Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Orbi AC2200 – Which one is the superior router?

Are you looking to connect your home to a Wi-Fi network? The Google Nest Wi-Fi and Netgear Orbi AC2200 promise excellent speed and wide coverage for homes.

Internet speeds have undergone a good deal of improvement over the last few decades. As things stand, it is possible to have connections that transmit huge amounts of data over an incredibly short time. There are many router brands from which to choose, and the Google Nest Wi-Fi and Netgear Orbi AC2200 offer similar speeds. However, there is a difference in the range within which they remain effective. Here is a detailed breakdown.

What are the differences between Google Wi-Fi and Netgear Orbi AC2200?

Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Orbi AC2200 – How do they differ?

Design and Build

When it comes to first looks, the Google Nest Wi-Fi router strikes you as a relatively small and simple device. It is an elegant device that blends in with most home décor. It bears a cylindrical shape that makes it mimic a few Bluetooth speaker designs. Transmission is made effective by 4 internal routers which essentially boost the range of the internet signal.

The Netgear Orbi AC2200 comes as a set of three devices, the main one being a router and the other two being satellites. They are placed in strategic points in the house so that they form a mesh of network that allows for total transmission throughout the house. Since the router and the satellites have flat bases, they are easy to install.

The Netgear Orbi AC2200 boasts a more futuristic look than the Google Nest Wi-Fi, making it better than Google Wi-Fi in this category.

Speed and Performance

A router’s speed and performance are some of its most important aspects. The Google Nest Wi-Fi gives a guarantee of consistent speed all through. Since it is a mesh router, it is able to transmit internet to all corners of a house without buffering or lagging. Cumulatively, it delivers speeds that reach a cool 2,133Mbps. In comparison, the Netgear Orbi AC2200, also a mesh router, promises comprehensive coverage and consistent speeds within the home. Also a mesh router, this device ensures zero downtime while delivering speeds that reach an impressive 2,133Mbps.

While there does not seem to be much of a difference where speed and coverage are concerned, the Google Nest Wi-Fi usually comes with 2 satellite devices which is one more than the Netgear Orbi AC2200’s which makes it the better router.

Ports and Connectivity

When it comes to the number of ports that you can use to connect your devices, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is a bit of a let-down. A device that allows multiple physical connections is always a bonus. This particular router, however, only comes with 1 WAN and 1 LAN port. On the plus side, it comes with an app that can be downloaded on your phone for easy control.

The Netgear Orbi AC2200 is a more accommodative router when it comes to the number of usable ports. The main device comes with 1 WAN and 2 LAN ports that support ethernet connections. On each satellite devices are2 LAN ports, a characteristic that lets you connect many devices at a go. It also comes with a mobile app that allows for easy installation and control from your phone.

The Netgear Orbi AC2200 is a better router than the Google Nest Wi-Fi since it has more ports than the Google Nest Wi-Fi.

Google Nest Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Orbi AC2200 – 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...

Check Price

This router is a small cylindrical device that measures 4.17 inches in diameter and 2.7 inches in height. With these kinds of measurements, you can fit this device in even the tightest spots without worrying about space. When it comes to design, the Google Nest Wi-Fi exudes a high level of simplicity and sophistication.What impresses the most about this router, however, is its transmission speed and wide coverage. Being that it is a Wi-Fi 5 router, it runs the 801.11ac standard which supports some of the fastest and most reliable speeds currently.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi is a dual band router, an indication that means it transmits speeds from two separate bandwidths. A lesser 2.4GHz band transmits at a 400Mbps throughput while a larger 5GHz band transmits 1,733Mbps which gives it a theoretical cumulative 2,133Mbps throughput.

The reason behind this stellar performance is a 1.4GHz Dual Core processor which works alongside a 512MB RAM and 512MB flash memory. Aside from these excellent speeds, this router comes with performance enhancing feature such as MUMIMO technology, beamforming, parental controls and a mobile app that allows complete control from your mobile device. This app self-updates constantly to ensure that the router is at its best performance at all times.

Pros

• Small and easy to set up
• It has a powerful processor
• Comes with a mobile app
• It is a mesh router
• Transmits at decent speeds

Cons

• It has few ports

View Price on Amazon

Netgear Orbi AC2200 Overview

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Router & Extender Replacement Covers Up to 5,000 sq. ft., 2-Pack Includes 1 Router & 1 Satellite White

• Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi...
• Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to...

Check Price

One of the most outstanding physical characteristics of the Netgear Orbi AC2200 is its simplicity and elegance. The router stands at 6.6 inches tall by 5. Inches wide by 2.4 inches deep. On first glance, it strikes you as an average router. However, looks can be deceiving.

Just as with many routers of its distinction, the Netgear Orbi AC2200 operates on the 802.11ac standard, but it gives a lot of its competition a run for its money. When it comes to speed, it is able to transmit from two bandwidths as it is a dual band device. From a 2.4GHz band, it delivers 4000Mbps speeds while a 5GHz band delivers 1,733Mbps speeds. This results in a total of 2,133Mbps throughput.

Inside the router is a powerful 710MHz Quad Core processor which is the main reason for this router’s stellar performance. Netgear have ensured that the users of this router have an easy time managing and running it by developing a downloadable mobile app. From this app, you can switch the router on and off, run speed tests, activate parental controls and also manage guest networks. For security, the router is furnished with the NETGEAR Armor, an app that keeps possible cyber attack at bay.

Pros

• There are many antennas
• There are many ports
• It can be operated on a mobile app

Cons

• This set is a bit pricey

View Price on Amazon

Verdict: So, which one is better – Google Nest Wi-Fi or Netgear Orbi AC2200?

After looking into each feature, it is evident that the Netgear Orbi AC2200 is a more capable router than the Google Nest Wi-Fi. Even though they have similar transmission speeds, the Netgear Orbi AC2200 offers more to the user, making it a better device.

FAQs

1. Can I issue voice commands to Alexa over the Netgear Orbi AC2200?

Yes, you can. It is built to be compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

2. How many devices can I connect to the Netgear Orbi AC2200?

This router can comfortably accommodate 25 devices at a go.