Eero 6+: Two-minute review
The original Eero 6 was the first Eero mesh Wi-Fi system to support Wi-Fi 6, and while it wasn’t particularly fast it did provide an affordable and easy-to-use upgrade for people who wanted to replace an older Wi-Fi 5 router. That was a couple of years ago, though, and the modest 1.8Gbps speed of the Eero 6 is looking a bit doddery now - especially when compared with newer models, such as the recently launched Eero Pro 6E that now supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology.
With that in mind, Eero - which is owned by Amazon - has just released the updated Eero 6+. This sticks with dual-band Wi-Fi 6, but its top speed of 3.0Gbps makes it almost twice as fast as its predecessor. It also includes new features, such as some additional Ethernet ports to provide wired network connections and support for the latest smart-home technologies.
The Eero 6+ sticks with the now-familiar design used across the entire Eero range, with each of its three routers consisting of a compact, gleaming white pod that measures just 66mm high, 97mm wide and 99.4mm deep. They’re sturdily built, though, and that compact design makes it easy to place each router on any nearby table or shelf when you’re setting them up.
The original Eero 6 consisted of a primary router - called the ‘gateway’ - and two ‘extender’ units that needed to be set up in a particular order. However, the Eero 6+ simply includes three identical routers, which can be placed wherever you want during the initial set-up process (as long as one of the Eero routers is connected to your existing broadband modem or router).
All three routers also include two Gigabit Ethernet ports so you have more options for providing wired connections for a gaming console, smart TV or other wired devices.
As mentioned, the Eero 6 is almost twice as fast as its predecessor - yet Amazon/Eero seems oddly reluctant to make any claims about its speed at all. The company bends over backwards to avoid mentioning the speed of the Eero 6+, saying only that it’s suitable for home broadband services with speeds of ‘up to one gigabit per second’ (Gbps). That’s not very helpful, as it’s referring to the speed of your existing Internet connection, rather than the speed of the Eero routers themselves. But, buried in the depths of the Eero website is a comparison table that gives the Eero 6+ a rating of ‘AX3000’ - which means Wi-Fi 6 (aka 802.11ax) running at 3000Mbps (3.0Gbps).
Along with the improved speed and the additional Ethernet ports, the Eero 6E also provides support for Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 and a new low-power wireless technology called Thread. It might not be a well-known name just yet, but Thread is being adopted by many new smart devices, such as lights and security sensors, so the Eero 6+ is well-equipped to work with the latest generation of smart home devices.
And, like all Eero devices, the Eero 6+ is very easy to set up and use. The Eero app for iOS and Android initially uses Bluetooth to connect to the Eero routers, and guides you through the process of setting up your new Wi-Fi network in just a few minutes. However, the simplicity of the Eero app does mean that it’s rather basic when compared to some of its rivals.
The Eero 6+ is a dual-band mesh system that can transmit data on the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, but the Eero app simply merges those two bands into a single network and relies on the routers to automatically provide the fastest connection for your computers and mobile devices as they join the new network. That does keep things simple for home users who may not have too much network know-how, but more advanced users may prefer an app that provides greater detail and control when setting up their new network.
It’s not exactly overflowing with additional features either. You can create profiles for individual users - such as young children - but if you want content filters that can block unsuitable material and dodgy websites then you’ll have to sign up for the additional Eero Plus security service.
You do get a 30-day free trial for Eero Plus included with the Eero routers, but after that, you’ll need to pay £9.99/$9.99 per month, or £99.99/$99.99 annually to continue to use the service. It’s also frustrating to find that several other features, such as the ability to block online ads and certain applications, also prompt you to sign up for this subscription service too. There are rival routers that provide better parental controls without any additional charges, so parents of young children might want to shop around to see what’s available elsewhere.
It may be a little light on features, but I didn’t have any complaints about the performance of the Eero 6+. As always, I test mesh systems such as this by setting them up with the first Eero router connected to my normal router (provided by my ISP) and then placing the second Eero router in an office at the back of the building that always suffers from poor Wi-Fi reception. The third Eero router was located - as advised by the Eero app - in a hallway that is roughly halfway between the other two routers.
As I expected, nearby devices in the same room as the first Eero router simply recorded their usual speeds of 150Mbps for the Ookla Speed Test and 19MB/s for Steam downloads, which are the maximum speeds supported by my office broadband connection. Those speeds did dip a little as I picked up my laptop and wandered along the hallway to the back office. However, it only took around 30 seconds for the Eero routers to adjust to the laptop’s new location and then I watched as the Wi-Fi speed smoothly climbed back up to top speed for both tests, reaching 150Mbps for Ookla and 19MB/s for Steam once more.
Eero 6+: Price & availability
- How much does it cost? From $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$249.99
- When is it available? Available now
- Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
It may not be the fastest Wi-Fi 6 mesh system we’ve seen, but the Eero 6+ is competitively priced - especially for larger homes that need the top-of-the-range three-pack system that we review here. That’s not the only option that’s available, though, as you can buy a single Eero 6+ router on its own for $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$249.99.
A single router can cover areas of up to 1,500 sq. ft which should be suitable for most homes with just one or two bedrooms. Customers in the US can also purchase a two-pack mesh system that covers 3,000 sq. ft for $239.99 - although that option doesn’t seem to be available outside the US at the moment.
The three-pack mesh system that we tested is designed for larger homes of up to 4,500 sq. ft and costs $399.99 / £299.99 / AU$599.99. That’s only slightly more expensive than the original Eero 6, which is still on sale, and only offers speeds of up to 1.8Gbps (and also looks virtually identical, so take care to choose the correct model).
If you want something faster then Asus’ ZenWiFi XT9 is more than twice as fast as the Eero 6+, with a top speed of 7.8Gbps. The XT9 is considerably more expensive, though, starting at $499.99 / £459.99 (about AU$750) for a two-piece mesh system.
- Value: 4 / 5
Eero 6+: Specs
Should you buy the Eero 6+?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Eero 6+: Also consider
How I tested the Eero 6+
- Used it for 3-4 days
- Used it for my main office Wi-Fi network
- Tested it with the Ookla Speed Test and real-world downloads
I set up the Eero 6+ mesh system and used it for my main office Wi-Fi network, full-time for 3-4 days. For general Wi-Fi performance, I used the Ookla Speed Test app in different locations throughout the building. I also tested real-world download speed by downloading large game files from Steam.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
First reviewed April 2023
