To get the most out of your smart home, upgrading your Wi-Fi network is key. Picking the best system can be tough, but Google offers two excellent options in the Nest Wi-Fi and Nest Wi-Fi Pro. If you are unsure which system actually fits your needs Best Buy has you covered with our in-depth comparison. On the surface, both offer fast speeds, reliable whole-home coverage, and Google’s user-friendly design. Looking a little deeper at each device, however, the differences become clearer, especially if you want a system that you can upgrade and is a little more “future proof” with faster internet signal standards.
This guide helps break down what’s new and which system makes the most sense for your home, your internet plan, and your growing list of connected devices. Whether you’re upgrading from an older Google Wi-Fi setup or buying your first mesh system, here’s everything you need to know before choosing.
What is Nest Wi-Fi?
Google introduced the original Nest Wi-Fi in 2019 as a follow-up to Google Wi-Fi, and at the time, it was a strong step forward. It combined a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 mesh system with Google’s smart-home ecosystem, making it easy to recommend and use.
What is included in a Nest Wi-Fi setup?
A typical Nest Wi-Fi setup includes a central router and one or more additional units, known as points or nodes, that extend coverage throughout your home. What sets the system apart is that nodes also function as Google Assistant smart speakers. This unique combination helps Nest Wi-Fi feel like more than just networking hardware with a deeper set of personal assistant features.
A simple but feature-rich option with Nest Wi-Fi
Nest Wi-Fi remains popular because setup is simple and handled entirely through the Google Home app, which walks users through the process clearly and quickly. The built-in Google Assistant functionality adds convenience by enabling voice control for music, questions, and compatible smart-home devices without requiring separate speakers. For apartments, condos, and smaller homes, Nest Wi-Fi still provides reliable whole-home coverage with minimal setup. It is also frequently discounted, making it an attractive option for shoppers seeking dependable Wi-Fi at a lower price.
Nest features Wi-fi 5 technology
Nest Wi-Fi does show its age in a few important ways. It relies on Wi-Fi 5 technology, which is increasingly outdated as homes add more connected devices. Performance can slow down when many phones, TVs, tablets, and consoles are online simultaneously. It also lacks Matter and Thread support, meaning it is not designed to work as smoothly with newer smart-home devices built around modern standards. Nest Wi-Fi still works well, but if you are looking for higher speeds, greater coverage, the ability to add more devices, and a more future-proof option, the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is your best bet.
What is Nest Wi-Fi Pro?
Nest Wi-Fi Pro arrived in 2022 as a substantial upgrade to its predecessor. Rather than offering a modest refresh, Google rebuilt its mesh system around Wi-Fi 6E, with a focus on speed, stability, and long-term home networking features.
Nest Wi-Fi Pro offers pure performance
The Nest Wi-Fi Pro is designed for high-speed performance and seamless integration with your smart home setup. The system uses tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, adding access to the 6 GHz band alongside the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This additional spectrum makes a noticeable difference in busy households, especially for gaming, video calls, and high-resolution streaming.
Added smart home features
Nest Wi-Fi Pro also embraces the future of smart homes by supporting Matter and Thread standards. This allows it to function as a smart-home hub, helping newer devices connect more reliably across different brands. The design revision reflects this shift in priorities as well. The Pro units have removed built-in speakers and the Google Voice Assistant entirely. If you still want these features, you can purchase a separate Google smart speaker solution.
A more robust network
In daily use, Nest Wi-Fi Pro delivers noticeably faster speeds, particularly on gigabit internet plans. It handles multiple devices far more effectively than older systems and maintains stronger, more consistent connections throughout larger homes.
The trade-offs of the Nest Wi-Fi Pro
There are a few trade-offs to consider. Nest Wi-Fi Pro costs slightly more than older systems, reflecting its newer technology. It is also not backward compatible with the original Nest Wi-Fi Points, so upgrading requires replacing your existing hardware rather than mixing and matching components.
Nest Wi-Fi vs Wi-Fi Pro: What’s actually different?
Although both systems aim to deliver reliable whole-home Wi-Fi, they take very different approaches. Nest Wi-Fi focuses on simplicity and the added value of built-in Google Assistant speakers. Where the Pro focuses on raw networking performance, smart home performance and future-proofing with the Wi-Fi 6E tech.
Nest Wi-Fi Pro offers blistering speeds with Wi-Fi 6E
The most important technical difference is Wi-Fi 6E. By opening up the 6 GHz band, Nest Wi-Fi Pro reduces congestion and lowers latency, which becomes increasingly important as households add more connected devices. For many users, this makes the Pro model feel like a massive leap rather than a minor upgrade.
Which one fits your home and lifestyle?
Best for small homes or apartments: Nest Wi-Fi
Nest Wi-Fi remains a solid choice for smaller homes and apartments where internet usage is relatively light. It is especially appealing if you like having Google Assistant speakers built directly into your Wi-Fi Points or if you already own Nest Wi-Fi hardware. For basic streaming, browsing, and everyday connectivity, it still performs reliably.
Best for smart-home users: Nest Wi-Fi Pro
Nest Wi-Fi Pro is better suited for homes that rely heavily on smart devices. With Matter and Thread support built in, it connects more smoothly with newer smart-home products and avoids the limitations of older networking standards. If your home automation setup is expanding, the Pro model provides a more stable foundation.
Best for speed and future-proofing: Nest Wi-Fi Pro
Homes with fast internet plans, frequent video conferencing, cloud gaming, or multiple 4K streams will benefit most from Nest Wi-Fi Pro. The 6 GHz band significantly reduces interference, improving responsiveness and consistency. For buyers who want a system that will remain relevant for years, the Pro model is the safer investment.
Best for budget buyers: Nest Wi-Fi
Nest Wi-Fi is often available at reduced prices and still handles everyday internet use comfortably. For households that do not need cutting-edge performance or smart-home support, it offers good value without overcomplicating things.
FAQs
Does Nest Wi-Fi Pro work with the original Nest Wi-Fi points?
No, Nest Wi-Fi Pro is not backward compatible with older Nest Wi-Fi hardware. Upgrading requires replacing the entire system.
Can both systems be set up in the Google Home app?
Yes, both Nest Wi-Fi and Nest Wi-Fi Pro are set up and managed through the Google Home app, including parental controls and guest networks.
Does Wi-Fi 6E really make a difference?
Yes, especially in homes with many connected devices. Wi-Fi 6E offers faster data transfer, lower latency, and far less interference than previous standards.
Is it worth upgrading to the Pro model?
It depends on your home internet use cases. If you have a gigabit internet plan, rely on many smart devices, or want a system that will “age gracefully,” Nest Wi-Fi Pro is a worthwhile upgrade. For lighter usage, or a home with fewer users, the Nest Wi-Fi may still be sufficient.
Final Verdict: Nest Wi-Fi vs Wi-Fi Pro
The decision ultimately depends on how you use your internet today and how you expect to use it in the future. Nest Wi-Fi remains a capable and affordable option for smaller homes and basic needs. Nest Wi-Fi Pro delivers faster speeds, smarter device handling, and stronger future-proofing for modern households.
If you are buying new or planning a long-term upgrade, Nest Wi-Fi Pro feels like the system Google built for today’s connected homes. To explore more Wi-Fi and Networking options, be sure to check out bestbuy.ca today.
