What Is Google Wifi?

Create your own mesh network with Google WiFi, which has been lauded for its easy setup.
Updated
Google Wifi devices.

NOTE: The information below was assembled in 2019, but you can check out the latest wireless networking deals anytime and save on mesh WiFi systems.

If you've been researching mesh WiFi networks, you've probably come across Google Wifi. But what is Google Wifi, exactly? Read on for info about the system and its pros, cons, and pricing.

What Is Google Wifi?

Google Wifi is Google's hardware addition to the mesh WiFi world. The system's hockey puck-shaped devices are exceptionally priced, well-reviewed, and (according to those Google Wifi reviews) easy to set up and manage through the mobile app.

Google Wifi costs $99 for one unit, or $259 for a 3-pack.

From a cost perspective, Google Wifi is on the affordable end of the mesh network price spectrum. At press time, the price of Google Wifi was $99 for one unit or $259 for a 3-pack.

What Does the Google Wifi System Include?

Google only sells a single piece of hardware, and each of these Wifi points includes two Ethernet ports — one for your cable modem, and the other for a wired device or Ethernet network.

SEE ALSO: What Is Netgear Orbi WiFi?

One major downside: It's a Google product, so you need a Google account to set it up — and if you delete your Google account, your WiFi network will require a factory reset.

What about privacy concerns? Google claims its system doesn't actually track the traffic on your network, only reporting anonymized performance analytics. Still, that makes some people uncomfortable.

If you're considering a whole home WiFi system, check out our guides on the Netgear Orbi, Eero, and Ubiquiti AmpliFi products.


Sean Flynn
Contributing Writer

Sean is a freelance writer and photojournalist working in the Hampton Roads region. He has been a writer, adventure motorcyclist, drag racer, data nerd, shade-tree mechanic, and tornado chaser. Recommend good beers to him on Twitter at @wxgeek.
DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article. Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of publication (unless otherwise specified).

Comments

Leave a comment!

or Register