Google Nest Wifi: Reliable Mesh for Budget-Conscious Smart Homes

Google’s Nest Wifi Pro takes aim at the modern smart home, ditching its predecessor’s budget-friendly approach for the latest WiFi 6E technology and revamped features. Does it hit the mark, or is it a case of Pro in name only? Let’s dig in and see if it stands out in the increasingly crowded mesh scene.

Pro-ing Performance:

• WiFi 6E Powerhouse: The headline feature is undoubtedly the jump to WiFi 6E, offering theoretical speeds up to 9.6 Gbps, a significant leap from Nest Wifi’s WiFi 5. While real-world speeds will be lower, you’ll see a considerable improvement in bandwidth, especially with compatible devices.
• Enhanced Mesh Coverage: Google claims expanded coverage compared to the original Nest Wifi, reaching up to 6,600 square feet with a single unit. This makes it suitable for medium to large homes, potentially eliminating dead zones even in complex layouts.
• Seamless Connectivity: Like other mesh systems, Nest Wifi Pro uses multiple nodes (points) to blanket your home, ensuring smooth transitions between rooms and uninterrupted connections.

Smart Features and Convenience:

• Integrated Google Assistant: Each point doubles as a smart speaker, allowing voice control of your smart home, music playback, and access to Google Assistant’s other functionalities.
• Easy Setup and Management: The familiar Google Home app guides you through a quick setup process. Managing your network, setting parental controls, and troubleshooting remain as simple as ever.
• Thread Technology: Nest Wifi Pro supports Thread, a low-power wireless protocol designed for smart home devices. This promises greater reliability and longer battery life for compatible gadgets.

Potential Shortcomings:

• Price Point: The jump to WiFi 6E comes at a cost, making Nest Wifi Pro significantly more expensive than its predecessor. Consider if the performance bump justifies the price difference for your needs.
• Limited Wired Ports: Similar to the original Nest Wifi, the Pro version only offers two Gigabit Ethernet ports, which might not be enough for power users with many wired devices.
• No MU-MIMO: Nest Wifi Pro still lacks MU-MIMO technology, potentially impacting performance in heavily congested networks with multiple devices vying for bandwidth.

Verdict:

Nest Wifi Pro offers a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, catering to users who prioritize the latest WiFi 6E technology and its potential speed benefits. The expanded coverage, smart speaker integration, and Thread support further enhance the appeal. However, the increased price tag, limited wired ports, and lack of MU-MIMO need to be factored in.

Who should buy it?

• Yes, if:
  • You have a medium or large home and need the latest WiFi 6E speeds.
  • You want a smart home with integrated Google Assistant control.
  • You have multiple Thread-compatible smart home devices.
• No, if:
  • You’re on a tight budget and can get by with the performance of the original Nest Wifi.
  • You have many wired devices and require more than two Ethernet ports.
  • You don’t prioritize WiFi 6E speeds and MU-MIMO isn’t a concern.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Nest Wifi Pro is a solid option for those seeking a future-proof smart home network with the latest technology and convenient features. However, value-conscious buyers and those with less demanding requirements might find the original Nest Wifi or other competing mesh systems offer better value.

Check it out on Amazon now.

I hope this review helps you make an informed decision about your wifi system upgrade!