Latest flagship mesh router from Google goes live
Google has taken the covers off of its latest flagship mesh Wi-Fi system – the Nest WiFi Pro features Wi-Fi 6E for future-proof home internet.
Wi-Fi 6E allows 6E-packing devices will be able to tap into previously unlicensed wireless blocks in the 6GHz range.
6GHz Wi-Fi is a big deal as it will allow the use of airwaves for routers and devices to use that doesn’t use overlapping signals like on some current Wi-Fi channels.
Google tells us that its 6E tech is twice as fast as regular Wi-Fi 6 and that the new Nest WiFi Pro is future-proof as it’s all set for the “next generation of phones, laptops and other devices.”
If you’re baffled by all that, check out our comprehensive guide to Wi-Fi mesh systems and, while you’re at it, have a read up on exactly what Wi-Fi 6 is
The Nest WiFi Pro routers has a range in your house of 2,200 square feet and you can add more router satellites to the mesh network to expand coverage.
Each Pro router also packs a pair of 1Gb Ethernet ports for wired networking.
Everything in your home network is managed through the revamped Google Home app; you’ll be able to tweak security settings, set up guest networks, run speed tests and position diagnostics and also apply family filters tot keep tabs on your kids’ internet and device usage.
With Matter in mind, Google is also making its new mesh routers act as Thread border routers and Matter hubs, so you’ll be able to sync up all your Matter smart home tech when that starts to arrive later this year.
At $399 for a 3-pack ($299 for a duo, or $199 for a single router) Google’s Wi-Fi 6E mesh system is much cheaper than Amazon’s but it’s not backwards compatible (Amazon’s Eero Pro 6E works with older Eero devices too).
The Nest WiFi Pro comes in four (ridiculously named) colours: Snow, Linen, Fog and Lemongrass.
It’s available to pre-order directly from Google now, shipping will start on 27 October.