Asus Lyra vs. Google Wi-Fi–A detailed comparison

If you are looking for comprehensive coverage within your home, you may want to consider getting a mesh router. The Asus Lyra and Google Wi-Fi offer reliable mesh systems, but which one is better?

Until recently, single unit routers were the only internet transmission devices that were available for home connections. While a good number of them were and still are quite powerful, it was rare to find one that covered an entire household. Often times, the signal would be strongest in the zones closest to the router. Enter the mesh systems. These are routers that come with satellite devices which are placed in strategic points in the house to ensure total coverage all over. The ‘mesh’ is formed by transmissions from the routers to the satellites and back, ensuring zero dead zones. Asus Lyra and Google Wi-Fi are mesh routers, and deciding the better one between the two is hard. The below table breaks down each of their characteristics.

What are the differences between the Asus Lyra and Google Wi-Fi?

Model	Asus Lyra	Google Wi-Fi
Dimensions	5.9 x 5.9 x 1.9 inches	4.17 x 2.70 inches
Range	5,400 square feet	1,500 square feet
Transmission speeds	400Mbps at 2.4GHz 867Mbps at 5GHz 867Mbps at 5GHz	400Mbps at 2.4GHz 867Mbps at 5GHz
Processor	717MHz Quad Core	800MHz Dual Core
Ports	1 WAN, 1 LAN	1 WAN, 1 LAN
	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Asus Lyra vs. Google Wi-Fi – How do they compare?

Design and Build

When the Asus Lyra is set up, it could easily pass for a flush mount ceiling light. This is because it has a spherical shape at the top but has a flat base. It is often times mounted on the ceiling, but it can also be set on a flat wall. The top of this router is fitted with miniature LED lights that enhance its appearance and cause it to blend in with surroundings.  The material used to make this device is hard plastic that gives it a good deal of durability.

On the contrary, the Google Wi-Fi bears a cylindrical shape with a flat top and bottom. Unlike the Asus Lyra, this device does not need to be mounted on a ceiling or wall. Its flat base allows it to sit easy on any flat surface such as a desk, a book shelf or work surface. Just like the Asus Lyra, the Google Wi-Fi is fitted with an LED light that runs its entire circumference in the middle. It is also made using rigid plastic that gives it great longevity.

While both routers are compact and beautiful, the Asus Lyra blends in well with its surroundings, making it better than the Google Wi-Fi.

Speed and Performance

Though a mesh router, the Google Wi-Fi is an ideal device for a medium sized home. It impresses with its ability to comprehensively cover all rooms even in homes with multiple levels. The satellite devices are quite powerful, and they ensure that speeds are at their best and that there is minimal down time. This router gives a total throughput of 1,200Mbps which is quite impressive.

The Asus Lyra is an exceptional performer where speed and range are concerned. When installed in a large home that spans about 5,500 square feet, it is able to cover every nook and cranny comprehensively. What impresses the most about this router, though, is its 2,134Mbps transmission speed which is almost twice as fast as the Google Wi-Fi’s.

The Asus Lyra floors the Google Wi-Fi where speed and range are concerned, making it the better router.

Ports and Connectivity

The main objective of a router is to facilitate as much wireless connectivity as possible. However, in certain instances, wired connections become necessary. This is where ports come in. The Google Wi-Fi is fitted with 1 WAN port and 1 LAN port which is significantly less that most mesh routers of its caliber. The Asus Lyra does not offer much in this regard either, since it is also fitted with just one LAN port and one LAN port.

Interaction between router and user is also important, and for this reason, Google came up with a mobile app that gives you total control of your router from your phone. You can use this app from any location in and outside the home so long as you have an internet connection. The Asus Lyra also promises similar ease of use as it also comes with a mobile app that facilitates quick and easy set up and full control through your mobile device.

The Asus Lyra offers a more interactive mobile app, making it better than the Google Wi-Fi.

Asus Lyra vs. Google Wi-Fi – A detailed overview

Asus Lyra Overview

The Asus Lyra is a sophisticated router that measures 5.9 x 5.9 x 1.9 inches. Each router comes with its own mounting kit since it is made to be mounted on a wall or ceiling.

Even though it is a smaller router than most devices of its caliber, it impresses with its exemplary performance. Inside the router is a 717MHz Quad Core processor that is the power behind the Asus Lyra. This processor is backed by a 256MB RAM and 128MB flash memory. For maximum and comprehensive range, the router is fitted with 7 internal antennas.

Being that it is a tri-band router, it transmits speed from three bandwidths as follows; 400Mbps from a 2.4GHz bandwidth, 867Mbps at 5GHz and another 867Mbps at a secondary 5GHz band, resulting in a 2,134Mbps throughput.

This router can comfortably handle more than 50 devices at a go, and also supports gaming on multiple consoles.

Pros

• Boasts a wide range
• Has impressive speeds
• Can be controlled from an app
• Can handle many devices at a time

Cons

• Comes with few ports

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Google Wi-Fi Overview

This router is a small device that measures 4.17 x 2.70 inches, but it handles high speed transmissions with style and grace.

The Google Wi-Fi operates on the 802.11ac standard which makes it a Wi-Fi 5 router. Within it is an 800MHz Dual Core processor that works alongside a 512MB RAM and 128MB flash memory. Much like most routers of its designation, this device operates on two bandwidths, each transmitting a different speed. A lesser 2.4GHz band delivers 400Mbps speeds while a bigger 5GHz band gives 867Mbps throughputs. With a total of 4 internal antennas, this router covers a middle-sized home of about 1,500 square feet.

Families that use this router are able to accomplish activities such as office work, studies and even gaming over this router. Additionally, it is compatible with virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. One of its often overlooked but important features is the Network Assist whose purpose is to manage your networks in the background and select the fastest speeds for your devices.

Pros

• Has decent speeds
• Has a unique build
• Comes with Network Assist

Cons

• Comes with few ports

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Verdict: So, which one is better – Asus Lyra or Google Wi-Fi?

While each of these routers is a mesh router, the Asus Lyra impresses with its broad range and incredible speeds. This places it above the Google Wi-Fi where performance is concerned.

FAQs

1. Is the Asus Lyra compatible with Alexa?

Yes, it is. You can issue voice commands to Alexa over this router.

2. Can I use the Google Wi-Fi as a single unit?

Yes, you can. It is possible to use it as a single unit.