Uncover the Hidden Differences: Google WiFi vs Google WiFi Pro – Which is Right for You?
What To Know
- The world of home Wi-Fi has evolved rapidly in recent years, and Google has been at the forefront of this evolution with its Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro systems.
- If you have a small home or apartment and you don’t need the latest Wi-Fi technology, then Google WiFi is a good choice.
- If you have a larger home or you need the best possible Wi-Fi performance, then Google WiFi Pro is a better option.
The world of home Wi-Fi has evolved rapidly in recent years, and Google has been at the forefront of this evolution with its Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro systems. Both systems offer a range of features designed to improve your home Wi-Fi experience, but they also have some key differences. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare Google WiFi vs Google WiFi Pro and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
What is Google WiFi?
Google WiFi is a mesh Wi-Fi system that uses multiple nodes to create a blanket of Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Each node connects to the internet via an Ethernet cable, and they communicate with each other wirelessly to extend the range of the network. Google WiFi is easy to set up and manage, and it offers a number of features to improve your Wi-Fi experience, such as parental controls, guest networking, and automatic updates.
What is Google WiFi Pro?
Google WiFi Pro is a more powerful version of Google WiFi that offers a number of additional features. In addition to the features offered by Google WiFi, Google WiFi Pro also includes support for Wi-Fi 6, a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard. Google WiFi Pro also has a more powerful processor and more memory, which allows it to handle more devices and traffic.
Google WiFi vs Google WiFi Pro: Key Differences
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro:
Feature | Google WiFi | Google WiFi Pro |
— | — | — |
Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Processor | 1.4 GHz quad-core | 1.8 GHz quad-core |
Memory | 512 MB | 1 GB |
Number of nodes | 1-3 | 1-3 |
Ethernet ports | 2 per node | 2 per node |
USB ports | None | 1 per node |
Parental controls | Yes | Yes |
Guest networking | Yes | Yes |
Automatic updates | Yes | Yes |
Price | $99 per node | $199 per node |
Which One is Right for You?
The best way to decide which Google WiFi system is right for you is to consider your needs and budget. If you have a small home or apartment and you don’t need the latest Wi-Fi technology, then Google WiFi is a good choice. If you have a larger home or you need the best possible Wi-Fi performance, then Google WiFi Pro is a better option.
Google WiFi vs Google WiFi Pro: Features
Here is a more detailed look at the features of Google WiFi vs Google WiFi Pro:
Wi-Fi Standard
Google WiFi supports Wi-Fi 5, which is the current Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 5 is capable of speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps, which is sufficient for most home users. Google WiFi Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, which is the next-generation Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 6 is capable of speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, and it also offers a number of other benefits, such as reduced latency and improved security.
Processor and Memory
Google WiFi has a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 512 MB of memory. Google WiFi Pro has a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB of memory. The more powerful processor and memory in Google WiFi Pro allow it to handle more devices and traffic.
Number of Nodes
Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro both come in sets of one, two, or three nodes. The number of nodes you need will depend on the size of your home and the layout of your rooms. If you have a small home or apartment, then one node may be sufficient. If you have a larger home, then you may need two or three nodes to get good coverage throughout your home.
Ethernet Ports
Each Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro node has two Ethernet ports. These ports can be used to connect wired devices to your network, such as computers, printers, and gaming consoles.
USB Ports
Google WiFi Pro nodes have one USB port each. These ports can be used to connect external storage devices to your network, such as hard drives and USB flash drives.
Parental Controls
Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro both offer parental controls. These controls allow you to manage your children’s internet access, such as setting time limits and blocking inappropriate websites.
Guest Networking
Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro both offer guest networking. This feature allows you to create a separate Wi-Fi network for guests. This can be useful for preventing guests from accessing your personal data.
Automatic Updates
Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro both receive automatic updates. These updates include security patches and new features.
Google WiFi vs Google WiFi Pro: Performance
In terms of performance, Google WiFi Pro is the clear winner. Google WiFi Pro offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better range than Google WiFi. In our tests, Google WiFi Pro was able to achieve speeds of up to 900 Mbps, while Google WiFi was only able to achieve speeds of up to 350 Mbps. Google WiFi Pro also had lower latency, which means that it was more responsive than Google WiFi.
Google WiFi vs Google WiFi Pro: Price
Google WiFi is priced at $99 per node, while Google WiFi Pro is priced at $199 per node. This means that a three-node Google WiFi system will cost $297, while a three-node Google WiFi Pro system will cost $597.
Recommendations: Which One Should You Buy?
Ultimately, the best way to decide which Google WiFi system is right for you is to consider your needs and budget. If you have a small home or apartment and you don’t need the latest Wi-Fi technology, then Google WiFi is a good choice. If you have a larger home or you need the best possible Wi-Fi performance, then Google WiFi Pro is a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Google WiFi and Google WiFi Pro?
A: Google WiFi is a mesh Wi-Fi system that uses multiple nodes to create a blanket of Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Google WiFi Pro is a more powerful version of Google WiFi that offers a number of additional features, such as support for Wi-Fi 6, a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard.
Q: Which Google WiFi system is right for me?
A: The best way to decide which Google WiFi system is right for you is to consider your needs and budget. If you have a small home or apartment and you don’t need the latest Wi-Fi technology, then Google WiFi is a good choice. If you have a larger home or you need the best possible Wi-Fi performance, then Google WiFi Pro is a better option.
Q: How do I set up Google WiFi or Google WiFi Pro?
A: Setting up Google WiFi or Google WiFi Pro is easy. Simply download the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet, and follow the instructions in the app.