each to find out which reigns supreme.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi?
Model |
Amplifi Instant |
Google Wi-Fi (Winner) |
Chipset |
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558, 128MB RAM |
Qualcomm Atheros IPQ4019, Quad-core processor, 4GB flash memory and 512MB RAM |
MU-MIMO &Beamforming |
Yes |
Yes |
Speed (Close range) |
91.5 Mbps – Download speed 71.8 Mbps – Upload speed
(Tested on 100Mbps internet speeds) |
101.41Mbps – Download speed
117.83Mbps – Upload speed |
Antenna |
2 dual band |
5(1 Bluetooth and 4 Wi-Fi) |
Amplifi Instant vs Google Wi-Fi– How do they compare?
Technology
For the Amplifi Instant router, it is designed with the latest router technology. For instance, it is the optimized Wi-Fi router as it is loaded with 802.11ac technology. This ensures you enjoy fast speeds that do not waiver with wide coverage. To add, the Amplifi Instant has other noteworthy specs like the antenna technology and self-configuring radios.
Google Wi-Fi is also designed with advanced technology. First, it is a mesh Wi-Fi system that aims to blanket your entire home with stable connection. It is also designed with Network Assist Technology that makes sure you are on the fastest path at all times.
Performance in speed tests
Theoretically, Amplifi Instant can deliver combined speeds of up to 1167Mbps with 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. Google Wi-Fi on the flipside can deliver 300Mbps on its first band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band just like Amplifi Instant.
Beyond their theoretical speeds, there is need to test them against throughput speed tests. For Amplifi Instant when tested with Ookla Speed Test, it has a rather decent performance. First, for the 5GHz band when within 5 feet/ 1.52 meters you can get speeds of up to 71.8Mbps.
When within 13 feet/3.96 meters there is a minimal drop as you still get up to 71.3Mbps. Secondly, when the Ookla Speed Test is done on the 2.4GHz band, you get 47.3Mbps and 25.4Mbps if within 5 feet/1.52 meters and 13 feet/3.96 meters respectively.city
Additional Features
For both Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi, they come with accessories to make your experience better. An example is their apps. For the Amplifi Instant, setting up the router has been made quite easy through the Amplifi App. Once you download it, you can have your Wi-Fi system up and running within minutes. This app also comes with parental control options and reporting metrics. To add, you can set up a guest network for all your visitors.
Structure and Design
Amplifi Instant is a sleek-looking router that primarily comes in all white. It is rather compact sized measuring 10.8 x 5.7 x 3.5 inches and weighs 2.25 pounds. It can easily fit in right about any room because of its modern look.
For Google Wi-Fi, it is also rather compact sized measuring 4.2 x 4.2 x 2.7 inches and each unit weighs 340g. It also comes in white making it easily blend in wherever you place it in your house. Also keep in mind that these routers require iOs 8+ and Android 4.0+ software.
Amplifi Instant vs Google Wi-Fi – A Comparison Overview
Amplifi Instant
- WHOLE HOME WIFI SYSTEM: Not Just a wifi router, it's a wifi system. The AmpliFi Instant Kit includes a...
- 802.11AC TECHNOLOGY FOR FASTER SPEEDS AND BETTER COVERAGE: AmpliFi Instant is more than a wireless...
As one of the Wi-Fi mesh systems in the market, the Amplifi Instant has many notable features. First, as it entails the use of more than just one Wi-Fi router, you can be assured of stable connectivity throughout your home and office space. It comes as a kit (Amplifi Instant Kit) that includes all you need to have your devices connected and on the internet.
The Amplifi Instant entails a Wi-Fi router and a Mesh Point system. This Wi-Fi router has been modernized and can be easily accessed through its touchscreen display. For example, you can quickly
This router also has 1 WAN port and 1 Gigabit Ethernet cable. Together, these ensure that you experience fast and reliable connection no matter where you are from the router. This comes in handy to deal with all the dead-zones or ‘blind-spots’ you may have experienced with other routers.
Secondly, the Amplifi Instant router has wide range coverage of up to 4,000 square feet. This is more than enough to cover all kinds of home designs ranging from ranch houses to those that are L-Shaped. This ensures you enjoy seamless roaming no matter where you are in your house or office space.
Thirdly, the Amplifi Instant is designed with the 802.11ac technology that is quite advanced for wide coverage and fast speeds as well. It is also rather advanced with its antenna technology and self-configuring radios. With these specs, you can be assured of having all your smart devices connected ranging from TVs to laptops and security cameras. Simply put, Amplifi Instant is designed for the modern home or office with all there resource intensive requirements.
Finally, the Amplifi Instant comes with the Amplifi app that has all the impressive features. First, it offers parental control options like you can filter out inappropriate websites to protect your children. You can also the internet connection paused on certain devices.
This can be done to ensure your children take periodic breaks from being online. Secondly, the easy-to-use app also lets you install the entire system within minutes. You can also create a guest network for your visitors so as to keep your network protected. You can easily download this app on your smartphone or tablet for both Android and iOs devices.
Like all other products, the Amplifi Instant has its own imperfections. First, the app and documentation it comes with might not be too helpful if you come across any issues. You might need to go online for technical support.
Additionally, if you want to check on your usage or data speeds, this can be done easily through the ultra-modern touch screen. You can also check on your IP address by tapping on the screen.
To add, each Amplifi Instant node only comes with one WAN port. This might be limiting if you have many devices.
Pros
- Easy to use and install
- Allows for remote management of the router through the Amplifi app
- Reasonably priced
- Sleek, compact design that makes it blend in with right about any room
Cons
- Each unit only has 1 WAN port
Google Wi-Fi
- A new type of connected system for seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home, helping eliminate dead...
- Replaces your current router, and works your modem and internet service. It’s compatible with major...
Usually sold as a 1-pack or a 3-pack, the Google Wi-Fi system is just about all you need to replace your router for coverage in your whole home or office space. It has many notable features that make it as well-reviewed as it is.
First, Google Wi-Fi is a mesh-system that eliminates all dead-zones or ‘blind-spots’. You also get minimal buffering even with multiple devices connected to your system. In fact, a single node can offer up to 1,500 square feet coverage. If you have a larger home or one that is built with heavy constructions like metal, consider going for the 3-pack. Cumulatively, you can get up to 4,500 square feet coverage throughout your home. This is enough to cover your whole home from the outdoor patios to indoors including basement and attic.
Secondly, Google Wi-Fi is compatible with a wide range of internet service providers including Verizon and Comcast. It also works well with all kinds of modems and easily replaces whatever router you had set-up in your home. To add, it comes with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connections as well.
Yet another noteworthy feature is the Google Wi-Fi app. You can use this app for a wide range of actions. For instance, it comes with parental control options like you can have the internet connection paused on your children’s devices during bedtime and dinnertime.
Through the app, the process of installation has been made easy with a few prompts. You can also check the status of your network through the app. Keep in mind that you need to have a Google account so as to exercise these functions.
For the Google Wi-Fi, it also has notable technology used in its manufacturer. For example, it is designed with Network Assist technology that works by keeping your connected device on the clearest path for fast transmission. Even with multiple devices connected to your network, this technology ensures they all get fast data signals. Also keep in mind that a battery is required (2A and 16.5V).
Google Wi-Fi also has an app that makes all processes easier. You can use it to easily set up the app in your home.
Through this easy-to-use app you can also remotely manage your network. For instance, you can choose which devices to prioritize in your network. The app also allows you to exercise parental control options like pausing the Wi-Fi on your children’s devices at dinnertime and bedtime.
These products are also not entirely perfect either. For example, one drawback with the Google Wi-Fi is that it lacks customization options like content filtering or MAC filtering. It also has only one LAN port.Also keep in mind that Google Wi-Fi also works best in large homes (up to 5,000 square feet) as well as those with 250Mbps internet speeds.
Pros
- Has a solid performance when put through tests
- Easy to install
- Compact sized with a modern look
Cons
- Lacks customization options that can be quite frustrating for some
- It only has one LAN port
Conclusion
This article has given an overview of Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi. They are both all-around good quality routers that are able to meet all your connectivity needs. For Amplifi Instant, it is rather affordable and the set up process is quick and painless. It also has other accessories like the LED indicator light that is easily customizable. Google Wi-Fi also has its quality features like its wide coverage and fast speeds in throughput tests as well.
Verdict: So, which is better between Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi?
Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi have many quality similarities. For instance, they both have their apps and LED lighting that update you on the status of your network. Both these routers are mesh systems therefore you can be assured of proper coverage and good speeds.
However, when it comes down to it, Google Wi-Fi is the better device. It has a sleek and modern design that makes it a good blend for any room. It also offers wide coverage of up to 4,500 square feet which is more than enough for most users. After all, people go for mesh systems like Google Wi-Fi to get such coverage.
Also, Google Wi-Fi performs faster in throughput speeds.
Frequently asked questions
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What do you need to have either of these routers set up in your home?
Both Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi have made the installation process really easy through the apps and guides they come with. All you need to do is to download the apps and follow the prompts given.
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How does a mesh Wi-Fi system like that of these two routers work?
For both Amplifi Instant and Google Wi-Fi, they entail a whole home mesh Wi-Fi system. This simply means that it uses just more than a single router to work. All the units included then work together to ensure you enjoy seamless roaming throughout your home.
