A subsidiary of Amazon, Eero is well known for its affordable mesh networks. Although it’s a low-cost mesh network using the newest Wi-Fi 6 standard for greater speeds and more capabilities, the Eero 6 falls into that category. The Eero 6 stands out from the expanding selection of low-cost Wi-Fi 6 alternatives with Alexa integration and some clever subscription plans that offer extra functionality.
The low number of Ethernet connections is disappointing, and the more recent Eero 6+ system may be a better option. However, good performance helps make this a winner. It’s simple to put them all up without taking up too much space because the new Eero 6 has a small, pod-like form that is just 90mm wide, deep, and 57mm high. The primary router, referred to as the “gateway” in the Eero app, includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired network connections and a USB-C port on the rear for its power source.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]You only have one Ethernet port accessible for a wired connection on a laptop or games console, so keep in mind that one of the Ethernet ports will need to be linked to your current modem or router in order to use your Internet connection. Although it is a touch frustrating, the lack of Ethernet in the two “extender” units is a reasonable trade-off made to keep the price low.
Since the Eero supports both Alexa and the Zigbee networking standard, it’s easy to transfer any current smart devices that use the Amazon Home app, like the well-known Echo speakers, to your new Eero network. This shows that Amazon has its eye on the market for smart homes.
The Eero app is simple to use and intuitive. An integrated speed test enables you to evaluate the effectiveness of your new network and even keep track of how much data each connected device is using. Additionally, you may set up schedules to manage Internet access for different family members and create a guest network for guests.
The app’s other features can be painfully limited, and its ease of use comes at a price. While combining the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands into a single network makes initial setup more simpler, it may also put off more seasoned users who prefer to have distinct networks on the two bands.
The Eero app for iOS and Android can utilise Bluetooth to connect to each Eero unit and walk you through the setup process, so getting started with the Eero 6 doesn’t take long. You only need to input a single name and password to swiftly set up the new network because the programme automatically establishes a single network that combines the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands.
The Eero is not the fastest mesh network because of its relatively low price; in fact, the company’s website just states that it is “ideal for Internet speeds of up to 500Mbps,” which is confusing because it actually refers to the speed of your broadband connection rather than the Eero’s own performance.