Ubiquiti Amplifi HD vs. Google Nest Wi-Fi – Which one is better?

These two devices are designed to transmit high speed internet in middle sized and large houses. They are from reputable companies and they have quite a number of differences.

Aside from the transmission speed of a router, one of the most important aspects that we tend to look out for is its range of transmission, especially when there are many rooms in the house that require good coverage.Ubiquiti Amplifi HD and Google Nest Wi-Fi are two types of routers that have the capacity to satisfactorily cover a middle range home and to also transmit at decent speeds. They have quite a number of similarities, but their differences are what piqued our interest. We decided to find out which one of them is a better router. This is what we found out.

What is the difference between the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD and the Google Nest Wi-Fi?

Ubiquiti Amplifi HD vs. Google Nest Wi-Fi – How do they differ?

Design and Build

The Amplifi HD from Ubiquiti Labs is a small device that is quite light, making installation easy since it does not take up too much space. Two satellite devices help the router in increasing the range and speed of transmission by forming a mesh system with each other. The satellite devices are long and oval shaped and they have antennas that can be adjusted to fit the right range. A small screen on the front of the main router lets you know the speed of transmission at all times.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi stands out as a simple router that has a minimalistic design. This device is able to transmit to a house that has an area of about 2,200square feet, and this is made possible by 4 internal antennas whose purpose is to boost the range and speed of transmission. You can be able to use this device on its own, but it is a mesh router that works best with a satellite device or two.

The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD bears a sophisticated design, and the fact that it also has a small screen that indicates speed makes it a better router than the Google Wi-Fi.

Speed and Performance

The mark of a good router is the ability to transmit fast speeds over wide ranges. The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD bears both of these characteristics, reaching a range of up to 10,000 square feet. This means that it can sufficiently cover houses that have multiple floors. A 750MHz Single Core processor works alongside a 128MB RAM and 128MB flash memory to facilitate optimal performance. When it comes to the transmission of internet, this router achieves it by delivering two speeds from two bandwidths since it is a dual band device. 450Mbps speed are transmitted from the 2.4GHz bandwidth and 1,300Mbps is transmitted from a 5GHz bandwidth.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi has a significantly smaller range as compared to the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD. It covers an area of only 2,200 square feet, but it does more impressive speeds than its opponent. Being a dual band router, the Google Nest Wi-Fi delivers 400Mbps from the 2.4GH bandwidth and 1,733Mbps from the 5Ghz bandwidth. An 800MHz Dual Core processor combines efforts with a 512MB RAM and 128MB flash memory for efficient output.

Even though it has slightly lower speeds than the Google Nest Wi-Fi, the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD boasts a much wider range, making it the better router.

Ports and Connectivity

Unlike most routers whose ports are on the back side, the Google Nest Wi-Fi’s happen to be at the bottom. It has one WAN port that supports wireless connectivity and 1 LAN port which is made for ethernet connections. The manufacturers of this device have ensured that installing and running this device will be easy for you. A mobile app is made available for you to download on mobile app is made available for you to download on your phone. From this app, you can be able to set the router up, run speed tests, create and run guest networks and also run parental control.

The ports on the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD are strategically placed on its back, and it has 1 WAN port. 4 LAN ports are made available to support ethernet connectivity. you can easily control the router from your phone through a phone that allows for speed tests, turning the router on and off and keeping track of guests on the network.

The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD stands out as a better router in this section since it offers more ports than the Google Nest Wi-Fi.  

Ubiquiti Amplifi HD vs. Google Nest Wi-Fi – A comparison overview

Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Overview

AmpliFi HD WiFi System by Ubiquiti Labs, Seamless Whole Home Wireless Internet Coverage, HD WiFi Router, 2 Mesh Points, 4 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 WAN Port, Ethernet Cable, Replaces Router & WiFi Extenders

• WHOLE HOME WiFi SYSTEM: Not Just a Wi-Fi router, it's a Wi-Fi system. The AmpliFi HD Kit includes a Wi-Fi...
• 802.11AC TECHNOLOGY FOR FASTER SPEEDS AND BETTER COVERAGE: AmpliFi HD is more than a wireless router:...

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A small and elegant router, this device is not to be belittled. It is able to transmit at high speeds, but the most impressive thing is its range. The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD comes as a set of three, with 1 main router and two satellite devices. Two bandwidths are able to cover a 10,000 square feet range, with the 2.4GH bandwidth delivering 450Mbps speeds and the 5GHz band delivering 1,300Mbps. Inside the router is a 750MHz Single Core processor and a 128MB RAM which are ideal for facilitating smooth running.

When it comes to connections, there are 4 LAN ports on the back of the router which support ethernet connectivity. 1 WAN port is available and its purpose is to support broadband connection. An Ubiquiti App lets you set up the router and run it from the convenience of your phone. It also supports such features as parental control and guest network access.

Pros

• Small and easy to set up
• Covers an area of 10,000 square feet
• Has many LAN ports
• Comes with an app for easy control

Cons

• The boosters are difficult to install in a small space

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Google Nest Wi-Fi Overview

Google Nest Wifi - Home Wi-Fi System - Wi-Fi Extender - Mesh Router for Wireless Internet - 2 Pack

• This product includes 2 router units.
• Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket your...

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One of the most outstanding aspects of this router is its simplicity. It, however, is an impressive device that is able to transmit at decent speeds within a range of 2,200 square feet. It operates on two bandwidths, with the 2.4GHz band transmitting 400Mbps speeds and the 5GHz band transmitting 1,733Mbps. A 1.4GHz Quad Core processor is charged with running this router, and it is backed by a 512MB RAM and 128Mb flash memory.

Beneath the main router are two ports, one of which supports WAN connections and another that is made for LAN connection. You will be able to gain full access to the router through your mobile phone via a downloadable app which allows for parental control and guest network setup among other functions.

Pros

• Small and easy to install
• Transmits at high speeds
• Comes with a mobile app that allows easy setup and access

Cons

• Has very few ports

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Verdict: So, which one is better – Ubiquiti Amplifi HD or Google Nest Wi-Fi?

While both devices have relatively similar transmission speeds, the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD boasts a much wider range and more LAN ports than the Google Nest Wi-Fi. These two characteristics make it a better router for home use.

FAQs

1. Is the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD a Wi-Fi 6 router?

No, it isn’t. it runs on the 802.11ac standard which makes it a Wi-Fi 5 device

2. Can I use the Google Wi-Fi without satellites?

Yes, you can. It can be able to operate as a single unit.