Hands-on review: Google Wi-Fi could be the ultimate Wi-Fi solution

Google WiFi is a WiFi solution from Google. It is easy to setup and allows for powerful mesh network capability.

Google WiFi was very easy to set up. All I had to do was plug in the three access points, scan the QR codes on the bottom using the app, and configure the names and settings. It took me all of about fifteen minutes to set up all three access points, and most of that time was spent waiting for software updates to finish installing.

Google WiFi is by far the most out-of-the-box plug-and-play WiFi solution I've used, which is great because it means that just about anyone can set it up, even with limited technical knowledge, as the app guides you through the process step-by-step.

The main advantage of Google WiFi over competing solutions appears to be that it has a stronger antenna in it, so you get a better signal. However, that's about the only advantage it has over other cheaper solutions.

Google WiFi also allows for mesh network capability. Mesh networks are resilient, self-configuring, and efficient. They also provide arguably the best and highest throughput you can achieve in your home. However, mesh networks aren't unique to Google WiFi, and there are slightly cheaper brands around that can do the same thing.

I found that the companion app for Google WiFi was easy to use and had that slick Google style that I'm sure quite a few people are familiar with. However, once again, the companion apps for competing systems are just as functional.

Google WiFi also has out-of-the-box IFTTT (If-This-Then-That) integration, that allows you to automate things when a device connects or disconnects from the Google WiFi network.

This is very useful for people with limited technical knowledge, but for more technically-inclined people, this is not exclusive to Google WiFi and can be fairly easily achieved with other systems that don't necessarily have out-of-the-box integration, as all that is needed to achieve it is sending some HTTP Requests.

Finally, the price. Google WiFi costs around $230 dollars for one access point or $600 for a set of three. As you can tell, it's not exactly cheap, and while most competitors will set you back at least $130 per access point, the price range is still a fair amount less than $230, and some of them have far more customisability.

In conclusion, Google WiFi is a great out-of-the-box plug-and-play solution for people who have limited technical knowledge and can afford it, but you're paying a premium for the Google brand, and it offers limited advantages over similar systems that are more affordable.

• Easy setup
• Powerful signal
• Mesh network capability
• Useful companion app
• IFTTT integration
• Expensive