A mesh mess?

I bought a mesh-based Google Wifi system on the strength of your glowing recommendation in the A-List in issue 281 and previous issues. Then, in issue 282, you describe the system as “a disappointment” in the Labs group test, and say that “it fails at the fundamental task of providing a fast wireless network…”

I can understand that a new device can beat the Google product, but not that your previous second choice becomes far more desirable when neither have changed. The Google Wifi had originally received five stars, but in issue 282 it gets two, despite being the same hardware. The BT Hub hasn’t changed, either, but it retains its five-star rating.

As a result, I have lost faith in your A-List. Kevin Hulmes

Tim Danton replies: Thanks for writing in Kevin and I completely understand your points. To clarify, the Google product hasn’t got worse; but competing products have got better. We still praise the Google Wifi for all the same reasons (including its ease of setup), but criticise it for speed and features compared to those rivals. Also note that the BT Whole Home Wi-Fi has dropped in price by £100 since its initial review and added a number of features (although the hardware is unchanged).

The Google Wifi is still a fine piece of equipment, but for Labs tests we’re harsher with our star ratings to try and make the buying decision easier. I hope that helps to explain the difference between the original review and this one, nine months later.