Google Wifi
Score: 68/100
TP-Link Archer BE230
Score: 79/100Rankings
The TP-Link Archer BE230 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router delivering up to 3.6 Gbps total throughput with four antennas, MLO and two 2.5 Gbps ports, ideal for medium-size homes. However, it lacks a 6 GHz band and its 5 GHz range drops off beyond short distances. Best for gamers and streamers in smaller spaces who need fast wired connections.
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 | 3,600 Mbpsbest | |
1,500 sqftbest | — | |
— | 4best | |
4best | 4best | |
0.5 GBbest | — | |
2 | 4best | |
— | 1best | |
— | 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 7 |
Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | 2.4 GHz,5 GHz |
Security(1) | ||
Security Protocols | WPA3 | WPA3,HomeShield |
Performance(2) | ||
Maximum Wireless Speed (Mbps) | 1200 Mbps | 3600 Mbps |
Processor | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core |
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 Archer BE230 a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 router for close-range, bandwidth-intensive use cases, praising its fast 5 GHz speeds, robust 2.4 GHz signal, 2.5 Gbps ports, and superior VPN and USB performance. However, they point out the critical omission of a 6 GHz band and the steep drop-off of 5 GHz throughput at longer distances, which limits its suitability for large or multi-story homes without mesh expansion.
Everyday users value the router's ability to deliver gigabit-level speeds near the device, its strong 2.4 GHz coverage for IoT gadgets, and the convenience of the Tether app. The most common criticism revolves around limited long-range 5 GHz coverage and the lack of a 6 GHz band, prompting many to consider adding EasyMesh nodes for broader coverage.
