Google Wifi
Score: 68/100
TP-Link Archer AX55
Score: 77/100Rankings
The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router delivering up to 2.976 Gbps with four antennas, advanced security and USB 3.0 sharing, suitable for small-to-medium homes. It lacks a 6 GHz band and multi-gigabit wired ports, which may limit future-proofing and high-throughput scenarios. Ideal for users seeking solid Wi-Fi 6 performance and robust security on a budget.
Google Wifi is an entry-level dual-band Wi-Fi 5 mesh router offering up to 1,200 Mbps speed and 1,500 sq ft coverage per unit with easy app-based setup. Its limitations include lower throughput, few Ethernet ports, and lack of Wi-Fi 6. It is best for budget-focused households that need straightforward coverage without demanding high-speed networking.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,200 Mbps | 2,976 Mbpsbest | |
1,500 sqftbest | — | |
— | 4best | |
4best | 2 | |
0.5 GBbest | 0.5 GBbest | |
2 | 4best | |
— | 0.128 GBbest | |
— | 1best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | 2.4 GHz,5 GHz |
Security(1) | ||
Security Protocols | WPA3 | WPA3,HomeShield |
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Wireless Speed (Mbps) | 1200 Mbps | 2976 Mbps |
Processor | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Dual-core |
CPU Cores | 4 | 2 |
Ports(1) | ||
LAN Ports | 2 | 4 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the system's plug-and-play installation, reliable self-healing mesh, and scalable coverage, but criticize the lack of Wi-Fi 6, limited wired ports, and the simplistic app that omits advanced controls.
Everyday users repeatedly praise the straightforward setup, seamless roaming, and compact design, while common complaints focus on the scarcity of Ethernet ports, no increase in ISP speed, occasional reboots, and reduced performance at the edges of coverage.
Professional reviewers consider the AX55 a solid budget Wi-Fi 6 solution, commending its Qualcomm CPU, 512 MB RAM, and comprehensive HomeShield security while noting the absence of 6 GHz support and multi-gig Ethernet as trade-offs for its price point.
Everyday users consistently praise the easy Tether app setup, reliable 4K streaming, and useful USB-3.0 file sharing, but they also flag occasional firmware hiccups and limited coverage in larger homes as the main pain points.
“Easy app-based setup, stable speeds for 4K streaming/multiple devices, good range with antennas, USB sharing utility.”
“Occasional firmware glitches, no multi-gig ports (stuck at 1 Gbps wired).”
