Mesh WiFi systems like Google Wifi and Eero have become increasingly popular for delivering seamless, reliable wireless connectivity throughout the modern smart home. But with options like Nest Wifi and Eero Pro now available, how do the standard Google Wifi and Eero routers stack up against the higher-end models? This in-depth comparison examines the key differences to determine which non-Pro mesh system is best for blanketing your home with WiFi.
Blanketing Your Home in WiFi: How Mesh Routers Work
Traditional WiFi routers often struggle to provide strong signals across large or multi-story homes. Mesh systems solve this through a network of multiple access points, or nodes, that work together to create one unified wireless network:
This allows mesh networks to route your devices' connections via the optimal path back to the main router for maximizing speed and coverage.
Overview of Google Wifi Vs Eero Specs
Before diving into the details, here is a high-level overview comparing the hardware specs and features of standard Google Wifi vs Eero:
Google Wifi
- 802.11ac dual-band WiFi
- AC1200 2x2 MU-MIMO
- Up to 1500 sq ft coverage per node
- Quad-core 700MHz CPU per node
- 512MB RAM per node
- Bluetooth and Ethernet backhaul
- 1x Gigabit WAN & LAN port per node
Eero
- 802.11ac dual-band WiFi
- AC1300 2x2 MU-MIMO
- Up to 1500 sq ft coverage per node
- 700MHz quad-core CPU per node
- 512MB RAM per node
- Ethernet backhaul only
- 2x auto-sensing Gigabit Ethernet ports per node
Evaluating Performance: Speed, Coverage and Capacity
When it comes to real-world performance, Google Wifi and Eero are evenly matched in most key metrics:
Speed
With identical AC1200 and MU-MIMO support, maximum speeds top out around 300-400 Mbps on either system. Both can easily handle internet plans up to 1 Gbps.
Coverage
Google Wifi and Eero nodes each cover up to 1500 square feet with dual-band WiFi. To extend coverage across larger homes, add more nodes to the mesh.
Capacity
Google Wifi and Eero can each support up to 100+ connected devices thanks to 4x4 MU-MIMO streaming. No issues handling today's smart homes filled with phones, TVs, appliances, and IoT gadgets galore.
Edge: Draw
With equivalent AC1200 specs and performance, Google Wifi and Eero are evenly matched for real-world speed, coverage, and capacity.
Comparing Key Hardware Differences
Under the hood, Google Wifi and Eero share much of the same hardware:
- Quad-core 700MHz CPU
- 512MB RAM
- Dual-band 802.11ac WiFi radios
But they differ in a few key areas:
Ports
Google Wifi has 1x gigabit WAN and LAN ports per node, while Eero has 2x gigabit auto-sensing LAN ports per node. Eero can act as a switch without needing extra hardware.
Backhaul
Google Wifi supports Bluetooth and Ethernet backhaul between nodes. Eero relies on Ethernet alone. Bluetooth can be useful for flexible placement.
Edge: Eero
The extra LAN port and auto-sensing abilities give Eero more flexibility for wiring and placement without extra switch hardware.
Ease of Use and Smart Home Integration
Both Eero and Google Wifi aim to deliver app-based setup and management for simplified control. How do they compare?
Setup
Eero and Google Wifi both support easy step-by-step apps to walk users through the installation process. Neither requires advanced networking knowledge.
Management
The Eero and Google Wifi apps allow monitoring connected devices, prioritizing bandwidth, running speed tests, and more. Eero edges out Google with more advanced controls like content filtering.
Smart Home Integration
Here's where Google Wifi pulls ahead. Built-in integration with Google Assistant and other Works with Nest devices like smoke alarms gives Google Wifi tighter smart home integration.
Edge: Google Wifi
While both are simple to use, Google Wifi offers smarter integration with Made by Google devices and Google Assistant built right in.
Security and Privacy Considerations
With some of your most sensitive data passing through your WiFi, security, and privacy are paramount. How safely do Eero and Google Wifi transmit your data?
Encryption
Both Eero and Google Wifi encrypt networking traffic across all nodes and devices using industry-standard WPA2/WPA3 protocols for robust security.
Updates
Regular firmware updates from Eero and Google ensure the latest security patches are always in place. Both rate highly for proactive updates.
Privacy
Here Eero edges out Google. Eero publishes a clear privacy policy detailing anonymous device data collection. Meanwhile, Google Wifi is subject to broader Google data collection policies that may give some users pause.
Edge: Eero
When it comes to encryption and updates both are secure and reliable. But Eero's greater transparency around private data wins out.
Bottom Line: Should You Go with Google WiFi or Eero?
For most home users seeking an easy-to-use mesh system with strong WiFi coverage across their entire home, either Google Wifi or Eero (non-Pro) represent excellent options with similar hardware, performance, and ease of use (based on my personal experience, Eero is slightly easier to use).
Eero is arguably the better pure mesh system, with its auto-sensing ports, added LAN controls, and transparent privacy policy.
But Google WiFi offers smarter integration with Made by Google devices and Google Assistant built right in, giving it an edge for controlling your overall connected home.
So focus on which ecosystem you are more invested in - if Google is your platform of choice, their seamless WiFi mesh integrates effortlessly. For a standalone mesh focused purely on great WiFi coverage, Eero has the advantage. Either way, both Google Wifi and Eero deliver excellent performance for covering your whole home in speedy, reliable wireless connectivity. The choice is yours now!
For any technical questions, you can comment below or send us a message, and one of our technical writers will be happy to assist!
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