Hardware Review Eero 2nd Generation Review: Now Twice As Powerful! On Top Of The Connectivity Revolution (1 Viewer)

[Ronald Epstein]

@Ronald Epstein
I think you'll find Ars' latest mesh review informative. It basically makes the case that it's still too early to upgrade to WiFi 6 systems.

Hands-on: We hammered Plume’s newest Superpod design with all-new Wi-Fi testing

If you can stomach a subscription, Plume’s Superpods offer unmatched performance.

arstechnica.com

Thanks for remembering and thinking of me, Dave.

It seems like it may still be a bit early to make a final determination on 6E as the article suggests more testing needs to be done.

However, I don't regret holding out for the new 6E mesh routers to be introduced. Thanks again!

 

[DaveF]

I keep an eye out for reviews on wifi mesh systems since I've been looking for an excuse to upgrade for like three years now!

 

[Ronald Epstein]

I keep an eye out for reviews on wifi mesh systems since I've been looking for an excuse to upgrade for like three years now!

Me, as well, though I am becoming lazy and depending on someone like you to post the interesting ones.

The two companies I am most interested in hearing from are Eero and Amplifi, neither of which has released 6E mesh units as of yet.

 

[Todd Erwin]

Target has the eero 6 3-pack for $84 off, only $195.99. No idea if this is a one-day sale or not.

Amazon eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (3-pack)

Read reviews and buy Amazon eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (3-pack) at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

www.target.com

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Not a bad price. I would want the PRO though.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

Target has the eero 6 3-pack for $84 off, only $195.99. No idea if this is a one-day sale or not.

Amazon eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (3-pack)

Read reviews and buy Amazon eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (3-pack) at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

www.target.com

Not a bad price. I would want the PRO though.

Yeah, just say no to dual band units, especially for this kind of setup.

They probably waste the wifi-6 band on the wireless backhaul, leaving you w/ slow-ish, 2.4Ghz actual connections to all your devices. It *might* be better than the old wifi-5 version, but probably only marginally so, if at all, in actual usage...

_Man_

 

[Clinton McClure]

Yep I agree with Ron. There are specific reasons why I chose the eero pro over the regular units.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Looks like Eero has quietly introduced new 6E Pro models

I might now consider doing an upgrade but that also means having to upgrade to a new Verizon router that supports 6E

eero Pro 6E | eero

eero Pro 6E

eero.com

 

[Ronald Epstein]

My 2nd Generation Eero got fried from a power surge during a recent storm.

Probably time to upgrade the mesh system anyway. My Eeros are years old.

Looking to possibly go with the new Eero Pro Max 7 3-pack which goes for $1500. I know it's an expensive option but I figure I would be future-proofing my home for new technologies. Still reading reviews and making a decision.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

^Ron, that seems crazy $$$ to spend on something like that. I can't imagine it being worth that much. Hope that's just the MSRP w/ actual street price no more than ~1/2 that...

_Man_

 

[Ronald Epstein]

^Ron, that seems crazy $$$ to spend on something like that. I can't imagine it being worth that much. Hope that's just the MSRP w/ actual street price no more than ~1/2 that...

_Man_

No, that is the street price. It just dropped $200 for a limited time.

Yes, crazy money. The new TP-Link is $1300, so the bar has been set for these new WiFi mesh systems as far as price is concerned.

On the plus side, the reviews have been mostly great for the new Eero. And, if I am going to buy a new mesh system I want it to be compatible with future Apple releases that incorporate WiFi 7.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

I haven't paid attention, but will Wifi 7 require even shorter distances and zero obstructions to work well (w/ noticeable, realworld benefits)? Might essentially be vaporware, LOL, if your device has to be under 5 feet away or something like that...

Furthermore, I bet you'll really only get true Wifi 7 (or maybe even Wifi 6 for that matter) speeds at just the one node w/ physical line connection to your ISP if the mesh is wireless between nodes, not using physical wiring for the backload...

_Man_

 

[Scott Merryfield]

Personally, I wouldn't spend that kind of money for a home WiFi 7 mesh system -- WiFi 7 just isn't worth it right now. I am currently running a Deco WiFi 6 three node mesh network, and it is perfectly adequate in both performance and coverage for our 2,500 square foot colonial (3,800 sq. ft. when you count the basement). It's currently $169 on Amazon. I would wait for WiFi 7 prices to drop dramatically in a couple of years before even thinking about that technology.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Personally, I wouldn't spend that kind of money for a home WiFi 7 mesh system -- WiFi 7 just isn't worth it right now. I am currently running a [URL='https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PRB1MZM]Deco WiFi 6 three node mesh network[/url], and it is perfectly adequate in both performance and coverage for our 2,500 square foot colonial (3,800 sq. ft. when you count the basement). It's currently $169 on Amazon. I would wait for WiFi 7 prices to drop dramatically in a couple of years before even thinking about that technology.[/URL]

I could do Eero Pro 6 Plus, but with Apple already looking to integrate WiFi 7 in its next line of products this year I am already a generation behind for a mesh system I won't want to replace for another 5+ years

 

[Scott Merryfield]

I could do Eero Pro 6 Plus, but with Apple already looking to integrate WiFi 7 in its next line of products this year I am already a generation behind for a mesh system I won't want to replace for another 5+ years

Are you moving very large amounts of data wirelessly between devices on your home network? Do you currently have wireless coverage issues in your home? If not, I just think you are spending a lot of money for bleeding-edge technology that is not going to have many real-world benefits.

Has Apple stated how they will be implementing WiFi 7? Just because a company comes out with WiFi 7 (or WiFi 6) compliant devices, does not mean that the devices take full advantage of all the features of the spec for speed and throughput. I haven't paid much attention to Apple's device roadmap.

For the vast majority of households -- who use WiFi for streaming, basic Internet usage, and support for home automation devices, WiFi 6 is perfectly adequate.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Are you moving very large amounts of data wirelessly between devices on your home network? Do you currently have wireless coverage issues in your home? If not, I just think you are spending a lot of money for bleeding-edge technology that is not going to have many real-world benefits.

Has Apple stated how they will be implementing WiFi 7? Just because a company comes out with WiFi 7 (or WiFi 6) compliant devices, does not mean that the devices take full advantage of all the features of the spec for speed and throughput. I haven't paid much attention to Apple's device roadmap.

For the vast majority of households -- who use WiFi for streaming, basic Internet usage, and support for home automation devices, WiFi 6 is perfectly adequate.

Scott,

You convinced me.

With the Eero Pro 7 Max costing $1,500, I can instead buy the Eero 6 Plus, two 3-packs at $240 each. I would prefer to have 6 nodes to cover my large home. The previous second-gen Eero had 5 nodes and there were dead spots.

So, in the end, spending $500 instead of $1,500 is a nice proposition.

I do want to find out from support if 6 nodes would be more harmful than beneficial to the system.

 

[DaveF]

My 2nd Generation Eero got fried from a power surge during a recent storm.

Probably time to upgrade the mesh system anyway. My Eeros are years old.

Looking to possibly go with the new Eero Pro Max 7 3-pack which goes for $1500. I know it's an expensive option but I figure I would be future-proofing my home for new technologies. Still reading reviews and making a decision.

There's lots of wifi options these days. I spent about $300 for my TP-Link Deco series to have five beacons around the home. I get 500+ Mbps wifi on my gigabit network everywhere. If I had to upgrade today, I'd be looking for a $300 to $500 kit with Wifi 6, I think.

 

[John Dirk]

When you start approaching these price ranges for wifi hardware, I think it really makes sense to consider some strategic CAT6 runs. The best way to improve wifi will always be to eliminate the need for it. The second best way will always be to eliminate distance and obstructions to the extent possible.

I suspect the real target market for high-end mesh solutions is [or should be] people in apartments, condo's etc., where their ability to do home runs is limited by either construction [concrete, etc.] or covenants.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

When you start approaching these price ranges for wifi hardware, I think it really makes sense to consider some strategic CAT6 runs. The best way to improve wifi will always be to eliminate the need for it. The second best way will always be to eliminate distance and obstructions to the extent possible.

I suspect the real target market for high-end mesh solutions is [or should be] people in apartments, condo's etc., where their ability to do home runs is limited by either construction [concrete, etc.] or covenants.

John,

I explored the idea of running Cat6 but it's just impossible due to my home being split level and with an addition put in that makes it impossible to do. On top of that, I don't have the skills to start drilling holes and installing outlets.

What I did do, a few years back, was build an outside trench from one end of the house to the other where I buried CAT 6 cable in the ground. I would estimate it ran 50 feet. I then had someone come in, drill a hole into the house to bring the cable inside. I used that to connect two mesh network nodes together at opposite ends of the house. It also allowed me to plug in an ethernet cable from the opposite end and enjoy Gigabit speeds.

 

[Robert Saccone]

When you start approaching these price ranges for wifi hardware, I think it really makes sense to consider some strategic CAT6 runs. The best way to improve wifi will always be to eliminate the need for it. The second best way will always be to eliminate distance and obstructions to the extent possible.

I suspect the real target market for high-end mesh solutions is [or should be] people in apartments, condo's etc., where their ability to do home runs is limited by either construction [concrete, etc.] or covenants.

That's what I ddi a few years ago. I put in ethernet drops in my home theater room, kitchen, office, basement, downstairs extra bedroom. I have all my home theater related gear running off hardwired and then I put the mesh nodes off the various drops and have them use ethernet for backhaul back to the main router. Only IOT, notebooks and mobile devices are using wifi now. Works so well I haven't even given Wifi 7 a thought until I saw this thread.