When comparing Google WiFi vs NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 (R7000P), the Slant community recommends NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 (R7000P) for most people. In the question“What are the best wifi-routers?” NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 (R7000P) is ranked 1st while Google WiFi is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 (R7000P) is:
The R7000P truly shines under busy network conditions. The load-balancing band steering automatically shifts the devices around to give work to both radios. What this means is that users will have a pleasant experience even when the network is busy.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Smart features prevent congestion and manages complex settings
Google WiFi uses built in software, called Network Assist technology, that works behind the scenes to deliver the best possible WiFi connection. When you're walking around the house, Network Assist seamlessly transitions your device to the closest WiFi point for faster connection. It also automatically connects your device to the fastest available band based on your location.
Pro Easy to setup trough Google Wifi app
The Google WiFi app makes setup very simple. Once you've downloaded the app, you'll have to scan the QR code on the bottom of the WiFi point, which creates a secure connection between the device and your phone. After that all you have to do is to enter the name and password and the app will do everything else in the background.
Pro Up to 4,500 sq. ft. of coverage
Each hardware unit is called a WiFi point and you can have up to three units. One unit will cover 1,500 square feet, and three units will cover 4,500 square feet. So depending on the size of your home you can choose how many WiFi points you need and place them where they are needed the most.
Pro App helps you monitor and control your home Wi-Fi
The Google Wifi app for Android and iOS allows complete monitoring and control of your network in a user friendly app. You can see which devices are connected and how much bandwidth each is using. You can prioritize devices for faster speeds when it matters most, even pause your kids' internet for dinner time.
Pro Great performance even for busy networks
The R7000P truly shines under busy network conditions. The load-balancing band steering automatically shifts the devices around to give work to both radios. What this means is that users will have a pleasant experience even when the network is busy.
Pro You can specify the amount of bandwidth you wish to dedicate to gaming or video
Nighthawk offers two different types of traffic prioritization tools. Traffic that is sent out by the user can be prioritized for gaming, while incoming traffic can be prioritized for improved video streaming.
Pro Several custom firmwares readily available
To make greater use of the powerful component hardware, owners can easily flash any of the popular third-party firmwares like TomatoUSB, DD-WRT, AsusWRT and more using the existing upgrade page in the stock web-based control panel.
Pro Excellent USB performance
The Nighthawk achieves file transfer rates of 231.2 Mbps over USB 3.0 and 224 Mbps over USB 2.0. This means that you can connect an external hard disk drive to this router and share a 2 GB file over a Wi-Fi network in just over a minute.
Pro Easy to configure
Uses a full-featured Web interface for configuration that's easy to use for both beginners and advanced users alike.
Cons
Con No web-based interface
The WiFi system can only be set up and controlled via the Google WiFi mobile app. A Google account and a mobile device are required for setup and management.
Con Wireless signal extension causes loss of signal
Each time you extend the signal wirelessly, signal loss will occur, which basically means slower speeds. You can mitigate this by placing the satellite units around the first router unit, but it will also mean worse coverage.
Con Might be a bit problematic to use in crowded dorms or apartment buildings
The R7000P does not have a third band, which is something that's usually available for routers around this price range. This is not a big problem if the router is being used in a suburban home, but it can be a bit problematic if used in a crowded apartment complex or dorm where there are a lot of neighboring networks interfering.
Con You can't block non-HTTP sites
Even though you can block websites by domain name or keyword, you can only do so for websites that don't use HTTPS.