Both the Eero and Eero Pro are highly-rated mesh network Wi-Fi routers, but they have very different price tags; this is due to their differences in features, but how do you know which one offers the best features for you? What exactly are their differences?
Eero and Eero Pro are both Wi-Fi routers that can also function as Wi-Fi extenders. They both have a maximum range of 1,500 square feet. The main differences between the two routers are that the Eero is dual-band with a maximum speed of 600 Mbps while the Eero Pro is tri-band with a maximum speed of 1Gbps.
If you are having trouble deciding between the Eero and the Eero Pro, read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between them and how their features can affect your overall Internet experience.
Eero vs. Eero Pro
The table below highlights the key similarities and differences between the Eero and Eero Pro:
Key Differences: Frequencies and Speed
The original Eero, like many other routers on the market, uses both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies to send and receive data. The 2.4 GHz frequency is slower but has a more extended range. Conversely, the 5 GHz frequency is faster but has a shorter range.
Eero automatically switches back and forth between these two frequencies as needed for the best possible Wi-Fi connection for each of your devices.
Eero Pro also uses the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies and switches automatically between them. However, the most significant difference between the Eero and Eero Pro is that the Pro also uses a 5.8 GHz frequency, which is even faster and less crowded. This means the Pro has a maximum Internet speed of 1Gbps compared to the 600Mbps max speed of the original Eero.
Which Eero Router Is Best for Me?
For the fastest Internet, the Eero Pro is the best choice. Its maximum Internet speeds are almost double those of the regular Eero. As of today, the Eero Pro is one of the fastest Wi-Fi routers available for personal use.
However, the Eero Pro also comes at more than double the price of the original Eero. If you are on a budget, the original Eero is the right choice for you. And, you can rest assured that you are still getting a great product with the cheaper Eero.
Thread Compatibility
Thread is a new technology that allows smart home devices to communicate with each other similar to Z-Wave and Zigbee technology. If you are interested in using Thread, then you may want to consider an Eero Pro. (Follow this link for more information about using Thread with an Eero Pro.)
What About the Eero Beacon?
When replacing your old router with a new Eero mesh Wi-Fi system, the first step is to choose your router: the Eero or Eero Pro. Once you have chosen a router, you will want to determine how many Wi-Fi extenders you need.
For the best performance, it’s recommended that you use Eero’s Wi-Fi extenders called Eero Beacons. Eero and Eero Pro also work with third-party Wi-Fi extenders. However, with third-party extenders, your devices will not automatically switch between different Wi-Fi frequencies like Eero’s routers and extenders do.
An Eero Beacon can be purchased alone or in a bundle with an Eero router.
Eero Beacon vs. Eero and Eero Pro
The primary difference between the Eero routers and the Eero Beacon is that the Beacon is solely a Wi-Fi extender and cannot be used as a router. Eero Beacons work with both the original Eero and the Eero Pro, and each Beacon has a maximum range of 1,500 square feet, just like the Eero and Eero Pro.
Eero and Eero Pro are wired to your Internet modem, which limits where you can place them. Conversely, Beacons plug into any standard wall outlet. They can be moved around your home or office anytime to find the best placement for the ideal Wi-Fi performance.
Eero Beacons only use 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies like the standard Eero. They do not have any Ethernet ports, but they are Thread-compatible like the Eero Pro.
In Summary
The main differences between the Eero and Eero Pro mesh Wi-Fi routers are the cost, the frequencies used, and the maximum Internet speeds they provide. The original Eero uses 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, while the more expensive Eero Pro uses these frequencies plus the 5.8 GHz frequency for even faster Wi-Fi.
