Linksys Velop Tri Band AC6600 vs. Google Wi-Fi- Which is a better Wi-Fi connection?
Selecting the right Wi-Fi connection entails a combination of factors such as reliability, price and speed of the Wi-Fi device. This article analyzes two of the highly reputable and popular brands which are Linksys Velop Tri Band andGoogleWi-Fi to enable you to make the right choice for you.
After using a number of wireless mesh systems over a period of time, a few things usually stand out in making one product the best. For amateurs and pros in the tech-industry alike, there are ways of testing wireless connections. This article has narrowed down to two very capable wireless connections that are suitable for all types of users. These areLinksys Velop TriBand and Google Wi-Fi routers. This guide has critically analyzed thesetwo options that are both popular and reputable in their individual categories.
For more on the subtle differences of these to find the best pick, take a look at this guide on two key products.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Linksys Velop Tri Band AC6600 and Google Wi-Fi?
Feature |
Linksys Velop Tri Band AC6600 (Winner) |
Google Wi-Fi |
Hardware |
512MB of RAM and 4GB Samsung KLM4G1FEDPD flash storage2.4GHz shares the same Qualcomm IPQ chipset with the first 5GHz radio |
512MB of RAM and 4GB EMC flash memory/4 MB winbond 25Q64FV. The 2.4GHz radio is the Qualcomm IPQ4019 chipset, while the other radio (5GHz) works with the same Qualcomm chip |
Data Transfer Rate |
400Mbps with a 2.4GHz radio |
300Mbps when you use the 2.4GHz radio |
Size |
3.1 inches in length and breadth, weighs about 1.08 pounds |
4.3 inches tall, with a 3.1-inch breadth, and a weight of about 12 ounces |
Linksys Velop Tri Band AC6600 vs. Google Wi-Fi- How do they compare to one another?
The main purpose of both these devices is to create a network that has the capability of managing a good number of clients which enables them access from anywhere in their office or homes. The devices work with the first node to gain internet connection and then create a wireless coverage. A third node can also be used for wider coverage. Here is a further look at the differences between these two devices.
Design
The size of Linksys Velop is much larger than Google Wi-Fi and is also heavier in terms of weight. Linksys Velop has a tall rectangular tower which resembles a small tower. The outer most layer has a matte finish which does not leave behind finger prints and the ports are on the bottom which can be seen from a triangular cut out. On the flipside, Google Wi-Fi is a much more compact device. It also has an LED line which separates the device into two sides but the light does not cover the entire device.
Despite these differences in terms of their design, they share a few features. For instance, they both have the LED light that indicates the status of the network and device.Google Wi-Fi has a circular LED which runs round the mesh device and the teal color shows that Google Wi-Fi is online. Amber color indicates no internet connection, red color indicates the device has encountered an error and a blue color indicates the device is being restored to factory default settings. For Linksys, it has a small LED on the top of the unit where the color blue indicates that the device is fully functional, flashing red indicates that there is no connection to the main unit and a solid red LED indicates the connection is totally down.
Hardware
Linksys Velop router is built on the Qualcomm chipset and each has 4GB of flash storage and 512 MB of RAM. To begin with, the first 5GHz and 2.4GHz radio bands rely one chipset only while the other node (second 5GHz) makes use of its own.
Google Wi-Fi on the other hand has also built its Wi-Fi system on the Qualcomm chipset, with every point featuring the same features as Linksys with 4GB and 521MB storage space. They are both set to work as smart Wi-Fi connections at home,since the systems come equipped with both Bluetooth and Zigbeetechnology.The maximum theoretical data transfer rate of Google Wi-Fi is 300 Mbps while it uses the 2.4GHz radio and a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 867 Mbps while using the 5GHz radio.Linksys has the advantage of an additional 5 GHz radio band which is better equipped.
Features and Performance
The purpose of both Linksys Velop and Google Wi-Fi is to create a large enough network so it will handle a large number of clients and to cover each and every location inside your home or office. This is made possible by the mesh networking system that improves the connection in your space area. For Google Wi-Fi, the main focus was more towards added simplicity so as to reduce costs on the innovation. The way Linksys Velop and Google Wi-Fi systems work is by using the first node to connect to the Internet and the next node will connect to the first for wider coverage.
Furthermore, you can add a third node to the system to cover a difficult to reach area and, if there is need you get the option to add many more units. The interesting thing is that all nodes communicate with each other and not only with the main unit. This way, data can be routed through the nodes and the system will find the best road where there are minimum interferences and where the channels aren’t congested. Simply put, one of the best features of a wireless mesh system is that you can track any changes to your network status.
Performance in speed tests
When put to the test, both Linksys and Google Wi-Fi perform well on speed tests. The Linksys Velop even in dead zones can deliver a fast average speed of 164.3Mbps. For Google Wi-Fi it can deliver up to 117.83Mbps when within 5 feet/1.52 meters from the router. At 13 feet/3.96 meters and across three plaster walls, the speeds are still impressive at 118.67Mbps.
Setup and Interface
Google Wi-Fi and Linksys Velop can be setup easily using a mobile app. After installing the app,you are required to connect to the first node to the internet and thereafter you are provided with follow-up steps to complete this setup and personalize your system.
For both devices, the setup process is easy but Linksys Velop is a tad more complicated taking about 20 minutes to complete the set-up. Regarding the software features, Linksys Velop is a more complete device compared to Google’s Wi-Fi, which omitted some key features like VPN – pass through.
Linksys Velop AC6600 vs. Google Wi-Fi- Overview and Key Features
Linksys Velop AC6600
Linksys Velop Tri Band is a reliable device and has a lot going for it. First, its executive design makes it a good fit in right about any room.
It has enough nodes so as to cover wide spaces whether it is an office or home. Another key feature is that it offers additional nodes that can be added in specific spots at a later time when one desires wider Wi-Fi coverage. Ordinarily, when a node is added to the network it makes a lot more difficult to manage backhaul traffic. However, Linksys Velop has an additional 5GHz radio which provides a partial solution to this potential problem. It also has a 5GHz radio band, which is a major advantage as it allows more clients to connect to it without any hindrances.
Secondly, it has an additional mobile app that is fully fledged on giving the best experience when controlling the device. The key feature is offering additional nodes that can be added at a later time when desired.
Another noteworthy feature of Linksys Velop is its mesh network system. Besides finding the best route for the transmitting and receiving data, a mesh network such as this one will also detect if a node has gone offline and re-route the data through the existing nodes. This is done by scanning all the nearby units and choosing the best one to connect to depending on the signal strength, distance, unused channels and so on. To add, installing new nodes to the system will also force the network to reconfigure the routes and, once again, find the best and fastest ones for the data.
While Linksys Velop has all these impressive features, it has its own drawbacks. For example, its technology sounds fantastic and it really is, but, as expected there are some major shortcomings like its latency and backhauling of traffic that have not yet completely been addressed by Linksys. While the additional 5GHz radio is on the right track and better placed at handling backhaul traffic compared to Google Wi-Fi, the ideal way would have been for the Velop to have a dedicated radio only for backhaul.This router would work better if the other two bands would be solely for the connected clients. However, all its bands are open to use by the connected devices.
What we like
- It has a minimalist design
- Presence of air vents for air flow
- Additional 5GHz radio band offers better performance
- Has a matte finish that does not retain finger prints
What we don’t like
- Its tower like design can cause it to topple over if knocked accidentally
- It is a bit difficult to set up
Google Wi-Fi
- A new type of connected system for seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home, helping eliminate dead...
- Replaces your current router, and works your modem and internet service. It’s compatible with major...
Google Wi-Fi is an elegant device that offers good aesthetics when put in a living room because of its design that can easily be confused for a mobile device. It is sleek and compact sized enough to fit in right about any room. The wires are in a mesh design that makes them easily unnoticeable.
Another noteworthy feature of Google Wi-Fi is regarding its overall setup and hardware specifications. First, while Google Wi-Fi does not have the tri-band feature, it has a simple interface and has the fairest price when mesh technology is concerned. The dual-band system it uses also limits on the kind of connection issues you can experience with this device.
To add, the device is also quite easy to set up as it does not require much time to put together.
Like all other products, Google Wi-Fi has its own imperfections. For instance, it does not make any provisions to allow for proper airflow. Unlike Linksys Velop that has several tiny vent holes to provide proper circulation of air. Similarly like in Linksys Velop, Google Wi-Fi, leaves all of its bands open to use by the connected devices. This can lead to unnecessary lags while handling traffic.
What we like
- It has an aesthetically pleasing design
- It has a lower price point
- The design cannot cause it to topple over
- It easy to set up
What we don’t like
- The outer finish can retain finger prints
- It doesn’t air vents which prevents air flow
- Cannot add extra nodes
Conclusion
Linksys Velop AC and Google Wi-Fi both have outstanding features that make them an easy fit for any area. They both feature two LAN ports such that either of them will work perfectly fine.
Verdict: So which is better?Linksys Velop AC6600 or Google Wi-Fi?
Google Wi-Fi has some pros over Linksys Velop. For instance, it has a smaller design and can be placed anywhere in the room. It is easier and quicker to install as well as user friendly even to individuals who are not in tune with technology.
When it comes to performance and tech specifications, Linksys Velop Tri Band has its advantages over Google Wi-Fi. For instance, the wireless performance is definitely better as it uses the 5GHz radio band which causes a lot less interference.
Therefore, Linksys Velop Tri Band surpasses Google Wi-Fi and wins out in this view.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you configure these routers to your devices?
Both come with an app for easy installation. Within minutes you can have your devices connected.
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What determines the strength of a router?
The features of the antenna and nodes matter.
