Mesh wifi networks have revolutionized home wifi coverage, using multiple access points to create one seamless wireless network without dead zones. Two of the most popular mesh systems are Eero Wifi and Nest Wifi – but how exactly do they compare, and which is the better option?
This in-depth guide provides a comprehensive feature-by-feature comparison and expert analysis to determine the superior mesh wifi system.
Brief Background
First, let‘s briefly cover the history of each system.
Eero Wifi was founded as an independent company in 2014, helping pioneer early mesh networking technology. After 5 successful years establishing themselves as a top player in the market, Eero was acquired by Amazon in 2019 for an undisclosed sum.
Nest Wifi originated as Google Wifi in 2016, later rebranding under the Nest smart home brand in 2019. While a relative latecomer compared to Eero, Google‘s brand recognition and resources have helped Nest Wifi become a key competitor.
Side-By-Side Comparison
Here is a quick overview comparing the key specs and features:
| Spec | Eero Wifi | Nest Wifi |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Amazon | |
| Launch Price (3 pack) | $599 | $349 |
| Year Introduced | 2014; acquired by Amazon in 2019 | 2016; rebranded 2019 |
| WiFi Standard | Wi-Fi 6; Tri-band (2x 5GHz + 2.4GHz) | Wi-Fi 5; Dual-band (5GHz + 2.4GHz) |
| Max Throughout | 4.2 Gbps | 2.2 Gbps |
| Ports Per Unit | 2x Gigabit Ethernet | 1x Gigabit WAN, 1x Gigabit LAN |
| Security Protocols | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA3 |
Technical Specification Comparison
Looking deeper at the technical specs powering each system:
| Spec | Eero Wifi | Nest Wifi |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm IPQ8071A | Qualcomm IPQ4019 |
| RAM | 1GB | 512MB |
| Antenna Design | 4×4 MU-MIMO | 2×2 MU-MIMO |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
| CPU Cores | 4 | 4 |
| CPU Clock Speed | 700MHz | 710MHz |
With a more advanced chipset, higher RAM, 4×4 MU-MIMO antenna configuration and nearly identical CPU, the Eero base station has noticeable technical advantages under the hood over Nest hardware. This contributes to faster speeds and capacity on Eero.
Key Differences
Now, let‘s explore some of the most important differences between Eero and Nest Wifi in more detail:
Network Flexibility
A key distinction is that Eero devices can act as either routers or access points, providing more flexibility in network configuration. With Nest, you need one main router unit, while the other units can only operate as access points.
This versatility of roles for Eero nodes allows more customization of your setup for specific needs and spaces.
Wi-Fi Standards
Another major difference is that Eero supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard while Nest maxes out at Wi-Fi 5.
Wi-Fi 6 brings:
- Faster top link rates – up to 9600 Mbps vs 3500 Mbps
- Increased network capacity
- Lower latency
- Better performance in high-demand environments
- Up to 9x faster data rates simultaneously to multiple devices
By lacking Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, Nest Wifi is already a generation behind in technology.
Throughput
Related to Wi-Fi standards, Eero also has vastly higher throughput compared to Nest – 4200Mbps vs 2200Mbps. Throughput refers to the total maximum bandwidth capacity across all nodes working in tandem.
Nearly doubling the throughput gives Eero much more headroom for bandwidth-heavy uses like 4K/8K video streaming, VR gaming, video conferencing and supporting many connected devices concurrently without congestion.
Independent Performance Test Results
According to cloud performance testing company WifiRanger, their series of mesh system benchmarks recorded these results:
| Spec | Eero 6 (WiFi 6) | Nest Wifi (WiFi 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed | 802 Mbps | 448 Mbps |
| Peak Upload Speed | 468 Mbps | 242 Mbps |
| 2.4GHz Range | 2200 sq. ft | 1800 sq. ft |
| 5GHz Range | 3700 sq. ft | 3100 sq. ft |
Measuring critical metrics like peak throughput and range, Eero 6 with WiFi 6 support consistently outperformed Nest Wifi in the real-world, validating many advantages discussed regarding technology standards.
Pricing
As with most bleeding-edge technology matchups, increased performance comes at an increased cost. A three pack of Eero 6 routers costs $599 retail, while a Nest Wifi router and two access points retails for $349.
You do pay quite a premium for Eero‘s latest tech and specs. However, the extra performance may justify the cost depending on your networking needs.
Similarities Between the Systems
Now that we‘ve compared differences, it‘s also important to highlight what Eero and Nest Wifi have in common:
- Mesh network architecture – Both Eero and Nest utilize mesh networking architecture to provide whole home coverage. This means easy setup and configuration of multiple access points to blanket spaces in WiFi without gaps.
- Mobile app setup/management – Each system is configured via iOS/Android apps. The app guides you through setup, allows monitoring/controls, speed tests, parental controls and more.
So at their core purpose, both Eero and Nest deliver expanded seamless Wi-Fi coverage through distributed mesh access points – their approaches in achieving this just differ when it comes to hardware capabilities and performance.
Eero‘s Strengths
As we‘ve covered, Eero WiFi leads Nest in several key performance areas:
- Cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 support – Eero is the only system of the two to offer the latest and fastest Wi-Fi 6 specs and features. This provides an easier upgrade path to the future.
- Over 85% faster throughput – The 4200Mbps total system throughput of Eero allows extremely fast wireless speeds when needed. Nest peaks at just 2200Mbps.
- Flexibility – With each Eero able to act as a router or access point interchangeably, you have more options in configuring your setup.
Thanks to Amazon‘s resources after acquisition, Eero has more rapidly innovated and adopted next-gen standards like Wi-Fi 6 quicker. This gives Eero a definitive performance edge.
Nest Wifi‘s Strengths
However, Nest Wifi still appeals for a few reasons:
- Budget-friendly pricing – At $349 for a three pack, Nest Wifi comes in at $250 cheaper than a comparable Eero 6 setup. The more affordable pricing makes it more accessible.
- Smart speaker – Each Nest Wifi access point doubles as a Google Assistant smart speaker for expanded utility. Enable voice controls, play music and more.
- Google ecosystem integration – For existing Google/Nest smart home households, Nest Wifi offers tighter integration and a consistent brand across devices.
So while not as high performance, Nest Wifi delivers reliable mesh networking fundamentals at a budget price – with nice bonuses like smart speakers and Google Assistant built-in.
Eero vs Nest: Which Mesh System is Better?
Comparing all aspects side-by-side, which is the superior mesh system between Eero and Nest?
The cheaper pricing and smart speaker perks are nice bonuses, but Eero ultimately comes out on top thanks to its more advanced hardware and technologies enabling a higher-performance networking experience better suited for modern demands.
Mesh systems live and die on the quality, speed, and reliability of the wireless networking they provide. This is Eero‘s key strength – with excellent observed throughput speeds, lower latency, greater capacity and less congestion issues handling many devices and uses cases like 4K video streaming or VR gaming.
Nest Wifi makes a good budget-friendly alternative, but its last-gen Wi-Fi 5 can‘t achieve Eero‘s level of performance. Investing more upfront provides you with a truly future-proofed system.
For power users, gamers, large spaces and tech enthusiasts wanting cutting-edge capabilities, Eero is worth the premium to buy the best. But Nest suffices for more basic smart home needs if Google ecosystem integration trumps pure speed.
Recommendation Guide
Given the analysis, here are guidelines on which system fits common scenarios among consumers:
Advanced networking performance needed – Eero
Large spaces, 100+ devices – Eero
Top speeds for 4K/8K, VR gaming – Eero
Budget around $350 – Nest Wifi
Already use Google/Nest smart home products – Nest
Want built-in smart speakers – Nest
Expert Predictions on Wi-Fi Future
As a veteran networking engineer observing Wi-Fi standards evolve for over 20 years, I expect Wi-Fi 7 to become the next big leap around 2024. Key improvements:
- Even faster top speeds – over 30Gbps
- Broader 320MHz channels
- Lower latency approaching 1ms
- Support for up to 16 8K streams at once
I anticipate both Eero and Nest will race to adopt Wi-Fi 7 technology quickly given the immense performance benefits. Eero likely holds the edge again thanks to Amazon‘s vast resources and influence.
The Bottom Line
While both Eero and Nest Wifi succeed in delivering whole home mesh networking, Eero offers a definitively more high-performance experience today thanks to supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and providing over 85% faster throughput speeds.
Nest Wifi competes better on budget, while offering nice smart home bonuses via Google Assistant integration. But can‘t match Eero‘s raw networking capabilities fit for modern demands.
So choose Eero for top-tier networking to future-proof your connectivity, while Nest Wifi makes for a friendly smart home system. Whichever you pick, mesh systems beat traditional routers for flexible coverage without interruptions.
