I recently got the Nest Wi-Fi Pro. Up front, the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is NOT a modem/router combo. You will need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) supported modem (or modem/router combo, set in Bridged mode) in which to plug the Nest Wi-Fi Pro to get internet service.OOB: you get the modern-looking Nest Wi-Fi Pro (with a very small 5” tall x 3” wide footprint – in Snow, Fog, Linen, or Lemongrass), a 22 watt power adapter, a white, slim ethernet cable (no bright, obnoxious yellow or blue cable), and setup instructions. On the reverse, you have an Ethernet in (from your modem), a power jack, and an Ethernet out (to another device, e.g., a laptop or another Nest Wi-Fi Pro that will serve as a wired extender). Although you can also connect other Nest Wi-Fi pros wirelessly ... MoreI recently got the Nest Wi-Fi Pro. Up front, the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is NOT a modem/router combo. You will need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) supported modem (or modem/router combo, set in Bridged mode) in which to plug the Nest Wi-Fi Pro to get internet service.OOB: you get the modern-looking Nest Wi-Fi Pro (with a very small 5” tall x 3” wide footprint – in Snow, Fog, Linen, or Lemongrass), a 22 watt power adapter, a white, slim ethernet cable (no bright, obnoxious yellow or blue cable), and setup instructions. On the reverse, you have an Ethernet in (from your modem), a power jack, and an Ethernet out (to another device, e.g., a laptop or another Nest Wi-Fi Pro that will serve as a wired extender). Although you can also connect other Nest Wi-Fi pros wirelessly to create a mesh network. There are no physical buttons on the Nest. The only light is a status light that can be set, in the Google Home app, to high, low, or off.Specs: The Nest Wi-Fi Pro provides Wi-Fi 6E, using the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard (AXE5400, tri-band (2x2 (6 GHz), 2x2 (5 GHz), 2x2 (2.4 GHz)) mesh system that allows combined wireless speeds of up 5.4 Gbps, with automatic band steering. The 6Ghz band (while much faster than their slower counterparts) is intended for close range, indoor, connections… e.g., other 6GHz devices, such as other Nest Pros. The Nest offers proactive 802.11k/v client steering for seamless mesh point roaming for uninterrupted Wi-Fi, auto-QoS for video calls, and device prioritization for up to 8 hours. The Nest can handle up to 100 connected devices per extender and has a Dual-core 64-bit ARM CPU, with 1 GB RAM, 4 GB flash onboard. It covers up to 2200 sq ft (each additional Nest Pro provides another 2200 sq ft of coverage, with Google recommending no more than five in a home). But, coverage mileage may vary though depending on where you put the device… a central, exposed area is best. From a smart home perspective, the Nest supports Matter, Thread border routing, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), and is, of course, ready for 6Ghz smart devices when market ready.Setup: Geared more toward the general consumer and not more tech-savvy individuals, setup is super easy. Download the Google Home app. Connect your existing modem to your Nest’s “in” connection. Or set any existing modem/router to bridged mode (much easier than it sounds, with a little web research) and then connect to the Nest. Plug in the Nest. Open the Google Home app, which will find the Nest, and follow directions. The app walks you through everything and does all the work for you. A few notes. Ensure that your device’s Bluetooth connection is on. Make sure you’re in a well-lit room to scan the QR code on the Nest’s underside when prompted. When creating a Wi-Fi network name (if you have an existing wireless network and you want your devices to connect to the Nest easily) give the Nest network the same name as your current wireless network. When creating a password (if using the same network name) use the same password. Confirmed… you must agree to turn on Nest Wi-Fi cloud services if you want to use Family Wi-Fi, Guest Network, Advanced Networking, and Device Lists available in the Google Home app. If you have an active internet connection, the Nest will search for and update its software/firmware and will restart. With the network setup done, you manage the network in the Google Home app. “Wi-Fi” will appear as a selection option. Tap “Wi-Fi.” You’ll see connectivity status (internet, Wi-Fi devices, and, if cloud services are enabled, devices connected to the Nest), an option to run a network speed test (I was able to consistently get my standard wireless speeds through the Nest, from different points both inside and outside my house on my cell phone), as well as the following cards: Devices List, Family Wi-Fi, and Guest Network. In the app’s Settings you’ll see the following options… change network name and password, Family Wi-Fi, Guest Network, Preferred Activities (i.e., video conferencing and/or gaming), notification settings (new device, new device (guest network), password mismatches, and lost connections), advanced network settings ((do not change these settings unless you know what you’re doing – WPA3, 160Ghz for 5Ghz channels, UPnP, enable/disable IPv6, DNS, WAN, LAN, DHCP IP reservations, Port Management (requires cloud services), and Network mode (allowing you to set the Nest Pro itself into NAT or Bridged mode). From Settings you can also view open-source licenses, restart the network (i.e., the Nest Pro) or factory reset the network (i.e., again, the Nest Pro).With cloud services enabled, you’re able to see the devices connected the Nest Pro… including signal strength, how much data they’re using (upload and download… by real-time, per day, week, and month) and have the ability to pause / prioritize device-specific internet connections (the latter of which ensures that at least 80% of your internet bandwidth is dedicated to that device… e.g., your laptop/phone during business hours). Family Wi-Fi allows you to schedule a Wi-Fi pause, again, really only effective on devices that rely solely on Wi-Fi to get to the web (e.g., laptops, gaming consoles, etc.). You can group devices to allow you to pause Wi-Fi on all devices in that group. Keep in mind though, if you pause Wi-Fi on a cell phone, and the cell has a data plan, the cell will use that data plan vs. your home Wi-Fi, especially important to know if you don’t have unlimited data. I also didn’t set up a guest network, but the option is there and allows you to determine what devices you want folks on that network to see – those devices of course have to be connected to the Nest Pro’s network.While the Nest Pro and its functionality are pretty robust, I do have a few bones to pick. I couldn’t find a way to create multiple networks based on internal radios… i.e., assign the 2.5Ghz radio a name like “2.5GHzNetwork” etc. While there are benefits to having one network and allowing the router to band steer and while your devices will find the band that works best for them within the Nest Pro’s network, I prefer to define networks based on available bands and assign devices to those networks. Also, you can’t combine a Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) with other mesh devices (Google or otherwise). If you upgrade to a Nest Wi-Fi Pro, and you want other mesh extenders, you’ll need to use other Nest Wi-Fi Pros. Moreover, for those who have multi-gig networks, the Nest Pro’s ethernet ports (in and out) are capped at 1 gig. The 5.4Gbps throughput is based on combined available wireless radio speeds. If wired, you’ll never benefit from the multi-gig speeds for which you’re paying… which just doesn’t make sense given there are so many devices now that support wired multi-gig speeds.Worth buying? Yes. The Google Nest Wi-Fi pro is a solid 4-star. It was easy to set up and served my home’s devices well during this review. Given how easy setup was, I have zero reason to believe that setting up a mesh network would be the least bit complicated. If Google Home would let me create multiple network names and attribute a given radio to each network, for my purposes, this would be a 5-star device. As it is, Nest Wi-Fi Pro is geared toward the average consumer, who wants a device to work out of the box, with minimal to no configuration.

Open sidebarChromecast ReviewTitle: A Game-Changer in Home Entertainment: ChromecastRating: ★★★★★ (5/5)I recently purchased the Chromecast from Best Buy, and I must say it has revolutionized the way I consume media at home. This small yet powerful device has taken my streaming experience to a whole new level, making it incredibly convenient and enjoyable. Here's my in-depth review of the Chromecast:Setup and Installation: The Chromecast was a breeze to set up. I simply plugged it into my TV's HDMI port, connected it to my Wi-Fi network, and followed the on-screen instructions. It took only a few minutes, and I was up and running.Streaming Capabilities: This device allows me to effortlessly cast content from my smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to ... MoreOpen sidebarChromecast ReviewTitle: A Game-Changer in Home Entertainment: ChromecastRating: ★★★★★ (5/5)I recently purchased the Chromecast from Best Buy, and I must say it has revolutionized the way I consume media at home. This small yet powerful device has taken my streaming experience to a whole new level, making it incredibly convenient and enjoyable. Here's my in-depth review of the Chromecast:Setup and Installation: The Chromecast was a breeze to set up. I simply plugged it into my TV's HDMI port, connected it to my Wi-Fi network, and followed the on-screen instructions. It took only a few minutes, and I was up and running.Streaming Capabilities: This device allows me to effortlessly cast content from my smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to my TV. Whether it's streaming movies, TV shows, music, or even games, Chromecast handles it all flawlessly. The compatibility with a wide range of apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and more, ensures that I can access my favorite content with ease.Streaming Quality: I was pleasantly surprised by the streaming quality of Chromecast. It supports up to 1080p resolution, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. The smooth playback and minimal buffering add to the immersive viewing experience, and I've experienced no lag or interruptions during my streaming sessions.User-Friendly Interface: The Chromecast interface is simple and intuitive, making it accessible for users of all ages. Navigating through the apps, adjusting settings, and controlling playback is straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly design. The device also seamlessly integrates with voice assistants like Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control and convenience.Multi-Room Support: One standout feature of Chromecast is its ability to work in sync with other Chromecast devices in multiple rooms. I can cast content to different TVs in my home simultaneously, creating a cohesive streaming experience throughout my living space. It's perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying content throughout the house.Portability and Convenience: Chromecast's compact design makes it highly portable. I can easily carry it with me while traveling and connect it to any TV with an HDMI port. It's a fantastic companion for hotel stays, where I can effortlessly access my favorite streaming services using my smartphone or tablet.Affordability: The Chromecast offers incredible value for its price. Compared to other streaming devices on the market, it's relatively more affordable without compromising on performance or features. It's an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment setup without breaking the bank.In conclusion, the Chromecast is a game-changer in home entertainment. Its seamless streaming capabilities, excellent streaming quality, user-friendly interface, multi-room support, portability, and affordability make it a must-have device. I highly recommend the Chromecast to anyone looking to elevate their streaming experience and enjoy a wide range of content on their TV. It's a fantastic product, and I'm thrilled with my purchase from Best Buy.

The Chromecast HD with Google TV is a decent option for turning computer monitors (which have audio output) or old non-smart TVs into smart streaming devices, or as an alternative to the built-in software of smart TVs which are often slow, clunky, and lacking in features.[ The good ]- The remote is reasonably convenient to use. The voice assistant button is especially handy, as the assistant is capable of doing many things, such as launching a specified app, finding and playing requested media, showing the weather forecast, and much more. The voice assistant button can also be used to fill in text input fields where supported, which I find to be much more convenient than navigating an on-screen keyboard.- Good Google ecosystem integration. I can, for example, ... MoreThe Chromecast HD with Google TV is a decent option for turning computer monitors (which have audio output) or old non-smart TVs into smart streaming devices, or as an alternative to the built-in software of smart TVs which are often slow, clunky, and lacking in features.[ The good ]- The remote is reasonably convenient to use. The voice assistant button is especially handy, as the assistant is capable of doing many things, such as launching a specified app, finding and playing requested media, showing the weather forecast, and much more. The voice assistant button can also be used to fill in text input fields where supported, which I find to be much more convenient than navigating an on-screen keyboard.- Good Google ecosystem integration. I can, for example, launch applications on the Chromecast by voice command from a Nest Hub, cast to the Chromecast from the Chrome browser on another device, or use the remote to stream video from my Nest doorbell or security cameras to the Chromecast. Unfortunately, however, there doesn’t seem to be a way to browse local devices from the Chromecast like I can with the Nest Hub.- Direct access to the Google Play Store provides a large selection of apps.- Navigating the user interfaces is reasonably snappy.[ The bad ]- I went through the initial setup process on two separate Chromecast units. In both cases, the process took a long time and hung up with the Chromecast waiting for the Google Home app on my phone to complete the setup process. In one instance, the Google Home app indicated that setup was complete (while the Chromecast remained in its ‘waiting’ state). In the other instance, the Google Home app appeared to crash or abandon the setup process around the same spot. In both cases, I had to manually continue setup on the Chromecast/TV.- Though the setup process stepped through configuration of the volume buttons and power button, it completely skipped the input button which didn’t work directly after setup. I had to manually enter the settings and configure this button to get it working.- While some users may appreciate the content discovery provided by the prolific amount of advertisements present, I greatly prefer the basic app launching type of screen that a popular competing product has. The Chromecast does have an ‘Apps only mode’, but this comes at the severe punitive cost of 1: the inability to use the voice assistant button, 2: the inability to install apps (at least the two search bars used for installing new apps are removed), though apps that are already installed can still be launched, and 3: even though the home screen is reduced to an ‘Apps’ tab, they now throw in a gigantic advertisement banner that wasn’t there previously.- Some of the apps I tested from the Play Store are a bit different than the same apps on other smart TV and streaming devices and behave a bit differently, sometimes not even being properly adjusted for use on TVs (such as expecting the presence of a touch screen).- The lack of an Ethernet port means you’re stuck with WiFi being a potential weak point in your viewing experience.- The two app buttons on the remote are not reconfigurable (at least not natively).