Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 – A detailed comparison

Google and Netgear are two reputable companies that are known for developing good home and commercial grade routers. When it comes down to these two, which one is best for your home?

When thinking about home connectivity, we often times think about aspects such as speed and range, and a lot of the times, we forget to consider secondary features that a router should ideally offer. Think about port availability, software on which it runs, cyber security and even ease of installation.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi and Netgear NighthawkAC2300 are excellent for mid-sized home connections, but what extra features set them apart? Here is an in-depth comparison.

What are the differences between the Google Nest Wi-Fi and Netgear Nighthawk AC2300?

Model
Google Nest Wi-Fi
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300
Dimensions
4.3 x 3.6 inches
11.2 x 7.3 x 2.0 inches
Range
2,200 square feet
2,000 square feet
Transmission Speed
400Mbps at 2.4GHz

1,733Mbps at 5GHz

600 Mbps at 2.4GHz

1,625Mbps at 5GHz

Processor
1.4GHz Quad Core
1.0GHz Dual Core
Ports
1 WAN, 1 LAN
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 2 USB
 

Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 – How do they compare?

Design and Build

If you like small and compact devices that do not take up too much room, or that do not become an eye sore, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is going to impress you. It is a pleasantly small device that seats on a flat base, making it easy to install. The unique aspect regarding this router, however, is its design. It is a cylindrical device that looks quite simple, with nothing about its outer build to draw your attention. The Google Nest Wi-Fi could easily pass for a small Bluetooth speaker.

The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 is a flat wedge-shaped device that is ideal for placing on a flat surface. It looks fancier than the Google Nest Wi-Fi, especially due to its three external antennas that are removable. These antennas are ideal for boosting speed and range of transmission within your home so you don’t have to experience lag or dead zones. When placed side by side, you are going to notice that the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 is significantly larger than the Google Nest Wi-Fi.

While it may be purely be a matter of personal preference, the Google Nest Wi-Fi router features a simpler and more convenient build than the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300, making it a better device in this regard.

Speed and Performance

Made for transmission in a medium sized home, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is a router that is quite reliable. Notably, this device is a mesh router, a feature that allows users to experience the best speeds in all corners of a 2,200 square feet home at any one given time. The Google Nest Wi-Fi delivers a combined theoretical speed of 2,200Mbps, a pleasant surprise, especially considering its size.

The Netgear Nighthawk is also a device made for transmission in medium sized homes that span 2,000 square feet. Even though this router operates majorly as a single unit, its ability to transmit high speed internet is quite impressive. With a combined throughput of 2,300Mbps, the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 ensures that you and your family enjoy comprehensive coverage even for intense internet activity.

The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 boasts better throughput, making it a better router than the Google Nest Wi-Fi.

Ports and Connectivity

One of the most significant aspects about a router is the ability to accommodate multiple connections. While the Google Nest Wi-Fi is a good router, it falls short in this regard. It only comes with 1 WAN port ad 1 LAN port for ethernet connectivity. This means that it would not be possible for you to connect multiple devices to wired internet.

The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 is a more accommodative router as far as ports go. Even though the main ideal behind a wireless router is to support as many wireless connections as possible, it is always an added advantage when you can access wired connectivity. for this reason, this router is fitted with 1 WAN port, 4 LAN ports and 2 USB ports.

Boasting more ethernet port connections, the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 is the better router than the Google Nest Wi-fi which has less ports.

Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 – A comparison overview

Google Nest Wi-Fi Overview

Google Nest Wifi - Home Wi-Fi System - Wi-Fi Extender - Mesh Router for Wireless Internet - 2 Pack
  • This product includes 2 router units.
  • Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket your...

What stands out about this router is the fact that it is small but it still manages to perform quite decently. It is a cylindrical device that measures 4.3 x 3.6 inches that makes it possible for you to easily tuck it behind books or home décor if you do not want for it to be visible. As earlier mentioned, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is a mesh router that enables a comprehensive system of coverage. On top of this, it is fitted with 4 internal antennas that ensure you do not experience dead zones.

The power behind this router is a 1.4GHz Quad Core processor that works with a 1GB RAM and 4GB flash memory for optimal functioning. Since it is a dual band device,it transmits internet from a 2.4GHz bandwidth which delivers 400Mbps and a 5GHz bandwidth that gives a 1,733Mbps speeds. However, actual throughput is determined by what our network provider can support.

Using this router is pleasantly easy. With a downloadable mobile app, it is possible for you to perform such tasks as managing guest networks, running speed tests and even switching the router on and off, all from the convenience of your phone. In case you encounter any trouble installing or using the router, Google will accord you as much help as you need from their tech support team that is available 24/7.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi also comes with commercial grade security that protects you and your family from cyber threats.

Pros

  • Ideal for mid-sized homes
  • Transmits at really high speeds
  • Comes with a mobile app
  • Superior security

Cons

  • It comes with only 1 LAN port

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Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 Overview

NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R7000P) - AC2300 Wireless Speed (up to 2300 Mbps) | Up to 2000 sq ft Coverage & 35 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 2 USB ports | Armor Security
  • Maximum Range : 2000 Sq Ft
  • Fast wifi performance: Get up to 2000 square feet wireless coverage with AC2300 speed (Dual band up to...

With its wedge shape and somewhat large body that measures 11.2 x 7.3 x 2.0 inches, this router will be hard to miss when installed. Ideally, it is made to be set up on a wall, but since it has a flat base, you can set it up on any flat surface. When it comes to boosting speed and range of transmission, this device has three external antennas that are removable.

Inside the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 is a 1GHz Dual Core processor that works with a 256MB RAM and 128MB flash memory for optimal functioning. It transmits from two separate bandwidths, with the 2.4GHz bandwidth delivering 600Mbps and its 5GHz bandwidth giving a 1,625Mbps theoretical throughput.

For easy control, this router comes with a downloadable mobile app that grants you full access and control from wherever you are, just as long as you have an internet connection. The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 also boasts superior security features that keep all your data safe at all times.

Pros

  • It boasts great speeds
  • Excellent for medium sized homes
  • Fitted with many ports
  • Comes with a mobile app

Cons

  • It is quite large and somewhat bulky

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Verdict: So, which one is better – Google Nest Wi-Fi or Netgear Nighthawk AC2300?

Aside from boasting better speeds, the Netgear Nighthawk also has more ports that allow you to connect multiple devices physically. For this reason, it is a better router than the Google Nest Wi-Fi router.

FAQs

  1. Is the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 a beamforming router?

Yes, it is a beam forming router.

  1. Does the Google Nest Wi-Fi come with parental control?

Yes, it does. You can be able to restrict the content being streamed through this router.

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