As Eero continues to expand its product line, it can be challenging to figure out which Eero Mesh Wi-Fi system is the right one for you. The Eero 6 and Eero 6 Pro are two different devices that offer slightly different features. Let's look at these differences between Eero 6 vs. Eero Pro!
Eero 6
- Network Speed: 500 Mbps
- Frequency: Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Coverage: 5000 sq. ft.
- Wi-Fi 6: Yes
- Bandwidth: Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Processor: 1.2 quad-core
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Ethernet Ports: 2
- Number of Devices to Connect: 75+ devices
- Security: WPA2-AES, WPA3-Personal transition mode
Eero Pro
- Network Speed: 1 Gbps
- Frequency: Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Coverage: 6000 sq. ft.
- Wi-Fi 6: Yes
- Bandwidth: Tri-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Processor: 1.4 quad-core
- Memory: 1024MB RAM
- Ethernet Ports: 2
- Number of Devices to Connect: 75+ devices
- Security: WPA2-AES, WPA3-Personal transition mode
PROS
CONS
The Eero 6 is a high-end mesh Wi-Fi router that employs Wi-Fi 6 technology. The Wi-Fi 6, as we all know, is the latest Wi-Fi technology delivering fast speeds, robust performance, and reliable connection even when simultaneous devices are connected to the internet.
With its dual bandwidth and speeds up to 500 Mbps, you can connect up to 75 devices without dropping off connections. Furthermore, it is ideal for large homes as it can cover up to 5000 sq. ft.
Features
Compact Design
With its 90mm width, depth, and height, the Eero 6 has a pod-like, small-form-factor design ensure it won’t take up too much space. The main router, which the Eero app refers to as the ‘gateway,’ has a USB-C port on the back for power and two Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired network connections.
Wi-Fi 6
Employing the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6, the Eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi system promises to provide faster download and upload speeds with lower latency than any Wi-Fi 5 device. It also provides a better network range and throughput.
Do you have multiple devices that need to connect online? No worries! With Wi-Fi 6, the Eero 6 allows more devices to share the bandwidth without lowering the speeds. It can simultaneously use 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz bands and even lower overall power consumption.
Performance
The Eero 6 has a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, which is faster than Eero's original router. This means you may get improved speeds and a more reliable signal throughout your home. It also has dual-band coverage, with one band for 2.4GHz and one for 5GHz.
The 2.4GHz frequency band is frequently clogged with traffic and interference from Wi-Fi devices, cordless phones, and microwaves. The 5GHz band was created to relieve some traffic, though it has a smaller coverage area than the 2.4GHz band. However, when used together, the two bands are more capable of handling wireless traffic.
MU-MIMO
It also supports 2x2 MU-MIMO connections, allowing the Eero to use two antennas to focus on two separate devices simultaneously or aggregate the signal from those antennas to a single device. As a result, you may have an interrupted signal throughout your house!
Security
WPA
Eero is very secure and doesn't come with any vulnerabilities - meaning that your internet connection will be as safe as possible. Eero has a WPA/WPA-PSK standard, making it difficult for hackers to access your network without knowing the password!
Parental Controls
Do you have a problem with your kids accessing inappropriate content online? Worry no more, as the Eero 6 also has parental controls, which would be very beneficial for you to control what your kids watch on the internet. You can also pause all of your children's devices from your phone or tablet, which is perfect for bedtime!
Guest Network Access
Eero 6 also includes Guest Network Access, which allows you to create a separate visitor network. Users of this network cannot see or access any other devices on your main network.
User-friendly App
If you are not techy-savvy, the Eero App got you covered! The Eero Tether App makes managing your network more straightforward than ever. Eero's software is very user-friendly and easy to navigate, so you'll be able to get on with the device's settings in no time!
Improves Overtime
Eero 6 can help optimize your internet connection by automatically adjusting it if too many devices use bandwidth. If one device needs more speed, you are ensured that Eero will continue to improve your internet connection over time.
Eero does this by constantly assessing the amount of traffic on your network and assigning devices priority depending on their use, which means that you won't have to worry about a clogged-up network anymore!
Supports Zigbee
The Eero 6 has a built-in Zigbee smart home hub. This technology eliminates the need for additional Zigbee hubs by connecting to Zigbee-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart home appliances. That means the Eero 6 can be used to connect to compatible smart devices.
PROS
CONS
The Eero Pro 6 is a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that provides fast connectivity to all of your home's rooms. It has a maximum speed of 1 Gigabit, making it faster than other Eeros. It utilizes TrueMesh technology to ensure that every Eero within the range can communicate and connect wirelessly.
The Eero Pro 6 can still function well despite interference or heavy traffic without interrupting your internet connection. As a result, you may enjoy online gaming and streaming at its best!
Features
Small-form-factor Design
The Eero Pro 6 design is compact but a little taller compared to the Eero 6. With its white plastic exterior, the Eero Pro won't blend into your home décor as seamlessly as other mesh routers do. However, it is easier to set up in your home and less noticeable if you keep it in the living room.
Beamforming Technology
Eero Pro 6 supports Beamforming technology that helps reduce dead zones throughout your entire house. It creates a solid connection to every device in your home and provides faster speeds. It is excellent for gaming because it eliminates lag time or buffering while playing online games.
MU-MIMO
The Eero Pro 6 supports (MU-MIMO) Multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output technology. It is beneficial when you have a lot of devices that need to connect to the network at the same time. This means that the router can handle more traffic without slowing down.
Built-in Zigbee Radio
The Eero Pro also has a built-in Zigbee radio, a low-power mesh networking protocol often used for home automation products like smart light bulbs and door locks. This means that you can connect to these devices without worrying about range issues.
Wi-Fi 6 Technology
Eero Pro 6 uses Wi-Fi 6 technology, the next generation of wireless technology. With this, you may ensure an improved network even when many devices are connected simultaneously.
Performance: Tri-Band
The Eero Pro 6 is a tri-band Eero system, with an Eero around to boost the range of its mesh network and cover dead spots in your home where you might not get a Wi-Fi signal from any other Eeros.
In addition to that, it has two bands for devices using the 802.11ac standard (Wi-Fi), one band for devices using the 802.11n standard (wireless legacy), and another band dedicated just for communication between Eeros.
In case there's interference when connecting on all three bands at once, they can switch frequencies without affecting connection speeds or latency times.
Ease of Use
The Eero Pro system is easy to set up and use; you can control everything from the Eero app on your phone or browser, whether you're at home or away. The Eero pro requires slightly more technical knowledge than other systems, making for an easy installation process.
You'll need to be able to plug it into your modem via Ethernet cable and then install its mesh points throughout your home using either powerline adapters or additional ethernet cables.
The Eero Pro 6 also supports Tether App that you can download to your phone.
The App walks you through adding the additional nodes, creating your network and password, and turning on features such as a guest network or Eero's subscription-based security and parental control features.
Security
WPA Security
The Eero Pro supports WPA wireless security features. This security is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the device. This means that an unauthorized person will not be able to connect to the device unless you have the proper credentials.
Parental Controls
The Eero Pro supports Parental Controls that allow you to block your kids from accessing inappropriate content. When this is combined with privacy settings, these can assist you in protecting your children's safety online.
Guest Network Access
With the Eero Pro Guest Network Access, you can have the option to create a guest network that visitors can use. It is safe because they won't access your data and personal information. After all, it is a different point that provides access to the internet, but not to your home network.
Auto Update Firmware
What's also good about Eero Pro is the auto-update firmware feature. The Eero software updates itself behind the scenes, so you don't have to download and install updates like most Wi-Fi routers.
Eero 6 vs. Eero Pro 6
Wi-Fi Coverage
If you are looking for thorough coverage for larger spaces, you may have to lean on Pro 6's more extensive coverage area. If you have 6000+ square feet available on your property or lack coverage in an apartment, it might be worth investing in Eero 6 Pro.
While the Eero 6 can provide coverage up to 5000 square feet, Eero pro can do more, so we voted for Eero Pro in this round.
Dual-Band or Tri-Band
The Eero 6 features Dual-band Wi-Fi and lets the machine output either a 5GHz or a 2.4GHz signal. While the Eero 6 Pro uses a tri-bandwidth. It's best to have more bands on a mesh network to maintain a rapid connectivity speed. So, in this round, the Eero Pro wins.
Processor
When it comes to processor and performance, Eero Pro 6 is more reliable than the Eero 6. The Eero Pro 6 features a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor as to the Eero 6’s 1.2 GHz quad-core processor. The 1.4 GHz processor will allow faster and more reliable upload and download speeds. In this round, the Eero Pro 6 beats out the Eero 6.
Speed Performance
Because of the Eero Pro 6 tri-band, you can expect sustained speeds. The Eero Pro 6 has AC2200 speed, which translates to 866.7Mbps on each high and low 5GHz band and around 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. On the other hand, the Eero 6’s total connection speed of AC1300 translates to 400Mbps on each high and low band.
The Eero Pro 6 wins this round as well, as it has way faster speeds than Eero 6.
Software
The Eero 6 and Eero Pro 6 both have the Eero app. This App will walk you through the setup process and give you the ability to customize your wireless settings. You'll be able to check the quality of your mesh connection and see which devices are connected.
Eero 6 and Eero Pro 6 both come with a Zigbee smart home hub for your smart home. This can simplify your network if you have compatible smart home devices. Eero also includes Alexa support, which is unsurprising given that Amazon owns Eero.
Finally, HomeKit is fully supported by Eero 6 and Eero Pro 6. This means that smart homes that use Apple's HomeKit and an Eero 6 or Pro 6 will have their HomeKit accessories secured more effectively. This round goes to both.
Eero Pro Compatibility with Alexa and Google
The Eero Pro 6 and Eero 6 are compatible with Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa, and the search engine giant, Google Assistant. You can easily control your smart home by utilizing these two platforms through your Eero device. This round goes to both as well.
Stand Out Features
Eero Pro 6’s Tri-Band
The Eero Pro 6 supports Tri-band, which is better than Eero 6, which uses dual-band. Tri-band can boost your Wi-Fi when you need it and provide reliable connections throughout the house.
Eero 6 Compact Size and Affordability
The Eero 6 is more compact than the Eero Pro. It can be placed in smaller areas. It's also cheaper, so people with less budget can purchase this but still get the Eero quality.
Conclusion
Both systems are excellent options, but the Eero Pro 6 is better suited for bigger homes with more than one network point needed. The Eero Pro is unquestionably faster than Eero 6, so if you have a gigabit connection, it is the right choice for you.
However, if you don’t need a faster Eero wireless mesh system, you can still consider Eero 6. For a more comprehensive basis, think of these things before you finally decide:
Choose the Eero 6 if:
Your house is less than 1500 square feet
You have many gadgets to connect
Your budget is tight
You don't need high-speed broadband for gaming
Choose the Eero Pro 6 if:
You want a tri-band mesh router
You want a whole-home coverage of up to 2000 square feet
You want a better speed that works for gaming
You have a budget.
