Battle of the wireless titans: nokia beacon 2 vs google wifi – performance and coverage compared

The world of home networking has evolved rapidly, with mesh Wi-Fi systems emerging as the preferred choice for reliable and seamless internet connectivity. Two prominent players in this market are Nokia Beacon 2 and Google Wifi. This comprehensive comparison aims to provide an in-depth analysis of these two mesh systems, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences.

Design and Build Quality

Nokia Beacon 2: The Nokia Beacon 2 features a sleek and compact design, measuring 4.3 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches. Its matte white finish exudes a minimalistic and modern aesthetic. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy construction that ensures durability.

Google Wifi: Google Wifi units adopt a cylindrical form factor, standing at 4.1 x 3.3 inches. They come in two color options: Snow and Chalk. The devices are lightweight and have a clean, unassuming design. The build quality is equally impressive, with a durable plastic casing.

Wireless Performance and Coverage

Nokia Beacon 2: The Nokia Beacon 2 utilizes Wi-Fi 6 technology, delivering theoretical speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps. It supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, providing wide coverage and reduced interference. The system can handle up to 100 connected devices simultaneously.

Google Wifi: Google Wifi employs Wi-Fi 5 technology, offering speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps. It operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, but has a slightly lower device capacity of 75 connected devices.

Features and Functionality

Nokia Beacon 2: The Nokia Beacon 2 comes equipped with a range of features, including:

• Automatic Channel Selection: Optimizes Wi-Fi performance by selecting the best channels to use.
• Traffic Prioritization: Prioritizes bandwidth for specific devices or applications.
• Guest Network: Creates a separate network for guests, ensuring privacy and security.
• Parental Controls: Provides parental control features to manage internet access and set limits for children.

Google Wifi: Google Wifi offers a comparable set of features:

• Network Assist: Automatically optimizes Wi-Fi performance by adjusting settings and selecting the best channels.
• Prioritized Devices: Allows users to prioritize specific devices for faster speeds.
• Guest Network: Creates a separate network for guests, with customizable access permissions.
• Family Wi-Fi: Provides parental control features, including content filtering and device management.

Price and Value

Nokia Beacon 2: The Nokia Beacon 2 is priced at $129 per unit. A two-pack costs $249, while a three-pack is priced at $349.

Google Wifi: Google Wifi is priced at $99 per unit. A three-pack costs $299, while a four-pack is priced at $399.

Setup and Management

Nokia Beacon 2: The Nokia Beacon 2 can be set up using the Nokia WiFi app, available for iOS and Android. The app provides a user-friendly interface and step-by-step instructions.

Google Wifi: Google Wifi uses the Google Home app for setup and management. The app offers similar user-friendliness and intuitive controls.

Security and Privacy

Nokia Beacon 2: The Nokia Beacon 2 supports WPA2 and WPA3 security protocols, ensuring data protection and privacy. It also includes a built-in firewall to safeguard against unauthorized access.

Google Wifi: Google Wifi utilizes WPA2 and WPA3 security protocols, providing robust encryption for data protection. Additionally, it offers two-factor authentication for added security.

The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice

The choice between Nokia Beacon 2 and Google Wifi ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, the Nokia Beacon 2 offers superior performance and speed. Google Wifi, on the other hand, provides a more affordable option with a solid set of features and ease of use. Both systems deliver reliable and seamless Wi-Fi coverage, making them excellent choices for home networking.

What You Need to Learn

Q1. Which system offers better parental control features?
A. Both Nokia Beacon 2 and Google Wifi provide parental control features, but Google Wifi’s Family Wi-Fi offers more advanced options, including content filtering and device management.

Q2. Is either system compatible with other mesh Wi-Fi products?
A. No, both Nokia Beacon 2 and Google Wifi are not compatible with other mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Q3. How do I extend the coverage of my mesh Wi-Fi system?
A. You can extend the coverage of your mesh Wi-Fi system by adding additional nodes or units. Both Nokia Beacon 2 and Google Wifi allow for easy expansion of the network.