Does Google Nest improve Wifi?
Nest Wifi is more powerful than Google Wifi, delivering up to two times the speed and up to 25 percent better coverage. A two pack can deliver coverage for a 3,800-square-foot home. The system is scalable, so you can add more points later (or buy a three pack to start with) to make sure you’re covered.
Here is why Google Nest WiFi may not be worth it for use on your network setup:
- Not able to troubleshoot individual devices
- Slower connection
- No WiFi 6
- No anti-malware
- Non-integrated platforms
- No USB and Ethernet ports
We did some research and found out what the problems were with Google Nest WiFi, and why some people made the choice of not going with the use of the hardware at all. Some obviously were important enough to not purchase the Google Nest WiFi. Let’s take a look at the Nest WiFi now and take a look at what we found.
The Cons of Google Nest WiFi
Despite the pros mentioned above, Google Nest WiFi does come with its limitations. Below, we’ll list some of the cons of using Google Nest WiFi.
Not Able to Troubleshoot Individual Devices
With Google’s Nest WiFi, there is no option to select individual devices on the network. This feature is crucial for troubleshooting problematic connections or protecting the network from unwanted devices.
Not being able to select individual devices prevents the system administrator from being able to disconnect these devices individually if they cause a problem on the network. This is another annoying lack of available options.
Slower Connection
Google Nest Wifi also has the reported problem of lacking a dedicated backhaul band. This is a network traffic problem that congests the network more than needed and tends to slow down connections.
No WiFi 6
For those who want the latest and greatest in WiFi features, Google Nest WiFI does not come with WiFi 6, which is important to some network admins.
No Anti-Malware
Despite the security features of Google Nest WiFi that are built-in, it unfortunately doesn’t come with any anti-malware features that come along with it. This is a problem if you happen to have a network that you need to be secure with the latest and greatest malware defense solutions, especially if you run an at-home business that keeps track of essential records on the network.
You will have to seek your own anti-malware solution if you purchase the Google Nest WiFI, which is an additional cost on top of the hardware itself.
No USB and Ethernet Ports
Unfortunately, this device also doesn’t come with any available USB ports, which are important to some people for hooking up external devices that require power close to the access point or router. This was a big drawback and a big reason many did not purchase the Google Nest WiFi device.
There are also no ethernet points available on the Google Nest WiFi access point and only 2 on the routing device, which is frustrating for many users who use these ports when they are available.
Non-Integrated Platforms
If you want to use some of the advanced settings on the Google Nest WiFi, you actually have to download a separate app to be able to change these settings. This is an issue for many people who believe all features should be integrated into one app and one platform from your phone or other device.
The Pros of Google Nest WiFi
Google Nest WiFi is a system that allows your entire home to have access to WiFi. It is famous for claiming that it would provide your entire home with lag-free internet access, no matter which room of the house or building you are in, highlighting the expected long range of the network. So what are the benefits of this WiFi?
Here are some pros of using Google Nest WiFi:
- Can have a lot of devices connected to it. Google claims that over 200 devices can be connected to Google Nest WiFi at one time, allowing multiple devices to stream in 4k video on top of that.
- Secure connection. Google made security important with auto-updating software and a chip that is included to enhance the security of the Google Nest WiFi itself.
- Comes with multiple mesh devices that can be placed throughout your home to ensure consistent WiFi connection no matter where you are.
- WiFi access points come with a speaker and microphone so you can use Google Assistant no matter where you are in your house if you are close to one of these connected points.
With all good things also comes the bad. Now you know why Google Nest WiFi may not be a good choice, but also some of the features that may be handy if you’re already using it.