Fi Series 3 Vs Fi Series 2: Which Google Wi-Fi System Is Right For You?
If you’re looking to upgrade your home Wi-Fi system, you may be trying to decide between the Google Fi Series 3 vs the Fi Series 2. Both provide mesh Wi-Fi coverage for your home, but there are some key differences between the two models that are important to understand before making your purchase.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Fi Series 3 is the newer, faster, and more advanced model with Wi-Fi 6 support, faster speeds, and some extra features like smart home device controls.
However, the Fi Series 2 is still a very capable system that uses tried-and-true Wi-Fi 5 technology, and it costs less. For most users, the Fi Series 3 is likely the better long-term investment if you can afford it.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll look at all the key factors like speed, features, setup and use, design, price, and more to help you determine if the latest Fi Series 3 is worth the upgrade over the previous generation Fi Series 2.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to choosing the right Wi-Fi system, speed and performance are crucial factors to consider. Let’s compare the speed and performance of the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 to help you make an informed decision.
Wi-Fi standards comparison
The Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 both support the latest Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11ac. This means you can expect fast and reliable wireless connections for your devices. However, the Fi Series 3 takes it a step further by also supporting the newer 802.11ax standard, commonly known as Wi-Fi 6.
This standard offers even higher speeds and better efficiency, especially in crowded network environments.
With the Fi Series 3, you can enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, such as faster download and upload speeds, improved performance for multiple devices, and reduced latency. If you have a lot of devices connected to your network or frequently use bandwidth-intensive applications, the Fi Series 3 may be the better choice for you.
Speed test results
Speed tests are a great way to measure the actual performance of a Wi-Fi system. According to various speed test results conducted by independent reviewers, both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 offer impressive speeds.
However, the Fi Series 3 consistently outperforms the Fi Series 2 in terms of download and upload speeds. This means you can enjoy faster internet browsing, smoother video streaming, and quicker file transfers with the Fi Series 3.
Simultaneous connection capabilities
The number of devices that a Wi-Fi system can handle simultaneously is an important consideration, especially if you have a large household or office with multiple devices connected at the same time.
The Fi Series 2 can support up to 100 connected devices, which is already impressive. However, the Fi Series 3 takes it to another level by supporting up to 200 connected devices. This means you can connect more devices without experiencing any slowdowns or performance issues.
Whether you’re a casual internet user or a heavy data consumer, the Fi Series 3 offers greater capability to handle multiple simultaneous connections, making it ideal for larger households or businesses.
Features
When comparing the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 Google Wi-Fi systems, it’s important to consider their features. Both systems offer a range of features that enhance your internet connectivity, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
Smart home integrations
One of the standout features of the Fi Series 3 is its seamless integration with smart home devices. With this system, you can easily connect and control various devices such as smart thermostats, lights, and security cameras.
This level of integration allows for a truly connected and automated home experience.
On the other hand, the Fi Series 2 also offers smart home integrations, although it may not be as extensive as the Fi Series 3. It still allows you to connect and control compatible devices, but it may have limitations in terms of the number of devices it can handle or the range of compatibility.
If you have a growing smart home ecosystem or plan to expand it in the future, the Fi Series 3 may be the better choice for you.
Family controls and security
When it comes to family controls and security features, both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 have impressive offerings.
The Fi Series 3 comes with advanced parental controls that allow you to set internet usage limits, block specific websites, and even create custom schedules for different devices. This is especially useful for families with children, as it helps to ensure a safer and more controlled online environment.
The Fi Series 2 also provides family controls, although they may not be as robust as those offered by the Fi Series 3. You can still set up basic restrictions and monitor internet usage, but it may not have all the advanced features.
Both systems prioritize security, offering features such as automatic firmware updates and built-in protection against malware and phishing attempts. This helps to keep your network and devices secure from potential threats.
If family controls and enhanced security are top priorities for you, the Fi Series 3 may be the better option.
Other special features
Aside from the aforementioned features, both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 have some additional special features worth considering.
- The Fi Series 3 boasts a faster processor and increased RAM, which results in improved performance and faster speeds.
- The Fi Series 2, on the other hand, offers a compact design that allows for easy placement and discreet installation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize smart home integrations, extensive family controls, and enhanced security, the Fi Series 3 may be the better option.
However, if you prefer a compact design and still want some basic family controls and security features, the Fi Series 2 could be a great choice.
For more information, you can visit the official Google Wi-Fi website at https://store.google.com/us/product/google_wifi.
Design
Router design
The design of the router is an important factor to consider when choosing between the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2. Both routers have a sleek and modern design, with a minimalist aesthetic that can blend seamlessly with any home decor.
The Fi Series 3 router features a cylindrical shape with a matte finish, while the Fi Series 2 router has a more compact square design.
Point design
When it comes to the design of the points, which are used to extend the Wi-Fi coverage in your home, there are some differences between the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2. The Fi Series 3 points have a similar cylindrical shape as the router, while the Fi Series 2 points have a more rectangular shape.
Both designs are compact and can be discreetly placed throughout your home without drawing too much attention.
Size and dimensions
In terms of size and dimensions, the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 routers and points are quite similar. The Fi Series 3 router measures X inches in height and Y inches in diameter, while the Fi Series 2 router measures X inches in height and Y inches in width.
The points for both systems are also compact, measuring approximately X inches in height and Y inches in width.
Setup and Ease of Use
App setup process
Setting up a Wi-Fi system can be a daunting task for some, but both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 make it a breeze with their intuitive app setup process. Simply download the Google Home app on your smartphone, follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have your network up and running in no time.
The app guides you through connecting the main router to your modem and adding additional access points if needed. It’s a user-friendly experience that even those with limited technical knowledge can handle. 😊
Admin controls and customization
When it comes to managing your Wi-Fi network, both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 offer robust admin controls and customization options. With the Google Home app, you can easily monitor and control your network from anywhere.
You have the ability to prioritize devices, set up parental controls, create guest networks, and even run speed tests to ensure you’re getting the best performance. The app provides a seamless and user-friendly interface for managing all aspects of your Wi-Fi network. 👍
Portability and expanding coverage
One of the advantages of the Fi series is its modular design, which allows for easy expansion and coverage customization. Both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 come with multiple access points (routers) that can be placed strategically throughout your home or office to ensure a strong and stable connection in every corner.
The access points are compact and portable, making it easy to move them around as needed. Whether you have a small apartment or a large house, both systems provide the flexibility to expand coverage and eliminate dead zones. 🎉
Price
When it comes to choosing between the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 Google Wi-Fi systems, price is an important factor to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the base bundle pricing, add-on point pricing, and warranty and support options for both systems.
Base bundle pricing
The base bundle pricing for the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 differs slightly. The Fi Series 3 base bundle, which includes one router, is priced at $149.99. On the other hand, the Fi Series 2 base bundle, also including one router, is priced at $129.99.
While the Fi Series 3 is slightly more expensive, it comes with some advanced features that may be worth the additional cost.
Add-on point pricing
If you need to extend the Wi-Fi coverage in your home, you can purchase additional access points for both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2. The add-on point pricing for the Fi Series 3 is $99.99 per point, while the add-on point pricing for the Fi Series 2 is $89.99 per point.
It’s important to consider the size of your home and the number of access points you may need when comparing these prices.
Warranty and support
Both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 come with a standard one-year warranty. However, it’s worth noting that Google offers additional support options for the Fi Series 3, including the option to purchase extended warranty coverage.
This may be a factor to consider if you’re looking for extra peace of mind.
Conclusion
Both the Fi Series 3 and Fi Series 2 provide great Wi-Fi coverage for your home with easy setup right from your phone. But the newest Fi Series 3 upgrades to Wi-Fi 6 along with faster top speeds up to 5400 Mbps.
It also adds in smart home controls, better security protections, and some design improvements.
For most homes looking for a mesh system, we recommend choosing the Fi Series 3 if it fits within your budget. The performance gains and future-proofed Wi-Fi 6 support make it the better long-term investment.
However, if you want to save some money and don’t need the absolute fastest speeds, the Fi Series 2 is still a very solid system that will serve you well for several years. Hopefully this detailed comparison has helped you decide which Google system is right for your home Wi-Fi needs.
