If you are a fan of Google's ecosystem, the Nest Wi-Fi router is a must try for you.
Nest Wi-Fi, also known as Google Nest Wi-Fi, is one of the most popular Wi-Fi routers or wifi mesh devices used in present days.
Google lovers are a fan of this device as the brand has combined Google Wi-Fi and Google Home through it.
Google has given a powerful punchline to the device, ‘Strong Connection, Every Direction.’
Which in itself assures the users of lightning internet speed across a large area. The device is highly recommended over Google’s original mesh system.
While most of the smartphones come with inbuilt Wi-Fi hotspot, for scalable and reliable internet connection, having a Wi-Fi router is essential these days. This Nest Wi-Fi router fulfils the key functionalities of an internet router and has a lot of add-on features to make the deal sweeter for the buyers.
Now the question is, how effective is this Wi-Fi router? Has it been able to keep its promise of superfast wireless internet connectivity? Before reviewing it, let us checkout the technicalities and primary features of the device.
Use
The main function of this Nest Wi-Fi router is to ensure wide area internet coverage, superfast and dependable data connection at home or a small office. Users can also play music, operate smart devices through the set.
Technical Details
Package content
There are 2 routers in the set; while the first router connects to the broadband modem of the Internet Service Provider (ISP), the other acts as a mesh extension point, to provide extra network coverage. There is also a 3 piece set of the Nest Wi-Fi router available in the market.
Users can also buy additional points, each available at an additional price.
Introducing Nest WiFi
Design
The word router usually brings an image of large, black and plastic devices, which does not go well with the aesthetics of a well decorated home. now you cannot hide it in a closet as a router works best in open. Google Nest Wi-Fi solves this crisis.
With 4.3 inches height and 3.5 inches width, the device looks like a marshmallow. Besides covering the home with the powerful Wi-Fi blanket, the homely look and design perfectly matches the soft ambience of residential spaces.
While the router is available only in milky white color, the complete device is available in three pastel colors of white, sand and mist.
So, there is no need to hide this high technology device from your guests. It can rather become a part of your home décor with its pretty looks; best part, it easily fits on a bookshelf or side table. Along with its soft looks, Nest Wi-Fi is shock proof and is not known to break even when suddenly dropped!
Features
Flexibility and wider coverage are just a few words to describe Nest Wi-Fi router. Let us checkout the key features of the Nest Wi-Fi router in detail.
Easy Set Up
The Nest Wi-Fi router has been made keeping in mind the large number of non-tech users. You can either set up the router by installing the app, else for quick access, users can also opt for guest log in. Rest of the job, like creating passwords, is just a matter of a few taps through the auto-log in wizard.
Adding devices, creating the setup and performing the compatibility checks, all can be done through the single Google Home application. There is a QR code at the bottom of each Nest Wi-Fi point. Scan it with the camera and a few minutes later, the mesh network is ready to be used.
Through this you can log in as a guest user. As checked, if you follow the vice instructions given by the app, it takes a maximum of 10 minutes to set up the device for use.
Impressive Scalability
The device claims to offer superfast wireless internet to areas upto 5400 square feet. These routers are strong enough to handle a large number of connections (200 to be specific). The company claims that the device has the capability to stream multiple 4k videos at a single point in time.
High Number Of Connections
Google Nest Wi-Fi router can be used to connect as many as 100 devices. For this reason, this device is ideal for a small office environment as well.
High Speed Performance
Nest Wi-Fi router is a 4*4 AC2200 dual band device. For this reason, it can offer huge data speed upto 400 Mbps on the 2.4 Ghz band and 1,733 Mbps on 5Ghz band. The device comes with automatic band steering as well.
To ensure that the best radio connectivity is selected based on the available signal strength and network traffic, Google Nest Wi-Fi supports simultaneous data streaming and beamforming using MU-MIMO. It also comes with the latest WPA3 encryption.
The device even edges out some popular WiFi devices in the speed test. A maximum of 612 Mbps speed has been witnessed on the device. It was mainly found to be fast in the long and medium range tests. Besides speed tests, the device also performed well in real world environment.
It has been even able to give network speed at dead zones of the home or office when tested.
Compatibility
The Nest Wi-Fi router is also compatible with Google WiFi or Google router. With Nest Wi-Fi system, customers get flexibility.
As the company is offering wireless internet connection across a large area, people can enjoy seamless video calls walking from one room to the other. The device is also compatible with previous models from Google.
Google Nest Wi-Fi - Setup & Review
Safety and security
Nest Wi-Fi assures its users of utmost safety and security. Users can also prioritize devices which require access to Wi-Fi.
They can pause the Wi-Fi availability to specific devices as per the need. The unique guest log in facility using QR codes means users need not provide direct access to his or her data drives, files and folders to everyone.
Parental Controls
With Google Assistant and speakers, the device works more than just boosting the internet speed.
Users can voice control the different functionalities of the router for wifi. It can be also used to implement parental controls. Users can also opt to mute the microphones. There are separate parental features through which parents can control the online time for their kids.
Users can also add restrictions (using the SafeSearch option) to the kind of content kids can access over this Wi-Fi network. Using Family Wi-Fi feature, they can also assign schedules to family members.
Powerful Speakers
The built-in voice activated speakers are one of the most wanted features of the new Nest Wi-Fi system. The previous models from Google were either speakers without Wi-Fi facility or Wi-Fi routers without audio capability. Each Nest Wi-Fi Point is a smart speaker in itself.
The set also has a 40mm speaker driver which can deliver 360 degree audio. It has 4 far field microphones; these are embedded at the top of the enclosure; each having enough bass to enjoy music or 4k videos.
Google Voice Assistant
Google aims at creating a unified Nest design for all its smart devices. The in-built Google Assistance and Bluetooth radio also makes the device smart enough to stream music, set alarms, provide you the latest news, weather updates and sports scores.
The LED ring encircling the base glows in white when a question is asked to the Google Assistant. It also glows when the Google Assistant answers. The device also comes with a privacy switch. Users can use it to disable the Google Assistant.
How to Set Up Your Nest WiFi
Smart Home Capability
Google fulfills its dream of a Smart Home with this Nest Wi-Fi router. The router can control smart home devices like thermostats, smart plugs and lights. Only condition is, you must first sync these devices with the Nest Wi-Fi router.
Users can also perform additional tasks like checking the network speed through the router application. So Nest Wi-Fi router can be stated as a smart and sensible addition to your home network.
How does it work?
Google Nest Wi-Fi can be the right choice for offering quick and fast internet connection to every corner of your home.
It is also suitable for use in small offices. Besides the trust on the brand, the sleek design, powerful hardware and in-build Google assistance are some of the key features which attract users to this mesh router system.
Upside of Using Google Nest WiFi
Drawbacks of Using Google Nest WiFi
Conclusion
Google Nest Wi-Fi router is a user-friendly device. The device earns high scores for this aesthetic design, ease of usability and overall performance. When considering close range internet speed, you might get some devices which offer better speed than Nest Wi-Fi.
It also lacks few must-have features and hence slightly lags behind the top Wi-Fi routers available in the market. Finally, regular users of Google’s products and services will find the Nest Wi-Fi router extremely helpful ang can be considered one of the best wifi router for home or office.
