Nest Wifi Pro Review: Honestly, it’s a bit disappointing

For many people, Google Wifi was one of many first mesh Wi-Fi programs we had heard of with the promise of higher Wi-Fi being carried to fruition by a number of tiny routers. Google adopted that up with a lot sooner, but additionally bigger and dearer Nest Wifi. We applauded this mesh in our Nest Wifi overview, however the 2020 {hardware} that impressed then, doesn’t maintain up as we speak. Google has rectified that with the Nest Wifi Pro sporting a quick and fashionable AXE5400 tri-band Wi-Fi 6 connection.Google has additionally made certain Nest Wifi Pro hasn’t skipped a day on the health club with compact rounded housings that really feel dense and high-quality within the hand. Nest Wifi Pro nodes even handle to make comparable gadgets from eero and TP-Link look huge. To be trustworthy, Nest Wifi Pro nodes would probably be on the high of my listing on the subject of appears if it wasn’t for the shiny plastic.That being mentioned, Nest Wifi Pro may not be the straightforward drop-in improve many Google Wifi or Nest Wifi customers would possibly moderately count on. We’ll hold the physics easy, however Wi-Fi 6E gadgets utilizing 6GHz for the mesh connection may not be the potent resolution we nerds anticipated.Nest Wifi Pro Review: Price and availability(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)Nest Wifi Pro has been accessible since early October 2022 and is available in just a few completely different kits. You should buy a single Nest Wifi Pro router in considered one of 4 colours. The base white shade known as snow, a lightweight yellow shade known as lemongrass, off-white known as linen, and lightweight blue known as fog. You can get a three-pack both in white or with white, linen, and fog. The two-pack is just accessible in white. For this overview, Google supplied the multi-color three-pack.For a single router, you may pay $199.99 however a two-pack is simply $100 extra at $299.99. A 3-pack is available in at $399.99.Google’s official spec estimates protection at 2,200 sq. toes for a single Nest Wifi Pro with linear scaling. That is 4,400 sq. toes for 2, and 6,600 sq. toes for 3. Spoiler alert: Almost nobody will see these protection numbers in a home with these annoying obstacles referred to as partitions.Worthy of reward is Google’s environmental efforts which embody principally cardboard packaging that may go proper within the recycle bin. Google additionally states that Nest Wifi Pro is made of roughly 60% recycled materials by weight. This means that the plastics could also be manufactured from virgin materials however I’m completely satisfied to see that Google is a minimum of contemplating the atmosphere with its merchandise.Today’s finest Google Nest Wifi Pro offersNest Wifi Pro Review: What I like(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)There’s so much to love right here. Google’s designs aren’t for everybody and Nest Wifi Pro’s appears are polarizing in my expertise. Personally, I don’t care a lot for the plastics and the colours Google selected however different folks I’ve proven have preferred the design and extra surprisingly, the colours. Even so, I like the way in which the Nest Wifi Nodes really feel within the hand with reassuring weight (595g) and a pleasant grippy pad on the underside.Around the again, you get two Ethernet ports and a barrel plug for energy. I do want Google had caught with USB-C like they used on Nest Wifi and later revision of Google Wifi. This might be finished since Nest Wifi Pro is utilizing 10v energy (most USB-C chargers use 5v) so it wouldn’t work correctly with many different USB-C gadgets. It’s not such as you’re steadily unplugging your router, however USB-C is a extra common customary and would have been simpler to exchange if wanted.(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)The two Ethernet ports solely run at gigabit speeds so there’s no assist for multi-gig community speeds right here. They are labeled individually as WAN and LAN however both port will work as LAN on one of many distant nodes.Moving on to the primary attraction, Wi-Fi, Nest Wifi Pro has a tri-band AXE5400 connection. This implies that the 5GHz band and 6GHz band every get a 160MHz band with as much as 2402Mbps speeds. The 2.4GHz band is greater than ample for the sensible residence gadgets that will probably be primarily utilizing it with 574Mbps of capability. While 160MHz connections are supported, they have to be enabled within the community settings within the Google Home app. Google says that enabling 160MHz might result in incompatibility with some gadgets however I had no points with mine. Your mileage might differ right here.WPA3 can also be supported however off by default for a similar causes. As with any customary, it should take years for most people to improve their gadgets to assist them. It’s good that Google has included these choices, particularly given the brevity of the remainder of its settings. In my testing, I left 160MHz mode on however neither of my 160MHz gadgets, a PC with an Intel AX210 Wi-Fi card and a Zenfone 8, related at greater than 1,200Mbps. For all intents and functions, Nest Wifi Pro acted like an 80MHz router so far as my gadgets had been involved.To get some numbers on Nest Wifi Pro’s efficiency, I carried out pace exams in three places in my residence. Each location had a node positioned in the identical room or one room over for the storage. Since this can be a mesh system from an organization apart from ASUS, all WI-Fi bands had been mixed underneath a single title so I had no management over which band was used. In the top, each machine used 5GHz within the pace exams.My web is supplied by a neighborhood fiber supplier with about 940Mbps down and up throughout an off-peak time once I check routers. Ping instances common between 2ms and 4ms to the closest check server (inside my ISP) with 15-25ms jitter on most exams. This is fairly good for a mesh system with out machine prioritization enabled.Swipe to scroll horizontallyNest Wifi Pro pace exams (obtain/add)Header Cell – Column 0 Living Room (main)Bedroom (node)StorageZenfone 8 (Wi-Fi 6E)669/619Mbps, 659/241Mbps287/277Mbps, 557/432Mbps373/359Mbps, 411/369MbpsGalaxy S20+ (Wi-Fi 6)670/471Mbps, 670/627Mbps514/370Mbps, 514/392Mbps498/283Mbps, 511/297MbpsLG G8 (Wi-Fi 5)472/599Mbps, 478/566Mbps487/384Mbps, 513/463Mbps391/259Mbps, 381/234MbpsSpeeds had been constant however not spectacular. The reason behind this pace variation might be noticed by connecting to the node through Ethernet and performing a pace check. Naturally, the bottom router in the lounge noticed almost excellent speeds with the decrease speeds on both node.Swipe to scroll horizontallyWipink pace testsLocationSpeed (obtain/add)Primary node (front room)930/939Mbps, 934/905MbpsNode 1 (laundry room)775/764Mbps, 826/785MbpsNode 2 (bed room)545/459Mbps, 644/678MbpsUnfortunately, to elucidate this, we have to speak a bit about physics. I’ll hold it mild.Radio waves, like these used on a router, have peaks and valleys which correspond to the sign power in top. The area between these peaks nonetheless will get ever nearer as frequency will increase. Waves on 2.4GHz are wider than 5GHz which is wider than 6GHz. The extra peaks you’ve gotten inside an object, like a sheet of drywall, the weaker the sign will get. Walls have a devastating impression on sign power with 6GHz Wi-Fi. This is exacerbated on Nest Wifi Pro which makes use of 6GHz to hyperlink the nodes.While 6GHz may be very quick, its incapacity to penetrate partitions in addition to 5GHz makes it a giant compromise with mesh Wi-Fi. Netgear, for instance, caught with 5GHz for its quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh router. In my Orbi RBKE963 overview, I noticed decrease speeds than are doable with 6GHz however with rather more versatile node placement. This is likely one of the the explanation why some buyer critiques for Nest Wifi Pro are complaining about unexpectedly poor protection and low speeds.Just ensure that to concentrate to Nest Wifi Pro’s mesh connection testing software which can inform you in case your nodes are shut sufficient to the first router. In reality, I wanted to maneuver considered one of my nodes nearer throughout my preliminary setup regardless of there solely being two partitions (one at an indirect angle to be honest) and a door in the way in which.There’s probability you may want extra Nest Wifi Pro nodes than you probably did Nest Wifi or Google Wifi. Luckily Google acquired the pricing proper if you happen to purchase a two or three-pack since every further node is simply $100. Just don’t count on Nest Wifi Pro nodes to go the place your older Nest Wifi or Google Wifi nodes had been.Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)The setup course of was remarkably straightforward utilizing the Google Home app on my Zenfone 8 with Android 12. Before doing something, I used to be given the choice to arrange the Wi-Fi within the app. Following that, I solely wanted to scan the QR code on the underside of every node when prompted. I set my SSID and password and the router dealt with the remainder. You’ll even be requested to allow Nest Cloud companies with a view to use some options in your router, extra on this later.If you’ve agreed to all the things, you’ll get fast entry to among the best and most responsive related machine lists I’ve ever seen. You can see the present and previous utilization of every machine in addition to some fundamental connection high quality info. You’re in a position to prioritize a tool right here as properly with the selection to prioritize it for as much as 8 hours at a time. If you make money working from home, you’ll be able to set it to maintain your work PC first in line for the workday with no impression on streaming and gaming gadgets later within the day.You additionally get some parental controls with profile assist. You can set cut-off dates in addition to block unhealthy websites as recognized by Google’s SafeSearch. As far as Wi-Fi settings go, you get some fundamental settings like port forwarding and DNS. This can also be the place you’ll be able to select to allow 160MHz Wi-Fi and WPA3.If you have already got Nest gadgets configured in your Google Home app, they’ll present up proper alongside the brand new Wi-Fi choices. All that being mentioned, I don’t love the Google Home app for community administration and I undoubtedly don’t like being pressured to allow cloud service to see my related machine.Nest Wifi Pro Review: What I do not like(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)Google Home as a Wi-Fi administration app is mostly praised however I discovered it to be missing when in comparison with another choices such because the eero app, TP-Link’s Deco app, and even the ASUS Router app. While it’s straightforward to make use of and responsive, there’s not an excessive amount of else optimistic to say. Wi-Fi settings are buried on the backside of a web page behind a complicated collection of card faucets and kit icons. Once you lastly get to the settings, they work tremendous however with devoted Wi-Fi apps, you get extra settings at your fingertips extra shortly than the Google Home app.One factor that actually grinds my gears is that you’re required to allow Nest Wifi cloud companies to see which gadgets are related to your community. Seeing which gadgets are related to your native community whereas related to it mustn’t require importing something to any company and the one purpose I allowed it was for thoroughness on this overview. Google assures you that it doesn’t acquire looking info and solely actually collects info on which gadgets are related to optimize your community. That could also be, however I used to be at all times taught to shut the door behind me since you by no means know what sort of bugs would possibly are available in if you happen to depart it open.Regarding the app expertise, like all oversimplified mesh software program, I would love entry to extra superior Wi-Fi settings. I would love to have the ability to select which band to make use of for my mesh backhaul like you are able to do on ASUS, with the choice to isolate the 6GHz band so you’ll be able to truly use it like you’ll be able to on Deco, or a minimum of the clear simplicity of the eero app. At least Google doesn’t pester you with any subscription companies like Deco, Orbi, Gryphon, or eero.One factor the unique Nest Wifi did properly was preserve compatibility with older merchandise for mesh growth. On Nest Wifi, you would broaden your mesh with extra Nest Wifi routers, Nest Wifi factors, and even Google Wifi. None of those are appropriate with Nest Wifi Pro and the one technique to broaden the mesh is by including extra Nest Wifi Pro nodes. If you’re upgrading an older Google or Nest mesh, you’ll be able to’t use your older nodes to broaden your mesh. If you’ll be able to’t promote your outdated nodes, they’ll be destined for the mysterious black gap that’s e-waste recycling.Something that’s widespread to mesh programs, however nonetheless annoying, is your incapacity to decide on which band you’re related to. For instance, my buddy requested me to check out a brand new recreation mode in Halo Infinite (which I had deleted) the day I attached the Nest Wifi Pro. No downside, I believed. I’ve acquired a model new router and a gigabit connection. My gaming PC which is supplied with a 160MHz-capable Intel AX210 wi-fi chipset can stand up to 2402Mbps on different routers.Unfortunately, the Nest Wifi Pro selected to place my PC on gradual 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. While my recreation downloaded at a fifth of my web’s high pace, I attempted reconnecting the PC to no avail, and prioritizing the machine in software program didn’t assist. For the precise gaming session, I opted to make use of an Ethernet cable which is an issue with the extent of {hardware} concerned.Furthermore, my Wi-Fi 6E-capable Zenfone 8 related to Wi-Fi 6E a few instances once I first arrange the mesh after which by no means once more. The speeds weren’t spectacular and you could by no means discover the pace limitations outdoors of a pace check, but it surely’s nonetheless a bit disappointing to purchase a Wi-Fi 6E router and a Wi-Fi 6E cellphone solely to make use of 5GHz Wi-Fi 6. It additionally didn’t use 160MHz on 5GHz which means that it solely ever had entry to half of its high pace.Finally, one thing price contemplating, however not a dealbreaker for many is the dearth of multi-gig Ethernet. It could also be tempting to improve to one of many newest multi-gig web packages from suppliers like AT&T or Xfinity with this router however don’t. The WAN port (incoming web connection) solely helps speeds as much as 1Gbps. For most individuals. This is lots, however if you happen to had been on the lookout for one thing that helps sooner web speeds, you’ll have to hold trying. Luckily, you’ve acquired choices.Nest Wifi Pro Review: Competition(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)When it involves options and the consumer expertise, the closest factor to Nest Wifi Pro is the eero Pro 6E. This system additionally runs at AXE5400 tri-band speeds. While I famous a number of the similar weaknesses because the Nest in my eero Pro 6E overview, reminiscent of gadgets not utilizing Wi-Fi 6E, the general expertise was good. If you prefer to arrange your Wi-Fi after which neglect about it, eero is a superb possibility. Updates are dealt with easily and the app is simple to make use of when you should. Its free parental controls fall wanting what Google gives with the Nest however eero makes up for it with 2.5Gbps Ethernet giving it assist for multi-gig web connections. Eero has additionally maintained compatibility with all earlier generations of eero for mesh growth. The eero can also be fairly a bit dearer through the uncommon instances Amazon does not have it on sale.The TP-Link Deco XE75 appears just like the price range AXE5400 possibility if you happen to’re simply trying on the price ticket however all the things the Nest Wifi Pro does, the Deco XE75 does simply as properly and in some instances, is even a bit higher. As I noticed in my Deco XE75 overview, you’ll be able to both set your 6GHz Wi-Fi as a devoted backhaul or open it as much as machine connections with its personal SSID. It’s additionally restricted to gigabit WAN however the Deco XE75 Pro is obtainable for a bit extra with 2.5GbE for WAN. Our buddies at Windows Central reviewed the Deco XE75 Pro and had been impressed with its efficiency. TP-Link has additionally maintained compatibility with all earlier generations of Deco for mesh growth.One of my favourite Wi-Fi 6E mesh programs is the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 with its AXE6600 Wi-Fi 6E connection. ASUS configured this router a bit in another way with the lion’s share of capability being left to the 6GHz band. Its connection breaks all the way down to 4804Mbps at 6GHz, 1201Mbps at 5GHz, and 574Mbps at 2.4GHz. Despite the unimpressive 5GHz band speeds, this mesh package carried out properly in my ZenWiFi ET8 overview and comes with 2.5GbE for multi-gig web connections. ASUS’ app has many extra settings accessible and if you happen to join by an internet browser, there’s not a lot you’ll be able to’t change in ASUSWRT. ASUS additionally permits mesh growth with almost any latest ASUS or ROG router due to AiMesh.Nest Wifi Pro Review: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Samuel Contreras)You can purchase it if…You need the quickest Wi-Fi resolution from Google.You choose to handle your related gadgets from a single app.You’re in a position to place nodes inside a room or two of the first router.You need oddly coloured mesh nodes.You ought to skip it if…You have or need to improve to web over 1Gbps.You’re on the lookout for Wi-Fi 6E connections on gadgets.You require superior Wi-Fi settings.When it comes all the way down to it, complaints like the dearth of entry to superior settings and the dearth of multi-gig Ethernet gained’t matter to most individuals as soon as they arrange the system. With that thought-about, you’re left with a quick and dependable mesh Wi-Fi system with engaging nodes in a number of colours. It’s additionally straightforward to see your related gadgets and their connection speeds if you happen to’re prepared to allow cloud companies.All that mentioned, I’m left questioning precisely who would profit from the improve to Nest Wifi Pro. You don’t get dependable entry to 6GHz speeds on Wi-Fi 6E gadgets and there’s no assist for multi-gig Ethernet. While my time testing Nest Wifi Pro was principally worry-free and I by no means wanted to energy cycle the system, I don’t see a state of affairs the place I’d select Nest Wifi Pro over its quite a few direct rivals. The reality of the matter is that Google’s quickest mesh Wi-Fi system is simply the center of the highway for the businesses that do that full-time. At least Google acquired the pricing proper.