Picking the Best Eero Wi-Fi Mesh Router for Your Home

In today’s digitally connected world, achieving uninterrupted and high-quality Wi-Fi coverage at home is paramount. Whether you’re grappling with Wi-Fi dead zones, navigating the challenges of larger spaces, or contending with architectural obstacles that hinder connectivity, you’ve decided a Wi-Fi mesh router is your ultimate solution, and you want an eero.

Eero devices are arguably the most popular Wi-Fi mesh network systems, but with so many different versions, how do you pick the best one for your home? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the latest eero devices, from eero Max 7 to the eero 6+, so you can find the best option to meet your needs and help you access the best Wi-Fi connection.

Eero 6+ (BroadbandNow Top Pick)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6, dual-band
• Coverage area (3-pack): 4,500 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 1 Gbps
• Devices covered: 75+

Released in March 2022, the eero 6+ boasted big changes from the previous eero 6 and eero Pro 6 models. The major difference is that the device expanded to 160 MHz channels, doubling in support from previous models. We chose this model as the BroadbandNow Top Pick because it offers increased internet speed and connectivity, delivering a better connection to more devices and reaching speeds up to 1 Gbps.

As an added bonus, the device includes built-in Zigbee support, which means it can function as a smart home hub, connecting and controlling various compatible smart devices without the need for additional hubs. Most homeowners looking into eero devices are after a better internet speed throughout their homes, making the eero 6+ a must-have device that checks the boxes for affordability, speed, functionality, and value.

Why You Should Get the Eero 6+

• You need a faster internet connection
• You require smart home support
• You want to upgrade from Wi-Fi extenders and need a user-friendly setup

Purchase on Amazon for $194.99 (3-pack)

Eero Pro 6 (The Next Best Eero)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6, tri-band
• Coverage area (3-pack): 6,000 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 1 Gbps
• Devices covered: 75+

Despite being an older model (initially released in November 2020), the eero Pro 6 is an effective alternative for households with above-average internet usage. The device works well for high-traffic internet users, whether there are multiple people in the home, gamers, or everyone streams content in 4K. If this scenario sounds like your household, and you want to expand your home’s internet speeds, the eero Pro 6 is the best option.

The device features a coverage area that accommodates larger households, with each device covering 2,000 square feet. Aside from covering additional square footage, the eero Pro 6 features an extra 5 GHz radio band compared to the eero 6+, which is a benefit if you have gamers and streamers in your house. Without this feature, you may experience slower speeds on your Wi-Fi mesh router setup. Plus, the device features two Ethernet ports for improved wired connections, which is always nice to have.

Why You Should Get the Eero Pro 6

• You need a network that covers substantial square footage
• You have a big household with kids or roommates, resulting in high-traffic usage
• You or someone in your home is a gamer or enjoys streaming 4K content

Purchase on Amazon $239.99 (3-pack)

Eero Pro 6E (Best for Large Smart Homes)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6E, tri-band
• Coverage area (3-pack): 6,000 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 1.6 Gbps
• Devices covered: 100+

Released alongside our top pick in March 2022, the eero Pro 6E is an upgraded version of the eero Pro 6. Currently, it stands as one of the fastest eero devices, only bested by the brand-new eero Max 7. With its Wi-Fi 6E capabilities, the eero Pro 6E can tap into the 6 GHz band and reach network speeds up to 1.6 Gbps. For the average homeowner, these features are likely way beyond your internet needs.

However, if you have a large home, a busy household, and lots of smart home equipment, you need a mesh Wi-Fi network with the power to handle all that traffic without disruption. While most other eero models can support 75 devices, the Eero Pro 6E supports more than 100 devices, making it a clear choice for homes full of electronics.

Why You Should Get the Eero Pro 6E

• You have dozens of smart devices requiring fast internet speeds
• You require Wi-Fi 6E to reduce congestion issues
• You live in a large and busy household

Purchase on Amazon $399.99 (3-pack)

Eero 6 (Best for Budget Buyers)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6, dual-band
• Coverage area (3-pack): 4,500 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 500 Mbps
• Devices covered: 75+

Released in November 2020, Eero 6 represented a significant step forward in both speed and smart home integration when compared to its predecessor, the eero 5. The device was revolutionary at the time, as it adopted Wi-Fi 6 technology, taking advantage of its ability to deliver faster speeds and handle more devices.

With speeds up to 500 Mbps, the eero 6 can handle multiple devices simultaneously, making it ideal for households or offices with countless connected devices. Plus, it offers dual-band connectivity, so you can take advantage of more than one radio band for different levels of devices. While it may not be the best option in today’s market, it’s still no slouch, and it could be a good fit for a beginner looking to get into mesh Wi-Fi integrations.

Why You Should Get the Eero 6

• You need a budget-friendly option
• You’re new to mesh Wi-Fi systems.
• You’re an average homeowner looking to expand your Wi-Fi

Purchase on Amazon $159.99 (3-pack)

Eero Max 7 (The Future of Wi-Fi Connectivity)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 7, tri-band
• Coverage area (3-pack): 7,500 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 4.3 Gbps (wireless) and 9.4 Gbps (wired)
• Devices covered: 200+

The upcoming eero Max 7 boasts extravagant internet capabilities well beyond the needs of even the above-average household. While Amazon hasn’t announced the release date yet (though we expect it will be soon), the eero Max 7 will be the next level of Wi-Fi connectivity. Featuring Wi-Fi 7 technology, covering 200+ devices, containing four Ethernet ports, and integrating with previous eero devices, the eero Max 7 is jam-packed with the latest and greatest innovations in Wi-Fi.

For this version to be right for you, your home would likely have a complete collection of smart home devices that require Zigbee integrations, as well as numerous 4K streamers, online gamers, and other high-intensity internet users. We think this Wi-Fi system is overkill for most people, but if you need the best mesh Wi-Fi system, it’ll be hard to beat the eero Max 7 (that is, if you’re willing to pay the steep price).

Why You Should Get the Eero Max 7

• You need access to the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology.
• You live in a fully equipped smart home.
• Your home measures around 7,500 square feet

Purchase on Amazon $1,149.99 (2-pack)

Comparing Eero Wi-Fi Mesh Routers Head to Head

Essential Questions to Ask Before Selecting Your Eero

When searching for the best eero device for your home, gathering the necessary information to assess your internet needs is essential. Before you begin, ask yourself the following questions about your current internet setup and lifestyle:

• How fast is your internet? Your internet speed is determined by your service provider and the plan you’ve chosen. It’s typical for homeowners to have megabits per second (Mbps) speeds, but some may have gigabits per second (Gbps) speeds. When picking your eero device, you shouldn’t exceed your provider’s speed. If your speed is lower than that provided by an eero device, it may be time to upgrade.
• How big is your household? Knowing the square footage of your home is crucial, as eero devices feature specific coverage areas. Coverage starts at 1,500 square feet per eero device and increases with more advanced devices. A three-pack, for example, will cover 4,500 square feet or more (depending on the version you choose). The number of levels of your home is another factor. We recommend having at least one eero device per floor, regardless of overall home square footage. If you require Wi-Fi in your garage or backyard, consider those measurements in your square footage as well.
• How many devices does your home have? Eero devices cover only a selected number of devices, starting at 75 and going up from there. For the average homeowner, a minimum of 75 devices is more than enough. However, if you have a fully equipped smart home with security cameras, appliances, or Zigbee devices, you may require an eero router system that covers all those devices.

Pro Tips for Installing Your New Eero Wi-Fi Mesh Routers

While combing through all the Eero devices to find your perfect match may give you information overload, once you choose a device, you can rest assured that setup is rather simple. The eero brand prides itself on its easy-to-install process so you can quickly access improved internet in your home. That said, we put together some quick tips to ensure you get the most out of your new eero device once you make your choice.

• Download the eero app. Using your smartphone or tablet, navigate to your app store to download the eero app. This app is crucial for setting up and managing your eero network, and you can get it on your Android or Apple device.
• Follow the setup instructions on the app. The eero app will guide you through the setup process step by step. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your network, which involves naming your network, setting a password, and choosing security preferences.
• Carefully consider the placement of your eero devices. You should position your routers in central locations within your home to ensure even coverage. Avoid placing them in areas with physical obstructions like walls or large appliances. We recommend placing one device on each story of your home at minimum.
• Add Zigbee devices. If you have smart home technology, you can set up Zigbee directly in the eero app. Zigbee makes it easy for smart devices to communicate with one another, and eero facilitates those interactions across your Personal Area Network.