Google WiFi System. Yet another wireless mesh network on the market. We reviewed the eero, the Luma, and Orbi. We even did a few comparisons. However, this is our Google WiFi Review. So, do you want to get better WiFi coverage? Yes? Then, let’s see how the Google WiFi system can help.
Google Wifi is easy to use and an even easier to set up. It features strong Wi-Fi connections and fast speed. Also, it costs a lot less than other mesh Wi-Fi systems.
What is a Wireless Mesh Network?
A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a communications network made up of radio nodes organised in a mesh topology. It is also a form of wireless ad hoc network. Wireless mesh networks often consist of mesh clients, mesh routers and gateways. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages here.
Video: What is Google WiFi?
Introducing Google Wifi, a new type of connected Wi-Fi system that replaces your router for seamless coverage throughout your home. Enjoy a fast Wi-Fi signal in every room, on every device.
Design
Google’s WiFi features a rounded design made of plastic. It is white and lightweight. And, much like most mesh network apparatus, the Google WiFi features a minimalist look.
Google WiFi System Top View. Google Logo Grey.
Google WiFi Features – What Makes it Different?
With so many choices on the market
According to Google, it’s everything you love about Google—smarts, simplicity, and security—brought to home Wi-Fi. We’ve re-thought everything about routers to create an experience that’s reliable, flexible and handles your devices and online activities, effortlessly.
Features
Google WiFi is smart, automatically putting your devices on the clearest channel and strongest band, so you can do what you love without missing a beat.
If you have a smaller home, up to 1500 sq. ft., start with a single point. Add on if you need more coverage — the 3-pack set covers homes up to 4500 sq. ft.
And, with a simple Wi-Fi control, you can use the Google Wifi companion app to see what’s connected, run a speedtest, troubleshoot, set up a guest network, and more.
Furthermore, manage kids’ screen time by pausing Wi-Fi to their devices at bedtime, during dinnertime, or whenever appropriate.
Video: Unboxing the Google WiFi System
Google has released a brand new WiFi system with the goal to cover your entire home in a seamless way. Here’s a look at what comes in the box and setting up the new Google WiFi!
How to Setup Google WiFi
Learn how to set up your Google Wifi system through the simple app. Google Wifi is a new type of connected system that replaces your router for seamless coverage throughout your home. Do you rather words? Check out the written tutorial here.
Google WiFi Review
So, how about it? Is the Google WiFi system a great choice? Google Wifi is not your typical wireless router. It’s a sleek, easy-to-use device that’s designed to be the simplest and most future proof way of filling your home with wifi. It comes in a 1-pack for $129
So you can get just one if you want to replace your current wifi router in an area up to 1500 sq ft. But one of the main features of Google Wifi is the expandable mesh network which lets you have multiple Google Wifi points that work seamlessly together to fill up an area up to 4500 sq ft with no dead spots.
It has a quad-core ARM CPU, blazing fast AC1200 Wi-Fi standard, simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) with Network Assist Technology, and it’s backwards-compatible with your current devices (802.11a/b/g/n/ac).
In the box is the Google Wifi point with two gigabit ethernet ports, a quick start guide, a 6.5 ft ethernet cable, and the power cable. To set up Google Wifi you’ll need: a free Google account, an Android or iOS device, high speed internet, and a modem.
Google WiFi System Review Continued
First connect your power cable to the Google Wifi point then connect the ethernet cable from your modem into the globe icon port on the Wifi point, then connect the power adapter to an outlet. Next, install the free Google Wifi app on your smartphone or tablet and make sure Bluetooth is turned on as well.
When the app finds your Wifi point it will ask you to scan the QR code that’s on the base of the device or you can type the code manually. Select the location of your Wifi point so you can identify it later. The next steps will ask you to name your Wifi network and create a Wifi password.
Google Wifi uses WPA2-PSK security if you were wondering. The app will proceed to create and finalize your network. Tell it how many Wifi points you have then click next and it most likely will start to install available updates. That’s another good thing about Google Wifi, it has automatic security updates.
When you see that your Wifi is ready you can go to your wifi settings and connect to the new Wifi network that you just created.
Google WiFi Review Continued – What is there to like?
One of the best features of Google Wifi is the app which not only walks you through the entire setup like we just did, but it’s also the one-stop shop to easily manage your wifi network. Some of the things you can do include network checks which tests your internet download and upload speeds and keeps a history of the speeds for you to compare.
Test the speed of the Wifi to your device to make sure you have a good base connection. Set up Guest Wifi that creates a totally separate wifi network for guests with its own separate name and password. Enable a feature called Family WiFi Pause which is good for parents who want to turn off Wifi access to their kids devices at certain times.
Also, see all the devices that are currently connected to your network along with a list of devices that have connected in the past. You can give priority to a device for a certain period of time. You can see your network data usage.
In the settings area you can change various settings of your wifi point, reset it, do some advanced tasks like setting IP reservations, UPnP, port forwarding, or changing DNS servers.
Concerns About Google WiFi
Now one of the biggest concerns of owning a router made by Google is wondering if Google is spying on your data. Well here’s the clause from the Wifi app. It states in bold: “Google Wifi app and your Wifi points do not track the websites you visit or collect the content of any traffic on your network.”
So I’m not too worried about Google spying on my data traffic. However some of the things I don’t particularly like about Google Wifi is the lack of ethernet ports.
Things to Know
Most routers have at least 4 Ethernet ports while Google Wifi only has 2. And for $129, it seems like it should definitely have 4 ports. I also wish they offered a 2-pack, instead of just a 1 and 3 pack.
Furthermore, you need to have a Google Account and an Android device (Android 4.0 or higher) or iOS device (iOS 8 or higher) with the Google Wifi app.
And, of course, a broadband internet connection. Moreover, each Wifi point requires a nearby electrical outlet in order to function.
Final Thoughts
Having said that, I still think Google Wifi is one of the best wireless routers you can get right now because of the automatic updates, the simplicity of setup and management using the free app, the sleek white design, and especially the super fast expandable mesh network for future proofing. I bought it to replace my old wireless router and i’m definitely keeping it.
Pretty good stuff right? The 1-pack for $129
Compared to the Luma router & eero WiFi system, these prices are a bit lower. The Google WiFi is the cheapest of the wireless mesh network however it is one of the best.
The single pack luma retails for $149 on Amazon
The eero is available on Amazon
I’ve been setting up networks since 1990 and this has to be the easiest system ever made. Connectivity to the internet made simple. With so many people switching to streaming TV, this system takes one difficult aspect of doing so out of the equation. I’m glad the gentleman at Bestbuy made this suggestion. Plug N Play! Gotta love it!