In the rapidly evolving world of Wi-Fi systems, choosing the right one for your home or office can be a daunting task. Two popular options in the market are the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus. Both devices are manufactured by Eero, a leading brand known for its reliable and efficient mesh Wi-Fi systems. If you’re considering upgrading your Wi-Fi network in 2023, it’s essential to understand the differences and similarities between the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus. By comparing their features, performance, and capabilities, you can make an informed decision and select the one that best suits your specific requirements and preferences.
Eero Pro 6 vs Eero 6 Plus: Specs Comparison
| Specifications | Eero Pro 6 | Eero 6 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Standards | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Speed | Tri-band: 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, 5.8 GHz | Dual-band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
| MU-MIMO Support | Yes | Yes |
| Beamforming Support | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Ports | 2x Gigabit Ethernet | 2x Gigabit Ethernet |
| Processor | Quad-core | Quad-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Flash Memory | 4GB | 4GB |
| Coverage | Up to 2,000 square feet | Up to 1,500 square feet |
| Device Capacity | Supports up to 75 devices | Supports up to 75 devices |
| Additional Features | Thread support, Zigbee smart home hub | Zigbee smart home hub |
| Subscription Plan | Eero Secure | Eero Secure |
Wireless Standards & Speeds:
Both the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus utilize the latest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which offers improved performance, faster speeds, and better efficiency compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.
The Eero Pro 6 features a tri-band design, operating on the 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands. This tri-band configuration helps reduce congestion and optimize performance, especially in environments with multiple devices.
On the other hand, the Eero 6 Plus operates on a dual-band configuration, utilizing the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. While it offers slightly fewer frequency options compared to the Eero Pro 6, it still delivers reliable and fast Wi-Fi connectivity.
In terms of speeds, both devices can provide impressive data transfer rates. The exact speeds may vary depending on various factors such as the internet service provider (ISP) plan, the number of connected devices, and the distance between the devices. However, with Wi-Fi 6 technology, you can expect faster and more stable connections, allowing for smoother streaming, online gaming, and file transfers.
It’s important to note that to fully enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, your devices must also support this standard. While the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus are equipped with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, ensuring your devices are compatible will maximize the overall wireless performance and speed in your network.
WiFi Coverage:
The coverage provided by the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus may vary based on several factors such as the size and layout of your home or office, the construction materials used, and the presence of obstructions that can interfere with the wireless signal. However, both devices are designed to offer reliable and extensive coverage throughout your space.
The Eero Pro 6 is known for its robust coverage capabilities. With a single Eero Pro 6 unit, you can typically cover an area of up to 2,000 square feet. For larger spaces, you have the flexibility to expand your coverage by adding additional Eero Pro 6 units to create a mesh network. This mesh network allows for seamless roaming and ensures a strong and consistent WiFi signal in every corner of your home or office.
On the other hand, the Eero 6 Plus provides coverage for up to 1,500 square feet with a single unit. Like the Eero Pro 6, you can expand the coverage by adding more Eero 6 Plus units to your network, creating a mesh system that blankets your entire space with reliable WiFi.
To optimize the coverage of your Eero network, it is recommended to strategically place the units throughout your space, considering the location of the modem, potential WiFi dead zones, and areas with high network activity. This helps ensure a strong and consistent WiFi signal in every room, providing a reliable connection for all your devices.
Keep in mind that while the specified coverage areas provide a general indication, the actual coverage in your specific environment may vary. It’s always a good practice to evaluate your specific needs and consult the manufacturer’s documentation for detailed guidance on achieving optimal WiFi coverage with the Eero Pro 6 or Eero 6 Plus.
Device Handling Capacity:
Both the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus are designed to accommodate multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring smooth and reliable connectivity for all your devices.
The Eero Pro 6 boasts a robust device handling capacity, supporting up to 75 devices on a single unit. This is particularly beneficial for homes or offices with a large number of connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices. With the ability to handle numerous devices without compromising performance, the Eero Pro 6 ensures that all devices can connect seamlessly and enjoy optimal WiFi speeds.
Similarly, the Eero 6 Plus is also capable of supporting up to 75 devices on a single unit. This allows you to connect a wide range of devices without experiencing slowdowns or interruptions in your WiFi network. Whether it’s streaming media, video conferencing, online gaming, or smart home automation, the Eero 6 Plus can handle the demands of multiple devices simultaneously.
It’s important to note that while both devices can handle a considerable number of devices, the overall performance may be influenced by factors such as the bandwidth requirements of individual devices, the types of applications or services running on the network, and the available internet connection speed. For the best experience, it’s recommended to evaluate your specific device usage and consider expanding your network with additional Eero units if you have an extensive number of devices or a larger area to cover.
Installation, Setup, and Management:
Both the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus offer a user-friendly experience when it comes to installation, setup, and management, making it convenient for users to get their WiFi network up and running quickly.
Installation: Installing the Eero Pro 6 or Eero 6 Plus is straightforward. Start by connecting the primary unit to your modem using the provided Ethernet cable. Then, plug the unit into a power source. Subsequent units can be placed throughout your space to create a mesh network, ensuring optimal coverage. The Eero mobile app guides you through the installation process, providing step-by-step instructions and visual cues to help you set up the devices efficiently.
Setup: The Eero mobile app plays a vital role in the setup process. Once the devices are physically installed, the app will guide you through the necessary steps to create your WiFi network. This includes naming your network, setting a password, and personalizing various network settings. The app’s intuitive interface makes it easy for users, even those without technical expertise, to complete the setup process seamlessly.
Management: Managing your Eero network is effortless with the Eero mobile app. From the app, you can monitor your network’s performance, view connected devices, and manage various settings. This includes controlling guest access, setting parental controls, scheduling WiFi pauses, and running network speed tests. The app also provides real-time notifications and alerts to keep you informed about your network’s status.
Additionally, the Eero app supports integration with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, allowing you to manage certain network functions using voice commands.
Eero also offers a web-based management portal for advanced users who prefer to access their network settings through a browser interface. This provides additional flexibility and control over your Eero network.
Whether you’re setting up the Eero Pro 6 or Eero 6 Plus for the first time or managing your network on an ongoing basis, the intuitive app interface and user-friendly features make installation, setup, and management hassle-free and accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise.
Port Setup & Wired Connectivity:
Both the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus provide options for wired connectivity, allowing you to connect devices directly to the units using Ethernet cables for a more stable and reliable connection.
The Eero Pro 6 is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports on each unit. These ports can be used to connect devices such as computers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, or any other device that benefits from a wired connection. The Ethernet ports provide fast and stable data transfer rates, ideal for high-bandwidth activities like gaming or streaming media.
Similarly, the Eero 6 Plus also features two Gigabit Ethernet ports on each unit, enabling you to connect wired devices for optimal performance. By connecting devices via Ethernet, you can take advantage of the reliable and consistent speeds that wired connections offer, especially for devices that require a higher bandwidth or low latency.
Setting up wired connectivity with the Eero Pro 6 or Eero 6 Plus is simple. Just connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on the Eero unit to the Ethernet port on your device, ensuring a secure and reliable wired connection.
It’s important to note that while the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus offer wired connectivity, their primary focus is on providing seamless wireless mesh networking. However, the inclusion of Ethernet ports gives you the flexibility to connect devices directly when a wired connection is preferred or necessary.
Overall, the availability of Ethernet ports on the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus allows you to take advantage of wired connectivity options, providing enhanced performance and stability for your devices.
Design & Aesthetics:
Both the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus feature sleek and modern designs that blend seamlessly with various home or office environments. Their aesthetic appeal ensures that they not only provide reliable WiFi performance but also complement the overall visual aesthetics of your space.
The Eero Pro 6 boasts a compact and minimalistic design with a square shape. Its white exterior with rounded edges gives it a clean and unobtrusive look. The discreet LED light on the front of the unit provides status indications while maintaining a subtle appearance. The compact size of the Eero Pro 6 allows for easy placement on shelves, desks, or other surfaces without occupying much space.
Similarly, the Eero 6 Plus also exhibits an elegant and compact design. Its white casing and compact rectangular form factor make it visually appealing and versatile. The LED light on the front indicates the device’s status, providing a subtle visual cue without being overly distracting. The compact size of the Eero 6 Plus ensures it can be conveniently placed in various locations without disrupting the aesthetics of your space.
Both devices are designed to be visually unobtrusive, blending seamlessly into your home or office decor. The clean and modern design of the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus allows them to be placed discreetly while still delivering exceptional WiFi performance.
It’s worth mentioning that the physical design and aesthetics of the devices may be subjective, and personal preferences may vary. However, Eero has prioritized creating devices that are visually appealing and can seamlessly integrate into any environment, ensuring a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Security Features:
Both the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus prioritize the security of your network and offer various features to help safeguard your data and protect your devices from potential threats.
WPA3 Encryption: Both devices support the latest WPA3 encryption standard, which provides enhanced security compared to older encryption protocols. WPA3 offers stronger encryption algorithms, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your network.
Secure Network Firewall: Eero routers come with built-in firewalls that help protect your network from unauthorized access and potential threats from the internet. The firewall monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, allowing only legitimate connections and blocking suspicious activity.
Automatic Security Updates: Eero devices receive regular automatic security updates to ensure that your network is protected against the latest vulnerabilities and threats. These updates are delivered seamlessly, helping to keep your network secure without any manual intervention required.
Advanced Threat Detection: Eero employs advanced threat detection mechanisms to identify and block potential security threats in real-time. This includes detecting and preventing malware, viruses, and other malicious activities that could compromise your network or devices.
Family Profiles and Content Filtering: Eero offers family-friendly features that allow you to create profiles for individual users and set content filters and time limits to ensure a safe and controlled online experience for children. This helps protect them from accessing inappropriate content and allows you to manage their internet usage.
Eero Secure Subscription: Eero offers an optional subscription plan called Eero Secure, which provides additional security features such as ad blocking, enhanced content filtering, and priority access to customer support. This subscription enhances your network’s security and provides additional peace of mind.
It’s important to note that while the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus provide robust security features, it is still advisable to follow best practices, such as using strong and unique passwords, regularly updating your devices, and exercising caution when connecting to unfamiliar networks.
By incorporating these security features, Eero aims to provide a secure and protected network environment, giving you confidence in the safety of your data and connected devices.
Hardware & Other Features:
The Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus offer several hardware and additional features that enhance their performance and provide added convenience to users.
Tri-Band Technology: Both the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus utilize tri-band technology, which means they operate on three separate frequency bands (one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands). This helps to reduce network congestion and optimize performance, ensuring faster speeds and improved overall WiFi experience.
MU-MIMO Support: Both devices support MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, allowing them to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. This results in more efficient data transfer and improved performance, especially in environments with multiple connected devices.
Beamforming Technology: Beamforming technology is employed by both devices to focus and direct WiFi signals towards connected devices. This targeted signal transmission helps to optimize coverage and improve signal strength for a more reliable and consistent WiFi connection.
Smart Home Integration: The Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus are compatible with various smart home devices and platforms, allowing for seamless integration and control. This includes voice assistant support (such as Amazon Alexa) for hands-free control of your network and connected devices.
Ethernet Backhaul: Both devices support Ethernet backhaul, which allows you to connect Eero units using Ethernet cables for even faster and more stable data transfer between the units. This is particularly useful when creating a mesh network in larger spaces or areas with challenging WiFi coverage.
Device Prioritization: With device prioritization features, you can allocate bandwidth to specific devices or activities that require a higher priority, such as streaming or gaming. This helps to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience for these devices or applications.
Energy Efficiency: Eero devices are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming minimal power when in use. They also incorporate power-saving features, such as automatically entering sleep mode when not in active use, helping to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental sustainability.
These hardware and additional features enhance the performance, convenience, and energy efficiency of the Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 Plus. They are designed to provide an optimal WiFi experience, cater to the needs of a connected home or office, and ensure smooth connectivity for all your devices.
Pros of Eero Pro 6:
Fast and Reliable Performance: The Eero Pro 6 delivers high-speed WiFi connectivity and a reliable mesh network, ensuring seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences throughout your home or office.
Tri-Band Technology: The tri-band technology used in the Eero Pro 6 optimizes performance by reducing network congestion, resulting in faster speeds and improved overall WiFi experience.
Wide Coverage: The Eero Pro 6 offers excellent WiFi coverage, allowing you to enjoy a strong and stable connection in every corner of your space, eliminating dead zones.
Easy Installation and Setup: Setting up the Eero Pro 6 is simple and user-friendly, thanks to the intuitive mobile app. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, ensuring a hassle-free installation experience.
Enhanced Security Features: The Eero Pro 6 prioritizes network security with features like WPA3 encryption, automatic security updates, advanced threat detection, and family-friendly content filtering options, providing a secure and protected WiFi environment.
Scalable Mesh Network: The Eero Pro 6 supports the expansion of your network by adding additional Eero units, creating a seamless and extended mesh network to cover larger areas.
Cons of Eero Pro 6:
Higher Price: The Eero Pro 6 is priced higher compared to entry-level WiFi routers, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
Limited Ethernet Ports: The Eero Pro 6 has a limited number of Ethernet ports available on each unit, which may be insufficient for users who require multiple wired connections.
Reliance on Internet Connection: The Eero Pro 6 heavily relies on a stable and fast internet connection. If you experience issues with your internet service, it may impact the performance of the Eero Pro 6 network.
Subscription for Advanced Features: While the Eero Pro 6 offers essential security features, advanced features such as ad blocking and enhanced content filtering require a subscription to Eero Secure for full access.
Overall, the Eero Pro 6 is a powerful and reliable WiFi solution with excellent coverage, easy setup, and robust security features. While it may have a higher price point and limited Ethernet ports, its performance and advanced capabilities make it a top choice for users seeking a seamless and secure WiFi experience.
Pros & Cons of Eero 6 Plus
Fast and Reliable Performance: The Eero 6 Plus provides high-speed WiFi connectivity and a reliable mesh network, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences throughout your home or office.
Tri-Band Technology: The tri-band technology in the Eero 6 Plus optimizes performance by reducing network congestion, resulting in faster speeds and improved overall WiFi experience.
Wide Coverage: The Eero 6 Plus offers excellent WiFi coverage, allowing you to enjoy a strong and stable connection in every corner of your space, eliminating dead zones.
Easy Installation and Setup: Setting up the Eero 6 Plus is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly mobile app. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, making it easy for anyone to set up their network.
Enhanced Security Features: The Eero 6 Plus prioritizes network security with features like WPA3 encryption, automatic security updates, advanced threat detection, and family-friendly content filtering options, ensuring a secure and protected WiFi environment.
Ethernet Backhaul Support: The Eero 6 Plus supports Ethernet backhaul, allowing for faster and more stable data transfer between Eero units when connected via Ethernet cables.
Cons of Eero 6 Plus:
Higher Price: The Eero 6 Plus is priced higher compared to entry-level WiFi routers, which may be a consideration for users on a budget.
Limited Ethernet Ports: The Eero 6 Plus has a limited number of Ethernet ports available on each unit, which may be insufficient for users requiring multiple wired connections.
Reliance on Internet Connection: The performance of the Eero 6 Plus is dependent on a stable and fast internet connection. Any issues with the internet service may affect the performance of the Eero 6 Plus network.
Subscription for Advanced Features: Advanced features such as ad blocking and enhanced content filtering require a subscription to Eero Secure for full access, which may be an additional cost for users.
Overall, the Eero 6 Plus offers powerful WiFi performance, wide coverage, easy setup, and robust security features. While it may have a higher price point and limited Ethernet ports, its reliable performance and advanced capabilities make it an excellent choice for users seeking a seamless and secure WiFi experience.