Google Nest Pro WiFi 6E has been on the market for a while now, but what about the previous generation of Google Nest WiFi (2nd generation)? Is it still a worthwhile purchase? And if so, how does it compare in value to other WiFi 6 products like Netgear Orbi AX4200 or Amazon Eero 6?
In This Article
- Google Nest 2nd Eddition
- Nest vs Google Wifi
- Google Nest Pro vs Orbi
Google Nest wifi 2nd G
Like other mesh WiFi systems, Google Nest WiFi which is second generation of Google wifi replaces both your router and the need for a range extender. If one Nest WiFi unit doesn’t cover your entire house, you can simply add another Nest WiFi router or a Nest point to extend coverage.
So what sets the original Google Nest WiFi apart from the newer Nest Pro WiFi 6E model? For a detailed comparison, follow this link to learn more about Google Nest Pro vs. Deco
Nest router and Nest Point
The Google Nest WiFi system is versatile and can be built to suit your needs. You can start with one or more Nest WiFi routers to provide solid WiFi coverage throughout your home, or add one or two Nest points as extenders. In addition to extending your WiFi signal, Nest points also function as Google Assistant devices, featuring sensitive microphones and 360-degree sound systems that allow you to play music or interact with them through voice commands.
If your Google nest wifi kit consists of two or three Nest router units, you need to add smart speakers for voice assistant. Google nest kit that consists of nest router and one or two nest points that function as both wifi range extender and smart speakers, this kit is still based on legacy wireless AC2200. And nowadays TP-link introduced similar products: The TP-Link Deco Voice X20. This Deco voice x20 comes with built-in Alexa skill and integrated with microphone arrays and speakers, and has been adopting the new wifi 6 technology. However, the total aggregated bandwidth is ax1800 (1200 + 600Mbps), lower than Google nest that comes with 2200Mbps.
To learn more details this new Deco voice series, click here to learn Deco Voice X20 and see the comparison this deco series and eero 6 to see which one gives you better value.
Now let’s continues discussing the Google Nest and Google Nest Pro.
The presence of the Google Nest point is especially advantageous as it eliminates the need for a separate device like Amazon Alexa. However, due to the inclusion of this feature, Amazon does not sell Google Nest point WiFi in kits, but only in bundles of two or more Nest routers in Google Nest WiFi packages.
In contrast, the new Google Nest Pro WiFi 6E – the latest generation of Google WiFi – comes with only one Nest router and does not include a Nest point or satellite. You have the option to build a fast WiFi 6E network with just one Nest Pro unit, or you can add one or more units to extend coverage up to 6,000 square feet with three nodes. When you need voice assistant capabilities, you can simply add a separate Alexa or Google Assistant device.
Nest vs Google wifi
Google’s entry into the mesh WiFi router market began with Google WiFi, a popular product that has been competing strongly with the pioneering Eero mesh WiFi system. But what sets these two Google WiFi models apart? And is it still worth considering the original Google WiFi, or should you opt for the newer Nest Pro model?
Nest Router
At the heart of the Nest WiFi system is the Nest WiFi router, which serves as the brain of the setup and features AC2200 MU-MIMO dual-band WiFi technology. In my opinion, this model can be likened to entry-level mesh WiFi 6 products like the TP-Link Deco X20 or Asus ZenWiFi XD4 Mini, which offer AX1800 technology.
Compared to Google WiFi, which is based on AC1200 dual-band technology, the Nest WiFi router is almost twice as fast, and four times faster than the Google Nest Pro. So if speed is a priority, the Nest WiFi router is definitely worth considering.
Both Google WiFi and Google Nest use WiFi backhaul, but the latter offers faster networking when using WiFi backhaul, especially when using a kit that consists of one Nest router and two Nest points. However, wired Ethernet backhaul provides a more stable connection, especially when using Google WiFi with wired backhaul.
When using Google Nest with two Nest points, WiFi backhaul is the only option, as the Nest points do not have Ethernet ports. However, if you have a Google Nest kit with all Nest routers, you can use wired backhaul with a daisy chain topology.
Processor
Take a look at the comparison table below to see the differences between the two Google product series. Note that each product has a different processor with varying performance and memory capacity. The Nest boasts a quad-core processor with twice the clock speed of Google WiFi, which makes it capable of handling more intensive processing tasks.
Interestingly, the new Google Nest Pro only comes with a dual-core ARM processor, which is less powerful than its predecessor. The reason for this downgrade is unclear.
Table 1 Nest vs Google wifi
| Google product | Google Nest | Google Wifi |
| Wifi technology | Nest router: simultaneous dual band ac2200; Nest point: simultaneous dual band ac1200 | Simultaneous dual band ac1200 2×2 wave 2 |
| Signal rates | Router: 1,900Mbps @5GHz 4×4; 300Mbps @2.4GHz 2×2 Nest point: 867Mbps @5GHz 2×2 300Mbps @2.4GHz 2×2 | 867Mbps @5GHz 2×2 300Mbps @2.4GHz 2×2 |
| Ethernet Ports | Nest router: 2x 1.0Gbps Nest point: N/A | 2x 1.0Gbps |
| Coverage | Nest router up to 2,200 Sq ft Wifi point up to 1,600 Sq ft | Up to 1,500 sq ft / unit |
| Processor | Quad-core 64-bit ARM CPU 1.4 GHz Wifi router: 1 GB RAM; 4 GB Flash Wifi point : 768 MB RAM; 512 MB Flash | Quad-core ARM CPU — each core up to 710 MHz with 512MB RAM and 4GB eMMC flash |
| Price (Apr 2023) | $230.00 (3-pack Nest routers) | $130.00 / 3-pack |
The price of the 3-pack Nest kit has significantly decreased following the release of the new Google Nest Pro model in the market. The Google Wifi AC1200 (3-pack) continues to be a popular option in the entry-level segment, with its price currently sitting at $130 on Amazon.
In a nutshell, the following lists the pros and cons for new Google Nest Pro.
Pros:
- WiFi 6E support: Google Nest Pro is equipped with the latest WiFi 6E technology, providing faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in high-density areas.
- Dynamic Backhaul: Nest Pro’s dynamic backhaul allows it to choose the best available band to link between nodes, optimizing the network’s performance and stability.
- Simple setup and management: Google Nest Pro can be easily set up and managed through the Google Home app, which is user-friendly and provides access to advanced features such as parental controls, guest network creation, and more.
- Compatibility with Google Assistant: Nest Pro works seamlessly with Google Assistant, allowing users to control their network using voice commands and enjoy smart home integration.
Cons:
- Limited Ethernet ports: The Google Nest Pro has only two Ethernet ports, which can be a limitation for users who need more wired connections.
- Expensive: Google Nest Pro is relatively expensive compared to other mesh WiFi systems on the market, making it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Lack of advanced customization options: While the Google Home app is easy to use, it doesn’t provide advanced customization options for power users who want to fine-tune their network settings.
If you’re content with the WiFi 5 products you already have at home, your current Google Nest 2nd Gen remains suitable. However, if you wish to upgrade to the next level of WiFi 6 technology, you may consider purchasing the Google Nest Pro or other WiFi 6 products like Orbi Rbk763.
Google Nest Pro vs Orbi
Google Nest pro wifi 6e has been around in the market, while today you can find bunch of mesh wifi 6 products available in the market. Netgear with its Orbi Rbk852 is still the best in its class, and even today Orbi has released its latest wifi 6e product Orbi Rbke963 mesh wifi 6e product, the advanced of latest wifi 6 technology with the addition of 6GHz radio band.
The wifi 6e products are good investment knowing that the next generation of wifi 7 is just around the corner that also uses 6ghz radio band in addition of 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands.
Which one is your option when it comes to choose between the Google nest pro and Orbi Rbk763 since the price tagged between the two products is too much different?
Wifi segment
Comparison of Google Nest Pro and Orbi RBK763S specifications is shown in Table 2. The most significant technical difference between the two is that Nest Pro is a WiFi 6E product, while Orbi RBK763S is not. If the availability of the 6GHz band is essential for you, Nest Pro would be the right choice. Let’s look at other differences between the two products.
Regarding the backhaul link between nodes, Nest Pro’s backhaul is dynamic, utilizing all the bands available to choose the best link between nodes. In contrast, Orbi RBK763S uses a dedicated backhaul at 5GHz, leaving the other two bands available for connected devices.
Orbi RBK763S doesn’t support the 6GHz band, but 6GHz-based devices can still connect using either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band. On the other hand, with Google Nest Pro, when your connected devices support the 6GHz band, the Nest will automatically connect the device to the best available band with its band steering feature.
Processor
As previously mentioned, the new Google Nest Pro features a dual-core processor lower CPU specs than the quad-core processor found in the previous Nest 2nd G series. When comparing the Nest Pro with the new Orbi RBK763, you’ll notice that the latter is equipped with a more powerful processor that can process networking tasks more quickly than the Nest Pro. However, the efficiency of the firmware burned into the CPU can impact how the same processor performs differently.
Another difference between the two products is the number of Ethernet ports embedded in each machine board. Both products can connect up to a 1.0Gigabit internet plan. Still, Orbi comes with more Ethernet ports than Nest Pro, providing more options for wired connections.
Table 2 Google Nest Pro vs Deco
| Wifi 6 Router Product | Google Nest Pro | Orbi Rbk763 |
| Wifi Segment | Tri-band axe5400 with 6-streams | Tri-band ax5400 with 6 streams |
| Signal Rates | 574Mbps @ 2.4GHz; 2×2; 2402 Mbps @ 5GHz; 2×2; 2402 Mbps @ 6 GHz 2×2; | 600Mbps @2.4Ghz 2×2; 2,400Mbps @5GHz band 1 2×2; 2,400Mbps @5GHz band 2 2×2; |
| Coverage | 2,200 sq ft / node | 7,500 sq ft / 3-pack |
| Backhaul | Dynamic wifi backhaul | Dedicated backhaul @2,400Mbps @5GHz and optional wired backhaul |
| Ethernet Ports | 2x Gigabit RJ45 Ports with auto sensing | Router Ports : – One (1) 1 Gbps WAN port 3x 1.0Gbps LAN ports Satellite Ports (each) : Two (2) 1 Gbps LAN ports |
| USB Port | N/A | N/A |
| Processor | Dual-core 64-bit ARM CPU 1 GB RAM, 4 GB flash | Powerful Dual-Core 1Ghz processor with 4GB eMMC NAND Flash and 1GB RAM |
| Security | WPA3; Secure booting and firmware auto update; Parental control | WPA3 ready Netgear armor services |
| Dimension | 130 mm height x 117 mm width x 85 mm depth | 8.3 in x 6.6 in x 2.5 in |
| Weight | 1.311 pounds (595 g ) /each | 1.6lb each |
| Price | $560.99 /3-pack | $549.99 /3-pack |
Now, you can make up your mind either choosing Google nest pro with three distinct radio bands, or you can opt Orbi rbk763 with faster CPU and more ethernet port, minus 6ghz band. Click the product’s link below to learn more detail and see current price and get the best deal in Amazon (#ads).
- Click here to shop Google nest pro Or Click here to see in Best Buy
- Or click here to choose Orbi rbk763
Related products
For homes with middle network segment, you may like to see Asus XT8 Zenwifi Mesh Wifi 6 vs Orbi vs Deco or see the newer model of asus xt9 vs deco xe75 pro.
Or you may also like to know deco px50 mesh wifi 6 with powerline backhaul, and see comparison with asus xp4 powerline.