Google Nest WiFi 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: The Unmissable Comparison
What To Know
- The 1st gen Google Nest WiFi router has a coverage area of up to 2,200 square feet, while each access point extends the coverage by an additional 1,600 square feet.
- The 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi router boasts a slightly larger coverage area of up to 2,400 square feet, with each access point extending the range by an additional 1,800 square feet.
- If you have a smaller home and don’t require the latest Wi-Fi technology, the 1st gen system offers a solid option at a more affordable price.
The battle for home Wi-Fi supremacy rages on, and Google Nest WiFi is at the forefront. With two generations of its mesh Wi-Fi system, the 1st gen and 2nd gen, Google aims to provide seamless and reliable connectivity to every corner of your home. But what are the differences between these two generations, and which one is right for you? Read on to find out.
Design
1st Gen: The 1st gen Google Nest WiFi router and access points come in a sleek, puck-shaped design that blends seamlessly into any home décor. They feature a matte white finish and a subtle LED ring that indicates network status.
2nd Gen: The 2nd gen retains the puck-shaped design but introduces a more modern aesthetic. The router and access points now have a glossy white finish and a smaller LED ring. Additionally, the 2nd gen devices are slightly smaller than their predecessors.
Hardware
1st Gen: The 1st gen Google Nest WiFi router is powered by a quad-core 1.4GHz processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. Each access point has a dual-core 880MHz processor with 256MB of RAM and 2GB of storage.
2nd Gen: The 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi router packs a more powerful quad-core 1.8GHz processor with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. The access points also receive an upgrade, featuring a quad-core 1GHz processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage.
Wi-Fi Performance
1st Gen: The 1st gen Google Nest WiFi system supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology with a maximum speed of 1.2Gbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It can handle up to 100 connected devices simultaneously.
2nd Gen: The 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi system upgrades to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, delivering speeds of up to 2.4Gbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It also supports more connected devices, with a capacity of up to 200 devices.
Coverage and Range
1st Gen: The 1st gen Google Nest WiFi router has a coverage area of up to 2,200 square feet, while each access point extends the coverage by an additional 1,600 square feet.
2nd Gen: The 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi router boasts a slightly larger coverage area of up to 2,400 square feet, with each access point extending the range by an additional 1,800 square feet.
Features
1st Gen: The 1st gen Google Nest WiFi system offers parental controls, guest Wi-Fi, and network diagnostics. It also integrates with Google Assistant for voice control.
2nd Gen: The 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi system adds support for Thread, a low-power wireless protocol for smart home devices. It also includes a dedicated backhaul channel for faster and more stable connections between the router and access points.
Price
1st Gen: The Google Nest WiFi 1st gen router and a single access point typically costs around $170.
2nd Gen: The Google Nest WiFi 2nd gen router and a single access point retails for around $200.
Which One to Choose?
The choice between the 1st gen and 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi depends on your specific needs and budget. If you have a smaller home and don’t require the latest Wi-Fi technology, the 1st gen system offers a solid option at a more affordable price.
However, if you have a larger home, require faster speeds, and want the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, the 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi is the better choice. It provides extended coverage, improved performance, and support for more connected devices.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Is the 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi backward compatible with the 1st gen?
A: Yes, the 2nd gen Google Nest WiFi router and access points are backward compatible with the 1st gen devices. You can mix and match devices from both generations to create a customized Wi-Fi system.
Q: How many access points do I need for my home?
A: The number of access points you need depends on the size and layout of your home. As a general rule, you should aim for an access point every 1,500-2,000 square feet.
Q: Can I use Google Nest WiFi with other smart home devices?
A: Yes, Google Nest WiFi supports a wide range of smart home devices, including those from Google, Amazon, and Apple.
