Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Google Nest Wifi

$269

Google Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible WiFi system that blankets your home in reliable coverage and keeps buffering at bay.

Our take

Perfect for whole-home coverage.

Alright, let's talk about the Google Nest Wifi. First off, if you've ever wanted a home network that doesn't give you a headache, this might be worth checking out. The setup is pretty smooth. You plug it in, follow some app instructions, and bam, you’re mostly good to go. It's designed to be as painless as possible, which I really appreciate because, let's face it, nobody wants to wrestle with routers and cables all day.

Now, for coverage, this thing really shines. It uses a mesh system, which basically means you can add more units to boost the signal around your house. If you’ve got dead spots, this is where it helps. I’ve noticed a nice bump in signal strength throughout my place. But, here's the catch: the speed is decent, but not mind-blowing. If you're expecting to break internet speed records, you might need to manage those expectations a bit.

Another thing is how it looks. I'm not usually one to care about a router's appearance, but the Nest Wifi is pretty sleek. It's like they actually cared about how this thing would look sitting on a shelf. It blends in nicely with most home decor, which is a bonus if you're tired of ugly tech cluttering up your space. The downside? It’s a bit on the pricy side. You’re paying for the brand and the design, no doubt about it.

The smart home integration is another area where the Nest Wifi does well. It plays nice with Google Assistant, so you can control your network with voice commands. If you're already in the Google ecosystem, this feels like a natural fit. But if you're not, or if you prefer other brands, you might not find this integration all that exciting or necessary. It's a nice-to-have, not a deal-breaker.

Overall, the Google Nest Wifi is a solid choice if you're looking for an easy-to-use, reliable home network setup. It covers your basics well and throws in some smart features for good measure. But, if you're a hardcore techie looking for top-tier performance, you might find it lacking in raw power. It's all about what matters most to you in a Wi-Fi system. If ease and aesthetics are high on your list, this could be the one. If not, keep shopping around.