Image rights: Google.G
oogle Wi–Fi was a hit: a simple,
inconspicuous mesh router that did
the job. Google being Google, they’ve
replaced that with a new product that does
the same thing. But does its Nest Wi–Fi
match up?
It’s lost a few features. Where Google Wi–
Fi’s nodes each included a pair of Ethernet
ports, Nest Wi–Fi offers only one useable port
on the router module and none on the mesh
points. No wired backhaul (or dedicated
wireless backhaul channel) here. The Google
Home app, used to set it up, currently lacks a
few more advanced control features, meaning
you’ll also need the updated Google Wi–Fi app
to see, for example, which devices are
connected to which mesh node. Very odd.
But let’s look at what you do get. You get
coverage which, in our tests of the two–node
pack, arguably reaches just as deeply into the
dark corners of your home as the three–nodeGoogle Wi–Fi. You get comparable speeds
— likely not what your modem is capable of
maxing out at, but perfectly strong for
802.11ac wireless, particularly if you’re
attached to the router node.
You get a simple setup process that, like
Google’s other smart devices, might take a
couple of tries to stick but is rock solid once
it has. You get Google Assistant functionality,
with each mesh point (but not the router)
acting in the same way as a Nest Mini. And
you get hardware with smoothed–out looks,
at a package price far below that of some
competitors. There’s not enough here to
warrant throwing away your existing Google
Wi–Fi, but if you’re starting out with mesh
networking this is a good choice.
THE BOTTOM LINE. A solid, cheap and
easy mesh networking setup, though one that
perhaps lacks enough power for advanced
users. ALEX COXGoogle Nest Wi–Fi
Mesh networking without the complexity
$269 (router and point) From Google, store.google.com
Features 802.11ac radio, AC2200 2x2 antennas, dual–band 2.4/5GHzGOOGLE
NEST WI–FI
Great coverage
Straightforward admin
Assistant integration
Lacking ethernet ports
GREAT
Reviews
42 MAR 2020 maclife.com
The Nest Wi–Fi does a great job at
hiding in plain view — far more than
a traditional router, at least.