Google Wifi Vs Samsung Smartthings Wifi Which Mesh System Still Makes Sense In 2025 3

In 2025, the landscape of home networking has evolved rapidly, with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 becoming mainstream and mesh systems expected to deliver seamless coverage, intelligent traffic management, and long-term software support. Amid this shift, older mesh platforms like Google Wifi and Samsung SmartThings Wifi—once pioneers in simplifying home networks—are now facing questions about relevance. While both brought user-friendly design and intuitive apps to the market, their current capabilities must be evaluated against modern demands. This article examines whether either system still makes practical sense for today’s connected homes.

Historical Context: The Rise of Simplicity

Google Wifi launched in 2016 as a sleek, minimalist solution to dead zones and router clutter. It replaced complex networking jargon with a mobile app that made setup accessible to non-tech users. Its tri-band models (later iterations) offered decent throughput and strong roaming thanks to seamless handoff between nodes. Similarly, Samsung SmartThings Wifi, introduced in 2018, combined mesh networking with built-in Zigbee and Z-Wave hubs, positioning itself as a central nervous system for smart homes.

Both systems were praised for ease of use and integration with voice assistants and smart devices. However, their underlying hardware and software roadmaps have diverged significantly since their peak popularity.

“Simplicity sells, but longevity depends on sustained innovation and security updates.” — David Lin, Senior Network Architect at HomeGrid Labs

Current State of Support and Updates

As of 2025, Google has officially ended active development on its standalone Google Wifi and Nest Wifi platforms. While existing units continue to receive critical security patches through the Google Home app, new feature development ceased in 2023. Firmware updates are minimal, and compatibility with newer Wi-Fi standards remains limited—no Wi-Fi 6 or higher support across legacy models.

Samsung SmartThings Wifi faces a similar fate. Though Samsung continues to support the SmartThings ecosystem broadly, the dedicated SmartThings Wifi routers are no longer manufactured or actively marketed. Software updates occur infrequently, and firmware improvements focus solely on stability rather than performance enhancements.

Tip: Devices without regular firmware updates become security liabilities over time. Consider replacing unsupported hardware, especially if handling sensitive data.

Performance Comparison in 2025

Modern households demand more bandwidth than ever—4K streaming, cloud gaming, video conferencing, and dozens of IoT devices strain older systems. Let’s compare key metrics:

Feature	Google Wifi (Legacy)	Samsung SmartThings Wifi
Max Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Backhaul Type	Wireless (dual-band)	Wireless (dedicated backhaul in multi-node setups)
Smart Home Hub	No (requires separate Nest Hub)	Yes (Zigbee & Z-Wave built-in)
App Interface	Google Home (functional but outdated)	SmartThings App (modern, frequently updated)
Firmware Updates	Rare, security-only	Infrequent, basic maintenance
Ease of Setup	Excellent	Very Good
Third-Party Router Mode	Limited	Supported

The table reveals a nuanced picture. While Google Wifi excelled in usability, Samsung’s inclusion of native smart home protocols gives it an edge for automation enthusiasts. However, neither supports modern features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 160 MHz channels, or WPA3 enhancements found in Wi-Fi 6E/7 systems.

Real-World Scenario: The Smith Family’s Upgrade Dilemma

The Smiths have used a three-node Google Wifi setup since 2019 in their 2,200 sq ft suburban home. Initially satisfied, they began noticing issues in 2024: buffering during Zoom meetings, dropped connections in the basement, and slow response from smart lights. Their children’s online classes suffered due to latency spikes during peak usage.

They considered adding another node but discovered Google no longer sells replacements. After testing a refurbished unit, they found it incompatible with newer security policies on their work laptops. Eventually, they migrated to a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system from TP-Link Deco, which resolved congestion and improved device prioritization. Their experience underscores a growing trend: legacy mesh systems can’t scale with evolving digital lifestyles.

When Might These Systems Still Make Sense?

Despite limitations, there are niche scenarios where Google Wifi or Samsung SmartThings Wifi could remain viable:

• Secondary Networks: As guest networks or for isolated IoT devices not requiring high bandwidth.
• Budget Constraints: For renters or temporary setups where investing in new gear isn’t feasible.
• Smart Home Integration: Samsung’s built-in hubs eliminate the need for extra bridges, useful in all-Samsung smart homes.
• Low-Density Homes: In small apartments with few devices, these systems may still perform adequately.

Tip: If retaining an old mesh system, isolate IoT devices on a separate VLAN or guest network to reduce attack surface.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Current System

If you're using either platform, follow this evaluation process to determine if replacement is necessary:

1. Test Speeds at Range: Use a speed test app in distant rooms. Consistently below 50 Mbps on a 100+ Mbps plan indicates degradation.
2. Check Device Count: Over 25 connected devices likely exceeds capacity.
3. Review Update Logs: Open the Google Home or SmartThings app and verify when the last firmware update occurred.
4. Assess Latency: Run ping tests during peak hours. Latency above 50ms suggests congestion.
5. Plan for Future Needs: Will you add AR/VR, multiple 8K streams, or remote workstations? Legacy systems won’t keep pace.

Expert Insight on Longevity and Obsolescence

Network infrastructure has shifted from “set and forget” to continuous evolution. Unlike appliances, routers require ongoing software support to defend against emerging threats and optimize performance.

“Hardware lasts five years, but software support often ends at three. That gap is where vulnerabilities grow.” — Maria Tran, Cybersecurity Analyst at NetDefense Group

This observation highlights a critical blind spot: even if your Google or Samsung mesh system still powers on, its lack of proactive development means diminishing returns in reliability and safety.

Checklist: Should You Replace Your Mesh System?

Use this checklist to decide whether to upgrade:

• ☐ Last firmware update was more than 12 months ago
• ☐ Experiencing frequent disconnects or slow roaming
• ☐ Supporting more than 20 devices simultaneously
• ☐ Planning to adopt Wi-Fi 6/7 or mesh-capable smart home tech
• ☐ Using for work-from-home or business-critical applications
• ☐ No easy access to replacement parts or customer support

If three or more apply, upgrading is strongly advised.

FAQ

Can I use Google Wifi as an access point with a modern router?

Yes, but functionality is limited. Google Wifi can operate in Access Point mode via Ethernet, extending coverage. However, advanced features like band steering or load balancing won’t be available.

Is Samsung SmartThings Wifi better than Google Wifi for smart homes?

In specific cases, yes. If you rely heavily on Zigbee or Z-Wave devices (e.g., sensors, locks), Samsung’s integrated hub reduces complexity. But standalone hubs like Aeotec or Home Assistant offer greater flexibility and community support.

Are these systems unsafe to use in 2025?

Not inherently unsafe, but risk increases over time. Without regular patches, known exploits may go unaddressed. Use them only in low-risk environments and avoid routing sensitive financial or medical traffic through them.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for 2025 and Beyond

While Google Wifi and Samsung SmartThings Wifi were groundbreaking in their time, neither system represents a forward-looking investment in 2025. Technological stagnation, lack of Wi-Fi 6+ support, and dwindling software maintenance make them poor choices for primary networks in modern homes. Samsung retains slight advantage for smart home integrators due to embedded radio support, but even that benefit is eroding as Matter protocol gains traction across newer devices.

The decision isn’t just about speed—it’s about sustainability, security, and scalability. Upgrading to a current-generation mesh system ensures compatibility with emerging standards, better Quality of Service (QoS), and peace of mind through active vendor support.

🚀 Ready to future-proof your home network? Explore Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems from trusted brands like Eero, ASUS, or Netgear—and take control of your connectivity before obsolescence catches up.