Looking to upgrade your home WiFi to a mesh network, but unsure whether to choose Eero or Nest? This comprehensive side-by-side analysis explains everything to consider when deciding. By the end, you‘ll have the knowledge to choose which advanced wireless system is right for your needs and budget.
We‘ll Cover:
- Origins and Innovation History
- Detailed Technical Spec Comparison
- Key Strengths and Limitations
- How New WiFi 6 Standard Factors In
- Which System is Best For:
- Budget Shoppers
- Smart Home Owners
- Speed Prioritizers
- Verdict: System Rankings in 2023
Let‘s get started!
Backstory and Timelines
First, it‘s helpful to understand the backstory and evolution of Eero and Nest WiFi…
Eero – Pushing Mesh Networking Forward
Eero pioneered the modern idea of mesh networking in 2014 by utilizing multiple access points to replace traditional router-extenders. Their early success from 2016 to 2019 saw:
- Over $140M in VC funding
- 350K+ mesh systems installed
- Breakthrough ease of use praised
This traction led to a high-profile 2019 acquisition by Amazon to be the backbone of smart home connectivity.
Since then, highlights include:
| Year | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Launched first support for new WiFi 6 standard |
| 2022 | Added support for advanced smart home protocol Matter |
| 2023 | Now expanding software subscription bundles |
The company has established itself as an innovation leader – consistently pushing boundaries on mesh performance, smart integrations, and subscription-enabled features.
Google Nest Wifi – Iterating on Familiar Formula
Google took aim at mesh systems in 2016 with the launch of the straightforwardly named Google Wifi. It targeted mainstream consumers looking to upgrade spotty routers.
The formula stayed largely consistent through the 2019 rebrand to Nest Wifi as Google aligned its smart home device families:
- 2 access points with subtle performance boosts
- Added Google Assistant integration
Later tweaks were similarly incremental – keeping it simple for the masses yet failing to match Eero‘s bolder technology leaps.
So while reliable and affordable, Nest Wifi has followed rather than led the mesh networking charge.
Detailed Technical Comparison
Now that we‘ve covered the histories, how do Eero and Nest WiFi stack up today on underlying connectivity capabilities?
I‘ve summarized the key specs in this comparison chart:
| Spec | Eero WiFi | Nest WiFi |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Generation | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Frequency Bands | Tri-Band 5 GHz – 5 GHz – 2.4 GHz | Dual-Band 5 GHz – 2.4 GHz |
| Max Speed | 4.2 Gbps | 2.2 Gbps |
| Protocols | OFDMA MU-MIMO | SU-MIMO |
Takeaway: Eero supports newer WiFi 6 standard components leading to faster throughput
Real-World Speed Testing
Lab benchmarking bears out the spec advantage in actual speed testing:
- Eero – 851 Mbps avg close by / 315 Mbps 30 feet away
- Nest – 539 Mbps avg close by / 173 Mbps 30 feet away
So accessing files, streaming UHD video, or video calls will be:
✅ More stable room-to-room with Eero
❌ More prone to lag with Nest
Takeaway: Faster top speeds achieved by Eero for high-demand uses
What About WiFi 6?
You might have noticed Eero‘s advantage is tied closely to its use of WiFi 6 generation tech. But what does this mean?
WiFi 6 builds on prior standards to:
✅ Unlock faster peak data rates
✅ Stream to more devices concurrently
✅ Reduce latency further
And the best part…WiFi 6 devices work on older networks! So upgrading to Eero future-proofs as you add the latest phones, laptops, tablets or IoT gadgets.
Meanwhile, Nest WiFi lacks WiFi 6 compatibility to date.
Cost Comparison
Now let‘s tackle the pricing and value differences:
| System | Retail Price | Price Per AP | Estimated Coverage | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eero 6 3-pack | $599 | $200/each | 5,000 sq ft | 🟊🟊🟊🟊 |
| Nest Wifi Pack | $349 | $175/each | 4,400 sq ft | 🟊🟊🟊 |
Takeaway: Eero comes at a 71% premium for more advanced technology but higher absolute speeds
It really comes down to:
Nest – More bang for buck if budget it tight
Eero – Paying extra nets you faster, future-proofed WiFi
So factor your financial flexibility and the scale of speeds needed.
Pros and Cons by Use Case
Let‘s now break down the analysis by specific user scenarios:
Good for Cost-Focused Shoppers
Nest Wins If: Budget is main concern before features
- $50 less per access point is easier hit than $600+ initial outlay
- Performance is "good enough" for typical needs
Eero Considerations: Watch for sales first before ruling out
Ideal for Smart Home Owners
Eero Wins If: Future-proofing matters
- WiFi 6 better handles 100+ devices not slowing each other
- Built for next-gen experiences like VR
Nest Considerations: Assistant integration convenient
Web Power Users Should Prioritize Eero
Eero Wins If: Need consistently high WiFi capacity
- Less latency and drop-offs for work video calls
- More headroom for multiple laptops, not just phones
Nest Considerations: Can supplement with wired backhaul
The Expert Verdict for 2023
Given its technology lead for a comparable price once deployed, I suggest:
- Most Users Buy: Eero Mesh WiFi
- Budget-Focused Alternative: Nest WiFi
Specifically, Eero‘s cutting edge WiFi 6 capabilities provide plenty of upside for barely any real drawbacks. And software subscription perks add value over time.
Only those unable financially to afford Eero‘s objectively superior speeds, capacity, and future-proofed platform should consider entry-level Nest. It still enables the benefits of Whole Home mesh versus creaky range extenders.
So there you have it! Let me know if this analysis gives you the complete information to pick out the perfect mesh system for your situation. Happy networking!
