Google WiFi Gen 1 vs. Gen 2: The Battle of Mesh Networks
What To Know
- However, the Gen 2 has a few advantages over the Gen 1, including a larger coverage area, a faster processor, and a few additional features.
- The Gen 2 has a few advantages over the Gen 1, but the Gen 1 is still a great option if you are on a budget.
- The Google WiFi Gen 2 has a larger coverage area, a faster processor, and a few additional features, such as a built-in speaker, Thread support, and WPA3 support.
Google WiFi is a popular mesh Wi-Fi system that offers whole-home coverage and easy setup. It comes in two generations: Gen 1 and Gen 2. Both generations offer similar features, but there are some key differences that may make one generation a better choice for you than the other. In this blog post, we will compare Google WiFi Gen 1 vs Gen 2 and help you decide which one is right for you.
Design
The Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2 have different designs. The Gen 1 is a small, white puck-shaped device, while the Gen 2 is a larger, cylindrical device. The Gen 2 also has a built-in speaker, which the Gen 1 does not.
Coverage
Both the Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2 offer whole-home coverage. However, the Gen 2 has a slightly larger coverage area than the Gen 1. The Gen 2 can cover up to 1,500 square feet per unit, while the Gen 1 can cover up to 1,200 square feet per unit.
Speed
The Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2 both support AC1200 Wi-Fi speeds. This means that they can provide speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps. However, the Gen 2 has a faster processor than the Gen 1, which can result in better performance in real-world conditions.
Features
The Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2 both offer a number of features, including:
- Easy setup
- Parental controls
- Guest network
- Network monitoring
- Automatic updates
However, the Gen 2 has a few additional features that the Gen 1 does not. These features include:
- Built-in speaker
- Thread support
- WPA3 support
Price
The Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2 are both priced similarly. The Gen 1 is available for $99 per unit, while the Gen 2 is available for $129 per unit.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2 are both great mesh Wi-Fi systems. However, the Gen 2 has a few advantages over the Gen 1, including a larger coverage area, a faster processor, and a few additional features. If you are looking for the best possible performance, the Gen 2 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, the Gen 1 is still a great option.
Alternatives
If you are not sure whether the Google WiFi Gen 1 or Gen 2 is right for you, there are a few other mesh Wi-Fi systems that you may want to consider. These include:
- Amazon eero
- Netgear Orbi
- Linksys Velop
Final Thoughts
The Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2 are both great mesh Wi-Fi systems. The Gen 2 has a few advantages over the Gen 1, but the Gen 1 is still a great option if you are on a budget. Ultimately, the best way to decide which one is right for you is to compare their features and prices and see which one meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Google WiFi Gen 1 and Gen 2?
A: The Google WiFi Gen 2 has a larger coverage area, a faster processor, and a few additional features, such as a built-in speaker, Thread support, and WPA3 support.
Q: Which Google WiFi Gen is better?
A: The Google WiFi Gen 2 is the better choice if you are looking for the best possible performance. However, the Gen 1 is still a great option if you are on a budget.
Q: How do I set up Google WiFi?
A: You can set up Google WiFi using the Google Home app. The app will guide you through the process step-by-step.
