Google WiFi AC2200 Review

Accelerating Your Internet Experience

Updated Apr 27, 2023

By Jason Rogers

Editor an Engineer Jason Rogers

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4.4/5

Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Google WiFi AC2200 mesh system takes home networking to the next level with improved coverage and speed. Designed for larger homes, it offers seamless roaming and easy network management through the Google Home app. Its reliability and performance make it an excellent investment for users seeking to eliminate dead zones and enjoy fast, consistent internet.

PROS

Enhanced Coverage: The Nest WiFi router covers up to 2,200 square feet on its own, with each WiFi point adding up to an additional 1,600 square feet of coverage, making it ideal for medium to large homes.

High-Speed Connectivity: Supports the AC2200 standard on the router, offering faster speeds and more efficient data transmission, which is great for high-bandwidth activities like streaming 4K video, gaming, and more.

Seamless Mesh Network: Automatically connects your devices to the fastest WiFi point and channel with seamless roaming throughout your home, ensuring a strong and consistent connection wherever you are.

Built-in Google Assistant: The Nest WiFi points double as smart speakers with Google Assistant, allowing for voice control over your network and smart home devices, as well as access to all standard Google Assistant features.

Easy Setup and Management: Utilizes the Google Home app for straightforward setup, network management, and device prioritization, providing a user-friendly experience for homeowners.

Advanced Security Features: Offers automatic updates, WPA3 encryption, and the ability to create guest networks, ensuring your home network remains secure.

CONS

Limited Ethernet Ports: The Nest WiFi router comes with only two Ethernet ports, and the WiFi points lack Ethernet ports entirely, which could be a limitation for setups requiring multiple wired connections.

Higher Price Point: The system's advanced features and improved performance come at a higher cost compared to some other mesh WiFi solutions on the market.

No WiFi 6 Support: Despite its advanced features, the Nest WiFi system does not support the latest WiFi 6 standard, which might affect its future-proofing as more devices start to utilize this technology.

Dependence on Google Ecosystem: While integration with Google Assistant and the Google Home app offers convenience, it may also limit interoperability with non-Google smart home systems and services.

Router and Point Differences: The main router and additional WiFi points have different specifications (e.g., AC2200 for the router and lesser for the points), which might affect performance consistency across the network.

  • ◦ Seamless Whole-Home Coverage: The system includes a router that covers up to 2,200 square feet, with each additional WiFi point extending the coverage by up to 1,600 square feet, effectively eliminating dead zones in medium to large homes.

    ◦ AC2200 Speeds with Mesh Technology: Supports AC2200 MU-MIMO technology, ensuring high-speed internet suitable for streaming, gaming, and downloading across multiple devices simultaneously without compromising performance.

    ◦ Integrated Smart Speaker: The Nest WiFi points feature a built-in Google Assistant smart speaker, allowing for voice control over your WiFi network and smart home devices, as well as access to all the functionalities of Google Assistant.

    ◦ Easy Setup and Management: Utilizes the Google Home app for simple setup, network management, and device prioritization, offering a user-friendly interface for homeowners to control their internet experience.

    ◦ Automatic Security Updates: Comes equipped with automatic updates to enhance security features and software, ensuring your network stays protected against threats.

    ◦ Advanced Network Controls: Provides options for setting up guest networks, family WiFi controls including device prioritization, and WiFi pause for managing online time.

    ◦ Stylish and Compact Design: Features an aesthetically pleasing design that blends seamlessly into any home decor, distinguishing it from traditional routers.

  • ◦ Medium to Large Homes: Ideal for providing complete WiFi coverage across medium to large homes, thanks to its expandable mesh system that eliminates dead zones.

    ◦ Homes with Smart Devices: Perfect for households with multiple smart home devices, as it offers seamless integration with Google Assistant for voice control and smart home management.

    ◦ Families and Tech-Savvy Users: Suitable for families and individuals seeking a blend of high-speed internet and smart features, allowing for easy management of online time and network access.

    ◦ Entertainment Enthusiasts: Great for users who stream video, play online games, or engage in other bandwidth-intensive activities, requiring robust and reliable WiFi performance.

    ◦ Voice Control Advocates: Appeals to users who enjoy the convenience of voice control, offering built-in Google Assistant in the WiFi points for controlling smart devices and accessing information.

    ◦ Design-Conscious Homeowners: A good choice for those who prioritize interior design aesthetics, as its sleek and minimalistic design complements modern home decor.

  • What are the key features of the Google Nest WiFi AC2200?

    The Google Nest WiFi AC2200 features include a mesh WiFi system with a router and optional WiFi points that also serve as smart speakers with Google Assistant. It supports dual-band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) WiFi with speeds up to 2200 Mbps, network assist technology for automatic optimization, and seamless whole-home coverage. The system is easily managed via the Google Home app, allowing for straightforward setup, guest network management, and device prioritization.

    How does Google Nest WiFi AC2200 improve my home network?

    Google Nest WiFi AC2200 improves your home network by providing extensive coverage without dead zones, using mesh technology to ensure a strong and consistent WiFi signal throughout your home. It automatically selects the clearest channel and fastest band for your devices, reducing buffering and ensuring high speeds for streaming, gaming, and downloading.

    Can Google Nest WiFi AC2200 be used with any ISP?

    Yes, Google Nest WiFi AC2200 is compatible with any internet service provider. It connects to your existing modem or ISP gateway to create a mesh WiFi network in your home. The main router unit connects via Ethernet to your modem, and additional WiFi points can be placed around your home to extend coverage.

    Is the Google Nest WiFi AC2200 system easy to set up?

    The Google Nest WiFi AC2200 is designed for easy setup through the Google Home app. The app guides you through the process, from connecting the main router unit to your modem to placing additional WiFi points for optimal coverage. It also offers tips on the best placement for each unit to maximize WiFi performance.

    Do I need multiple units of Google Nest WiFi AC2200 for my home?

    The need for multiple units depends on the size of your home and your WiFi coverage requirements. A single Google Nest WiFi router covers up to 2200 square feet, and adding WiFi points (each covers up to 1600 square feet) can extend coverage and eliminate dead zones in larger homes or challenging layouts.

    How many devices can connect to the Google Nest WiFi AC2200?

    The Google Nest WiFi AC2200 system can support up to 100 connected devices simultaneously, providing ample capacity for most households' smart devices, streaming, gaming, and general internet use without compromising speed or reliability.

    Can the Google Nest WiFi AC2200 integrate with smart home devices?

    Yes, the WiFi points in the Google Nest WiFi AC2200 system double as smart speakers with Google Assistant, allowing you to control compatible smart home devices with voice commands. Through the Google Home app, you can also manage and set up routines for your smart home devices.

    What security features does the Google Nest WiFi AC2200 offer?

    Google Nest WiFi AC2200 includes several built-in security features, such as WPA3 encryption, automatic security updates, and a secure and reliable cloud infrastructure built by Google. Through the Google Home app, users can also create guest networks and manage connected devices for added security.

    What happens if a Google Nest WiFi unit loses power or connection?

    If a Google Nest WiFi unit loses power or its connection, the system's mesh technology automatically reroutes data through the remaining units to maintain internet connectivity, minimizing disruptions. Coverage might be temporarily reduced until the unit is back online.

    Is there a warranty for the Google Nest WiFi AC2200?

    Yes, the Google Nest WiFi AC2200 comes with a limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects for a certain period from the date of purchase. For specific warranty details, including the duration and what is covered, it's advisable to review the warranty information provided with the product or consult Google's support resources.

Specifications

Specification Details
Wi-Fi Technology AC2200 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi, Simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) supporting IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Coverage Up to 1,500 sq. ft. per point
Connectivity 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per point, configurable as WAN or LAN
Smart Home Integration Works with Google Assistant and other compatible smart home devices
Features Network Assist technology for fast and reliable coverage, Automatic security updates, Parental controls, Guest network, Easy setup and management with the Google Home app
Speed AC2200: Up to 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, Up to 1733 Mbps on 5 GHz
Installation Easy setup with the Google Home app
Dimensions 4.17 in diameter x 2.70 in height
Warranty 1-year limited warranty

Come back later for our comprehensive review.

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I'm Jason, your guide in the smart home tech world. My tech passion began in childhood, leading me to become an avionics technician in the Air Force and later earn a Computer Engineering degree. With a background in software and data engineering, I bring a unique mix of experience and knowledge to my product reviews and guides. I focus on the practical use of technology, offering insights on the latest smart home innovations rooted in both technical accuracy and real-world application.

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