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eero Pro 6 vs eero 6e: What's the Difference?

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Unlike traditional routers, eero uses mesh WiFi to deliver consistent coverage throughout a home, particularly in larger or multi-story buildings. Proprietary TrueMesh technology allows multiple eero devices to work together seamlessly to cover every corner of your home with a strong and reliable WiFi signal​​​​​​.

There are many eero devices to choose from – with different options and features. However, many consumers trend toward purchasing eero Pro 6 models, or eero 6e models. Let’s take a look at a few of the differences between the two in this article.

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Mesh WiFi with eero Secure

Enhanced Whole Home WiFi enables multiple WiFi routers (or eeros®) to work as a team, resulting in improved range, speed and stability of your WiFi network. Plus, with eero Secure now included at no additional cost, it keeps your family safe with parental controls, ad blocking and internet backup so you’re always connected.
 

What is eero Pro 6?

The eero Pro 6 is a third-generation mesh WiFi router that uses WiFi 6 technology. Compared to previous models, the eero Pro 6 supports faster speeds, improved capacity and better performance across a wide range of connected devices. The eero Pro 6 is capable of supporting over 75 devices simultaneously with coverage of up to 2,000 square feet per device.

As with all other eero devices (except for the eero Beacon), the eero Pro 6 acts as a gateway for a mesh system, or as a wireless extender to expand existing networks. Additionally, as with all other models, it is compatible with previous generations of mesh WiFi routers and receives continuous software and security updates.

Compared to WiFi 5-compatible eero devices, the eero Pro 6 provides better internet speeds and stable connections essential for activities such as streaming, gaming or working from home. It’s a great choice for connected households looking to make the most out of their internet plan.

What is eero 6e?

Also known as the eero Pro 6e, the eero 6e is a fourth-generation mesh WiFi router that uses WiFi 6E technology. WiFi 6E-compatible devices, like eero 6e, can access the 6 GHz band to enhance network capacity and reduce interference, leading to faster speeds and better performance.

The eero 6e provides up to 2,000 square feet of coverage per device and can support network speeds up to 2.3 Gbps. It’s a great solution for high-bandwidth activities like augmented reality, virtual reality and 8K streaming.

Similarly, the eero 6e acts as a gateway for a mesh system or as a wireless extender to expand existing networks. It’s compatible with previous generations of mesh WiFi routers and receives continuous software and security updates.

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Comparative analysis: eero Pro 6 vs eero 6e

Now that we understand both models, let’s compare the performance, speed, design, connectivity, advanced features and pricing of the two eero devices.

Performance and speed

eero Pro 6

    • Uses WiFi 6 technology
    • Supports 1 Gbps network speeds
    • Connects to 75+ devices
    • Covers 2,000 square feet per eero device
    • Leverages TrueMesh technology to reduce congestion, buffering, and drop-offs

eero 6e

    • Uses WiFi 6e technology, which includes access to the 6 GHz band
    • Supports network speeds up to 2.3 Gbps (1 Gbps wired and 1.3 Gbps wireless)
    • Connects to 100+ devices
    • Covers 2,000 square feet per eero device
    • Leverages TrueMesh technology to reduce congestion, buffering, and drop-offs

While both eeros are strong contenders, if you’re concerned about high-bandwidth activities, consider purchasing the eero Pro 6e.

Design and aesthetics

Between the two products, there are minimal differences. Both the eero Pro 6 and eero 6e are designed to be compact and eero maintains a consistent size across its product lines.

The design is sleek, featuring a smooth white casing. Both devices are small enough to place on shelves, desks or other flat surfaces – around 5.5 inches square and 2 inches tall. The eero Pro 6 and eero 6e include LED indicators that provide visual feedback on the device’s status.

Additionally, the absence of external antennas on both models allows them to fit into a wide variety of settings without being a focal point. Both models come equipped with two auto-sensing Ethernet ports, allowing them to be easily integrated into a home network either as a gateway or a mesh extender.

Connectivity and compatibility

In terms of connectivity, both models support WiFi 6, which allows the eeros to handle more devices simultaneously and maintain faster speeds​​. Plus, they’re easy to set up. However, the eero 6e extends WiFi 6 capabilities by incorporating WiFi 6E.

Both models have two auto-sensing Ethernet ports that support gigabit speeds, making them suitable for wired connections that demand high-speed internet such as gaming consoles, desktop computers and home servers.

Adding two Ethernet ports, the eero Pro 6e includes one 2.5 GbE port for multigigabit speed and another 1.0 GbE port. Both units support Zigbee Smart Home Hub, Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, Alexa and Thread. They’re also backward compatible with all previous generation eero systems, allowing users to expand their networks without replacing existing units.

Advanced features

The eero app allows users to easily set up their network, monitor connected devices, check internet speeds and troubleshoot issues. It provides detailed insights into your network’s health and activity, making it easier to optimize performance​​.

Both the eero Pro 6 and eero 6e feature robust parental and security controls as well, through the eero app. Users can manage and restrict internet access for specific devices, set safe browsing filters and schedule internet pause times to manage children’s online activities.

Astound’s basic Whole Home WiFi with eero subscription includes eero Secure, which has these features, at no additional charge. eero Secure’s ad blocking and parental controls keeps your family safe. eero Plus is also available for an additional monthly charge and adds even more security features, including malware protection, a VPN and a password manager.

Moreover, eero systems receive software updates that include the latest security patches and feature enhancements. This ensures that your network remains protected against threats​​.

Both the eero Pro 6 and eero 6e are backward compatible with all previous eero models. This allows users to expand their network by adding new or existing eero devices without compatibility issues.

Pricing

The eero Pro 6 is generally priced to offer a balance between performance and cost, making it a suitable option for homes that require connectivity but may not need the absolute latest technology. Prices may vary depending on the package (single unit, 2-pack or 3-pack), with a single device typically starting around the mid-hundred dollar range.

The eero 6e, with its newer WiFi 6E technology, is priced higher than the eero Pro 6. It often starts in the higher hundred dollar range for a single unit, with multi-unit packs costing more. The pricing reflects its advanced features, including support for the 6 GHz band, which provides more bandwidth and less interference.

The eero Pro 6E is targeted at users who demand the highest levels of performance and future-proofing in their home networks, particularly those with high-speed internet connections and many modern devices that can utilize Wi-Fi 6E.

Many internet providers, including Astound, provide eero units with a monthly subscription, so there’s no initial cost outlay.

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Conclusion: Making the right choice

When deciding between the eero Pro 6 and the eero 6E, the best choice depends largely on your home’s specific needs and the type of devices you use.

eero Pro 6

This model is good for connected households that require robust WiFi to support 75+ devices, with speeds and performance capable of handling everyday online activities such as streaming, gaming and working from home. It offers up to 2,000 square feet of coverage per device, making it a strong candidate for medium to large homes needing reliable internet across extensive areas​​.

eero 6e

This model uses WiFi 6E technology, granting access to the 6 GHz band, which significantly boosts network capacity and reduces interference. It’s ideal for high-bandwidth activities such as augmented reality, virtual reality and 8K streaming. With the ability to support network speeds up to 2.3 Gbps and connect over 100 devices, the eero 6e excels in home environments with many connected devices.

Just like the Pro 6, it also provides up to 2,000 square feet of coverage per device​​​​. Both models share several strengths, such as compatibility with previous generations of eero devices, support for the Zigbee smart home hub and the inclusion of two auto-sensing Ethernet ports for enhanced connectivity options. They are also designed with a sleek, compact form that allows easy placement in any home setting.

However, if your household’s internet activities demand the latest and fastest technology, and if you have or plan to have WiFi 6E-compatible devices, the eero 6e is the better choice. For typical use that still demands high performance but may not require cutting-edge speed, the eero Pro 6 offers substantial value with significant capabilities at a potentially lower price point.

FAQs

The max recommended WiFi speed for the eero Pro 6 is 1 Gbps. Check with your ISP to determine the speed plan you’re on, and whether or not you’ll be able to take full advantage of eero.

Depending on your home’s size and layout, you may find you need a combination of eero devices in order to create an optimized mesh network.

Yes. Even with so many models of routers and extenders, eeros are all interchangeable and can be used together in a network. However, a gateway eero with an ethernet port must be used to connect to the modem. Once installed, any combination of eeros can be used to extend coverage.

Each eero device can reach a specific range. A 3-pack of eero Pro 6 or eero Pro 6e can create a coverage area of 6,000 square feet. Need more space? Just add additional eeros.

Disclaimers

*Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 2.5GE physical LAN port is required for 1 Gigabit speeds and higher. See astound.com/yourspeed for why speeds may vary. To view Astound’s FCC Network Management Disclosure see astound.com/policies-disclaimers. Modem required for Internet service. No contract required. Subject to availability. We substantiate that the cable modem equipment provided, and the configuration of such cable modem, meets the broadband speeds advertised when attached to a wired connection based on SamKnows testing procedures.

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While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this site has been obtained from reliable sources, Astound Broadband is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Certain links in this site connect to other websites maintained by third parties over whom Astound Broadband has no control. Astound Broadband makes no representations as to the accuracy or any other aspect of information contained in other websites.

eero Plus is available for an additional $9.99/month and requires subscription to whole home WiFi powered by eero.