Google WiFi 6 Routers: Model-by-Model Guide
Google’s current router lineup—Google Nest WiFi and Google WiFi—does not support Wi-Fi 6 on any model. As of 2025, Google has not released a Wi-Fi 6 router; the latest Nest WiFi Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is a separate standard that adds the 6 GHz band. This guide explains exactly which Google routers exist, what wireless standards they support, and what your upgrade options are if you need Wi-Fi 6.
Background: Google’s Router Generations
Google entered the home router market in 2016 with the original Google WiFi, a mesh system that supported Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). In 2019, Google released Nest WiFi, which also used Wi-Fi 5 but added a built-in speaker and Google Assistant on the router unit. In 2022, Google launched Nest WiFi Pro, which supports Wi-Fi 6E—not Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6 that adds the 6 GHz band, so it is backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6 devices but is not the same certification.
No Google router supports the base Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard. If you specifically need Wi-Fi 6, you must look at third-party brands like Asus, TP-Link, Netgear, or Eero (though Eero’s latest models also use Wi-Fi 6E). Google has not announced any plans to release a Wi-Fi 6–only router, so your upgrade path is either to Wi-Fi 6E (with Nest WiFi Pro) or to a different brand.
Model-by-Model Breakdown
- Google WiFi (2016) – Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band, AC1200. No Wi-Fi 6.
- Nest WiFi Router and Point (2019) – Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band, AC2200. No Wi-Fi 6.
- Nest WiFi Pro (2022) – Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), tri-band, AXE5400. Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E devices, but is not a Wi-Fi 6–only router.
If you own a Google WiFi or Nest WiFi, you cannot get Wi-Fi 6 by a firmware update—the hardware lacks the necessary chips. You need new hardware.
How Wi-Fi 6 Differs from Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) operates on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Wi-Fi 6E adds a third band at 6 GHz, which is less congested and offers higher throughput, but has shorter range. Devices must be Wi-Fi 6E–certified to use the 6 GHz band; older Wi-Fi 6 devices will connect to the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands on a Wi-Fi 6E router. So, a Nest WiFi Pro will work fine with your Wi-Fi 6 laptop, but it will not use the 6 GHz band unless the laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6E.
For most homes, Wi-Fi 6 is sufficient. Wi-Fi 6E is beneficial if you have many devices in a dense environment or need very low latency for VR or gaming, but the 6 GHz signal does not penetrate walls as well.
How to Choose the Right Upgrade
If you are upgrading from an older Google router, consider these factors:
- Do you need Wi-Fi 6 specifically? If yes, skip Google and choose a Wi-Fi 6 router from another brand. If you are open to Wi-Fi 6E, Nest WiFi Pro is an option.
- Mesh coverage: Google’s mesh systems are easy to set up and manage via the Google Home app. Third-party mesh systems like Eero or TP-Link Deco offer similar ease.
- Budget: Wi-Fi 6 routers are generally cheaper than Wi-Fi 6E. You can find good dual-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems for less than a Nest WiFi Pro 3-pack.
- Ecosystem: If you use Google Home and want a router with a built-in speaker, Nest WiFi (Wi-Fi 5) is the only option. Nest WiFi Pro does not have a speaker.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Misconception: “Nest WiFi Pro is a Wi-Fi 6 router.� It is Wi-Fi 6E, which is a superset. It supports Wi-Fi 6 devices, but it is not marketed as a Wi-Fi 6 router. The difference matters if you are trying to match a specific standard.
Problem: “My old Google WiFi doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, so I need to replace it.� Yes, but only if you have Wi-Fi 6 devices that you want to run at full speed. If your devices are Wi-Fi 5, there is no benefit to upgrading.
Problem: “Can I mix Google WiFi and Nest WiFi Pro in one mesh?� Google says you can mix Nest WiFi Pro with Nest WiFi or Google WiFi, but the older units will operate at their own speeds and may not support all features. It is generally better to use matching hardware.
Problem: “Will a Wi-Fi 6 router make my internet faster?� Only if your internet plan is faster than what your current router can deliver. Wi-Fi 6 improves efficiency and capacity, not the raw speed of your ISP connection.
Comparison: Google vs. Third-Party Wi-Fi 6 Routers
If you decide to leave Google, here’s what to expect:
- Asus RT-AX58U – A popular Wi-Fi 6 router with good performance and parental controls.
- TP-Link Archer AX55 – Budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 with easy setup.
- Netgear Nighthawk RAX50 – Mid-range Wi-Fi 6 with good range.
- Eero 6 – Mesh Wi-Fi 6 system with simple app control, similar to Google’s approach.
These routers support Wi-Fi 6 and are generally cheaper than Nest WiFi Pro. The trade-off is that you lose the tight integration with Google Home and the simple mesh setup that Google offers.
Cost and Value Considerations
Wi-Fi 6 routers range from about $100 for a single unit to $300+ for a mesh system. Nest WiFi Pro (3-pack) costs around $400, which is competitive for Wi-Fi 6E mesh. If you only need Wi-Fi 6, you can save money by choosing a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system from another brand. However, if you plan to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E devices in the future, the Nest WiFi Pro might be a better long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google WiFi support Wi-Fi 6?
No. The original Google WiFi (2016) and Nest WiFi (2019) both support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Only Nest WiFi Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is a newer standard than Wi-Fi 6.
Can I get Wi-Fi 6 on my Google WiFi with a firmware update?
No. Wi-Fi 6 requires specific hardware (chips and antennas) that older Google routers do not have. Firmware updates cannot add new wireless standards.
Is Nest WiFi Pro backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6 devices?
Yes. Nest WiFi Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E devices. Wi-Fi 6 devices will connect on the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands, but they will not use the 6 GHz band.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6 uses the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz band, which is less congested and offers higher performance but shorter range. Wi-Fi 6E is backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6 devices.
Should I upgrade to Nest WiFi Pro or buy a Wi-Fi 6 router from another brand?
It depends on your needs. If you want Wi-Fi 6E and like the Google Home app, choose Nest WiFi Pro. If you want to save money and only need Wi-Fi 6, a third-party router is more cost-effective.
Will a Wi-Fi 6 router improve my internet speed?
Only if your current router is the bottleneck. If your ISP plan is faster than what your router can deliver, Wi-Fi 6 can help. Otherwise, you won’t see a speed increase, but you may see better performance with many devices connected.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.