Mesh Wi-Fi is a technology that allows your home to have uninterrupted Wi-Fi access and eliminates dead zones. Amazon Eero and Google Wi-Fi are two of the most popular mesh Wi-Fi systems today. Picking between Amazon Eero vs Google Wi-Fi can be a hard choice, considering that both devices are pretty similar.
However, you might wonder what’s better between Nest WiFi vs Eero. In this guide, we’ll compare both devices using various essential factors that can come in handy when buying your first mesh Wi-Fi system. Read on to know more.
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Google Nest WiFi vs Amazon Eero
When picking your first mesh network on your home, you’ll probably come across Google Wi-Fi and Amazon Eero brands. Below are various factors to help you choose the best device brand between these affordable mesh Wi-Fi systems.
User-friendliness
User-friendliness is essential when setting up your mesh Wi-Fi system as a beginner. A mesh Wi-Fi that is easier to set up and use is better than those that are complicated to operate. Although both devices are relatively easy to install, the Amazon Eero is the most user-friendly.
Amazon Eero’s instructions are more helpful and provide tips in case of any problems. Google Wi-Fi, however, is a bit confusing and needs improvement with its setup instructions.
In terms of mobile apps, the eero app is easier to use than the Google WiFi app. Setting up your Amazon Eero with the eero app will only take 20-30 minutes. The Google WiFi app can sometimes have issues, especially when the app does not recognize your Wi-Fi router due to a bug or glitch.
Our pick: Amazon Eero
Performance
Both devices have the same specifications, but there are a few differences between the Amazon Eero and Google Wi-Fi. The Amazon Eero is a more stable mesh Wi-Fi system that provides consistent speeds.
A single Amazon Eero router averaged about 93 Mbps, two Eero routers averaged 94 Mbps (covering 3000 sq. feet of distance), and three Eero routers averaged up to 97 Mbps. (covers 5000 sq. feet)
On the other hand, a single Google Wi-Fi router averages a speed of 90 Mbps. Compared to Eero, two Google Wi-Fi routers averaged 87 Mbps (covers up to 3000 sq. feet), and three routers averaged 97 Mbps. (covers up to 4,500 sq. feet)
The mesh Wi-Fi capable of delivering incredible speeds at a constant rate is Amazon Eero. However, Google Wi-Fi is still serviceable in speed and gives you manual control when prioritizing connections with a single device.
Our pick: Amazon Eero
Software
When comparing both of the device’s apps, they will have their pros and cons. The eero app is easy to use and has smart features, such as making reservations, thread support, DNS settings, port forwarding, and MU-MIMO support. We have an article which covers how to reset Eero if you need to.
It also allows you to make profiles for each connected user and device. You can set content restrictions for each device, schedule, and pause the internet on-demand. It features Smart Queue Management, which allows you to automatically prioritize devices that need more bandwidth without interrupting other devices.
However, the eero app doesn’t let you track bandwidth use, which makes it hard to find devices that might be consuming most of your Wi-Fi’s bandwidth. Also, you’ll need to subscribe to Eero Secure ($3/month), to have advanced content filtering, ad-blocking, and other security features. Eero Secure+ ($10/month) offers additional features such as VPN support and a password management system.
While the Google WiFi app might have fewer smart features, it also has capabilities similar to the eero app. It features Family WiFi, which allows you to name your devices and create groups. It lets you create schedules for Wi-Fi access and pause internet connections to one or several linked devices.
The app lets you view various real-time stats of a specific device, such as bandwidth used per 5-seconds, day, week, or month. It allows you to enable and change different network settings, like IPv6, DHCP IP reservations, ports, and DNS settings.
But, just like the eero app, the Google Wi-Fi app has disadvantages. First, the app will require you to have a Google account before using it. Also, the Wi-Fi calling feature has not worked for some users and reportedly has mediocre VPN support.
Our pick: Amazon Eero (eero app)
Device Design
Although both look pretty similar, the Amazon Eero is far better in terms of finish and overall aesthetics. The standard Amazon Eero three-node bundle will have six Ethernet ports (two on each Eero router) and are interchangeable (any Ethernet port can be used to connect to the modem).
The designs of most Google Wi-Fi routers are in a white matte finish. Each node also comes with a built-in nightlight, which can come in handy once you’re trying to locate them at night. The standard Google Wi-Fi three-pack will have five Ethernet ports, with one designated for the modem.
Our pick: Tie
Final Thoughts
Overall, both devices are evenly matched, with the Amazon Eero slightly edging out Google Wi-Fi in terms of speed, performance, and user-friendliness. However, if you’re a user that wants more control over your mesh Wi-Fi setup, Google Wi-Fi might be a better choice for you.