Google Wi-Fi vs. Google OnHub (AC1900) Wireless Router from TP-Link – Which router is best for home connections?

The combination of Google and TP-Link resulted in the development of the OnHub AC1900, a fast router that is great for home connections. So, compared to the Google Wi-Fi router, which one would be better for your home connection?

As technology shifts and changes, it is imperative that we also shift and change with it. Home internet connectivity was not an item of priority in the past, but as things stand now, it is one of the most basic home utilities. Having internet connection at home is almost like having electricity.

Google Wi-Fi and Google OnHub AC1900 from TP-Link are two routers that are able to handle home connection with ease. They are known to deliver great speeds and good range, making them competitors for the go-to home connection router. So, what characteristics set them apart and which one is better?

What are the differences between the Google Wi-Fi and Google OnHub AC1900?

Model	Google Wi-Fi	Google OnHub AC1900
Dimensions	4.17 x 2.70 inches	7.5 x 4.1 x 4.6 inches
Range	1,500 square feet	2,500 square feet
Transmission Speed	400Mbps at 2.4GHZ 867Mbps at 5GHz	600Mbps at 2.4GHz 1300 Mbps at 5GHz
Processor	800MHz Dual Core	1.4GHz Dual Core
Ports	1 WAN, 1 LAN	1 WAN, 1 LAN
	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Google Wi-Fi vs. Google OnHub AC1900 – How do they differ?

Design and Build

With a simple yet futuristic design, the Google Wi-Fi makes for a delightful sight when set up. One of its most outstanding aspects is its compact nature that makes it an easy device to install. Perhaps its most interesting physical characteristics is its cylindrical shape and clever LED light running through its center to emit a beautiful glow, especially when it is dark.

The Google OnHub AC1900 takes the design game to a whole new level. At first glance, you may think a fancy tumbler and beautiful Bluetooth speaker made this router. This particular router was made to blend in with all forms of home décor, and that is why there is not a single logo in sight. At the top of the router are a speaker that releases beautiful music, especially when you are setting the router up, and an LED ring just beneath it that makes a beautiful spectacle.

We love that the Google OnHub has a beautiful design that blends in with most décor, and this makes it a better router than the Google Wi-Fi. 

Performance and Speed

To achieve excellent performance, a router has to combine a balance of speed and transmission range. As a mesh device, the Google Wi-Fi creates a reliable network all over the home to ensure zero downtime and no lag. When set up in a home that spans 1,500 square feet, it is able to deliver a theoretical throughput of 1,200Mbps which is quite decent.

In comparison, the Google OnHub by TP-Link takes the transmission game to a whole new level, flooring the Google Wi-Fi’s performance by delivering a cool 1,900Mbps theoretical throughput. When it comes to range, this router covers a home that is as large as 2,500 square feet with no dead zones and zero down time. Interestingly, this router is fitted with 13 internal antennas – 9 more than the Google Wi-Fi’s – that make transmission seamless.

The Google OnHub router boasts excellent speeds and wide transmission range, placing it higher than the Google Wi-Fi.

Ports and Connectivity

When it comes to ports, the Google Wi-Fi router falls a bit short. It is limiting in the number of devices you can physically connect to it since it only comes with 1 WAN port and 1 LAN port. However, when set up in a mesh system, users get an extra LAN port with each satellite device.

The Google OnHub also disappoints with the number of available ports. It also has 1 WAN and 1 LAN port, making it difficult for you to connect devices to it physically. There is, however, a valid reason for this. Since this router is designed to act as another piece of décor for your home, the manufacturers did not want many wires connected to it since it would make the router unsightly and a bit inconvenient. To keep it looking composed and discreet, they opted to have as few ports as possible.

Since both routers have a similar number of ports, neither can be placed above the other in this regard.

Google Wi-Fi vs. Google OnHub AC1900 – A comparison overview

Google Wi-Fi Overview

We cannot get over this router’s compact yet elegant design. It measures 4.17 x 2.70 inches, making it a good deal smaller than the average router in the market. It has a flat base that makes installation quite easy since it can rest on any flat surface you desire to set it on.

When it comes to performance, this router is an ideal device for a medium sized home. Inside the router is an 800MHz Dual Core processor that works alongside a 512MB RAM and 128MB flash memory for high speed transmission and range. Since it is a dual band router, it delivers 400Mbps at a 2.4GHz bandwidth and 867Mbs from a 5GHz bandwidth.

What stands out about this device is the ease of use. All modes of control can be done through a downloadable mobile app that lets you switch it on and off, manage guest networks and activate parental controls. Other great features include beamforming and excellent security.

Pros

• Great for medium sized homes
• Transmits at decent speeds
• Can be controlled via a mobile app
• Comes with a decent number of performance-enhancing features

Cons

• It has very few ports

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Google OnHub AC1900 Overview

There are few devices in the market that have a beautiful yet discreet design, and the Google OnHub AC1900 happens to be one of them. With its fancy Tumbler/Bluetoothspeaker design, it makes your home more beautiful while still delivering great speeds and range.

For its commendable performance, the Google OnHub by TP-Link depends on a 1.4GHz Dual Core processor and a 1GB RAM and 4GB flash memory to deliver speed and range efficiently. Just like the Google Wi-Fi, this device is a dual band router that gives 600Mbps from 2.4GHz bandwidth and 1300Mbps from a 5GHz bandwidth.

If you and your family depend on a single router for multiple connections, you will be glad to know that this device has the capacity to support up to 100 devices at the same time. On top of this, it handles heavy activity such as gaming and 4K video streaming on multiple devices with grace and composure. You need not worry about ease of use since a downloadable mobile app sees to it that you can perform all sorts of activity from the convenience of your phone.

Pros

• Bears a stylish design
• It delivers great speeds and range
• Comes with many antennas
• Can support many devices and heavy streaming
• Comes with a mobile app

Cons

• It comes with few ethernet ports

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Verdict: So, which one is better for home connectivity – Google Wi-Fi or Google OnHub AC1900?

The Google OnHub AC1900 is clearly the better router in this comparison because aside form being faster than Google Wi-Fi, it also features a stylish design that will fit in with your home décor. Moreover, it also has 13 antennas that enable it to have great range.

FAQs

1. Does Google Wi-Fi have parental control?

Yes, it does. You can control the content consumed as you desire.

2. Can the Google Wi-Fi and Google OnHub be connected?

Yes, they can be used together to increase speed and range.