AmpliFi HD vs Google WiFi: Which mesh router should you buy?

Simple and sensible

Google Wifi

Pedal to the metallic

AmpliFi HD Mesh Router

Google Wifi has a massive brand name behind information technology and lives upwards to information technology in about every regard. This router embraces the hereafter of networking with its easily expandable mesh network. Its understated design makes information technology welcome in every room of the house.

$240 at Amazon

Pros

Wired and wireless mesh
Easier to conceal
Ethernet on every point
Elementary setup with the app

Cons

Not the fastest Wi-Fi standards

The AmpliFi Hd Mesh Router feels modernistic with a sleek display and glossy body that looks like something from the Portal video game series. However, it sports a more traditional set of connections, keeping i foot squarely in the present.

$340 at Amazon

Pros

4 Ethernet ports
Faster supported Wi-Fi
Easy to read brandish
Unproblematic setup with the app

Cons

No Ethernet on mesh points

Both of these routers provide a strong mesh network with an piece of cake setup procedure. While the AmpliFi Hard disk Mesh Router does have a slightly faster top speed for its Wi-Fi, Google Wifi has the ability to connect mesh points with a traditional wired connectedness to keep wireless speeds high even as points go further from the main router.

The class factor of Google Wifi also gives you more freedom in placement so you can be sure it is in the optimal location. The offering from AmpliFi is still a very strong router but the versatility of Google's blueprint provides a stronger overall packet.

Wired vs. wireless

Pictured: Google Wifi.

When yous look at the bullet points, information technology's clear AmpliFi wanted to make sure that its router competed in the speed section. The Hard disk Mesh Router has a wider array of connections out of the box but its MeshPoint extenders lack an Ethernet connection and will rely solely on that fast Wi-Fi to behave its signal.

	AmpliFi HD Mesh Router	Google Wifi
Speed	AC1750	AC1200
Standards	802.11a/b/g/northward/ac	802.11a/b/k/due north/air conditioning
WAN ports	1	1
LAN ports	iv	2 (1 for WAN)
Ability	11w	9w

AmpliFi loses its wired superiority when information technology comes to its MeshPoint add together-on, which only uses Wi-Fi as its cyberspace source. They practise brand the near of wireless, however, with full antenna joint and a point meter.

When information technology comes to using wired devices with your router, things get fifty-fifty more complicated. AmpliFi included a 4-port wired switch and a USB port for storage in a more traditional layout that makes the Hd Mesh Router seem similar a slick version of a router we already know.

The Google mesh points, in contrast, all characteristic an Ethernet port and then you take the pick of running a wire to maintain speed. This could be useful if you're trying to extend your network into an area that may have a lousy signal from your other wireless points, such equally a discrete garage made of brick or metallic siding. Information technology's also a neat selection to accept if you want to maintain a stable connection.

Only one Ethernet port is bachelor on the primary Google Wifi point for expansion. If yous need more, a wired network switch tin can be added to give you as many wired connections as you need. Using a switch you could run Ethernet to every signal on your mesh to keep your Wi-Fi at elevation performance regardless of which betoken your device is connected to. The actress Ethernet port available on each mesh point can exist used in a compression just you lose the benefits of a wired connectedness with this option. Loftier-quality standalone network switches are also widely and cheaply bachelor.

Overall, Google Wifi remains the preferred product here. While information technology may not exist the most consummate product out of the box, its versatility makes information technology adaptable to nearly any setup a person might need in their home.

How like shooting fish in a barrel is it to gear up up?

Both routers have the choice of setting the network up with an app on your tablet or phone. No need to blazon in an IP address to connect — just download and follow the instructions. Physically, both devices only need an Ethernet connectedness from the modem and the ability outlet. Setting upward each mesh point across that is a simple matter of following directions in the app. Both apps are feature rich merely Google'due south pattern feels a piffling more complete and user-friendly despite showing less detailed data.

How does functioning concur up?

Pictured: AmpliFi HD node modes.

At this bespeak it might seem similar the AmpliFi is falling backside but there is one very of import place their HD Mesh Router setup excels: The AmpliFi Hard disk drive Mesh Router and its MeshPoint extenders all support super-fast AC1750 connectedness speeds. Google Wifi only supports AC1200.

I reason Google might have left so much meat on the bone here is that the vast majority of people will never come close to maxing out a 1200Mbps connexion. If power and speed mean everything to you and so AmpliFi is the proper name for you to remember.

However, at the end of the day, we feel that Google Wifi more than makes upward for its slower speeds in other categories and accept no hesitation in recommending this router.

Simple and sensible

Google Wifi

Everything y'all need and the option to add more

Google takes a "that'll exercise" approach in speed but allows you to add a switch into your system if you absolutely need speed and consistency on your network. It's uncomplicated setup and maintenance secures the recommendation.

Pedal to the metal

Amplifi HD Mesh Router

When compromising on speed simply isn't an option

AmpliFi keeps its foot difficult down in the speed department just loses a trivial more in the corners since it lacks wired options for its mesh. With its loftier powered antennas and simple signal meters, a petty extra setup time can go on your speeds high enough.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more than.

These are the best Netgear routers available now

Heir-apparent'south guide

These are the all-time Netgear routers bachelor at present

Love Netgear and want to better your abode net? We've rounded upwardly the best routers available now, whether yous're looking to game, fix a mesh network, or merely bask lag-free net in your home.

These speeds shouldn't even be possible

The best routers for Xbox 1 gaming

An important tool every gamer needs is a adept router, just which 1 on the market is all-time for yous? Here's a list of ones we think yous should accept a expect at.