Google Nest Wifi

amazon Google Nest Wifi reviews

Getting internet service at home means calling your local carrier or surfing the web to find the best deals around. When there’s something worth signing up for, a technician comes out to install it. You are usually up and running in a few minutes. Most people never worry about replacing a router – unless they need more coverage.

That’s where Google Nest wifi comes to life with whole-home coverage and consistency. Essentially, the Nest wifi aims to accomplish the same task as most other wifi routers. Still, Google’s explanation of the secret offers some notable features that continue to focus on providing multifunction devices for smart homes.

Routers can be overwhelming to set up, especially for those with no background in networking. Google makes the process painless and simple with the included quick start guide. I’ve had my share of frustration with router setups being overly complicated, but this is without a doubt the simplest to get up and to run.

Using the Google Home app on my Android smartphone, I was directed to connect a Nest wifi router to my existing Xfinity xFi Gateway modem using the included Ethernet port.

Once I finished setting up the right SSID and password for my network, connecting the Nest wifi point required a QR code on the device using the Google Home app. From there, it automatically contacts the router to establish the network.

While I appreciate Google’s approach to the setup process, anyone configuring other mesh systems won’t find it unique or unusual. For example, Netgear’s Orbi Mesh wifi system has a similar setup process. Mesh networks are easy to use, and Google’s competitors at Netgear and Linksys haven’t been caught off guard.

The real key to Google’s approach is Google’s branding. Nest wifi maintains the company’s software interface. If you use a Pixel phone or own another Google Home device, Nest wifi will seem familiar at first.

Perform smarter

In general, there is little love for routers. Once set up, they’re often hidden behind cabinets or entertainment systems and forgotten unless problems arise. Here, the integration of Google Assistant with a wifi spot shows that the company embraces the multifunctional aspect of devices.

Wifi spots are not only useful for extending indoor coverage but can also be used to do all the same things as any Google smart speaker. It essentially doubles as a Nest Mini speaker, allowing it to play music, access Google Assistant, and even control other connected smart home devices through voice actions.

Speaking of music, it’s a small step up from the Nest Mini’s audio performance with the clear bass it delivers, making it a more substantial and satisfying sound to listen to. Like the Nest Mini, the proximity sensors can detect when you’re near and light the LED on the top of the device. Even better, I love how the LED ring around the body lights up whenever you command Google Assistant.

That’s $149 a pop, compared to a meager $50 for the Nest Mini. Nest wifi hotspot is router first, smart speaker second. Still, it’s nice to see it working as more than just an access point for the network.

Pricing is on par with its rivals, seeing that the satellites complement Netgear and Amazon’s Ebi mesh systems have a similar MSRP. Letting the hardware double as a smart speaker gives Google more value.

Empty the dead zone

I live in a small apartment about 1,100 square feet, so my current xFi Gateway can cover most locations, although remote areas can be spotty. The worst spots are in my bedroom and bathroom, where I tend to see weaker wifi connections, usually around a bar or two. The signal needs to go through a few walls and other obstructions.

The Nest wifi mesh system covers areas with sufficient coverage without sacrificing speed in the process by leveraging the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously for optimal performance. I could still get around 900 Mbps down and 40 Mbps up, similar to what I get when I’m in the same room as my Xfinity xFi Gateway. For remote areas that weren’t completely cleared before, it’s nice to see that my connection speed is now preserved.

The benefit here is the extra reach of my wifi network. While it doesn’t change my current setup significantly, I can enjoy better wifi in extreme corners of the house, making for a more reliable connection.

By itself, the router provides coverage of up to 2,200 square feet, while each wifi point adds 1,600 square feet. Naturally, the benefit is that you can scale the right setup to provide consistent coverage throughout the home. Of course, this is not something you can achieve with most routers unless they are designed with mesh networking in mind.

For comparison, the 2nd generation Eero Pro gateway covers 1,750 square feet, with each beacon capable of covering 1,500 square feet. However, even more, impressive is the 3,500-square-foot coverage with Netgear’s Orbi Router and an additional 2,000 square feet of coverage with each satellite.

Overall, the Google Nest wifi isn’t the most technically capable option. The average American home is just under 2,500 square feet. That means a Nest wifi router with an access point should be adequate.

More spacious room

Google’s approach to this is simple and easy networking, achieved here with the Nest wifi. However, those craving advanced controls and features will be disappointed by the slim offerings here.

Sure, there’s access to features like setting up a guest network, parental controls/restrictions and even prioritizing traffic, but you won’t find other advanced features that the pros don’t. Serious networkers love routers – like MAC address filtering, static IP address assignment, and dynamic DNS. There are grid systems that offer these features, but the costs associated with them are higher.

Another thing that may disappoint people is that the Nest wifi router only has a single Ethernet port. Meaning, you will need to purchase an Ethernet hub if you need to connect multiple devices to the network. Most mesh wifi routers tend to offer a single ethernet port, but then you have some, like the Linksys Max-Stream AC2200 router, which is more generous with four ethernet ports.

where can you get a Google Nest Wifi online

Google Nest Wifi – AC2200 – Mesh WiFi System – Wifi Router – 4400 Sq Ft Coverage – 2 pack: Buy it now

Google Nest WiFi Router 3 Pack ( One Router & Two extenders) 2nd Generation 4×4 AC2200 Mesh Wi-Fi Routers with 6600 Sq Ft Coverage (Renewed): Buy it now