Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk MK62 – Which one is better for home connections?

Various routers use different Wi-Fi standards to transmit internet in the desired environment. Different Wi-Fi standards result in different transmission speeds and sometimes ranges.

Router speeds and ranges are often times dictated by the Wi-Fi standards they are using. There are different standards, and in recent time, the most common have become the 802.11ac, also referred to as Wi-Fi 5 and 802.11x which is also referred to as Wi-Fi 6. These two standards transmit at high speeds and are quite reliable.

Google Nest Wi-Fi and Netgear Nighthawk MK62 run on different standards. The Google Nest Wi-Fi is a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router while the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11x) router. So, which one would be best for high speed connection in a massive home? Come along to find out.

What are the differences between the Google Nest Wi-Fi and Netgear Nighthawk MK62?

Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk MK62 – How do they compare?

Design and Build

The Google Nest Wi-Fi is a small device that has a simple cylindrical shape. At first glance, you would not suppose it is a router, and it could easily pass for a Bluetooth speaker. A good number of people find this size quite convenient since it allows for easy setup, especially where space is an issue.

This small router is fitted with 4 internal antennas whose purpose is to boost the speed and range of transmission, ensuring zero downtime and no dead zones. In a mesh system, the satellite uses 2 internal antennas for comprehensive coverage.

The Netgear Nighthawk router is a cube shaped device that looks like a technological prop for a Sci-Fi movie.It has a conveniently flat base that allows you to set it on any flat surface. 4 internal antennas ensure that coverage is comprehensive and that network speeds are at their best. The Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is a mesh router that comes with one or two satellites, and each of these is fitted with 4 antennas to boost speed and range of transmission.

The Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is a better router than the Google Nest Wi-Fi since its satellite devices have more antennas than those of the Google Nest Wi-Fi’s.

Speed and Performance

The Google Nest Wi-Fi router is made for transmission in medium sized homes that cover an area of approximately 2,200 square feet. It operates on the 802.11ac standard which makes it a Wi-Fi 5 router. That said, the main router bears the capacity to transmit speeds that reach an impressive 2,200Mbps.

The Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is ideal for transmissions in homes that cover an area of about 3,000 square feet. It is a Wi-Fi 6 router, meaning that it runs on the 802.11x standard. However, it is unable to match the speeds delivered by the Google Nest Wi-Fi. With this device, you will experience speeds that range a combined speed of 1,900Mbps.

Even though it has a slightly smaller processor, the Google Wi-Fi is able to transmit higher speeds for a smaller area, making it a better router than the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 in this category.

Ports and Connectivity

Ports are an important aspect of any router, and it is always an advantage when the router has many. The Google Nest Wi-Fi has only 1 WAN and 1 LAN port which is quite a drawback. However, controlling it is an easy thing since there is an app that allows you to operate it when you download it on your mobile phone.

The Netgear Nighthawk also does not offer much when it comes to ports. It also has 1 WAN port and 1 LAN port. Each satellite also comes with 1 LAN port which gives you a little more accommodation. It can also be controlled via your mobile phone since there is an app that you can download for easy access.

Both routers bear similar characteristics in this section.

Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk MK62 – A detailed 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...

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The Google Mesh routers are new in the market, but they have made a name for themselves as reliable and fast home routers. The Google Nest is a particularly superb device that promises excellence. Bearing a simple look, this router blends seamlessly with most home décor, but perhaps of more advantage is the fact that it can be hidden away without demanding copious amounts of space.

Aside from its simple but elegant looks, this device delivers impressive speeds. As with many routers of its caliber, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is a dual band device. A smaller 2.4Ghz band supports 400Mbos speeds while a larger 5GHz band delivers 1,733Mbos throughput.

Within the router is a 1.4GHz Quad Core processor that enhances smooth and fast transmission. Other than this, this router proves dependable since it has other performance enhancing features such as parental controls, guest network management and MIMO technology. For easy control, you can download an app that grants you full access to the router from wherever you are so long as you have an internet connection.

Pros

• It is a mesh router
• Small and easy to set up
• Ideal for medium sized homes
• Comes with a mobile app

Cons

• It has very few ports

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Netgear Nighthawk MK62 Overview

NETGEAR Nighthawk Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System (MK62) - AX1800 router with 1 satellite extender, coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft. and 25+ devices

• Coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft. and 25+ devices
• Fast AX1800 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web...

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The Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is a Wi-Fi 6 device which supports some of the fastest speeds currently. However, unlike most other routers that run on this standard, this particular one falls short of these expectations. When it comes to looks, this devicepresents as a small that is easy to set up. With its 4.8 x 4.8 x 2.5 inches measurements, it demands only little space.

Inside the router is a 1.5GHz Quad Core processor which works with a 256MB RAM and 128MB flash memory for optimal functioning. Being a dual band router, it transmits internet from two bandwidths. A 2.4GHz bandwidth delivers 600Mbps speeds while a 5GHz bandwidth delivers 1300Mbps speeds.

All Netgear routers come with a downloadable app that grants you full access from the convenience of your mobile phone. The Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is no exception. In addition, it has the NETGEAR Armor that ensures the router does not suffer cyber attacks.

Pros

• It is a mesh router
• Easy to install
• Covers a wide range
• It can be controlled via a mobile app

Cons

• Comes with only few ports

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Verdict: So, which one is better – Google Nest Wi-Fi or Netgear Nighthawk MK62?

Even though the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 covers a wider range and runs on a more superior standard, the Google Nest Wi-Fi boasts better speeds which is an important aspect of internet transmission. For this reason, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is a better router.

FAQs

1. Can I conduct a speed test on the Nighthawk App?

Ye, you can. The app allows you to run speed tests.

2. Does the Google Nest Wi-Fi need to be connected to a modem?

Yes, it does. It needs to be connected to a working modem.