It makes a profile for each family member and turns Internet access off & on for specific profiles in the Eero app. I used Eero's placement test to verify that the device was online and in the right position to transmit and receive the strongest signal. As this was going on, an HP Elite Dragonfly notebook copied and saved data on a network-attached RAID storage system. Processor: Quad-core 700 MHz None of that would stop me from using the system in my home, but if you're especially privacy-conscious and trying to limit data collection among your devices as much as you can, Eero probably isn't the best fit. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. The only way to configure and customize the eero Pro 6 set is via the eero app. New York, Heres how it works. You can use Alexa over the network to pause the internet, but you can't do more-advanced actions, like having Malwarebytes run a scan. That's less than a quarter of the 400.7 Mbps available from the Nest Wifi system under the same conditions. What is eero Plus? As for privacy, Eero's support page explains that it doesn't track the websites you visit or the contents of your network traffic, though the company does collect network data to help maintain and improve system performance. SECURITY Wifi security made simple. At $599 for three units, the eero Pro 6 is moderately priced but more expensive than the Linksys Velop AX4200 mesh kit. Eero Secure+ is a higher-tier subscription that offers extra security features and is also compatible with all Eero mesh models. The Eero Pro 6E three-pack is an excellent mesh system that continues to be reliable and easy to use. No. One . Now, Amazon is back, and it seems to have beaten the eggs a bit better than before. Earlier this month, Eero announced it would be transitioning its paid subscription plans to one flat rate of $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year. It has not only engineered a smaller mesh networking kit that should be more than enough to fill most homes, but the company has also dropped its prices; at $169 for a three-pack, it costs $190 less than the similar trio of devices for the 2017 Eero. Range: 105-feet Safe filters can be applied to all devices as well, which prevent access to inappropriate websites and content. If youre using an Eero WiFi network, surely youd want the best protection, right? So if you are living in a 3500 sq. With one of the quickest and easiest setup routines in the world of mesh networking, the eero Pro 6 is the best mesh router for those who dont care about getting top speed, every Wi-Fi 6 feature or customizing their network. Each unit has three built-in antennas and Bluetooth 5.0 for use during setup and when communicating with household devices. In fact, it was able to move 430.9Mbps upstairs to a system directly above the router. Brian Nadel is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in technology reporting and reviewing. (Routers listed with stars were tested prior to Wi-Fi 6, with a Wi-Fi 5 client.). The configuration items are not deep, but they are adequate, considering the audience. In addition to all of the security features of the standard Eero Secure service, the Secure+ plan comes with subscriptions to popular security apps and a VPN. This is important because if you are on a standard cable internet plan, you can very well go with a normal Eero. Number of antennas/removable: 4/no Required fields are marked *, Learn about our product testing process Here. Within 20 seconds, the eero device was found. Though I haven't had the chance to test it out on a gigabit network yet, an AX3000 speed rating is more than enough to top out a connection like that. It has a full 802.15.4 smart home hub built in and works with Alexa voice control. The base Eero has adequate security using WPA2 encryption but doesn't have the ability to use the stronger WPA3 protocol or a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for authenticating its firmware upgrades. Based on Qualcomms IPQ8174 Wi-Fi chip, the system has a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage for its settings and firmware. Peak 802.11ax performance: 438.2Mbps (at 15 feet) The great thing about this is, you can get a 30-day free trial if youre a new Eero customer. transitioning its paid subscription plans to one flat rate, Heres where you can still preorder Nintendos Zelda-inspired Switch OLED, Spotify shows how the live audio boom has gone bust. Each of the three eero Pro 6 units used 9.0 watts of power, which adds up to $10.25 each if theyre always on and you pay the national average of 13 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity. To be fair, there are not many mesh routers that perform better than Eero in its price range. Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. You can sign up for Eero Secure via your Eero account page. The Eero device also misses the opportunity to double as a smart speaker or house-wide sound system, because it lacks the speaker, microphone and audio amplifier that Nest Wifi and Orbi Voice have. When it was doing its thing, the Eero devices never got more than warm to the touch. However, it is worth remembering that speeds on Wi-Fi will almost always be slower than wired internet. Its Home page has a lot: online status, a list of connected devices as well as whether the host and nodes are connected. It collects anonymized information regarding your network that helps them improve your network and the devices functionality. The design was simple and inoffensive, the app was disarmingly easy to use, it offered full support for Wi-Fi 6 and, at $279 for a three-pack, it wasn't terribly expensive. Eero can speed up your Wi-Fi or internet speed if your existing wi-fi equipment is the cause of the lack of speed. It may not have the highest throughput, but the eero Pro 6 mesh kit does well at mid-range distances where others peter out, is quick to set up and automatically adjusts just about everything. If you want extra protection with enough budget to spare, go get it. It can also be disabled or re-enabled at any time in the Eero app, like Security & Privacy.. Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. While its throughput cant compare with the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, the eero Pro 6 provides long range and surprisingly strong mid-range throughput. What does the 99.99 dollar subscription cover? However, it offers significant possibilities for anyone who is looking to experiment with a mesh wifi solution. I saw slower average download speeds in the middle of my house when I'd start my connection in the back bathroom, closer to the extender than the router (yellow bars). The pricing progression represents a small volume discount over buying them one at a time. You can sign up for Eero Secure + via your Eero account page. It, however, falls short on range and performance, while its Secure Plus plan can protect your family's digital assets at a price. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, I'm not sold on that. I used the eero Pro 6 for a week of daily use for emails, video bingeing, listening to music and downloading files. Really great at blocking rogue sites, all in the background. if your internet plan comes with a data cap, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team. This is roughly the same as the Linksys Velop AX4200 (437.5Mbps), but off the pace set by the Netgear Orbi RBR850 (670.1Mbps). Those Ethernet ports set a speed limit for the incoming connection, so if you're thinking about upgrading to a multigig internet plan sometime soon, then you'll want to skip the 6 Plus and consider spending more to get the Eero Pro 6E, or another router with a multigig Ethernet jack capable of handling speeds like those (the Asus ZenWiFi XT8, the TP-Link Deco X90and the Netgear Orbi AX6000 are all well-reviewed models that fit the bill). That extra protection you get with Eero Secure is automatically extended to all devices connected to the Eero network. I wouldn't fault anyone for calling the things uninspired, but they aren't ugly or bulky or cheap-looking, and they shouldn't have much trouble blending in with most home decor. In addition to the expected security attributes, the eero Pro 6 offers the Secure package. Easy to manage. It passed my informal throughput saturation test, in which I used four computers at once: one playing the BBC World Service audio feed, two playing YouTube videos, and the fourth moving data onto and off a networking storage device. The devices had a range of 65 feet, which is second best behind the Nest Wifi's 80-foot range. You can also enable a separate guest Wi-Fi network, just like you can with other routers, and you get Amazon's Simple Wi-Fi Setup, which makes connecting Echo voice assistants a breeze. I think this was one of the biggest reasons why I chose Eero over other similarly placed mesh routers. Eero Secure+ also comes with everything that the basic plan offers. All you Need to Know. The former editor-in-chief of Mobile Computing and Communications, Nadel is the recipient of the TransPacific Writing Award. Purchasing an Eero router is definitely worth it as it offers great coverage, customization, support, and integration while still remaining on the higher end of affordability. You can specifically filter nudity, illegal activities, sexual themes, and other harmful activities, like hacking, drugs, and excessive violence. Others have already incorporated these items into their operations. That's top 10 among the 30 or so mesh routers that I've tested at home over the past few years -- and none of the systems that beat its speeds can beat its value. Eero uses beamforming to tailor the transmitted data and Mu-MIMO to maximize bandwidth, but this router lacks the latest, Wi-Fi 6 technology. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Basically, if you don't already have premium antivirus software, a VPN, and a password manager, Eero Secure + is an excellent deal, even if you live alone. NY 10036. Our news, reviews, opinions, and easy to follow guides can turn any iPhone owner into an Apple aficionado. At $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year, it adds basics like content filtering, parental controls and ad blocking that others, like Asus, provide for free. Each device can cover 1,500 square feet, while the three-pack is good for a 5,000-square-foot home. Therefore, there are not many reasons to worry even if you are in the habit of buying new smart products that get added to your Wi-Fi. It is an excellent filter that tells what your children see online. Want more info? I created an account with eero that required a phone number. In customization-wise, Eero is making progress daily about its counterparts, making Nest WIFI look like a toy. Formerly called Eero Secure Plus, Eero Plus is now the only option for users of the mesh Wi-Fi system if they want to access features like parental controls, ad blocking, or any network usage information. The eero Pro 6 is for those who are willing to trade customization options and top speed for a swift setup. Is DataCamp Premium Worth It? eero Plus subscribers can take advantage of an eero Internet backup feature that gets your network back online quickly after an outage. Very handy. Eero regularly releases automatic updates so you dont really need to worry if your protection is up to date. Underneath, the eero Pro 6 has a thick rubber base so as not to scratch your furniture and can easily be hidden thanks to the compact design. There are versions for iOS (opens in new tab) and Android, which I used with my Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 tablet. But if youre a parent and you really want to keep your family safe from potential threats and malicious content they might see online, the additional parental features are definitely useful. These include content filtering, ad blocking, access . There are four layers of security on the eero network when eero Plus is turned on. I recently upgraded my home's fiber network from that 300Mbps connection to a gigabit connection, with max download speeds of 940Mbps and max upload speeds of 880Mbps. Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper review 2023, MSI Cyborg 15 review: RTX 4050 power under $1,000, Roku Plus Series 4K QLED TV review: An outstanding value, Netgear Nighthawk M6 Mobile Hotspot review, Ring Battery Doorbell Plus hands-on review, Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524H) review: The fastest gaming monitor ever, I hate the idea of an iPhone 15 Pro price hike but it feels inevitable, Getting the Resident Evil 4 platinum trophy terrified me for all the wrong reasons, The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. So if you are going to be gaming, be sure to connect your PS4 or computer to your Eero using an ethernet cable to maximize internet speed. All told, it took 15 minutes to set up the gateway and extensions for my home network. Are you looking to expand wifi coverage in your house? If you are looking for an upgrade, it should definitely be on your list. Fair disclosure, I dont use it but some of the features offered such as network protection are really useful. In other words, it's easy to hide (like on a bookshelf) but is unobtrusive enough to be left out in the open on a coffee table. These are services that most router manufacturers offer for free. Eero Secure is a subscription service that is compatible to all Eero mesh models. eero Secure and eero Secure+ One optional add-on for eero products is the premium service that adds parental controls, activity reporting, and in the case of the Secure+ - free subscriptions to . Eero's entry-level Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems are similarly approachable at $279 for a three-pack. By contrast, Orbi reserves one of the 5GHz bands for communication from the satellite to the host, whether its needed or not. The first thing to do before spending your money on an Eero router is to know your requirements. For what it's worth, Eero says, "Customer trust is . Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It typically would have cost around $3. At $2.99, you can get all these valuable features making Eero secure and worth the money. It covers all mesh routers and devices connected to the network via WiFi or ethernet. Eero WIFI networks are specially designed to be secure even without any secure subscription. The 5.3 x 5.2 x 1.9-inch eero Pro 6 devices are nearly twice the size of the last generation ones. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). By contrast, the Secure + plan costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year and adds the 1Password password manager, Encrypt.me virtual private network and Malwarebytes antivirus software. These results were mirrored when I set up the Eero system at my 3,500-square-foot home. You can ask questions and troubleshoot problems with technicians over the phone, in a chat window or via email, and there are articles on the hardware and software, networking primers, and assistance with the mobile apps. This advanced threat protection helps stop you from accidentally visiting sites along with threats or malware by blocking those sites from loading. It was a mixed bag when it came to pushing a strong data signal throughout my old house. Is it worth it? So heres everything you need to know about Eero Secure and Eero Security +. Here's the short answer: Getting eero Secure is worth it. My dwelling's older construction often foils even the strongest Wi-Fi router, and the Eero three-pack left several portions of the home unconnected. The Eero units can connect either wirelessly or with an Ethernet cable and are perfect for plugging in a printer or network storage device. Regardless, I think the Eero Secure plan is likely worth it for most people. The Eero mesh system delivers house-filling Wi-Fi at a reasonable price. These include the Encrypt.me private network, the 1Password password manager, and the ability to install Malwarebytes Premium on up to three devices. Even without devices like that on your network, you'll still benefit from the faster connection between the Eero devices themselves. Eero Secure may be an excellent subscription service, but it's also layered atop a decent mesh network, as well. All You Need to know. It glows blue when its ready to be configured, white when its connected and red when its offline; its easy to turn them off. Still, even if it isn't as capable of taking advantage of a gigabit connection as some systems are, the Eero 6 Plus nets you great performance for the price -- and I was pleased that, once again, the band-steering issues were quite limited. Eero Secure + offers everything Eero Secure does, while also providing full access to several premium partnered services. The best part is the three-system license for Malwarebytes Premium antivirus software. It gives you direct access to several premium services at an excellent price, while also providing you with several easy-to-configure tools for network protection. While the three-pack of devices costs $169, individual extensions are $69 each. One mesh router that caught my eye early on is the Amazon Eero (on Amazon). I saw some of that same issue with the Eero 6 Plus, but the resulting slowdowns were much less drastic, and, typically, by the time I reached the living room in those back-to-front tests, the system would realize it and begin routing my connection straight to the nearby router. One of our favorite password managers around is also included: 1Password (opens in new tab). The system's average upload speed was slightly less impressive at 253Mbps, but that's still a fine result -- better than the 204Mbps I saw from the Eero 6, and better than well-reviewed systems like the TP-Link Deco W7200 (248Mbps), Nest Wifi (230Mbps) and Asus ZenWiFi XD6 (224Mbps). Reviews ethics statement | How we test routers. You can save a little money by purchasing a yearly subscription, saving around $5 for Secure, and close to $20 for Secure+. You can turn on WPA3 encryption in the Eero Labs section of the app for the latest in network security and, if you like, you can subscribe to Eero Secure Plus for advanced options for ad blocking and threat detection, plus access to additional services like 1Password and the Encrypt.me VPN. If you are not interested in any of these features, then secure+ is not worth it for you. It doesn't measure up on range and performance, and its Secure+ protection plan costs an extra $100 a year. On the app, I tapped that I was installing a standard Eero device, not a Pro model. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Once I've had a chance to test the system out in the much larger CNET Smart Home, I'll update this section with some additional data. Eero Secure+ also includes Malwarebytes (opens in new tab), which is an anti-virus app that works across 3 of your family's devices. Eero is very conscious about security, and they also offer an additional subscription plan option for added protection. Eero offers you two subscription options, one is Eero secure, and the second one is Secure+. Either way, the Eero 6 Plus is well worth considering, and a great option for anyone looking for a faster connection at home. My speeds were fine when I started my connection in the living room and worked back, but if I started in the back of the house and worked my way to the front, it would route my connection through the extender even after I'd returned to the living room, with the router just a few feet away. Still, theyre tiny and more easily hidden compared to the Netgear Orbi RBK 752 or 852 models.