About Nest WiFi Router vs. Point, Have you acquired Google Nest Wi-Fi, the tech giant’s newest mesh Wi-Fi system?
Then you might be wondering whether to buy point devices or routers to amplify range and connectivity in your home.
But don’t fret. This Nest WiFi router vs. point guide will address your concerns and point you in the right direction.
We will compare five key attributes of Nest Wifi Router vs. Point to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Hardware and Design
- Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Features
- Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Range
- Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Setup
- Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Cost
- Conclusion
Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Hardware and Design
The Nest Wifi replaces the 2016 Google Wifi hardware.
Nest and Google Wifi offer mesh networking, giving users several wireless access points via an easily accessible SSID.
Undeniably, Google Wifi boasted innovative engineering, with each access point designed to operate as an independent router.
But the Nest Wifi turns around this design with a single router that offers extra access points.
Even better, Nest Wifi users can add access points to the Mesh network to strengthen Wi-Fi signals around their homes.
Design
The Nest Access Point has a built-in speaker and a Google Assistant-equipped microphone.
These features turn the Nest Wifi into a Nest Home Mini. But if you are privacy-centric, you can turn off the mic using the switch on the Access Point base.
In so doing, you can prevent Google from listening. The Point also has speaker holes lining the access point’s lower part.
In addition, it has a downward-facing LED status light that glows white during normal usage and turns orange when you mute the speaker.
Hardware
Google also gave the Nest Wifi Router a hardware upgrade. For instance, it has 4×4 antennas.
The Nest Wifi Router supports AC2200 MU-MiMO WiFi, 4×4 and 2×2 on 5 Ghz and 2.4 GHz, respectively.
In contrast, the Access Point supports AC1200 MU-MIMO WiFi with 2×2 on both 2.4 and 5 GHz.
As a result, the Nest Wifi router’s speed doubles the AC1200 setup’s speed.
Google equipped the Nest Wifi with a 1.4 GHz ARM CPU. However, the Nest Wifi Router runs 1 GB RAM, and the Nest Access Point runs 768 MB RAM.
The Router has 4 GB of internal storage against the Point with 512 MB. Thanks to the Router’s bigger storage and RAM capacity, it is twice as fast as the Point.
Note that Google also updated the Nest Wifi’s power adapter. It ditched the ubiquitous USB-C connector on Google Wifi routers and adopted the barrel-styled power adapter.
Although most users view this transition as a step-down, the new adapter is more reliable.
Wifi router with cable ports
Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Features
The Nest Wifi Router offers users all the Google Wifi’s features. You can easily control your home’s Wi-Fi using the app.
For instance, you can pause the internet or prioritize Wifi to a select device for a specified duration.
Better yet, you can create a regular connection schedule to avoid tweaking the connection preferences all the time.
On the other hand, the Nest Access Point doubles up as a Google Home Mini. However, the Home Mini beats it in sound quality.
You can also adjust the Point’s volume through the app or by tapping it on the top. Upon tapping the unit, the LEDs guide you on where to tap to increase or lower the volume.
The Nest Access Point is also equipped with Google Assistant, allowing you the convenience of using commands.
Moreover, you can run a speed test using the app or voice command.
In addition, with a Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max, you can view the connection speed on the unit’s display.
Another win for the Nest Wifi Router over the Nest Access Point is its Wired Backhaul capability.
The Router’s Wired Backhaul delivers optimal Wi-Fi connection speeds to specific areas using ethernet and fiber cables.
A router with a storage disk
Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Range
Hands down, the Nest Wifi Router beats the Nest Access Point in range. Notably, the range is the most crucial aspect that users aspiring to extend their Wi-Fi network consider.
The Nest Wifi Router (standalone) covers up to 2200 square feet, while the Nest Point covers only 1600 square feet.
Moreover, the Nest Wifi Router + one point covers up to 3,800 square feet.
Also, the Nest Wifi Router + 2 points cover up to 5,400 square feet. Better still, the Nest Wifi Router + 3 points cover up to 7,000 square feet.
If you have a big house with more add-on points, the Nest Wifi Router’s wider coverage will tickle your fancy.
Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Setup
Nest Wifi does not act like a modem, so your ISPS router will be handy.
Additionally, it would be best if you switched on ‘bridge mode’ for the best results. Nevertheless, setting up Nest Wifi is straightforward.
Follow the following three steps in sequence to set up Nest Wifi in no time:
- Install the Google Home app on Google Play and the iOS app store. Once you install Google Play, you can readily set up your Nest Wifi Router and Nest Access Point.
- Scan the QR code on the bottom of your device(s) to help the setup process target the correct device.
- To include your current Google Wifi users, import your Google Wifi setup into the Home app. Then add the Nest Wifi Router and Nest Access points to the network, and you are done.
Alternatively, you can set up the Nest Wifi as a new network. These steps might seem daunting but don’t worry.
The Google Home setup process will guide you through everything you should know.
Setting Wifi
Nest WiFi Router vs. Point: Cost
The Nest Access Point is pricier than the Nest Wifi Router. The Nest Point retails at $89 on Amazon, while the Nest Router retails at around $74.
If you seek to save on costs, you might find cheaper offers on used devices.
Conclusion
Compared to the Nest Point, the Nest Router ticks all boxes.
It beats the Point on range, connectivity, performance, storage, usability, and affordability.
Furthermore, you require a Nest Wifi Router to pair and use a Nest Access Point.
Seeking to improve Wi-Fi connectivity in your home without purging your purse?
Then the Nest Wifi Router is your best bet.
