The eero Pro 6E Mesh Wi-Fi system represents a significant leap forward in home networking, offering robust performance and cutting-edge features. This article will delve into the capabilities of the eero Pro 6E, exploring its core functionalities, key advantages, and how it stands against other models on the market, providing a comprehensive mesh router review and overview for anyone considering a powerful and reliable Wi-Fi solution for their home.

Introduction to eero Pro 6E

What is Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6E routers are tri-band, meaning they utilize three separate frequency bands to transmit data: 2.4GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Wi-Fi 6E extends the Wi-Fi 6 capabilities into the 6 GHz band, providing greater bandwidth, faster speeds, and reduced latency compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. 

Here’s a breakdown:

  • 2.4GHz band offers wider coverage but generally lower speeds and can be prone to interference from other devices. 5GHz band provides faster speeds and less congestion than 2.4 GHz, but the range is typically shorter. 6GHz is the new band in Wi-Fi 6E that offers even greater bandwidth and faster speeds, with reduced interference, but the range is similar to the 5 GHz band. 

What is eero Pro 6E?

The eero Pro 6E is a sophisticated tri-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh kit that made its debut in March 2022, immediately setting a new standard for home Wi-Fi systems. This eero device distinguishes itself by adding crucial 6 GHz band support, making it one of the most accessible and cost-effective Wi-Fi 6E mesh kits available on the market today. It has been rigorously tested and proven to be the fastest eero router, delivering exceptional speed and reliability for even the most demanding Wi-Fi network environments.

Key Features of eero Pro 6E

The eero Pro 6E is a high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system designed to make fast, reliable internet easy to set up and manage. You can get it running quickly using the eero app, which gives you clear and simple control over your network.

Thanks to Wi-Fi 6E support and 160 MHz channels, it offers faster speeds for newer devices that can use the 6 GHz band. Being a tri-band router, it uses three separate wireless signals to reduce congestion and improve range—especially helpful in larger homes.

It also works great with smart homes. The eero Pro 6E can act as a hub for Zigbee and Thread devices, meaning you can connect many smart lights, locks, and sensors without needing separate hubs.

For wired devices, it includes both a 2.5 Gbps port and a 1 Gbps port. Advanced features like Smart Queue Management (for smoother video calls and gaming) and WPA3 security (for stronger network protection) can be turned on in the app’s eero Labs section.

Plus, the device comes in 100% recyclable packaging, showing eero’s efforts to be more eco-friendly.

Comparison with Other Eero Models

The eero Pro 6E builds on the older eero Pro 6 (2020) but brings a major upgrade: it swaps one of its 5 GHz radios for a dedicated 6 GHz radio, making it a full Wi-Fi 6E router. If you want access to the new 6GHz Wi-Fi band, the Pro 6E is the only eero model that offers this feature.

Both the eero Pro 6E and eero 6 Plus use advanced Qualcomm chips that improve speed and are better at connecting to devices farther away. However, if you mix them (eero Pro 6E or eero plus 6) with older eero models in your network, the channels of the 5GHz band may be limited to 80 MHz, which could reduce peak speeds.

While the Pro 6E was once eero’s top-tier option, that title now goes to the eero Max 7, a next-generation router built for even faster Wi-Fi 7 performance.

Performance of eero Pro 6E

The eero Pro 6E gets its performance boost from using Wi-Fi 6E, which opens up access to and has support for the 6GHz Wi-Fi band—a huge upgrade for home networks.

This 6 GHz band adds a lot more room for Wi-Fi signals, especially in places like the U.S., where up to 1200 MHz of extra spectrum is available. That means more space for faster connections and less interference from other devices.

While the basic technology is the same as regular Wi-Fi 6, using this new band allows routers like the eero Pro 6E to unlock faster speeds, especially with wide channels (80 or 160 MHz) that were harder to use on the crowded 5 GHz band.

One thing to note: 6 GHz signals don’t travel quite as far or through walls as well as 5 GHz, but the extra capacity and cleaner signal make up for it, especially in homes with lots of connected devices.

Wi-Fi 6E Speeds and Coverage

The eero Pro 6E is especially powerful when paired with newer Wi-Fi 6E devices, thanks to its use of the faster 6 GHz band. But even if you don’t have many of those devices yet, it still uses that 6 GHz band behind the scenes to connect the routers together in a mesh, helping improve speed and stability across your entire network.

When you do connect a Wi-Fi 6E device, you’ll likely notice even faster download and upload speeds. In real-world testing by CNET, the eero Pro 6E delivered speeds of around 342 Mbps to a Wi-Fi 6 laptop and up to 365 Mbps to a Wi-Fi 6E phone, with upload speeds also improving on the newer device.

Inside, the eero Pro 6E uses AX5400 radios, which can handle gigabit and multi-gig speeds. Amazon says it supports up to 2.3 Gbps total, including up to 1.3 Gbps over Wi-Fi.

In terms of coverage, a single eero Pro 6E can cover up to 2,000 square feet, and a three-pack can blanket up to 6,000 square feet, making it a solid choice for large homes.

Mesh Wi-Fi vs Traditional Routers

The eero Pro 6E is part of a mesh Wi-Fi system, which offers big advantages over traditional single routers—especially in larger or multi-story homes.

Instead of relying on just one router in one spot, mesh systems use multiple units placed around your home to create one strong, seamless Wi-Fi network. This helps eliminate dead zones and keeps your connection strong no matter where you are.

Mesh networks like eero’s are also much easier to manage. You don’t need to mess with complicated settings—everything is handled automatically through the eero app, making setup and maintenance simple even if you’re not tech-savvy.

For most people, the eero Pro 6E works as a “set it and forget it” Wi-Fi solution, giving you fast, reliable internet and better performance for all your connected devices, including smart home gadgets.

Setting Up Your eero Pro 6E

Installation Process

The installation process for the eero Pro 6E is notably streamlined, embodying Eero’s commitment to user-friendliness. The well-designed Eero app, available for both Android and iOS devices, serves as the central hub for guiding you through the setup of your new eero router. This intuitive application ensures that even those with minimal technical expertise can successfully configure their eero Pro 6E mesh system, allowing for quick control over the system’s various settings and features. The simplicity of the Eero app makes the initial setup of your eero network a hassle-free experience, contributing to the overall appeal of this advanced mesh Wi-Fi system.

Configuring the Eero App

The Eero app offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing your eero Pro 6E mesh system, extending beyond mere installation. Through the app, you can effortlessly monitor your network’s data usage, providing valuable insights into your internet consumption. Adjusting the Wi-Fi network name or password is achievable with just a few taps, offering convenient customization. Furthermore, the Eero app enables you to keep your eero firmware up to date, ensuring your eero router benefits from the latest security patches and performance enhancements. It also allows you to vigilantly monitor all Wi-Fi devices connected to your eero network, providing a clear overview of your smart home’s connectivity.

Connecting Smart Home Devices

A significant advantage of the eero Pro 6E, especially for smart home enthusiasts, is its integrated smart home capabilities. This eero router features a built-in Zigbee radio, enabling direct connection of various smart home devices like smart lights and smart locks without the need for an external hub, thus freeing up an Ethernet jack. More forward-thinking, the eero Pro 6E is built to embrace the Matter smart home standard through its Thread support. The Thread radio allows the mesh system to seamlessly relay signals from Matter-compatible devices, positioning the eero Pro 6E as a versatile smart home hub. This dual radio functionality simplifies the integration of a wide array of smart home devices into your eero network.

eero Pro 6E for Smart Homes

Integrating with Smart Home Ecosystems

The eero Pro 6E mesh system truly excels in its integration with smart home ecosystems, thanks to its built-in Zigbee and Thread/Matter support. The inclusion of a Zigbee radio facilitates seamless connection with a diverse range of smart gadgets, including popular smart lights and smart locks, directly through the eero device. Meanwhile, the Thread radio is pivotal for future-proofing your smart home, as it enables robust transmissions between Thread-based gadgets that support the evolving Matter standard. Further enhancing its smart home appeal, Amazon recently announced that select Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers can now function as Wi-Fi extenders for Eero networks, bolstering coverage and integration for Alexa households.

Benefits for Smart Home Users

For smart home users, the eero Pro 6E offers a multitude of benefits, streamlining and enhancing their connected living experience. The integrated Zigbee radio is a prime example, as it eliminates the need for a separate smart home hub, thereby freeing up a valuable Ethernet jack on your eero router and simplifying your setup. Furthermore, the robust Thread support proactively prepares the eero Pro 6E for the advent of the Matter smart home standard, ensuring long-term compatibility and functionality with next-generation smart home devices. This positions the eero Pro 6E as an ideal smart home centerpiece, particularly within Alexa-centric households, offering a truly cohesive and efficient smart home hub experience.

Security Features of eero Pro 6E

The eero Pro 6E takes network security seriously, offering a robust suite of features to protect your Wi-Fi network and smart home devices. WPA3, the latest generation of Wi-Fi security, is available as an option within the Eero Labs section of the eero app, providing enhanced encryption. For additional protection, eero Secure offers content filtering and ad blocking features for a monthly fee. Stepping up, eero Secure Plus, at a higher monthly fee, adds access to Encrypt.me VPN, Malwarebytes antivirus protection, DDNS for remote network access, and the 1Password password manager. While Eero states they collect device analytics to improve performance, they explicitly do not track websites visited or the contents of network traffic, emphasizing their commitment to user privacy.

Check Prices on Amazon

Comparative Analysis of eero Pro 6E

When comparing the eero Pro 6E and the Nest Wifi Pro, there are some key differences to consider—especially if you care about speed, flexibility, and smart home features.

The eero Pro 6E has a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, which supports faster wired internet speeds than the 1 Gbps ports on the Nest Wifi Pro. It also works with older eero models, making it easy to upgrade or expand your existing eero setup—something you can’t do with Nest Wifi Pro, which doesn’t support earlier Nest or Google routers.

For smart home fans, the eero Pro 6E devices includes a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, allowing it to connect directly to smart devices like lights and locks. The Nest Wifi Pro supports Thread, but not Zigbee, and doesn’t function as a smart home hub on its own.

In speed tests from CNET, the eero Pro 6E averaged 586 Mbps, which was about 100 Mbps faster than Nest Wifi Pro. It also offered more consistent performance, with lower latency and fewer connection hiccups.

However, the Nest Wifi Pro is more budget-friendly, with prices starting at around $133 for one, while the eero Pro 6E starts closer to $250. If price is your main concern, the Nest Wifi Pro might be a solid choice, but if you want faster speeds, better compatibility, and more smart home features, the eero Pro 6E comes out ahead.

eero Pro 6E vs eero Max 7

While the eero Pro 6E features a formidable Wi-Fi 6E mesh router, it is important to note that it is not the most recent offering in Eero’s product lineup. That distinction belongs to the eero Max 7, which currently holds the title of Eero’s latest and most advanced Wi-Fi 7 router. The eero Max 7 showcases the bleeding edge of eero technology, offering capabilities that push beyond even the impressive performance of the eero Pro 6E. However, this superior performance and future-proofing come at a higher price point; a single eero Max 7 router costs $600, significantly more than the eero Pro 6E’s more accessible price points, making the eero Pro 6E tri-band mesh wi-fi 6e router, a strong value proposition for many users seeking a high-performance Wi-Fi 6E mesh system without the premium cost of the absolute latest model.

Value for Money: eero Pro 6E Review

The eero Pro 6E offers compelling value for money within the Wi-Fi 6E mesh router market. Priced at $550 for a three-pack, $400 for a two-pack, or $250 for a single eero device, it positions itself as a considerably more affordable alternative to many top-of-the-line Wi-Fi 6E mesh options available today. For instance, high-end competitors like the Netgear Orbi AXE11000 or the Linksys Atlas Max 6E can easily exceed $1,000, making the eero 6E a budget-conscious yet high-performing choice. For users currently subscribing to gigabit or even faster internet speeds, or those planning to upgrade their service in the near future, the eero Pro 6E router has legitimate appeal as an upgrade pick, providing a robust mesh WiFi network that can fully leverage such speeds. It is widely regarded as a highly capable mesh router offered at a fair asking price, particularly recommended for individuals who are already paying for or intend to acquire gigabit internet speeds, ensuring their mesh wifi router system can keep pace with their internet service.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on eero Pro 6E

The eero Pro 6E solidifies its position as a very fast Wi-Fi 6E mesh kit, delivering on its promise of a high-performance Wi-Fi network. This eero router strikes an excellent balance, offering robust hardware, commendable performance metrics, and a user-friendly eero app that simplifies network management. The mesh system is designed to provide essential functionalities without overwhelming the user with an excessive number of settings, making it ideal for those who prefer a straightforward approach to their Wi-Fi setup. Furthermore, the eero Pro 6E consistently delivers strong upload speeds, which is crucial for activities like video conferencing, cloud backups, and online gaming, contributing to a seamless overall internet experience across the entire mesh Wi-Fi network.

Who Should Buy the eero Pro 6E?

The eero Pro 6E is a highly recommended upgrade for several user profiles, especially those seeking a significant improvement to their existing Wi-Fi network without the hassle of complex configurations. If you currently operate an older eero network, upgrading to the Amazon Eero Pro 6E tri-band will provide a substantial boost in speed and efficiency, particularly leveraging the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E devices. It represents a marked improvement for people transitioning from Wi-Fi 5 devices  like eero or a typical all-in-one Wi-Fi router, offering enhanced coverage and faster speeds across the entire home. This eero device is perfectly suited for individuals who prefer an “app-only” network management experience and do not wish to constantly “mess with settings”; it’s ideal for those who simply want to plug it in and effectively forget about it, knowing their mesh system will reliably handle their Wi-Fi needs.

Future of Wi-Fi with eero Technology

The landscape of Wi-Fi technology is continually evolving, with significant advancements on the horizon that will further enhance the capabilities of mesh Wi-Fi systems like those offered by Eero. The Pro 6E tri-band mesh wi-fi, with its Wi-Fi 6E system capabilities, is a strong current offering, but the future holds even greater promise with mesh Wi-Fi 7. This next-generation standard, currently in early draft form and anticipated for a full release in 2024, is poised to introduce revolutionary features such as 320 MHz channels. These wider channels will facilitate even higher speeds and increased throughput, further cementing the potential for seamless and ultra-fast Wi-Fi experiences. Eero’s consistent innovation, exemplified by devices like the eero Max 7 and its proactive adoption of new standards, suggests that the eero network will continue to be at the forefront of this technological progression, ensuring users can always access the latest and most efficient Wi-Fi solutions for their smart home.