Google Wifi vs Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points)
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) is the better router on paper: it covers more ground per unit, has a Thread border router and has more RAM. The Google Wifi doesn't beat it on any spec that matters.
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Key differences
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Wi-Fi
Evenly matched
Both are Wi-Fi 5 and dual-band, with similar speeds.
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Coverage
Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) wins
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) claims 2,200 sq ft per unit against 1,500 sq ft.
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Wired
Evenly matched
Both top out at 1 Gbps with a similar number of ports.
-
Security & VPN
Evenly matched
Much the same security, VPN and parental features.
Other differences
- Coverage Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) wins
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) claims 2,200 sq ft per unit against 1,500 sq ft for the Google Wifi. Claims are for open space, so treat them as a comparison, not a promise.
- Smart home Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) wins
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) has a built-in Thread border router for Matter smart home devices; the Google Wifi doesn't.
- Memory Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) wins
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) has 1 GB of RAM against 512 MB, more room for VPN, many devices and add-ons.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Google Wifi if…
- You prefer its app and design: it covers the same essentials as the Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points).
Choose the Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) if…
- You have a bigger home to cover: it claims 2,200 sq ft per unit.
- You use Matter or Thread smart home gear: it has a Thread border router built in.
- You run VPN or lots of devices: it has more memory to handle them.
Full spec comparison
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) leads on coverage and software and security; elsewhere the two are closely matched.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Overview
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ||
| Model number | AC-1304 | H2D (router); H2E (point) |
| Hardware version | single version | single version |
| Type | Mesh Wi-Fi System | Mesh Wi-Fi System |
| Released | — | 2019 |
| Pack options | 3-pack | 2-pack (router + 1 point), 3-pack (router + 2 points) |
| UPC / GTIN | 199874516868 | 193575001616 |
Wi-Fi
Both use Wi-Fi 5 with similar radios.
Speeds on the bands your devices use are close enough that neither has a real edge.
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Speed class | AC1200 | AC2200 |
| Bands | Dual-band | Dual-band |
| Radios | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
| Total Wi-Fi speed | 1,200 Mbps | 2,200 Mbps |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | No | No |
| 320 MHz on 6 GHz | No | No |
| Spatial streams | — | 4x4 MU-MIMO (router); 2x2 (point) |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | Yes |
| OFDMA | No | No |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
Coverage
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) is ahead on coverage.
It covers more ground per unit, and the Google Wifi doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage (per unit) | 1,500 sq ft | 2,200 sq ft |
| Max devices | 100 | 100 |
| Antennas | — | 4 |
| Antenna type | Internal | Internal |
Ports
Both have much the same wired ports.
You can plug in the same devices at the same speeds on either.
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| WAN ports | 1x 1G | 1x 1G |
| LAN ports | 1x 1G | 1x 1G |
| Fastest wired port | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Multi-gig ports | 0 | 0 |
| SFP ports | None | None |
| Cellular / tethering | None | None |
| Configurable WAN/LAN | — | No |
Hardware
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) is ahead on hardware and support.
It has more RAM, and the Google Wifi doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core ARM | Quad-core 64-bit ARM CPU 1.4 GHz |
| RAM | 512 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Flash storage | 4,096 MB | 4,096 MB |
Mesh
Little separates them on mesh and backhaul.
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh support | Yes | Yes |
| Mesh ecosystem | Google Wifi / Nest Wifi | Google Nest Wifi / Google Wifi (802.11s) |
Software & security
The Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) is ahead on software and security.
It has a Thread border router, and the Google Wifi doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Google Home app | Google Home app |
| Web interface | — | No |
| Security suite | — | Family Wi-Fi; automatic security updates; trusted platform module |
| Parental controls | Yes | Yes |
| QoS | No | Yes |
| Guest network | Yes | Yes |
| ISP VLAN tagging | Yes | Yes |
| PPPoE | — | Yes |
| IPv6 | Yes | Yes |
| WPA3 | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | Built-in network firewall | Built-in network firewall (type not specified) |
| Smart home | None | Thread border router; Matter-enabled via software update |
| Voice assistants | — | Google Assistant |
Design & power
Both are similar on design and power.
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 106.12 (diameter) x 68.75 (height) | 110 x 110 x 90.4 mm |
| Weight | 340 g | 380 g |
| Color | Snow/White | Snow |
| Power | 15 W power adapter, USB-C 5 V/3 A | 15 W power adapter (barrel jack) |
| Weather rating | Indoor only | Indoor only |
Support
| Spec | Google Wifi | Google Nest Wifi (router + 2 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty (US) | 1 year | 1 year |