Luma Surround WIFI Vs Google Wi-Fi – Which router has better performance?

If you’ve been looking for the most suitable WIFI mesh systems in the market today, you may have stumbled upon the Luma Surround WIFI system or Google WIFI or both. In this article, we are going to look at these two mesh systems and see which the best one for you is.

If you have a large house, there is a high chance that the WIFI signal does not reach every room and you have to be on specific spots to use the internet. This should not be the case in your own house. With a mesh router system, this problem is solved as the routers or nodes spread the signal better without reducing the speed and strength of the signal significantly. Google Wi-Fi and Luma are some of the most popular mesh network system available today. They are however quite different in terms of their features and some of the functionalities. The table below highlights these differences

What are the differences between Luma Surround WIFI and Google WIFI?

Luma Surround WIFI vs Google WIFI – How do they compare?

Both of these mesh routers are good in their own different way and depending on the user needs. When it comes to some of their features and some of the functionalities however, they differ slightly more. The following section describes the key features and highlights the differences between the routers

Processor capacity

The processor is the component that controls everything in the router and where all the instructions are stored. The Luma Surround WIFI system has a powerful Quad Core 700 MHz processor chipset equipped with MU-MIMO functionality. Compared to the Google WIFI, this is a weaker system. The Google WIFI has powerful hardware. Its processor is a 710 MHz Quad Core chip. Each of these processors has two radio bands of 2.4 and 5 GHz. Both are also AC1200 mesh routers meaning their maximum data rate is similar at the different bands. The Google WIFI mesh router does not support MU-MIMO which is essential for high quality video and data streaming. The MU-MIMO feature also allows equal interaction with all the devices connected to the router. With it, the router equally distributes data so that all devices have equal speed and strength signal. Google WIFI claims that they do not the feature since their routers already run smoothly without it. We however recommend that you select a mesh router with this important feature.

Positioning and Signal Strength

The main purpose of a mesh router is to eliminate signal dead zones in the house. This means that signal strength has to be strong in every room and corner of the house. Both the Luma Surround WIFI and Google WIFI do a great job when it comes smooth signal. With one Luma router device, you get a range of between 1000 and 1500 square feet. This is more than enough for a small home and even an average size one. With an additional three secondary routers, the range increases to between 2000 and 3000 square feet which is ideal for large homes and storied homes. The more devices you add, the more the range.

Always remember that when using more than one device, ensure they are laced at different points of the room to get the best out of the system.

Fixed Antennas

The antennas are very important when it comes to mesh routers and network systems in general. They are responsible for sending wireless signals and receiving incoming signals. They help make the signal richer and better. The antennas in both the Luma and Google systems both support 2.4 and 5 GHz bandwidths. This is perfect for homes and small to average sized workplaces.

The Luma Surround mesh systems has four antennas for each router. The antennas are permanently attached and are not removable or detachable. For some this may be an issue since an unremovable antenna means that you will not be able to upgrade if you want for stronger signal. However, this should not be big issue as most people opting for this router will probably not be thinking of implementing strange or unique alterations to the device. Google WIFI mesh system has two high density antennas that are also not detachable. However, these antennas are relatively powerful compared to Luma’s.

Mobile app accessibility and other support systems

We know that majority of mesh network routers have mobile apps that are used to install and control various aspects and functions of the router. The Luma Surround WIFI system has a mobile app that is available for both Android and iOS users. However, the Luma does not support browser access or functionalities. During first time installation, ensure you have the app downloaded on your phone. The app opens the WIFI page which detects all the routers and displays the locations on the virtual floor plan. The app also shows you all devices that have been connected and display your upload and download speeds. Swiping the screen left takes you to a page where you can see all connected Luma routers and shows their IP addresses.

Google Wi-Fi also has a mobile app. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. It is used during first time installations and managing the system after that. When launched, the app takes you to a home screen that display all the devices connected and your network name. It also shows a virtual map of your network, similar to the Luma app. Other functionalities include adjusting the LED indicator brightness, creating guest network accounts and parental control. There are not many complaints on the apps functionalities and working from users as they have both been optimized and work smoothly.

Performance and Capacity

The Luma Surround System is a 2 x 2 router. What this means is that is delivers two independent paths of data. In addition to this, it also has the MU-MIMO feature that heavily boost performance and manages data traffic efficiently. The router also has beamforming capabilities which also boosts the performance of the router. Beamforming aids in directing the signal and ensuring it is received by the antenna. Through these features, the Luma system is able to provide a maximum signal output of 1.3 Gbps.

But that’s just on paper. When tested in a real world environment, a single unit of the Luma mesh system produces 291.5 Mbps when standing 5 feet away. The number drops to 111 Mbps at 140 feet. This means that with the Luma, you are likely to require more than one unit for the system to work effectively especially if you have a large house.

Google Wi-Fi is impressive in its performance. Just like the Luma, you cannot separate to different bands. When tested in a real world environment, the Google Wi-Fi system beats the Luma. At a distance of 30 feet, Google Wifi was able to produce a speed of 175 Mbps compared to the Luma which came in at 76 Mbps.

Structure and Design

These routers are quite different in their exterior design. The LumaWifi router is small and takes a hexagon shape. With all these corners and flat edges, the Luma is able to stand upright on its own and can be placed just anywhere in the room. However, the fact that you have to place it vertically limits where it can be placed.

The vertical placement may also affect how the Ethernet cable is connected. The router measures 4.6 x 4.6 x 1.2 inches.

Google WIFI router on the other hand is cylindrical in shape and measures 2.7 inches in height with a diameter of 4.1 inches. It is light and weights just about 0.74 lbs. This router can be placed anywhere in the room and can only be placed horizontally. It features an LED indicator light that runs through the circumference of the router.

Luma Surround vs Google Wi-Fi – A comparison review

Luma Surround Wi-Fi System

Luma Whole Home WiFi (3 Pack - White) - Replaces WiFi Extenders and Routers, Free Virus Blocking, Free Parental Controls, Gigabit Speed

• Fastest home on the block: Ultra-fast WiFi delivered to every square inch of your house. No dead zones....
• Serious security: All-day, every-day security automatically scans and neutralizes any virus or malware,...

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The Luma Surround is a midrange performance router that is perfect for your home and workplace environment. Luma routers are small and hexagon in shape and are quite easy to use. Luma is a mesh system meaning you have to setup a mesh network for better coverage and get the best out the system.

What this means is that, you use multiple devices/routers to create a mesh network that works together and spreads the WIFI signal to every corner of your house. It comes with a mobile app that is used during first time installation and later in managing the system. It provides midlevel range but gives a powerful signal since minimal data is lost in a mesh system.

Pros

• It has good performance
• It is very easy to setup and create a mesh network
• The mobile app features parental control that helps protect children from harmful content on the internet
• The mobile app is efficient and detailed
• There is an inbuilt WPA/WPA2 security system and content filtering

Cons

• It is expensive
• The router app does not allow customizability

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Google Wi-Fi

Google WiFi system, 3-Pack - Router Replacement for Whole Home Coverage (NLS-1304-25),White

• 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...

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Google Wi-Fi is one of the most popular and most convenient routers in the market today. It is a mesh router that beats out a lot of its big competitors such as Orbi. It features a small cylindrical router with a minimalist but striking design. It is known for providing a strong signal all through the house and delivering seamless connectivity. Google Wi-Fi comes with a mobile app for first time installation and management of the system after that. Through the app, it is quite easy to manage the router(s). it comes as a one pack, two and three pack, each more expensive than the previous.

Pros

• It is quite easy to install and configure
• It provides a strong signal and fast speeds all through the house
• The mobile app is amazing and detailed
• It features a very simple yet striking design with an LED running through the circumference

Cons

• It does not have a USB port
• There is no dedicated band control

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Conclusion

Both routers are good in their own way. However, Google Wi-Fi is slightly ahead of the Luma Surround system when it comes to value for money and affordability. This is because the Luma slightly costs more yet offers less powerful features compared to Google Wi-Fi. But if you’re looking for MU-MIMO feature, we recommend you go for the Luma since Google Wi-Fi does not support this feature

Verdict: So which is better? The Luma Surround or Google Wi-Fi

When all factors are considered, the Google Wi-Fi system is a better choice and a much more reliable router. It offers fast speeds and powerful signals over a longer range while still costing less than the Luma Surround system.

FAQS

1. Does the Google Wi-Fi router support MU-MIMO?

No. Google Wi-Fi authorities justified this by claiming that they do not the feature since their routers already run smoothly without it

2. Can the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands be separated for the Luma Surround?

No. The Luma Surround does not separate the two bands.