What is eero 6? Plus 6+, Pro 6 and Pro 6E explained

If you’re researching eero 6 to decide between eero 6, eero 6+, eero Pro 6 and eero Pro 6E, this guide breaks down the radios, bands, ports, coverage and real-world use so you can match a model to your speed, space and device load without overspending.

eero’s WiFi 6 generation brings WiFi 6 efficiency to mainstream homes, then layers tri-band capacity and 6 GHz where needed. Across the range you get the same app setup, automatic updates and backward compatibility, so you can start with what fits your ISP speed, home size and device load, then drop in additional or higher-tier nodes later.

Before we compare models, here’s a quick look at what WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are and how they differ:

• WiFi 6 lets your network handle more devices at once by slicing each channel into smaller sub-channels and serving several devices in parallel. This uses OFDMA (sub-channels) and MU-MIMO (multi-device) and it runs on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.
• WiFi 6E opens the 6 GHz band (a newer, less crowded set of frequencies). It enables 160 MHz channels (wider lanes for more bandwidth) so compatible devices can hit higher peak speeds with lower latency. The tradeoff is shorter range and weaker wall penetration than 5 GHz, so placement matters.

In 2020, eero 6 launched as a dual-band AX1800 system and eero Pro 6 as a tri-band AX4200 option for added capacity. In 2022, eero 6+ arrived with 160 MHz on 5 GHz and clearer Gigabit support while eero Pro 6E introduced the 6 GHz band plus a 2.5 GbE port for multi-Gig service—like Astound’s Gig internet plans—and faster wired backhaul.

All four models use TrueMesh, the eero app for setup, auto updates and backward compatibility so you can mix models in one network. The key differences are band count (dual-band vs. tri-band), AX rating, Ethernet ports and whether you get 6 GHz.

Coverage and device counts are manufacturer estimates. Expect variation with walls, floors and interference.

Use these practical ranges as a guide; your results depend on plan speed, bandwidth, layout and whether or not nodes link wirelessly or by Ethernet.

eero 6

• Sized for plans up to 500 Mbps
• How many square feet can an eero 6 cover? About 1,500 square feet per unit and 75+ devices. A 3-pack is commonly listed at approximately 4,500 square feet.

eero 6+

• Built for up to 1 Gbps plans
• 160 MHz on 5 GHz can lift peak WiFi rates in ideal cases
• About 1,500 square feet per unit and 75+ devices, ~4,500 square feet per 3-pack

eero Pro 6

• Tri-band improves stability in larger or busier homes, especially with wireless nodes
• About 2,000 square feet per unit
• Best match for up to 1 Gbps plans where extra capacity helps during many simultaneous streams

eero Pro 6E

• Gig and multi-Gig service
• Supports 100+ devices, about 2,000 square feet per unit and up to 6,000 square feet for a 3-pack
• The 6 GHz band reduces contention for compatible devices; wired backhaul helps sustain higher speeds on Astound’s Whole Home WiFi

What changes across eero models for smart home devices and Ethernet backhaul?

• Smart home hubs: eero 6 includes a Zigbee hub on the router unit. eero 6+ and the Pro models include Thread and Zigbee on all units, so bulbs, sensors and plugs can connect without extra hubs.
• Ports and backhaul: eero 6 routers and all eero 6+ and Pro 6 units have two 1 Gbps Ethernet ports, while eero 6 extenders are wireless only. eero Pro 6E adds one 2.5 GbE plus one 1 GbE port for multi-Gig WAN or faster wired backhaul. Using Ethernet between nodes frees more 5 / 6 GHz airtime for devices and keeps speeds steadier across rooms.

Use the guide below to match a model to your plan speed, home size and device count, then decide if 6 GHz and 2.5 GbE matter for your setup.

For plans under 500 Mbps, choose eero 6. It covers typical apartments and small homes without oversizing the network.

For 500 Mbps to 1 Gig, go with eero 6+. Its 160 MHz support gives more headroom on busy evenings and keeps wireless close to Gig speeds in ideal conditions.

For multi-Gig service or if you want 2.5 GbE and wired backhaul, pick eero Pro 6E. It’s built for higher tiers and 6 GHz devices and maintains speeds more consistently across a larger mesh.

Start with your square footage and layout to determine how many nodes you need and whether dual-band or tri-band is the better fit.

For homes up to about 3,000 square feet, start with two to three nodes of eero 6 or eero 6+. This gives even coverage without oversizing the network.

Homes from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet and higher—or with multi-story layouts—benefit from tri-band systems. Choose eero Pro 6 or eero Pro 6E, plan on three nodes and set up Ethernet backhaul in places where you can keep speeds steady across floors.

As a rule of thumb, expect roughly 1,500 square feet per unit for eero 6 / 6+ and about 2,000 square feet per unit for Pro models. Real homes vary by construction and placement, so use these as starting points and adjust node count and locations to match your layout.

For a typical mixed home on Astound’s Gig plan, eero 6+ is a good baseline. It’s designed for 75+ devices and handles everyday mixes of phones, laptops, TVs and a handful of smart bulbs or plugs.

If your network runs many always-on devices, like security cameras or smart displays, consider tri-band systems. eero Pro 6 or eero Pro 6E add capacity so busy rooms stay responsive.

For very high device counts or growing smart home setups, choose eero Pro 6E. It’s built to support 100+ devices and benefits from wired backhaul where possible to keep performance consistent across the home.

Yes. Choose eero Pro 6E if you already use WiFi 6E devices, plan to wire nodes or need room for multi-Gig service. If most of your devices are WiFi 6 or WiFi 5, eero 6+ will feel similar for everyday browsing and streaming.

Do I need WiFi 6E now or can I wait? You only need WiFi 6E now if you already have 6E-capable devices or multi-Gig service and can place or wire nodes. Use this quick check to decide whether to move to WiFi 6E now or stay with WiFi 6 for the time being.

Get 6E now if:

• You already own WiFi 6E devices or will within 12 – 24 months
• You’re on a Gig or multi-Gig plan from Astound and want 2.5 GbE and wired backhaul
• You can place nodes closer or run Ethernet between key rooms
• You need lower latency for gaming, AR/VR, large file syncs
• Your home has many simultaneous streams and always-on devices

Wait and choose WiFi 6 if:

• Your plan is under 1 Gbps
• Most devices are WiFi 5 or WiFi 6
• Long wireless hops or thick walls make 6 GHz range a challenge
• Adding a node or wiring one link will solve slow spots more cost-effectively

Backhaul is the link between nodes. With wireless backhaul, nodes share the same airspace as your devices, so performance drops as you add hops or as traffic increases.

With wired backhaul (Ethernet between nodes), you free up airtime, lower latency and keep speeds steadier across rooms. eero Pro 6E can use its 2.5 GbE port for a faster inter-node link.

First, place nodes in open, central spots and avoid metal obstructions. Then, aim for 30 to 40 feet of space between nodes, in order to keep signals overlapping. Finally, connect the primary eero to your modem and use the eero app’s placement checks to confirm signal quality.

Can I mix eero 6 and eero Pro 6 nodes in one network? Yes. You can mix eero 6, eero 6+, eero Pro 6 and eero Pro 6E in a single mesh network. Put the fastest unit at the gateway, then add others to extend coverage. All models use the same app and support backward compatibility, making expansion easy.

No matter which eero 6 model you choose, Astound’s Whole Home WiFi includes eero Secure at no additional cost. Secure adds network level protections like blocking known malicious and phishing sites, SafeSearch, ad and tracker filtering, WiFi scheduling, multi admin access and profile based parental controls.

For homes that need more than the basics, eero Plus is an optional upgrade that builds on Secure. It adds VPN service for safer browsing away from home, a Malwarebytes subscription for device level threat scanning, a 1Password Family plan for shared password management, dynamic DNS for remote access and WiFi radio analytics for deeper visibility into performance.

eero Plus can be a cost-effective way to get stronger security and privacy tools alongside your eero 6, eero 6+, eero Pro 6 or eero Pro 6E network.