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Google Nest WiFi

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Speed
Range
Features
Security
Ease of use
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39 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [39]

78
Total expert reviews: 39
  • with a score: 13
  • without a score: 26
Highest score by Tom's Guide
90
Average score based on 39 reviews
78
Lowest score by WIRED
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
80
Simple, speedy mesh internet and a great foundation for Google smart homes
The Nest Wifi is a reliable and easy-to-use mesh router system that is perfect for those already invested in Google's smart home ecosystem. While it may be more expensive than some competitors and lacks support for next-gen Wi-Fi 6 speeds, its seamless software and smart speaker capabilities make it a strong choice for Google users.
+ pros
  • Easy to set up and provides a speedy Wi-Fi signal throughout your house.
  • Each Nest Wifi Point is also a smart speaker, and the system is controlled through the Google Home app.
  • The Nest Wifi's software allows for seamless connection from band to band and node to node.
- cons
  • More expensive than some other mesh routers on the market, including its top competitors Eero and Netgear Orbi.
  • Lack of Wi-Fi 6 support may be a concern for those looking for a future-proofed system.
  • Expanding the system is also more costly.
90
The Nest WiFi mesh routers from Google are powerful and compact, providing strong Wi-Fi signal throughout a home. With the ability to respond to voice commands and play music, the Nest WiFi is a great option for those looking to mix Wi-Fi and a smart speaker.
+ pros
  • Compact and powerful with the ability to fill a home with strong Wi-Fi signal.
  • More affordable than the Netgear Orbi with Orbi Voice extension and more powerful than the latest Eero mesh system.
  • Accommodates up to 32 extensions and has proactive band steering that sends data to the least congested channel and preferred extension.
  • Responds to all Google Home commands and Google Assistant skills and can control smart home devices.
  • Has a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and WPA 3 security built in.
  • Has a Google Home smart speaker built in.
- cons
  • Customization options are few and far between.
  • Overall volume of the built-in smart speaker is a little weak.
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Expert consensus

The Google Nest WiFi router is a reliable and efficient solution for families of four who frequently use multiple devices simultaneously and want fast and reliable internet speeds, with parental controls, QoS capabilities, and easy setup and management using the Google Home app.

The Google Nest WiFi router is a reliable and efficient solution for users looking to improve their WiFi range and coverage. It offers a maximum speed of 2200 Mbps and a coverage of up to 2,200 Sq Ft, making it suitable for large homes with multiple devices.

The system is optimized for activities like streaming, online gaming, and media consumption, and supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. The router has parental controls, QoS capabilities, and is highly compatible with a wide range of devices and smart home technologies.

It is easy to set up and manage using the Google Home app, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize ease of use and basic security features. However, it may not be suitable for businesses or advanced users who require more advanced security controls and features. Overall, the Google Nest WiFi router is a balanced choice for families of four who frequently use multiple devices simultaneously and want fast and reliable internet speeds.

Speed

The Google Nest WiFi router is a high-speed, reliable, and secure option for families with multiple devices and large homes, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard and optimized for activities like streaming and online gaming.

The Google Nest WiFi router supports a maximum speed of 2200 Mbps, making it suitable for Gigabit plans. It performs well in real-world scenarios such as streaming 4K video or online gaming, with no lag, buffering, or glitches reported by experts. The Nest WiFi Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which provides significantly improved speeds and performance compared to the previous Nest WiFi system and its Wi-Fi 5.

The system is optimized for large homes and can handle more than 100 devices. It supports beamforming and MU-MIMO technology, automatic band-steering, and the latest WPA3 encryption for security. Overall, the Google Nest WiFi router is a balanced choice to accommodate activities like streaming, online gaming, and overall media consumption.

It is suitable for families of four who frequently use multiple devices simultaneously and can penetrate signals through thick walls.

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Range

The Google Nest WiFi router and WiFi points offer reliable and efficient coverage for large homes and offices, with the option to add more points for extended range.

The Google Nest WiFi router has a maximum coverage of 2,200 Sq Ft, and each WiFi point covers up to 1,600 Sq Ft. The system is optimized for large homes and can penetrate signals through thick walls, offering incredible speeds across the house. A two-pack of Nest WiFi is estimated to cover 3,800 square feet and up to 200 connected devices, while a three-pack extends the coverage to 5,400 square feet and 300 devices.

For small apartments, a single Nest WiFi router may be sufficient. The Nest WiFi system uses technologies like MU-MIMO and Beamforming to create a mesh network across your home or office, and optional WiFi points can be added to increase the range of your network even further. The range performance of Google Nest WiFi is optimized for large homes and can handle multiple devices, but the available bandwidth may be compromised.

Overall, the Google Nest WiFi system is a reliable and efficient solution for users looking to improve their WiFi range and coverage.

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Features

The Google Nest WiFi router is a reliable and user-friendly option for families with parental controls, QoS capabilities, and built-in Google Assistant.

The Google Nest WiFi router offers parental controls that allow users to block access to adult websites, create access schedules, pause internet access, and restrict searches. It also has good QoS capabilities, prioritizing certain types of internet traffic over others, making it ideal for streaming 4K videos or gaming online.

However, it does not support VPN connections, and it does not have any USB ports for sharing storage devices. The router is user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, with whole-home coverage and consistency, delivering speeds up to twice as fast as its predecessor. It also has built-in Google Assistant, allowing it to help build up your smart home with voice commands.

Overall, the Google Nest WiFi router is a great option for families looking for a reliable and easy-to-use router with parental controls and QoS capabilities.

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Security

The Google Nest WiFi router offers basic security features suitable for home users prioritizing ease of use and a separate guest network, but may not satisfy advanced users or businesses requiring more advanced security controls and features.

The Google Nest WiFi router offers several security features, including support for WPA3 encryption, a guest network feature, automatic security updates, and a Trusted Platform Module for secure authentication of firmware updates. The firewall feature provides basic protection against cyber threats and unauthorized access.

The security settings and options are user-friendly, but may not satisfy advanced users seeking more control and features. Overall, the Google Nest WiFi router is suitable for home users who prioritize ease of use and basic security features. It is also ideal for those who frequently have guests and want to provide a separate network for them.

However, it may not be suitable for businesses or advanced users who require more advanced security controls and features.

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Ease of use

The Google Nest WiFi router is praised for its ease of use and straightforward setup process, with a user-friendly app that allows for network management from a smartphone, but with limited customization options.

The Google Nest WiFi router is highly praised for its ease of use and straightforward setup process. The Google Home app used to control the router is user-friendly and guides users through the setup process step-by-step. The app also allows users to manage their network from their smartphone, including parental controls, access schedules, and the ability to pause internet access.

However, the customization options for the router are limited, and the app's Wi-Fi settings and features are basic. The standout features of the app include the ability to control connected smart devices, eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones, and prioritize specific devices. Overall, the Google Nest WiFi router is an excellent choice for users who want a simple and easy-to-use router with basic customization options.

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Compatibility

The Google Nest WiFi router is a highly compatible and easy-to-use device that supports a wide range of devices and smart home technologies, and features advanced technologies such as OFDMA data transmissions, WPA3 encryption, MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming, direct-to-client signal beamforming, and 160MHz channel transmissions.

The Google Nest WiFi router is highly compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices. It supports both 2. 4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands and is compatible with the latest 802. 11ac wireless standard. The Nest WiFi Pro is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6E, and features advanced technologies such as OFDMA data transmissions, WPA3 encryption, MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming, direct-to-client signal beamforming, and 160MHz channel transmissions.

Setting up and configuring the Google Nest WiFi is very easy and can be done using the Google Home app on a smartphone or tablet. The Nest WiFi integrates nicely with the whole Google Home IoT setup and offers controls for any connected smart devices such as lights, smart plugs, and thermostats.

Overall, the Google Nest WiFi is an excellent choice for users who want a highly compatible and easy-to-use router that can support a wide range of devices and smart home technologies.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all routers.

Rank Change Price Router
Laptop Mag
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
How To Geek
T3
PCMag
Digital Trends
TechRadar
Business Insider
Lifewire
1
- $230
Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8
The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 router is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with excellent speed and range, advanced features such as parental controls and QoS settings, and easy setup and management through a mobile app.
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4
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1
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2
- $418
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 router is a high-performance router that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards, offering top speeds of up to 11,000 Mbps, and is ideal for users who require high-speed internet for activities such as streaming and gaming.
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8
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8
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3
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3
- $83
TP-Link Archer AX50
The TP-Link Archer AX50 router is a highly recommended Wi-Fi 6 router that offers fast and reliable speeds, supports over 40 connected devices, and has advanced features such as parental controls and antivirus protection.
3
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2
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4
- $38
Google Nest WiFi
The Google Nest WiFi router is a reliable and efficient solution for families of four who frequently use multiple devices simultaneously and want fast and reliable internet speeds, with parental controls, QoS capabilities, and easy setup and management using the Google Home app.
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Best mesh Wi-Fi router system for most people
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Highest recommended routers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. routers below are at the top of our ranking this November.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the router for more details.
Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 TP-Link Archer AX50 Google Nest WiFi (this item)
Reviews
In comparison:
Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 rank #1 out of 207.
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7.1
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 rank #2 out of 207. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
TP-Link Archer AX50 rank #3 out of 207.
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7.8
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Google Nest WiFi rank #4 out of 207. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.4
Great
The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 router is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with excellent speed and range, advanced features such as parental controls and QoS settings, and easy setup and management through a mobile app. The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 router is a high-performance router that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards, offering top speeds of up to 11,000 Mbps, and is ideal for users who require high-speed internet for activities such as streaming and gaming. The TP-Link Archer AX50 router is a highly recommended Wi-Fi 6 router that offers fast and reliable speeds, supports over 40 connected devices, and has advanced features such as parental controls and antivirus protection. The Google Nest WiFi router is a reliable and efficient solution for families of four who frequently use multiple devices simultaneously and want fast and reliable internet speeds, with parental controls, QoS capabilities, and easy setup and management using the Google Home app.
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