For the past five years, navigating the world of mesh WiFi has been a hands-on experience in my home, involving over a dozen different Eero setups. To simplify your decision, this guide zeroes in on the current lineup of Eero WiFi 6 models: the Eero 6, Eero 6+, Eero Pro 6, and Eero Pro 6E. These systems represent Eero’s commitment to bringing seamless and robust WiFi to modern homes, but understanding their nuances is key to selecting the perfect fit for your needs.
The Eero 6 and Eero 6+ stand out as excellent entry points into the WiFi 6 and Thread radio ecosystems, particularly for homes under 4,000 square feet. They offer a blend of performance and value, making them ideal for users seeking to upgrade their home network without breaking the bank.
Stepping up in performance, the Eero Pro 6 is designed for those who demand peak performance from their Eero network in 2023. It’s built to handle more demanding tasks and larger homes, ensuring a consistently strong and fast connection throughout your space. On the cutting edge, the Eero Pro 6E introduces the 6GHz band, tapping into the latest WiFi 6E standard. However, as we’ll explore, this model presents a more complex picture and may not be the best choice for everyone right now.
This article aims to demystify the Eero WiFi 6 range. We’ll begin with the foundational aspects of Eero systems, assuming no prior experience. From there, we’ll delve into real-world stability, performance testing insights, and privacy considerations. Ultimately, we’ll provide clear, actionable recommendations to help you determine which of these four Eero systems is the optimal choice for your specific requirements and usage patterns.
Understanding Eero Basics
Eero has carved out a significant space in the mesh WiFi market by focusing on simplicity and user-friendliness. For anyone who dreads the complexities of traditional networking, Eero systems offer a breath of fresh air. Their setup process is remarkably intuitive, often completed in under 30 minutes, even for those less tech-savvy. This ease of use extends to daily management, making Eero a system that you can set up and trust to work reliably in the background.
Beyond functionality, Eero devices are also aesthetically pleasing. In contrast to many routers with bulky antennas and utilitarian designs, Eero models sport a sleek, minimalist look. This design sensibility allows them to blend seamlessly into any home decor, a welcome change for users who prefer their tech to be unobtrusive.
Eero’s appeal extends to families, particularly those with children. The Eero app provides robust parental control features, allowing users to manage and monitor device usage effectively. You can group devices under “Family Profiles” to schedule internet access times and enforce downtime, promoting healthy digital habits. Furthermore, Eero enhances household management by enabling multiple family members to have administrative access through the app, fostering shared control and convenience.
The Eero app also includes a practical bandwidth usage interface. This feature displays devices ranked by their real-time bandwidth consumption, offering valuable insights for troubleshooting network issues or identifying bandwidth-hogging devices. While basic weekly bandwidth usage statistics are available, accessing historical data, along with content filtering and ad-blocking features, requires a subscription to Eero Plus, priced at $99 per year.
However, Eero Plus offers considerable value beyond network management. It bundles in subscriptions to 1Password, a leading password manager, and Encrypt.me VPN, enhancing your online security and privacy. For users who would independently subscribe to these services, Eero Plus can be a cost-effective way to get comprehensive digital protection alongside advanced network features.
The bottom line? Eero presents a compelling WiFi solution for those prioritizing simplicity, enhanced stability, extended range, and aesthetic design over complex customization. It’s a significant upgrade from traditional routers, especially in user-friendliness. However, if you are a network enthusiast who enjoys deep-diving into settings and fine-tuning performance via a web interface, Eero’s streamlined approach might feel limiting. The premium price associated with Eero reflects its focus on ease of use and seamless experience, rather than raw, top-tier performance metrics.
Stability and Reliability: The Eero Advantage
Eero’s reputation for stability is a significant draw for many users. At the heart of this stability is Eero’s TrueMesh technology. This proprietary system dynamically manages network traffic, intelligently routing devices based on algorithms and real-time network conditions to minimize drop-offs and maintain consistent connections. TrueMesh is designed to continuously learn and adapt, automatically optimizing network performance over time.
While “TrueMesh” might sound like marketing jargon, the real-world performance speaks for itself. Having tested numerous mesh WiFi systems from brands like Orbi, Google, Nest, Velop, and Deco, Eero consistently stands out as one of the most stable and reliable. Its operation is often so seamless that it becomes virtually invisible in daily use – the hallmark of a truly effective WiFi system.
A common issue with many mesh systems is a momentary disruption when devices switch connections between nodes as you move around your home. Eero largely eliminates this problem with its sophisticated client steering technology. This feature ensures smooth transitions, seamlessly handing off your devices to the most optimal node as you roam throughout your house, maintaining a continuous and uninterrupted connection.
While initial firmware releases for these WiFi 6 Eero models may have presented some stability variations, subsequent updates have largely homogenized their performance. Currently, there is no discernible difference in stability across the Eero 6, 6+, Pro 6, and Pro 6E models, all benefiting from Eero’s mature and refined mesh technology.
Band and Radio Technology: Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band Eero
Understanding the band configurations of Eero models is crucial for making an informed choice. The Eero 6 and Eero 6+ are dual-band systems, operating on 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. In a dual-band mesh system, the 5GHz band is often shared for both device communication and backhaul (communication between Eero nodes). This shared use can lead to a portion of the 5GHz bandwidth being utilized for backhaul, potentially limiting the bandwidth available for connected devices.
In contrast, the Eero Pro 6 and Eero Pro 6E are tri-band systems, offering more bandwidth and dedicated channels. The Eero Pro 6 features two 5GHz bands in addition to the 2.4GHz band. The Eero Pro 6E takes it a step further by incorporating a 6GHz band, alongside a 5GHz and 2.4GHz band. The 6GHz band is a key component of the WiFi 6E standard, offering wider channels and less signal congestion, which can translate to significantly faster speeds for devices compatible with this new band.
Theoretically, both Pro models, with their tri-band architecture, should utilize the additional bands for backhaul, primarily leveraging the 5GHz and 6GHz bands due to their higher throughput capabilities. However, as we will discuss in the performance section, the actual backhaul implementation and performance can vary, particularly with the Eero Pro 6E and its 6GHz band.
Performance Benchmarks: Eero WiFi 6 Model Speed Comparison
To provide a clear picture of real-world performance, I conducted tests across the Eero WiFi 6 model range. Here’s a breakdown of the specifications and testing methodology.
Eero’s Specifications at a Glance
| Model | Rating | Mesh Mbps | Coverage Per Node |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eero | AC1300 | 350 | 1,500 sqft |
| Eero Beacon | AC1300 | 350 | 1,500 sqft |
| Eero 6 | AX1800 | 500 | 1,500 sqft |
| Eero 6+ | AX3000 | 1,000 | 1,500 sqft |
| Eero Pro | AC2200 | 550 | 1,750 sqft |
| Eero Pro 6 | AX4200 | 1,000 | 1,750 sqft |
| Eero Pro 6E | AX5400 | 1,300 | 2,000 sqft |
My Testing Methods
My performance testing was designed to simulate typical home network usage and isolate the capabilities of the Eero mesh systems themselves, independent of internet speed limitations. I set up an iPerf3 server on my M2 MacBook Air, connecting it directly via Ethernet cable to the primary Eero node. This setup allowed me to measure the throughput speed within the local network, providing a more accurate representation of the Eero system’s wireless mesh performance than a standard internet speed test.
For each Eero model, I used a two-node configuration, strategically placing them in identical, optimal locations within my 1,200 sqft home and extending coverage to the backyard. This consistent placement ensured a fair comparison across all models.
To measure wireless speeds, I utilized the iPerf3 app on my iPhone 14 Pro, a WiFi 6 compatible device (though not WiFi 6E). I conducted speed tests from ten fixed locations throughout my house and backyard, then averaged the results to get a representative throughput speed for each Eero system. It’s important to note that my iPhone 14 Pro operates on the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands and has a maximum link speed of 867Mbps, which is a relevant factor in interpreting the results, especially for the 6GHz-capable Eero Pro 6E.
It’s crucial to recognize that WiFi performance can vary based on numerous factors, including home layout, the number of connected devices, node placement, ISP speed, and the capabilities of your client devices. My testing environment provides a consistent benchmark, but your specific results may differ. Also, while connecting devices directly to Eero 6+, Pro 6, or Pro 6E nodes via Ethernet can achieve gigabit internet speeds, my tests focused specifically on wireless mesh speeds to evaluate the mesh networking performance of each system.
My Results & Interpretation
The performance of the dual-band Eero 6 and Eero 6+ systems aligned closely with expectations. They consistently delivered average speeds exceeding 330Mbps throughout my testing area, demonstrating impressive stability and reliable performance for typical household use.
The Eero Pro 6 also performed as anticipated, benefiting from its tri-band design and additional 5GHz band. This extra band provides more bandwidth capacity, allowing for efficient handling of both device communication and backhaul traffic, resulting in strong and consistent speeds.
However, the results for the Eero Pro 6E were somewhat surprising. Its performance was more comparable to the dual-band models, rather than showing a significant leap expected from a WiFi 6E tri-band system. While WiFi 6E devices are theoretically capable of speeds up to 2000Mbps, my testing with the iPhone 14 Pro (lacking 6GHz support) was intentionally designed to reflect the current reality for most users in 2023, as 6GHz-compatible devices are not yet widespread.
Currently, none of my devices utilize the 6GHz band. Initially, I anticipated that the 6GHz band on the Pro 6E would still enhance performance by serving as a dedicated, high-bandwidth backhaul channel. However, a key limitation of the 6GHz band is its shorter range compared to 5GHz. This reduced range appears to impact its effectiveness as a reliable backhaul in typical home environments. In my testing, the Eero Pro 6E seemed to primarily rely on its 5GHz band for backhaul, leading to bandwidth contention between backhaul communication and 5GHz devices.
In contrast, the Eero Pro 6, with its two 5GHz bands, offers a more balanced configuration for environments dominated by 5GHz devices. It provides dedicated 5GHz resources for both backhaul and client devices to share, mitigating bandwidth contention and optimizing overall performance. Furthermore, the Eero Pro 6’s 5GHz band utilizes a 4×4 radio configuration, compared to a 2×2 radio on the Pro 6E, which can impact performance with certain devices.
The bottom line? While Eero deserves credit for being an early adopter of new WiFi standards, the Eero Pro 6E, in its current implementation, doesn’t justify its premium price. For most households in 2023, it represents a performance level similar to, or even slightly below, the Eero Pro 6 at a higher cost. Unless you already have a significant number of 6GHz-enabled devices or plan to utilize a wired backhaul, the Eero Pro 6E is not a recommended upgrade. The rapid pace of WiFi technology development suggests that by the time 6GHz devices become commonplace, more advanced and capable Eero systems will likely be available.
Privacy Considerations with Eero
Since Amazon’s acquisition of Eero, privacy concerns have naturally arisen among users. Eero states that its privacy policy has not undergone significant changes post-acquisition. This means Eero continues to collect data about your devices and network usage to optimize network performance.
Regrettably, there is no option to opt out of this data collection, nor is there transparency regarding the specific data collected. For users deeply concerned about cloud-dependent data collection, alternative systems like Orbi, which can operate without cloud reliance, might be more appealing.
So, what specific data does Eero collect? According to their policy, they gather product and performance information, including network speeds, bandwidth usage statistics, MAC addresses, IP addresses, and types of connected devices. Theoretically, this data could allow Eero to infer patterns like when you are home, working, or sleeping based on your internet activity.
However, it is crucial to note that Eero cannot track your browsing history due to HTTPS encryption. In reality, your ISP poses a greater risk to your browsing history privacy. Furthermore, Amazon’s extensive AWS infrastructure underpins a significant portion of the internet. Avoiding Amazon’s reach entirely is increasingly challenging.
While Amazon’s advertising platform and data-driven approach are well-known, their ownership of Eero does not currently appear to represent a drastically increased privacy risk, especially if you already use other Amazon or Ring devices. The privacy risk level is arguably similar. However, Amazon’s sheer scale and data appetite warrant ongoing awareness and consideration regarding data privacy when using Eero products.
Eero Model Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right Eero model depends on your specific needs, internet speed, home size, and the number of connected devices. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Eero 6: Best Value for Basic Needs
The Eero 6 is an excellent entry-level WiFi 6 mesh system. It’s ideally suited for users with internet speeds of 500Mbps or less. A three-node Eero 6 system effectively covers homes up to 4,000 sqft and manages a moderate number of connected devices. It’s a cost-effective way to experience WiFi 6 and mesh networking. The primary limitations are its lower maximum speed compared to other Eero WiFi 6 models and Ethernet ports only being available on the main gateway router.
Eero 6+: Enhanced Connectivity and Ports
The Eero 6+ three-piece system is a step up from the Eero 6, suitable for similar internet speeds (500Mbps or less) and home sizes (under 4,000 sqft). It also handles up to 75 connected devices. While it’s a bit more expensive than the Eero 6, the Eero 6+ offers a significant advantage: each node includes two Ethernet ports, greatly enhancing wired connectivity options throughout your mesh network. The 5GHz band also boasts a faster theoretical speed than the Eero 6, although the real-world difference may be subtle for most users.
Eero Pro 6: Top Performance for Most Homes (2023 Recommendation)
The Eero Pro 6 stands out as the best all-around Eero system for performance in 2023. While priced higher, it offers a compelling balance of speed, coverage, and features. Available as a three-node set or a more affordable two-node set, the Eero Pro 6 is well-suited for larger homes and households with a high density of connected devices. While it may not reach gigabit wireless speeds, its tri-band architecture and extended range make it a robust choice for demanding users.
Eero Pro 6E: Future-Proofing vs. Current Reality
The Eero Pro 6E is a unique case. It’s the only Eero system I’ve tested that I currently cannot recommend for most users. Its higher price point doesn’t translate to proportional performance gains in a 2023 environment where 6GHz devices are still relatively uncommon. The argument for “future-proofing” is weakened by the rapid advancements in WiFi technology; by the time 6GHz becomes mainstream, newer and more capable systems will likely be available.
While the 6GHz band is promising for the future of WiFi, its current limitations, particularly range, and the scarcity of 6GHz devices make the Eero Pro 6E less practical. It functions reliably as an Eero system, but the performance is comparable to the Eero 6+ at nearly double the cost.
Conclusion: Making the Right Eero Choice for Your WiFi Needs
For my own home, with a 450Mbps internet plan and around 30 connected devices for two people, any of these WiFi 6 Eero systems would be a significant upgrade. I personally found the Eero 6+ to be the sweet spot, offering slightly better performance and the convenience of extra Ethernet ports, though the Eero 6 would have also been perfectly adequate.
If you’re still uncertain about which Eero model is best for your home, Eero provides a helpful online questionnaire. By inputting your home size and the number of devices, it offers personalized recommendations. While not definitive, it’s an excellent starting point. For further questions on wired backhauls or node placement, Eero offers a comprehensive FAQ guide. Ultimately, understanding your specific needs and weighing the pros and cons of each model will lead you to the ideal Eero system for your home network.
Cam Secore
I’m a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, and the creator behind Power Moves. Since 2016, my mission has been to deliver honest, no-nonsense insights into the latest tech. I personally purchase all products I review to ensure unbiased and authentic perspectives. From smart home innovations to wearable technology, I delve into each product, providing readers with in-depth analyses and genuine recommendations to make informed decisions.
