Mesh routers from Google’s Nest WiFi series are an example of how big things can fit in small packages. The Nest WiFi Review you’ve been waiting for is now available.
The small mesh routers can provide a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout a house and even come with a Google Home speaker built in for voice control and music playback. This gives users the same level of smart speaker control as the Netgear Orbi Voice, an expensive add-on to our previous top mesh Wi-Fi system, the Netgear Orbi. We’re going to look at the Nest WiFi review in this article.
Although the Nest WiFi kit isn’t perfect—we’d prefer to see more customization options and a wider selection of individual devices—it is more compact and reasonably priced than competing mesh systems.
It is more potent than both the most recent Eero mesh system and the Netgear Orbi with Orbi Voice extension. In other words, the two-piece kit outperforms the competition when it comes to transmitting Wi-Fi data and audio.
Discover why Nest WiFi is the best mesh Wi-Fi system on the market by reading our in-depth review.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Google Assistant with music
- Simple setup
- Small and unobtrusive
Cons:
- Short range
- Speaker isn’t loud enough
- Few configuration choices
Performance
Built on a customized version of Qualcomm’s QCS400 family of processors, the Nest WiFi router and extensions have a 1.4GHz quad-core CPU, two Digital Signal Processors (DSP), far-field voice-pickup technologies, and more.
For firmware and configuration, the router has 1GB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage, while the extensions have 768MB of RAM and 512MB of storage space.
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Fortunately, the router uses a Trusted Platform Module to authorize its automated firmware changes (TPM). This suggests that system updates are secure and will only be accepted if they have received digital authentication from Google.
The system includes WPA 3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security, however few networking equipment currently adhere to this new standard. You can still use WPA 2, which is more popular.
When the router was five feet from the Nest base unit, its maximum throughput was 653.2 Mbps. This is more faster than the original Google WiFi (464.3Mbps) and far outperforms the 2019 Eero (342.2Mbps).
Configuration
There are few customization options available for the Nest WiFi equipment, which primarily relies on the Google Home app for setting tweaks. In addition to installing extensions and setting up groups, the software allows you to adjust the router’s and extensions’ brightness.
I always had the option to do a networking test, remotely restart the network, or show the Guest network password on a smart display. Certain information, like IP addresses and firmware versions, is available on the router and extension Settings pages.
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There are no traditional router setup options like setting up static IP addresses, managing ports, or choosing a Wi-Fi channel.
To have access to these more advanced features, use the older Google Wi-Fi app. From there, you can make DHCP reservations or change the system’s privacy settings. Why the two applications haven’t been combined is a mystery.
Including smart houses
The Google Home app, along with the Nest WiFi hardware, can be used to control a variety of home automation gadgets, including the best smart lightbulbs. Press the “+” button in the top left corner of the main screen to add a device.
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Be advised that the Home app is picky and won’t identify an Amazon Smart plug or a Belkin Wemo light bulb (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab).
Along with LEDVANCE lights from Sylvania, it also functions with Philips Hue and C by GE bulbs. With the help of the Nest WiFi extension and the Home app, I was able to dim and turn off the lights individually.
