Google Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 – Which one is the best for home connection?
The Google Wi-Fi and Netgear Nighthawks are not just reliable routers, they are also excellent for device prioritization where speed is needed the most.
When setting up internet connections for the home, we seldom have the future in mind. Technology has a tendency to evolve by the day, and sooner than later, we find that upgrades are quite necessary. We have to toss the old out and bring in the new. Owners of medium-sized homes would have great routers in their houses if they used the Google Wi-Fi or Netgear Nighthawk AC1900, but it would be impractical to have both. So, which one of the two would be the best fit and why?
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Google Wi-Fi and Netgear Nighthawk AC1900?
Model |
Google Wi-Fi |
Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 |
Dimensions |
4.17 x 2.70 inches |
11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches |
Range |
1,500 square feet |
2,000 square feet |
Transmission Speed |
400Mbps at 2.4GHz
867Mbps at 5GHz |
600Mbps at 2.4GHz
1300Mbos at 5Ghz |
Processor |
800MHz Dual Core |
1GHz Dual Core |
Ports |
1 WAN, 1 LAN |
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 2 USB |
Google Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 – How do they compare?
Design and Build
Router designs are often as similar as they are diverse. There is not one look that is standard, or one that is too techy. That said, it is safe to say that the Google Wi-Fi strikes a balance between simpleand sophisticated. It is a notably small device which has an interesting cylindrical shape that is made more intriguing by an LED light at the center of the router. Where size is concerned, the Google Wi-Fi is a compact device with flat base, a characteristic that makes it fit in even tight spaces. Contrarily, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is a wedge-shaped device that is considerably larger than the Google Wi-Fi. It is also flat based and sits quite well on just about any flat surface on which you place it. This device usually comes with three external antennas that are excellent for ensuring good coverage in medium sized houses.
The Google Wi-Fi is a better router than the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 since it is small which allows you to set it on any surface without having to give up too much space.
Speed and Performance
More and more home owners are opting for mesh routers, not so much for their speeds, but for their reliable coverage that eliminates dead zones. This has been one of the Google Wi-Fi’s selling points as it does an exceptional job in this regard. Its three antennas ensure that you can be able to experience the best performance even from the farthest room in the house. Aside from excellent coverage, this router delivers decent speeds that reach a 1,200Mbps throughput. However, this is a theoretical speed, and actual speed is determined by the network being used among other factors. Comparably, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is a router that is able to amply cover a 2,000 square foot house. It floors the Google Wi-Fi where speed is concerned, delivering an impressive 1,900Mbps theoretical throughput.
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900, even though not a mesh router, is able to transmit at higher speeds than Google Wi-Fi, making it a better router.
Ports and Connectivity
When it comes to connecting your devices to the router physically, the Google Wi-Fi falls short of expectations. It comes with only one WAN port and one LAN port. However, in a mesh system, you are able to get more ports as devices increase. This router can be easily controlled on your phone since there is a downloadable app that allows you to operate it from any part of the house. In comparison, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is a more accommodative router than the Google Wi-Fi when it comes to ports. It comes with 1 WAN port, 4 LAN ports that are ideal for ethernet connections and 2 USB ports. There is also an app that lets you operate this router from the comfort of your phone.
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 stands out as the better router since it comes with many more ports that allow for multiple physical ethernet and USB connection, making it better than the Google Wi-Fi.
Google Wi-Fi vs. Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 – A comparison overview
Google Wi-Fi Overview
- A new type of connected system that replaces your router for seamless wifi coverage throughout your home,...
- Network assist technology keeps your connection fast by always selecting the clearest channel and fastest...
What stands out the most about this router is its cylindrical and compact physique that makes it quite easy to install. With a height of 2.70 inches and a diameter of 4.17 inches, it is a device that can be set even in the smallest spaces. For excellent and broad transmission, the Google Wi-Fi has 4 internal antennas that are excellent speed and range boosters.
Perhaps the feature that makes this router an industry favorite is that it is a mesh router. When purchased, it comes as a set of two or three devices, with one acting as the main router and the others acting as satellite devices. The satellite devices are essentially made to boost transmission range and speed from strategic points in the house while eliminating dead zones and down time.
The Google Wi-Fi is powered by an 800MHz Dual Core processor that works together with a 512MB RAM and 128MB flash memory for ideal speed and range delivery. It is also a dual band router that transmits from two bandwidths, with a 2.4GHz bandwidth transmitting a 400Mbps throughput and a 5GHz bandwidth delivering 867Mbps theoretical speeds.
Aside from being excellent at transmitting network, this router also offers excellent features that enhance performance and user experience. For instance, it has parental control, guest network management and an interactive app that makes control easy. Beyond this, Google offers 24/7 technical support to ensure that you enjoy your experience.
Pros
- It is a mesh router
- Transmits at decent speeds
- Can be controlled over a mobile app
Cons
- It has very few ethernet ports.
Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Overview
- Fast wifi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage with AC1900 speed (Dual band up to...
- Recommended for up to 30 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
On first glance, this router strikes you as a simple but futuristic device that features a solid wedge shape. It has a wide base that measures 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 inches which makes it a considerably large router. The heart of this router is a 1GHz Dual Core processor that works with a 256MB RAM and 128MB flash memory for proper functioning. As with most devices of its designation, it transmits internet from two bandwidths as a 2.4GHz bandwidth delivers 600Mbps and a 5GHz bandwidth delivers 1300Mbps.
Beyond being great at internet transmission, this router comes with a good number of features. First, it has the NETGEAR Armor that keeps the router safe from cyber-attacks. Further, it supports functions such as parental controls, guest network management, and it comes with an app through which you can perform the mentioned tasks as well as run speed tests.
Pros
- It has many ports
- Boasts high speed transmission
- Comes with a mobile app for easy control
- Has many ports
Cons
- It is slightly expensive.
Verdict: So, which one is better –Google Wi-Fi or Netgear Nighthawk AC1900?
The Netgear Nighthawk is not just faster, it also has a more powerful processor and it also comes with many ports for connectivity. This makes it a better router than the Google Wi-Fi.
FAQs
-
Does the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 support Alexa?
Yes, it does.
-
Is the Google Wi-Fi a backward compatible router?
Yes, this router is backward compatible.
