Hi there! I’m excited to share with you our review of the Google Nest WiFi Pro 6E Router, the first-ever Wi-Fi 6E router from the brand. I will take a look at its hardware, software, and potential as a future-proof Wi-Fi solution. While other Wi-Fi 6E routers are available, I will focus on the Nest WiFi Pro and its unique features.
When I opened up the Google Nest WiFi Pro, I noticed that it was slightly larger than expected. I received the router unit in the package, a quick start installation guide, a 22-watt external power supply with a two-meter cable, and a two-meter white Cat 5e ethernet cable. The device has a glossy white exterior and doesn’t have passive ventilation, which surprised us, given its support for Wi-Fi 6E.
The Nest WiFi Pro has some impressive features, including a dual-core 64-bit ARM processor, 1GB of memory, and 4GB of internal eMMC storage. It also supports Matter and Thread protocols and integrates with various Google Home services. However, it’s important to note that the Nest WiFi Pro isn’t backward compatible with previous Google router models, so upgrading may require starting from scratch.
Throughout our review, I will compare the Google Nest WiFi Pro to the Amazon Eero Pro 6E router. Although the Nest WiFi Pro is more affordable and comes with a two-year warranty, it only has one gigabit Ethernet port. In contrast, the Eero Pro 6E has a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port, providing a higher potential bandwidth.
One of the most exciting features of the Nest WiFi Pro is its support for Wi-Fi 6E, which expands the available frequency range, allowing for better wireless connectivity. The device operates on a tri-band, including the frequencies of 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. However, it’s worth noting that the Nest WiFi Pro doesn’t have greater than gigabit Ethernet ports, which may be limiting for users with high-speed internet connections.
I will also take a closer look at frequencies, channels, and bandwidth in wireless routers. Wi-Fi 6E enables broader frequency coverage, including the 5GHz and 6GHz bands. The Nest WiFi Pro uses a tri-band design, offering different performance levels on each frequency. The 2.4GHz band provides the most extended range but lower performance, while the 5GHz and 6GHz bands offer faster speeds.
