Nest Wifi Pro vs The Mesh Wi-Fi Competition (2025 Showdown) 🚀

• Google’s Nest Wifi Pro is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh router system (AXE5400) launched in late 2022 en.wikipedia.org, with combined speeds up to ~5.4 Gbps and coverage of ~2,200 sq ft per unit theverge.com theverge.com.
• Simple setup, sleek design, smart home-ready: Nest Wifi Pro is praised for easy app-based setup and modern, minimalist looks en.wikipedia.org. It doubles as a Thread border router with Matter support for IoT devices theverge.com en.wikipedia.org. No subscription is needed for features like parental controls or security.
• Performance: Delivers reliable whole-home Wi-Fi with consistent speeds and low latency after firmware fixes theverge.com. Uses the 6 GHz band as a dedicated mesh backhaul, which boosts speed but requires nodes to be placed closer together (6 GHz struggles through walls) androidcentral.com. Ethernet ports are 1 Gbps-only, so it cannot support multi-gig internet plans theverge.com.
• 2025 updates: Google issued firmware updates (e.g. July 2025) improving Thread smart home coverage and overall stability 9to5google.com. Earlier updates enhanced Wi-Fi mesh roaming and fixed device connectivity bugs 9to5google.com.
• Competition is heating up: Rival mesh systems like Amazon Eero (now with Wi-Fi 7 models), TP-Link Deco, Asus ZenWiFi, and Netgear Orbi offer various strengths (from multi-gig ports to advanced controls) often at higher prices. Nest Wifi Pro remains a strong value choice for homes needing easy, reliable Wi-Fi – though power users and small businesses might consider the beefier alternatives.

Meet Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E Mesh by Google)

Google’s glossy Nest Wifi Pro router sports a minimalist design meant to blend into home decor. Each unit has two Ethernet ports and houses a tri-band Wi‑Fi 6E radio (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz).

Google’s Nest Wifi Pro is a mesh-capable wireless router system in the Nest smart home family, introduced in October 2022 en.wikipedia.org as the successor to the 2019 Nest Wifi. It’s Google’s first Wi-Fi 6E router, meaning it adds the new 6 GHz band alongside 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz theverge.com. Each Nest Wifi Pro unit is identical – there’s no separate “point” with reduced specs like the previous gen – and each includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one usually serving as WAN on the main router) theverge.com. Notably, the system is not backwards-compatible with older Google/Nest Wifi units, so you can’t mix Nest Wifi Pro with prior Nest Wifi or Google Wifi nodes theverge.com.

Tech specs at a glance: Nest Wifi Pro is an AXE5400-class mesh router (up to ~5.4 Gbps combined theoretical throughput) theverge.com. It’s a tri-band design with one 2.4 GHz radio (~600 Mbps max), one 5 GHz radio (up to 2400 Mbps with 160 MHz channels), and one 6 GHz radio (up to 2400 Mbps) theverge.com androidcentral.com. The 6 GHz band serves a dual purpose: connecting newer Wi-Fi 6E devices on a fast, uncongested band, and acting as a dedicated backhaul link between mesh nodes theverge.com. Each unit is rated to cover ~2,200 sq ft (204 m²), and Google sells them in 1-pack, 2-pack, or 3-pack kits (a 3-pack covers ~6,600 sq ft) theverge.com. Under the hood, there’s a quad-core ARM CPU (Qualcomm IPQ5018) with 1 GB RAM and 4 GB flash memory en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org—powerful enough to handle up to 300 devices per mesh (Google’s spec) store.google.com, though real-world performance depends on network conditions.

Smart home integration: True to its Nest branding, the Wifi Pro integrates into Google’s ecosystem. It’s managed entirely through the Google Home app (no web interface), making it newbie-friendly albeit limited in advanced settings theverge.com. The router doubles as a Thread Border Router and supports Matter – meaning it can directly connect Thread-based smart gadgets (like certain smart locks, sensors, etc.) and help coordinate Matter-compatible devices on your network theverge.com. Recent firmware even improves Thread reliability for smart home gadgets (more on updates later) 9to5google.com. Unlike the older Nest Wifi, the Pro units do not have built-in smart speakers or mics – Google removed the Google Assistant speaker feature to focus on networking theverge.com. While some may miss the convenience of a router+smart-speaker combo, most users prefer adding separate smart speakers and enjoying the Pro’s upgraded radios and extra Ethernet jack instead theverge.com.

Design and aesthetics: Google set out to make a router that isn’t an eyesore. The Nest Wifi Pro has a sleek, glossy curved design available in white or soft colors (Fog blue, Linen beige, Lemongrass yellow) instead of blinking antennas theverge.com. “One of the few routers that won’t look like a dead spider on your sideboard,” jokes The Verge, calling it one of the best-looking Wi-Fi routers you can buy theverge.com. The rounded, minimalist units are meant to be placed in the open (for best signal) without drawing too much attention – though the high-gloss finish can be a bit reflective theverge.com. Each node is compact (about 5 inches tall, 4.6 inches wide en.wikipedia.org) and has a status LED that glows subtly underneath. Overall, Nest Wifi Pro’s hardware embraces the “Wi-Fi router as home decor” trend, similar to Eero and Deco units that favor friendly designs over aggressive gamer aesthetics 9to5google.com 9to5google.com.

Performance and Real-World Experience

Google pitches Nest Wifi Pro as a “fast, reliable mesh Wi-Fi” solution for the modern home theverge.com. So how does it hold up in practice?

Speed & coverage: In real-world use, Nest Wifi Pro provides solid, steady performance for most home internet needs. Reviewers upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 systems saw “significantly improved speeds and reliability” with the Pro theverge.com. For example, The Verge’s tests showed faster speeds and better consistency throughout the home compared to the previous Nest Wifi (Wi-Fi 5) system theverge.com. With a three-pack in a 2,200 sq ft two-story home filled with 120+ devices, the reviewer achieved stable coverage in every room after placing nodes on each floor theverge.com. Even at the far corners, speeds held up well once a firmware update resolved initial hiccups theverge.com. This consistency is a strong point – “speeds were slightly slower [than Eero Pro 6E] but more consistent throughout the house,” according to The Verge theverge.com. For households plagued by dead zones or buffering with a single router, a Nest Wifi Pro mesh can be a night-and-day upgrade, blanketing the home in usable Wi-Fi.

However, absolute top speeds are limited by the hardware choices. Gigabit Ethernet caps mean the Nest Wifi Pro can’t exceed 1 Gbps on wired backhaul or to any single device theverge.com. If you have a multi-gig internet service (2 Gbps fiber, etc.), this system will not deliver the full speed – a known drawback for enthusiasts theverge.com theverge.com. Wireless throughput to devices also won’t max out the 5.4 Gbps “theoretical” rating; a Wi-Fi client connects to one band at a time, and real-world speeds per device tend to be in the few hundred Mbps range under good conditions theverge.com. In one long-term test, a user with ~940 Mbps fiber service consistently got ~500–600 Mbps on modern phones near the main router, dropping to ~150 Mbps in distant rooms – a huge improvement over their old ISP router’s ~80 Mbps, albeit not utilizing the full gigabit line androidauthority.com androidauthority.com.

Backhaul and range considerations: One important quirk is Nest Wifi Pro’s use of 6 GHz for wireless backhaul. The 6 GHz band is great for speed (lots of fresh spectrum and 160 MHz channels) but doesn’t penetrate walls as well as 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz androidcentral.com. This means that if you spread the mesh nodes too far apart – especially with walls/floors between them – the backhaul link can weaken, causing slower speeds on the far node. Netgear’s high-end Orbi systems actually avoided this issue by using 5 GHz for backhaul in their Wi-Fi 6E mesh (keeping 6 GHz optional for clients) androidcentral.com. Google took the opposite route: 6 GHz dedicated backhaul to free up 5 GHz for devices, but at the cost of backhaul range. In practice, some users have been “complaining about unexpectedly poor coverage and low speeds” on distant Nest Pro units until they reposition closer androidcentral.com. Android Central observed this firsthand – during setup one satellite node had to be moved nearer to the primary router even though only two interior walls (and a door) separated them androidcentral.com. The mesh setup guide in the Google Home app will warn you if a node’s placement is suboptimal androidcentral.com, and it’s wise to heed those suggestions.

The takeaway: plan to place Nest Wifi Pro units a bit closer together than you might with older Nest/Google Wifi. You might even need an extra node for large homes. “There’s a good chance you’ll need more Nest Wifi Pro nodes than you did Nest Wifi or Google Wifi,” notes Android Central, “but luckily Google got the pricing right” – when bought in a 2-pack or 3-pack, each extra node works out to about $100 androidcentral.com. Three nodes should easily cover most multi-story houses up to ~6,000+ sq ft if positioned well, but if you have a sprawling layout or thick walls, be prepared to use that Ethernet backhaul or add a fourth node to fill gaps.

On the plus side, if your home is wired with Ethernet in some rooms, Nest Wifi Pro does support wired backhaul (connecting the nodes via Ethernet cables) theverge.com. This can eliminate the wireless backhaul distance issue entirely and deliver the best performance – the 1 Gbps ports become the limiting factor in that case. Many competitors charge far more for mesh kits with multi-gig backhaul, so if you only need gigabit speeds, the Nest Wifi Pro with Ethernet backhaul is a cost-effective solution.

Reliability & firmware improvements: Every new router has some teething issues, and early Nest Wifi Pro users did report things like devices disconnecting or slower-than-expected speeds in late 2022. The good news is Google has rolled out multiple firmware updates that smoothed out the experience. Notably, a December 2022 update improved mesh connection stability and device roaming (clients switching seamlessly between nodes) 9to5google.com. By mid-2023, many initial bugs (like an incorrect LED indicator for WAN status and certain device connectivity issues) were addressed 9to5google.com. “Initially, I experienced slow speeds and high latency in the furthest rooms… a software update fixed this, resulting in consistent speeds throughout my home,” reported The Verge’s reviewer theverge.com. This kind of over-the-air fix shows the benefit of Google’s automatic updates – the system quietly patches itself to get better over time.

In 2025, Google is still tending to the Nest Wifi Pro. A July 1, 2025 firmware (ver. 3.76) delivered “improved and more reliable whole-home coverage with Thread support” (enhancing the mesh network for Thread smart home devices) and general stability/security fixes 9to5google.com. This update also specifically fixed setup issues with the new Yale Matter smart lock, underscoring Google’s commitment to keeping Nest Wifi Pro up-to-date for the latest smart gadgets 9to5google.com. Earlier in April 2025, a similar update was in the works but got pulled and re-released in July 9to5google.com 9to5google.com – once it passed testing. All these updates install automatically (usually overnight) so most users just wake up to a better router. You can check your Nest Wifi Pro software version in the Google Home app and reboot the device to trigger pending updates 9to5google.com.

Real user feedback: Overall, most home users are satisfied with Nest Wifi Pro’s blend of simplicity and performance for the price. It’s particularly popular for those in the Google ecosystem or folks who want “set-and-forget” Wi-Fi with minimal tweaking. Typical comments praise the rock-solid coverage (“no more dead zones in my house!”) and integration with Google Home app (seeing all devices and usage in one place). On the flip side, power users sometimes gripe about the limited settings. There’s no built-in web GUI or advanced networking config – you can’t separate SSIDs for each band, run custom firmware, set up VLANs, or other pro features theverge.com. If you enjoy fine-tuning channels and transmit power or need enterprise-like controls, Nest Wifi Pro may feel too barebones. As Wired put it, the “Pro” moniker is a bit misleading since “it lacks many of the ‘pro’ features you might expect” in high-end routers wired.com wired.com. But Google’s target audience isn’t networking enthusiasts – it’s families, remote workers, and average consumers who want reliable Wi-Fi without hassle. For them, the Nest Wifi Pro is a “simple, easy, and reliable” mesh that just works wired.com. In fact, after living with it for months, Wired’s reviewer said he was “simultaneously impressed and underwhelmed.” Impressed by the reasonable price for tri-band Wi-Fi 6E and the stable coverage, but underwhelmed because the system “feels barebones compared to other mesh systems, and speeds are distinctly average” in class wired.com.

That sums up Nest Wifi Pro well: it’s not trying to win spec sheets or speed tests against $1,500 Orbi kits – instead, it’s aiming to hit the sweet spot of affordability, aesthetics, and adequacy. And for a huge segment of users (those on sub-gigabit internet plans in normal-size homes), the Nest Wifi Pro indeed “packs a lot into an affordable package,” as The Verge noted theverge.com.

Latest News & Updates (2024–2025)

Google has kept the Nest Wifi Pro in the news through software updates and the evolving smart home landscape. Here are the key recent updates as of late 2025:

• Ongoing Firmware Upgrades: Google periodically updates the Nest Wifi Pro’s firmware with new features and fixes. In August 2024, an update (v3.73) fixed a glitch with the WAN indicator light and resolved streaming device connectivity issues 9to5google.com. A December 2024 update (v3.74) improved mesh stability and faster device roaming between nodes 9to5google.com. Then came the Thread-focused update in mid-2025 (v3.76) as mentioned, which improved how Nest Wifi Pro units act as Thread border routers for smart home devices 9to5google.com. These show Google’s commitment to supporting new standards (like Matter/Thread) and polishing performance even three years after launch.
• Matter and Thread Integration: With the launch of the Matter 1.0 standard (late 2022) and wider adoption in 2023–2024, Nest Wifi Pro’s built-in Thread radio became quite useful. For instance, newly released Thread-based smart locks (like the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Matter) benefited from the 2025 update that fixed setup hiccups 9to5google.com. Nest Wifi Pro acts as a hub so that Thread smart bulbs, sensors, and locks can join your network seamlessly. Google also updated the Google Home app throughout 2023–2025 with better controls and analytics for Wi-Fi and smart devices (e.g., the Home app now shows improved device lists, allows scheduling Wi-Fi pauses, etc., in recent versions). If you’re investing in Google’s smart home ecosystem, the Nest Wifi Pro remains a cornerstone device bridging your Wi-Fi and smart gadgets.
• Availability and Pricing: As of September 2025, Nest Wifi Pro is widely available and often discounted. The MSRP remains $199 for one router, $299 for a 2-pack, or $399 for a 3-pack 9to5google.com. However, sales sometimes drop the 3-pack to $349 or less. Competing Wi-Fi 6E mesh kits have seen price cuts too, but Google’s aggressive pricing (especially the $100 per node in multi-pack) keeps Nest Pro attractive. Notably, Google’s older Wi-Fi 5 routers (Google Wifi 2016 and Nest Wifi 2019) were fully discontinued by mid-2023 – they vanished from the Google Store with no stock replenished techradar.com. This hints that Nest Wifi Pro is intended to be Google’s main offering for a while, until a true next-gen hits.
• Rumors of Nest Wifi Pro 2 (Wi-Fi 7?): With Wi-Fi 7 becoming the new buzzword in 2024–2025, you might wonder if a Nest Wifi Pro 2 is imminent. There have indeed been rumblings: In late 2023, enthusiasts discovered a new Google device codename “Brezza” (model GS4VD) that looked like a Nest Wifi Pro successor in development 9to5google.com. An icon labeled “Nest Wifi Pro 2” even appeared in Google’s own Material Icons library, causing a brief stir 9to5google.com. However, 9to5Google analyzed this and found the icon was likely just an alternate graphic for the existing product, not a confirmed sequel 9to5google.com. “For now, we still don’t know much about what’s coming,” they wrote, “the existing model is still a good buy” 9to5google.com. In other words, no official Nest Wifi Pro 2 has launched as of Sep 2025, and Google has been mum on router hardware at its recent events. That said, the timeline would suggest an upgrade soon (the original Google Wifi 2016, Nest Wifi 2019, then Pro 2022 – roughly 3-year cadence). It wouldn’t be surprising if a Wi-Fi 7 Nest router is announced in late 2025 or 2026. Until then, Google seems content refining the current Pro via software, ensuring it holds up against newer competition.

Expert Opinions: What Reviewers Say

Tech experts generally view Nest Wifi Pro as a fantastic mainstream mesh system with a few caveats. Here are some choice quotes and insights:

• The Verge (Jennifer Pattison Tuohy) – Gave Nest Wifi Pro a 7/10, praising its ease of use, price, and smart home readiness (includes Thread/Matter) while noting it’s not aimed at networking nerds. “Google’s Nest Wifi Pro adds Wi-Fi 6E… improved reliability. It’s not a ‘Pro’ router – for top throughput, look elsewhere – but it packs a lot into an affordable package.” theverge.com In testing, The Verge found Nest Pro outperformed an Eero Pro 6E in consistency: “speeds were slightly slower, [but] more consistent throughout the house, and Google offers for free some features that Eero locks behind a subscription.” theverge.com The limited 1 Gb ports and struggles of 6 GHz at range were flagged as the main downsides theverge.com theverge.com. On design: “one of the few routers that won’t look like a dead spider… the best-looking Wi-Fi routers you can buy” theverge.com. Bottom line: great for typical homes, not for multi-gig power users.
• Wired (Simon Hill) – Rated 7/10. Liked the “cute and unobtrusive design”, simple app setup, and reliable performance covering a 1,600 sq ft home with no dead spots wired.com wired.com. Also highlighted the value: “Nest Wifi Pro costs $199 for one, $299 for two, or $399 for three. That’s relatively affordable for a tri-band mesh with 6 GHz support.” wired.com But under “Tired” cons, Wired listed “No multi-gig ports. Not backward compatible. Limited settings. Middling speeds.” wired.com. They observed that even with 160 MHz enabled, their Wi-Fi 6E devices rarely linked above 1.2 Gbps, effectively behaving like 80 MHz Wi-Fi 6 – so the benefit of 6E was modest in their environment androidcentral.com. Still, the reviewer noted that in two weeks of heavy use (gaming, 4K streaming, video calls) the Nest Pro never lagged or buffered, which is ultimately what most people care about wired.com.
• Android Central (Samuel Contreras) – Had more mixed feelings, calling it “a bit disappointing” in the title. The review dives into the 6 GHz backhaul limitations, showing how node speeds dropped to ~550 Mbps when linked over 6 GHz through walls, versus near-gigabit at the primary router androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. The analysis explains the physics of higher-frequency attenuation and why Nest Pro nodes might need to be closer than older ones androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. They also note that enabling 160 MHz channels and WPA3 is possible but off by default (can be toggled in the app; in their case it didn’t yield higher link rates on devices) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. On features, AC points out the excellent device list and prioritization in the Google Home app, and basic parental controls (site blocking via Google SafeSearch) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. The gripe was having to enable Google Cloud services to see detailed stats, raising some privacy eyebrows androidcentral.com. Verdict: Nest Wifi Pro is super easy to set up and integrates well, but you may need an extra node for same coverage as before, and it won’t thrill those expecting a truly “Pro” experience.
• 9to5Google (Ben Schoon) – In an extended use mini-review, he actually switched from Nest Wifi Pro to testing a TP-Link Deco (more on that next). But regarding Nest Pro, he cited design, Google’s app, and brand trust as big draws, saying he was a satisfied customer overall 9to5google.com 9to5google.com. Yet he acknowledged performance was “matched or arguably beaten” by cheaper alternatives in some ways 9to5google.com, and expressed mild frustration with the Google Home app’s simplification of certain advanced features (burying settings under friendly labels, etc.) 9to5google.com 9to5google.com. This reiterates the common theme: Nest Wifi Pro nails simplicity and works great for everyday use, but at the cost of granular controls and a bit of raw performance.

In summary, expert consensus is that Nest Wifi Pro is one of the best mesh systems for non-techies and Google-centric homes, delivering stable Wi-Fi 6E coverage with minimal effort. It’s affordable for what it offers, and its few shortcomings (no multi-gig, reduced range on 6 GHz, limited tweaks) are only deal-breakers if you have specific high-end needs. As CNET’s early review put it, Nest Wifi Pro is “built for the work-from-home era”, excelling in coverage and ease for the average household, even if it won’t satisfy networking enthusiasts 9to5google.com 9to5google.com.

Nest Wifi Pro vs Competitors (2025 Mesh Router Alternatives)

The home mesh networking space in 2025 is crowded with excellent systems. Google’s Nest Wifi Pro faces off against Amazon’s Eero lineup, TP-Link’s Deco series, Asus’s ZenWiFi mesh kits, Netgear’s Orbi systems, and others. Here we compare how Nest Wifi Pro stacks up in key areas against these top competitors:

Amazon Eero: Alexa-Friendly Mesh (Now with Wi-Fi 7)

Amazon’s Eero routers are perhaps the closest rivals to Google in the mesh arena. Both prioritize user-friendly setup, sleek designs, and broad household appeal over bleeding-edge specs. Eero’s strength lies in its seamless integration with Alexa and Amazon’s ecosystem – for instance, Echo speakers can double as Wi-Fi extenders in an Eero network theverge.com. Eero was also early to adopt Thread and Matter; like Nest Pro, the latest Eeros can serve as Thread border routers and Matter hubs, plus include a Zigbee radio for Echo device compatibility theverge.com.

Model comparison: The direct competitor to Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) was the Eero Pro 6E. Eero Pro 6E is also an AX5400 tri-band 6E mesh; each unit covers ~2,000 sq ft and supports 100+ devices wired.com. It one-ups Nest with one 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port + 1 Gbps port per node the-ambient.com the-ambient.com, meaning it can take a multi-gig WAN connection (up to 2.5 Gbps) – a key advantage for fiber users. Eero’s design is a low-profile white “muffin” shape that blends in, similar in ethos to Nest’s soft design. Originally priced higher, the Eero Pro 6E 3-pack was around $699, but Amazon dropped prices in 2023 to about $549.99 for a 3-pack to stay competitive theverge.com.

As of 2025, Amazon has launched Wi-Fi 7 Eeros: the Eero 7 and Eero Pro 7 (and a flagship Max 7 earlier in 2023). The Eero 7 (dual-band Wi-Fi 7) and Pro 7 (tri-band Wi-Fi 7) show Amazon’s strategy of “good, better, best”:

• Eero 7 – Dual-band (2.4 + 5 GHz only, no 6 GHz) but with Wi-Fi 7 tech like 320 MHz channels and Multi-Link Operation. Each has two 2.5Gb ports. Max wireless ~1.8 Gbps. Very attractively priced around $349.99 for a 3-pack theverge.com theverge.com.
• Eero Pro 7 – Tri-band (2.4, 5, 6 GHz) with two 5 Gbps Ethernet ports and up to ~3.9 Gbps wireless throughput theverge.com. Geared for gigabit-plus needs. Priced about $699.99 for 3-pack (one unit is $299) theverge.com.

These new Eeros bring features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) which can combine bands for stronger backhaul links, addressing some issues like those Nest’s 6GHz backhaul has theverge.com. However, they cost significantly more than Nest Wifi Pro (especially the Pro 7). If you’re an Alexa smart home user or need multi-gig LAN ports, Eero is compelling. But keep in mind Eero charges subscription fees (Eero Secure) for things Google gives free – advanced security scans, ad-blocking, parental controls, etc. The Verge explicitly liked that Google has “no subscription fees” for features that “Eero locks behind a monthly subscription.” theverge.com theverge.com Also, all Eero units require a cloud account and are heavily cloud-managed, which some privacy-conscious users dislike.

Verdict: Nest Wifi Pro vs Eero – For a standard family home with <=1 Gbps internet, Nest Wifi Pro offers similar performance to Eero Pro 6E at a lower cost and with no monthly upsells theverge.com. Eero’s new Wi-Fi 7 models out-spec Nest on paper and are more future-proof (and great for Alexa households), but you’ll pay a premium (double or more the cost) for those benefits. If you need easy mesh Wi-Fi and already use Alexa, Eero is a natural choice; if you prefer Google Assistant and a one-time cost, Nest Wifi Pro is the better value.

TP-Link Deco: Mesh on a Budget (Value Champion)

TP-Link’s Deco mesh systems have rapidly become the value-for-money favorites in this space. Deco models often undercut big-name rivals on price while delivering impressive specs. For example, the Deco XE75 Pro is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E system very comparable to Nest Wifi Pro: AXE5400 speeds, 6 GHz backhaul support, coverage ~2,900 sq ft per node tp-link.com tp-link.com, and it even has 2.5 Gbps ports on each unit (1×2.5Gb + 2×1Gb) to support multi-gig internet tp-link.com tp-link.com. The kicker is the price – a 3-pack Deco XE75 Pro launched at $399, but has been on sale for as low as $260 for 3 nodes 9to5google.com! “TP-Link really has a sweet deal… you can easily score the three-pack for just $260,” noted 9to5Google in late 2024 9to5google.com. Even at MSRP, $349 for a trio means each node costs only $116, well below Nest’s single-unit price 9to5google.com.

In terms of performance, TP-Link Deco holds its own. Ben Schoon of 9to5Google, a Nest Wifi Pro owner, tested the Deco XE70 Pro (AXE4900) and found “rock-solid connections… matching or arguably beating Google’s Nest Wifi Pro in many ways.” 9to5google.com Speeds on his gigabit fiber were comparable on Wi-Fi, and with wired backhaul the Deco unlocked even faster throughput (thanks to that 2.5G port) 9to5google.com 9to5google.com. Each Deco unit also has more than one LAN port free (Nest gives you one LAN port per node, Deco gives two per node), which he found “super helpful for connecting TVs or gaming PCs at your mesh points.” 9to5google.com In essence, TP-Link is offering nearly all the Nest Wifi Pro features plus some extras (multi-gig, extra LAN, sometimes even SD card slots or USB on certain models) at a lower cost.

The trade-offs? TP-Link’s mobile app is decent but not as polished as Google’s. It does have more advanced settings exposed (since it’s Wi-Fi focused), and even a handy feature search function for quick configuration access 9to5google.com. However, TP-Link is a networking company first, so the app isn’t integrated with a whole smart home ecosystem like Google/Amazon’s. Also, some have security concerns about TP-Link (a China-based brand) – as one highly upvoted comment quipped, “TP-Link is a vehicle for hackers. Anyone smart would never buy TP-Link products.” 9to5google.com. While that’s likely an exaggeration, enterprise reports have noted vulnerabilities in some TP-Link routers historically. TP-Link has its HomeShield security suite (basic free, advanced requires subscription) but it’s not as full-featured as Netgear’s Armor or Eero Secure.

TP-Link has also jumped into Wi-Fi 7 early: their Deco BE85/BE95 (Wi-Fi 7 mesh) are available for those wanting next-gen performance – albeit at much higher cost than the Wi-Fi 6E Decos. Still, for most consumers in 2025, a discounted Wi-Fi 6E Deco kit is a steal. It’s essentially the “favorite Nest Wifi Pro alternative” for value hunters 9to5google.com. If you don’t mind leaving the Google app and ecosystem, you could save money and even gain a bit of performance. But if you prefer Google’s tight integration and straightforward approach, Nest Wifi Pro is easier to recommend – especially in markets where TP-Link’s support might be spottier.

Verdict: Nest Wifi Pro vs TP-Link Deco – Deco wins on pure specs per dollar. You get similar or better hardware (multi-gig ports, possibly slightly wider coverage per node synced.sg) for less money, making it ideal for tech-savvy buyers on a budget. Nest Wifi Pro wins on software ecosystem and simplicity – it’s arguably more user-friendly for novices and ties neatly into Google Home. Also, Google has a strong track record of firmware updates; TP-Link updates exist but might not be as frequent or as extensively tested. For a small business or power user who needs a lot of bang-for-buck (and maybe wired backhaul, VLANs, etc.), TP-Link Deco is extremely attractive. For a typical home that values reliability with minimal tinkering, Nest Wifi Pro remains a solid pick, just slightly pricier for what you get.

Asus ZenWiFi: Power User’s Mesh (High Performance & Control)

Asus approaches mesh networking from a more enthusiast angle. Their ZenWiFi mesh systems combine the user-friendliness of mesh with the feature-rich firmware Asus routers are known for. If Google and Eero are walled gardens, Asus is the open playground – you get a full web interface, tons of settings (QoS, VPN, traffic analyzer, MAC filtering, custom DNS, you name it), and often top-tier hardware to boot.

A popular model is the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) – a Wi-Fi 6 (not 6E) tri-band mesh that actually out-specs Nest Wifi Pro in some areas. A 2-pack of XT8 is rated for 5,500 sq ft coverage amazon.com soyacincau.com and combined throughput of ~6.6 Gbps (AX6600). Each node has 4 Ethernet ports (1×2.5 Gb WAN + 3×1 Gb LAN) and even a USB 3.0 port for network storage or printers asus.com asus.com. This illustrates Asus’s philosophy: throw in every port and feature a power user might want. The XT8 launched around $450 per 2-pack; by 2025 it’s often on sale under $400. There’s also a Wi-Fi 6E version, ZenWiFi ET8, and a high-end ZenWiFi Pro XT12/ET12 that push performance to extremes (multi-gig ports on all nodes, massive antennas, etc.), at correspondingly high prices ($600+). Asus also frequently releases firmware updates and even supports AiMesh – you can mix and match different Asus router models in one mesh network. For example, an Asus GT-AX11000 gaming router can link with ZenWiFi satellites if you want crazy backhaul.

Strengths: Asus ZenWiFi delivers excellent speed and coverage, often rivalling or beating Orbi in tests for less money. In one comparison, the ZenWiFi XT8 had better coverage (5500 vs 4400 sq ft) and max throughput (6.6 Gbps vs 5.4 Gbps) than Nest Wifi Pro synced.sg. The dedicated 5 GHz backhaul on XT8 (because it lacks 6E) actually gives it an edge in range, as it can penetrate walls better – you trade off the 6 GHz client support. ZenWiFi nodes also allow separating bands if desired (you can have distinct SSIDs for 2.4/5/6 GHz, which Nest doesn’t allow) and a plethora of fine controls theverge.com. The presence of a USB port for NAS functionality or other mods is a niche bonus appreciated by advanced users.

Weaknesses: The flipside is complexity and size. ZenWiFi units, with their multiple antennas internally (or externally in the Pro models), are larger and more “router-like” in appearance, which some might find less living-room-friendly. The setup, while far easier than old-school routers (thanks to Asus’ smartphone app), isn’t as foolproof as Google’s process. There are simply more options, which can confuse non-experts. Additionally, while Asus tries to provide security features (AiProtection, etc.), some features may prompt subscription after trial (similar to Netgear). And historically, Asus’ software, with all its toggles, can be slightly less stable if you push certain configurations (though they’ve improved a lot). Also important: price – Asus meshes, especially newer Wi-Fi 6E/7 models, can get expensive. For example, the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 (Wi-Fi 6E, tri-band) two-pack debuted around $799. These are aimed at users who might otherwise get an Orbi or enterprise APs, not average consumers.

Verdict: Nest Wifi Pro vs Asus ZenWiFi – this is simplicity vs control. Nest Wifi Pro is set-it-and-forget-it; ZenWiFi is tweak-it-till-you-peak-it. An Asus mesh will reward a small business or tech enthusiast who needs features like multi-gig LAN, advanced QoS, or integration with existing Asus routers. It can deliver extremely fast LAN speeds (e.g. for a media server) that Nest can’t due to its Gigabit ports. But if you don’t need those extras, you might find yourself overpaying and under-utilizing an Asus system. For most homes, Nest Wifi Pro covers the bases with a lot less effort. For those on gigabit+ internet or with demanding internal traffic (like 4K streaming between a home server and devices), Asus provides the headroom that Nest lacks. It’s not as neat in the app department, but it has substance behind the specs.

Netgear Orbi: The Mesh Heavyweight (Performance King, Premium Price)

When it comes to sheer mesh Wi-Fi power, Netgear Orbi often wears the crown – accompanied by a princely price tag. Orbi systems have been known to offer massive coverage, multiple bands (including dedicated backhaul radios), and multi-gig connectivity, targeting large homes and even small offices that need top-tier performance.

The Nest Wifi Pro is technically a dual-band mesh (2.4 + 5 for clients, with 6 as backhaul). Netgear’s approach at the high end is quad-band: e.g., the Orbi RBKE963 (Orbi AXE11000) from 2022 had 4 radios – 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz (low band), 5 GHz (high band), and 6 GHz – using one of the 5 GHz exclusively for backhaul. This, combined with powerful amplifiers, meant an Orbi 3-pack could blanket 9,000+ sq ft reliably and maintain higher speeds at range than any dual/tri-band system. The RBKE963 also packed 10 Gbps ports and 2.5 Gbps ports to handle multi-gig internet and wired backhaul daisy-chains netgear.com. The catch? The MSRP was $1,499 for a 3-pack – literally ~3–4× the cost of Nest Wifi Pro’s 3-pack. It was the no-compromise solution for those willing to splurge.

By 2025, Netgear has introduced a whole Wi-Fi 7 Orbi lineup:

• Orbi 970 Series (RBE970) – the flagship Wi-Fi 7 mesh, boasting up to “27 Gbps” combined wireless (a marketing figure for tri-band 4×4 320 MHz plus backhaul) and 10 Gig + 2.5 Gig ports netgear.com. This is aimed at early adopters and likely sits in the $1500 range as well.
• Orbi 870/770 Series – slightly toned-down Wi-Fi 7 models announced around Jan 2025 investor.netgear.com, still tri-band with 6 GHz but maybe lower streams or less aggressive specs to hit lower price points (likely $800–$1000).
• Orbi 370 Series – Netgear’s surprising mid-2025 release of a “more affordable” Wi-Fi 7 mesh netgear.com. The Orbi 370 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 system (2.4 + 5 GHz only with Wi-Fi 7’s MLO) that comes in at $349.99 for a 3-pack (RBE373) netgear.com! Netgear essentially created a competitor to Eero 7 and Deco by dropping 6 GHz and focusing on the new Wi-Fi 7 features on 2.4/5 GHz. It still includes 2.5Gb ports on router and satellites, supports up to 5 Gbps wireless (with MLO combining 2.4+5), and covers ~6,000 sq ft with three units netgear.com netgear.com. This is Netgear trying to reach the mainstream who balk at four-figure routers.

For comparison with Nest Wifi Pro, the closest Orbi in spec is maybe the Orbi 760 Series (Wi-Fi 6 tri-band) or the new Orbi 370 (Wi-Fi 7 dual-band). The Orbi 760 (AX5400 tri-band) 3-pack covers ~7,500 sq ft, has a dedicated 5 GHz backhaul, and 2.5Gb WAN + Gigabit LAN ports – it retailed around $599 for 3. Orbi 370 (dual-band Wi-Fi 7) as noted is $349 for 3, similar price to Nest’s 3-pack, but only dual-band (no 6 GHz clients). It leverages Wi-Fi 7’s multi-link to try to compensate on backhaul.

Strengths: Orbi’s big advantage is raw performance and coverage. If you have a large property or thick walls, Orbi’s stronger radios and dedicated backhaul bands mean you can place satellites farther and still get solid throughput. For instance, the older Orbi RBK752 (Wi-Fi 6) could maintain higher speeds at 50–75 feet distance than Nest Wifi could at 30–50 feet, in some tests techgearlab.com. Netgear also offers models with integrated modem (Orbi CBK series) and even outdoor satellites, catering to niche use cases. The Orbi app provides more features than Google’s (though not as many as Asus), and Netgear’s Armor security (powered by Bitdefender) is well-regarded – but requires a paid subscription after trial netgear.com netgear.com. Orbi is often recommended for users with multi-gig internet who want to maximize speed throughout their home – something Nest Wifi Pro simply cannot do due to its Gigabit bottlenecks.

Weaknesses: Cost and complexity. Orbi is premium; even the mid-range sets cost double a Nest pack. Also, each Orbi unit is fairly large and needs room for its multiple antennas – not as discrete as a Nest pebble. Netgear’s firmware tends to be stable but not very “Google-simple.” Some users find the Orbi app clunky and have encountered bugs when mixing wired backhaul or adjusting settings (especially in early firmware of new models). Netgear also segments features – some settings available via web UI only, others via app only, which can frustrate. And while Nest/Mesh systems from Google or Eero focus on “it just works,” Netgear sometimes requires tweaks to get optimal performance (MTU settings, explicit enabling of certain modes for compatibility, etc.). Support from Netgear also has a mixed reputation unless you pay for their premium support.

Verdict: Nest Wifi Pro vs Netgear Orbi – these two target different ends of the market. Nest Wifi Pro is good enough for most, whereas Orbi is as great as possible – at a price. If you have a very large home or office to cover, multiple gigabit internet lines, or simply want the fastest mesh on the block, Orbi fulfills that niche. It’s likely overkill for an average 3-4 bedroom house with a 500 Mbps connection – in those cases Nest Wifi Pro will be much more cost-effective. But for say a 6,000 sq ft property with 2 Gbps fiber, an Orbi (or Asus) system will deliver a level of performance (e.g. near-gigabit Wi-Fi even in far rooms) that Nest Pro cannot due to its physics and port limits. Orbi is almost in a different class – often considered the “Cadillac of mesh Wi-Fi”. Google’s Nest is the reliable Toyota: affordable, easy to operate, sufficient for most families, but not the fastest car on the track.

Other Notable Mentions

• Linksys Velop: Linksys (now part of Belkin/Foxconn) also makes mesh systems like the Velop Atlas series. They haven’t been as popular lately, but models like the Velop Atlas Max 6E offer tri-band Wi-Fi 6E similar to Nest Pro (with 5 GHz backhaul, 6 GHz for clients) at a premium price (~$899 for 3). Linksys emphasizes a “no-frills” approach with less polish in app UI than Google/Eero. Unless you specifically like Linksys, most find better value in the above brands.
• Google Nest Wifi (2019): The prior-gen Google Nest Wifi (Wi-Fi 5) is officially end-of-life on the Google Store. If someone is upgrading from that, note that old Nest Wifi points can’t join a Nest Pro mesh theverge.com. You’ll be starting fresh. The improvement going to Nest Pro will be very noticeable – both Wi-Fi 6 performance and stability – but you do lose the built-in smart speaker that the old Points had. Google decided separate speakers (Nest Mini, etc.) are the way forward.
• Ubiquiti AmpliFi / UniFi: For small business or prosumers, Ubiquiti’s solutions might come up. The AmpliFi Alien (Wi-Fi 6) was a high-end mesh router a few years back (~$700 for two). Ubiquiti hasn’t released a Wi-Fi 6E AmpliFi as of 2025, focusing on their UniFi prosumer line instead. UniFi gear can create a mesh-like network of access points, but it requires more networking know-how (and a controller). That’s beyond scope for most home users, and far beyond Nest’s plug-and-play simplicity.

Below is a feature comparison table summarizing Nest Wifi Pro and some top competitors:

*MLO = Multi-Link Operation, a Wi-Fi 7 capability allowing a device or router to use multiple bands concurrently for higher throughput or resilience theverge.com.

(Sources: Manufacturer specs and reputable reviews theverge.com the-ambient.com tp-link.com asus.com netgear.com)

As the table shows, Nest Wifi Pro holds its own on features for its price, but competitors offer enticing alternatives especially if you have specific needs:

• If you require multi-gig support or more LAN ports, options like Deco XE75 Pro, Eero, or Asus give you that.
• For maximum coverage and speed, Orbi or Asus (with their dedicated backhauls and high-gain antennas) will outperform Nest in very large or dense homes.
• If budget is tight, TP-Link Deco can deliver similar performance for less money.
• If you’re all-in on a smart home ecosystem (Alexa or Google), that might sway you towards Eero or Nest respectively for smoother integration.

Value for Money & Use Case Recommendations

When choosing a mesh system in 2025, consider your internet speed, home size, tech comfort, and ecosystem:

• For standard homes (up to ~3,500 sq ft) with sub-gigabit internet: The Nest Wifi Pro is arguably the best bang for your buck. A $299 two-pack can blanket a typical 2-story house with speedy Wi-Fi, and you’ll likely never notice the absence of multi-gig ports or advanced settings. The fact that Google keeps improving it via updates means you’re investing in a system that won’t be obsolete quickly. It’s an especially good fit if you use Google Assistant or Nest smart devices – one app to manage it all. Real-world user feedback shows that a Nest Wifi Pro mesh, once set up, rarely requires rebooting or troubleshooting; it just hums along, handling work-from-home Zoom calls, 4K streams, and gaming simultaneously without issue wired.com. The security is solid (WPA3 capable, auto updates, cloud intelligence for threat detection), and parental controls, while basic, cover the essentials. Value score: High, given its combination of features at $100-133 per node in a pack.
• For large homes or small business offices: If you have a lot of area to cover or more intensive networking needs, you might outgrow what Nest Wifi Pro can provide. For example, a multi-story office or a 5000+ sq ft luxury home with 2 Gbps fiber and dozens of concurrent users might strain a 3-pack Nest. In these cases, consider investing in higher-end systems:
  • A Netgear Orbi (800 or 900 series) can handle more users and maintain higher throughput across more space, at a cost. This can be worth it for a small business where network performance = productivity (e.g., a design firm transferring large files internally or a café offering Wi-Fi to patrons).
  • An Asus ZenWiFi Pro or similar, if you have the IT know-how, can be tuned to perfection and even integrated into an existing wired infrastructure. Small businesses might appreciate features like guest networks with more customization, or VLANs to separate traffic – things Nest Wifi Pro cannot do (Nest’s guest network is simple and all or nothing).
  • UniFi APs could be another route for businesses, but that’s more an enterprise-like setup.
  However, note that many small businesses (shops, clinics, etc.) have similar needs to homes – reliable Wi-Fi for a dozen devices and maybe a guest network. In such cases, a Nest Wifi Pro could actually serve just fine and save money. It lacks some enterprise features, but its stability and coverage are on par with prosumer gear for moderate loads. If you don’t need specialized features, deploying a Nest Wifi Pro 3-pack in an office could be a very cost-effective solution (just remember it’s managed via a Google account and app – some businesses might prefer hardware with local management for security policies).
• Smart Home enthusiasts: If your home is filled with IoT devices, Nest Wifi Pro’s Thread and Matter support is a nice bonus. It simplifies connecting new smart bulbs, sensors, locks, etc., because the router itself helps extend the Thread mesh network in your house. Amazon Eero offers similar Thread capabilities, while others like Asus/Netgear often require separate hubs for those protocols. In terms of value, if you’re building a smart home, it’s hard to overlook Nest Wifi Pro as the central hub that feeds both your internet and IoT needs with one device.
• Future-proofing: Wi-Fi 7 is here, but in late 2025 it’s still early. Nest Wifi Pro being Wi-Fi 6E will remain modern for a while – most client devices (phones, laptops) are still Wi-Fi 6 or 6E at best. Unless you have a specific use case for Wi-Fi 7 (e.g., you bought one of the handful of Wi-Fi 7 phones or you routinely transfer huge files over LAN and need the absolute peak speeds), Wi-Fi 6E mesh is a safe investment through at least 2026-2027. The Nest Wifi Pro can comfortably handle typical broadband growth (the average home internet in the US is still under 500 Mbps). That said, if you’re the type who keeps a router 5+ years, you might consider waiting for Google’s next Nest router (with Wi-Fi 7) or opt for a competitor’s Wi-Fi 7 system if you find a good deal, to extend longevity. But expect to pay more for those cutting-edge capabilities now.
• Cost of ownership: One often overlooked factor is subscriptions. Nest Wifi Pro does not require or push any subscriptions. Out of the box, you get its full functionality, and even updates don’t cost anything. Comparatively, an Eero might prompt you to pay $10/month for advanced security or parental controls (if you want those extras), and Netgear will ask for an Armor subscription after the first year for full protection features. Over, say, 3 years, that can add $100–$300 to the total cost of using those systems. Thus, the total cost of ownership for Nest Wifi Pro can be lower in the long run, increasing its value proposition for budget-conscious buyers who still want a quality system.

Conclusion

Google Nest Wifi Pro has proven to be a resilient contender in 2025’s mesh Wi-Fi market. It might not have every bell and whistle – no multi-gig ports, no Wi-Fi 7, no fancy admin interface – but it nails the core purpose: delivering fast, reliable wireless internet across your home with minimal fuss. Real-world performance is strong, user satisfaction is high, and the device is backed by Google’s steady software support and smart home ecosystem integration. For many families and home offices, it strikes an ideal balance of performance, simplicity, and price.

That said, competition is fierce, and each alternative shines in its own way. Amazon’s Eero offers a similarly easy experience with better hardware options if you pay more – great for Alexa households. TP-Link’s Deco can give you more for less, appealing to savvy shoppers who aren’t afraid to venture outside the big brands. Asus and Netgear cater to those who demand top performance and control, even if it means dealing with more complexity (and expense). The mesh router landscape is evolving fast, with Wi-Fi 7 bringing new contenders, but Nest Wifi Pro remains one of the most well-rounded mesh systems you can buy as of late 2025.

In choosing the right system, consider your own needs above all. If you want a network you don’t have to think about, where the app is friendly and the devices in your home just stay connected, Nest Wifi Pro is a safe bet – especially if you’re already in the Google/Nest universe. The fact that it’s now often on sale only sweetens the deal. On the other hand, if you’re chasing gigabit-plus speeds in every corner or love tinkering with settings, you’ll likely gravitate to one of the more “pro” solutions we discussed.

Fortunately, the mesh Wi-Fi market has something for everyone in 2025. Google’s Nest Wifi Pro carved out its space by being the mesh for the masses, and it continues to shine in that role – a smart, unobtrusive, and dependable choice that hits the networking Goldilocks zone for a huge number of users.

Sources: Google Store store.google.com store.google.com, The Verge theverge.com theverge.com, Wired wired.com wired.com, Android Central androidcentral.com androidcentral.com, 9to5Google 9to5google.com 9to5google.com, and others as linked above.