Eero‘s mesh Wi-Fi systems have earned praise for providing reliable whole-home coverage and easy setup. The eero 6 and eero Pro 6 represent their newest generation of consumer mesh routers. But with distinct specs and features, which model reigns supreme?
A Look at the Contenders
The eero 6 delivers dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support and can cover homes up to 1500 square feet. Its affordable price point makes it accessible for most households seeking better wireless performance.
For more demanding users, the eero Pro 6 steps things up with tri-band Wi-Fi 6, expanded 2000 square foot coverage, and extra power for handling high speeds. It comes at a higher cost, but packs upgrades that justify the price bump.
While both options will appeal to different buyers, understanding their differences helps match buyers to the right system. We‘ll compare the vital factors guiding a purchase decision.
Comparing Key Specifications
Let‘s examine how these two eero models stack up where it counts:
Wi-Fi Coverage Area
- eero 6: Up to 1500 sq ft
- eero Pro 6: Up to 2000 sq ft
The Pro 6 extends coverage by an extra 500 square feet. It better handles larger homes, while the standard eero 6 suits small to mid-sized spaces.
Supported Internet Speeds
- eero 6: Up to 900 Mbps
- eero Pro 6: Up to 1 Gbps
Again, the Pro 6 edges out its counterpart here. Its one gigabit speed capacity outdoes the already-solid 900 Mbps of the baseline model.
Internal Hardware
- eero 6: 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage
- eero Pro 6: 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage
The Pro 6 wins on computing power too. Its quad-core chip clocks faster, it doubles the RAM, and storage remains equal.
Clearly, the premium model holds spec advantages. But other factors like design, features and price also sway decisions between the two.
Drilling Down on Design & Features
Physical Design & Size
The standard eero 6 has smaller 3.9 x 3.8 x 2.4 inch dimensions and smooth white finish that better blends into home decor. Meanwhile, the eero Pro 6 measures larger physically at 5.6 x 5.4 x 1.9 inches with an LED light bar on top and glossy exterior.
Features & Capabilities
- eero 6 provides dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2×2 antenna array) with built-in support for connecting Alexa-enabled devices
- eero Pro 6 adds faster tri-band Wi-Fi 6 (2×2 & 4×4 antenna arrays) plus an integrated Zigbee smart home hub for controlling compatible lights, locks and more
Network Backhaul
The eero Pro 6 includes support for Ethernet backhaul. This gives it the ability to transmit data between nodes on a wired network, boosting overall performance.
The Pro 6 clearly justifies its premium status with better Wi-Fi capabilities and more robust features. But Ethernet backhaul alone could seal the deal for some networking enthusiasts.
Key Fact Comparisons
To recap the key differences:
- The eero 6 covers up to 1500 sq ft while the Pro 6 extends to 2000 sq ft
- Both routers feature Wi-Fi 6, but the Pro 6 also has tri-band networking
- The Pro 6 hits faster 1Gbps speeds versus 900 Mbps on the eero 6
- It also packs a faster quad-core processor, double the RAM and extra antenna arrays
- Only the Pro 6 model supports Ethernet backhaul for inter-node wired connections
In nearly all aspects, the pricier eero Pro 6 looks demonstrably stronger on paper. But raw technical specifications alone rarely determine suitability.
Which Model is Better For You?
At the end of the day, your individual wireless needs should dictate whether stepping up to the eero Pro 6 makes sense. If budget isn‘t a concern, it may seem the clear victor. But don‘t underestimate the standard eero 6 either.
The eero 6 gives excellent 1600 sq ft Wi-Fi 6 coverage at 60% of the Pro 6‘s cost. For many homes, 900 Mbps speeds hit the sweet spot too. Unless you have over 25 devices concurrently streaming and gaming, it should handle the load.
Power users wanting future proof speeds, bigger home coverage, or advanced capabilities like an integrated Zigbee hub will appreciate the eero Pro 6. Particularly if wired backhaul appeals for reducing latency.
Think carefully about the specs and features you truly require. For large or tech-filled homes, the Pro 6 brings better hardware and supports more gadgets. More typical households can pocket savings with the standard eero 6 without sacrificing much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the eero 6 and Pro 6 equally easy to set up?
Yes, both utilize the same eero app for setup which walks users through the process in minutes.
Do the routers look the same?
No, as outlined above the Pro 6 is larger in size. It also has an LED light panel not found on the eero 6.
What‘s the difference in Wi-Fi standards?
The eero 6 offers dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support with two internal antenna arrays. The Pro 6 upgrades this to tri-band Wi-Fi 6 backed by a 4×4 and 2×2 antenna array combo.
Making the Right Choice For You
In closing, we compared everything from the speeds to processor specs to features. While the eero Pro 6 tops its counterpart across the board, excellent value exists in the standard eero 6 too.
For buyers simply wanting modern reliable wireless at a fair cost, the vanilla eero 6 suffices nicely. Tech enthusiasts and smart homes should consider if the Pro 6‘s upgrades justify the higher $200-250 cost.
Now having broken down their key similarities and differences, you have the knowledge to decide which eero model fits best!
