The Linksys Velop Vs Google WI-Fi- which one offers the best Wi-Fi home coverage
At times changing the Wi-Fi channel or updating the firmware won’t improve your internet speeds or coverage, and all you need to do, therefore, is get either the Linksys Velop or the Google Wi-Fi.
Whenever we want to invest in a new home Wi-Fi device, the questions that we have about their functionality and features are more than the available answers. And since we cannot provide the answers for all the home Wi-Fi devices, we have selected two, the Linksys Velop and the Google Wi-Fi and given you a comparison to help you pick one as regards your needs.
Model |
Linksys Velop (Winner) |
Google Wi-Fi |
Coverage |
6,000 Sq. Ft. |
4,500 Sq. Ft. |
Speed |
502.54mbps-download speeds
453.35mbps- Upload speeds |
400mbps-Downloads
867mbps-Upload |
Warranty |
3 years warranty |
Hardware Limited Warranty |
Table of Contents
The Linksys Velop and the Google Wi-Fi- How do they compare?
Capacity
The Linksys velop is capable of handling a large capacity of network users both the low and higher bandwidth users without compromising on speed. The unit can therefore, handle not more than 32 users per node, this, therefore, means that if you want to cater to many people then you will have to add more nodes.
So if you were to contain a capacity of 100 people then 4 node devices would suffice but it should be strategically distributed within your home, so that people can comfortably access the net from different rooms. Important to note is that inside each of the Linksys velop nodes their equipped about 6 antennas, two of which are dedicated to each network.
However, the above three networks will each be viewed as one network by the client devices. Therefore, those with enormous homes can link about 10 Linksys velop devices to comfortably cater to all the users in their network.
Google Wi-Fi, on the other hand, handles a smaller capacity when compared to the Linksys Velop. The Former can only take up to 18 devices for each of Google’s Wi-Fi network. So if you are thinking of investing in a Google Wi-Fi network then it would be best if you also checked on the square feet of Wi-Fi coverage.
For example, if you have an expansive home of up to 4,500 sq. ft. then you will only need about 3 devices, but if you have a small compound of only 1,500 sq. ft. then 1 Google Wi-Fi point will suffice.
Positioning in relation to signal strength
To get the perfect position for your Linksys Velop home Wi-Fi device, you will have to use the Velops technology “Spot Finder,” the feature will give you special recommendations of how best to place your nodes to achieve comprehensive coverage and the fastest speeds. Many people might be having doubts as concerns the proper placement of the nodes and the layout and sizes of their homes.
While the above concerns are legitimate, it is important to note that the Velop home Wi-Fi devices have been equipped with the Intelligent Mesh Wi-Fi system technology meant to enhance signal strength. The modular nodes, therefore, if strategically placed will work seamlessly to ensure internet deliverability in all the areas of your home.
Other features equipped to encourage strong signal strengths are the superior Tri-Band performance technology that enables the device to adapt to your Wi-Fi needs. The above discussed innovative technology from the Velop ensures that all the users are always on the fastest paths as regards internet connection.
When it comes to the Google Wi-Fi there is one general rule that should be considered, which is the bigger your house the more Wi-Fi points that you will need to attain the best signal strengths. And as a rule of thumb, the Wi-Fi points work best when they are up to two rooms away. Let’s say for example that you are experiencing weak Wi-Fi signals in one end of your home, then the best move would be to get another Wi-Fi point and place it on the partway and in an elevated position.
And just like the Linksys spot finder, Google has also been equipped with innovative technology to help its users determine the signal strengths of their units. You will, therefore, carry out the mesh test to determine whether your Wi-Fi point’s connections are poor or strong.
And as regards positioning, the Google Wi-Fi points have been determined to work best when they can see each other, that is when they are in the same line of sight. The above, therefore, means that you will have to reposition your points and get them away from obstructions like the doors and walls. You will also have to find an off the ground position, in an elevated free space like the shelf to achieve good signal strengths and coverage.
Lastly, remember that for you to get the best out of your Google Wi-Fi points you might have to once again consider your overall mesh network. This is so because the points are highly dependent on each other, so if you are having a signal problem, you could try adjusting one of the points in relation to the others to fix one weak point.
Applications and other support systems
Your Google Wi-Fi points will not be able to transmit signals without the installation of the relevant application to manage them. To which end you will have to download the Google Wi-Fi application that has been made compatible with devices such as the Ios 10, the android 4 going up, the application can be sourced from the Google App Store or the Apple Store.
So once you have the application installed, there are some management options, for example, you will be able to make the network checks and determine your network speeds. You can also manage how other devices in your network interact with the internet like pause the internet on some of the devices. And if you have the young adults or kids accessing the network then you can conveniently block the adult sites.
Other convenient options include setting a separate network for your guests, and setting the priority devices. The latter move prevents the higher bandwidth activities for unfairly being given the first priority by the beamforming technology.
The Linksys Velop application has some of the features offered by the Google Wi-Fi application but the notable difference is that with the Linksys you can remotely operate your Wi-Fi points from anywhere. Another significant feature that is missing from Google Wi-Fi is the manage routers option that allows users to manage their routers from one place.
On the other hand, the features that users of the Linksys Velop will be able to benefit from are inexhaustible but important. For example, the port forwarding options that opens ports remotely enabling access to devices in the home network. The unit can also be integrated with Alexa so that instead of constantly tweaking it from your phone, you will just have to forward your commands to Alexa and await implementation.
Range and Speed
The Google Wi-Fi offers a considerable range when it comes to coverage and for you to get the strong signal strengths is to remain within the range or invest in more Wi-Fi points and create a mesh network. Important to note is that Google’s Wi-Fi node needs to be placed on a wider spacing simply because a larger range per node could be a problem if the points are placed close to each other.
For individuals who live in large homes, best they invest in the Google Wi-Fi three-pack which can cover a range of 3,000 to 4, 5000 sq. ft. Two Wi-Fi points can be adopted in homes that are not too big and that is about 1,500 to 3,000 sq. ft.
Linksys Velop is an intelligent home Wifi device that will offer the best range coverage from the moment you utilize the intelligent mesh technology, which has been designed to adapt to your home. When using more than one Wi-Fi point there bound to be interruptions with the internet if one of the points are connected, the above will consequently affect range and coverage.
But not for the Velop, simply because the unit has been equipped with a self-healing technology that automatically picks up the slack in case of disconnection. Velop also offers wide coverage with a huge capacity of up to 32 people on one node. Now with the range of this large number might be compromised and that is why the Linksys Velop features a self-selecting option, that ensures all the devices access the clearest Wi-fi channel.
Each Linksys Velop node offers up to 2,000 Sq. Ft. range, therefore, the more the nodes the wider the coverage range.
Structure and Design
The Google Wi-Fi points have been made with a simple but sleek design with the ports located on the underside of the unit. The above features make placement and positioning quite easy especially due to their compact design.
Velop, on the other hand, comes in two colors, black and white. They feature a simple but very conspicuous design that makes it stand out. At the top part, there is a led light feature meant to inform users of the status of their network connection and signal. And on the underside, there are two Ethernet ports, a power switch, and a power supply option.
The Linksys Velop and the Google Wi-Fi –A comparison overview
The Linksys Velop
- Wi-Fi router replacement provides whole home mesh coverage
- Designed for large, 3 5 bedroom homes (up to 4,500 square feet)
Given the price point of the Linksys Velop compared to its functionality it does come out as an affordable solution for those who want to achieve massive coverage in their expansive homes. The ability of the Wi-Fi point to cover about 2,000 sq. ft. makes it adoptable to various homes both large and small and the only thing that you have to do is to invest in more of the units for much wider coverage.
Ease of use has been enabled by the provision of the mobile downloadable application that gives users the liberty to operate their Wi-Fi devices remotely but from the location of their choice. What’s more is that the unit does not pick and choose which internet service provider to work with, but rather works with all that are available.
Managing and operating the Wi-Fi point is also quite easy given the led light feature positioned at the top that emits different types of colors for weak and strong signal strengths. The unit can also achieve up to 867 download speeds thus individuals who want to engage in 4K gaming can expect zero buffering chances and drop-offs. Upload speeds are at 400, so activities like chatting and emailing have been well catered for.
Pros
- Easy to set up and install the application
- Fairy priced
- Offers long-range coverage
Cons
- The units are very sensitive when trying to achieve the mesh network
The 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 the best unit for users who are interested in eliminating dead zones. And its best feature is that it will take the place of your router and work with your modem to attain the best coverage. While other units will feature the beamforming technology to prevent their signals from spreading everywhere, Google Wi-Fi has been equipped with the Network assist technology.
The latter technology helps in ensuring that devices can access the best and clearest channels with the fastest band utilized by different devices.
Conclusion
The above-discussed Wi-Fi points have distinct features, each of which will be suitable for a particular setting. For example, for you to maximize on the benefits of the Google Wi-Fi you have to ensure that there are minimal obstructions along the path of the points, but for the Linksys, the device tends to pick itself up if one of the points fails to make a connection thus ensures that users are not locked out of the network.
Verdict: so which is better? The Linksys velop or the Google Wi-Fi
Without a doubt, Google Wi-Fi cannot stand up to the Linksys velop on so many levels, for example in terms of coverage, and technology incorporated to run the units. Even better is that the manufacturer has so much faith installed in the unit to give a 3-year warranty.
FAQ,s
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Can you use more than 3 Google Wi-Fi points?
Yes, you can use more but in the long run, instead of offering more coverage, they might start interfering with coverage.
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Does Google Wi-Fi come with a subscription package?
No, there are no paid plans with Google Wi-Fi, the only thing that you are obligated to do is to pay your Internet Service Provider.
