Introduction

The eero Pro 6E has recently hit the Singapore market after years of relative obscurity, even as one of the pioneers in mesh Wi-Fi router systems. This once little-known brand, now owned by Amazon since 2019, has officially launched its online store in Singapore, making it easier for tech enthusiasts to try out products like the eero Pro 6E.

What is the eero Pro 6E?

As suggested by its name, the eero Pro 6E is a Wi-Fi 6E mesh router, which introduces a new 6GHz band catering to compatible devices. While Wi-Fi 6E is already being overshadowed by the burgeoning Wi-Fi 7 standard, it remains a viable choice, especially for those hesitant to invest in the potentially exorbitant cost of Wi-Fi 7 routers. The pricing for the eero Pro 6E starts at S$359.99 for a single unit, S$649 for a two-pack, and S$799.99 for a three-pack—available on popular platforms like Amazon SG, Lazada, and Shopee.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the eero Pro 6E features a sleek and minimalist look, akin to a modern media streamer. Its compact form blends effortlessly into a home environment. A helpful status LED facilitates the setup and troubleshooting process, while the router boasts two Gigabit Ethernet ports—one at 2.5Gbps and another at 1Gbps. Importantly, the device allows for both wireless and wired backhauling, although it notably lacks USB-A ports. Instead, it employs a USB-C power cable, a welcome change for those tired of the traditional barrel plug connectors.

Performance and Connectivity

The inclusion of a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port appeals to users on high-speed broadband plans, like the 3Gbps option available in Singapore. However, with the alternate port capped at 1Gbps and the wireless capabilities maxing out at 1.6Gbps, many users may not fully capitalize on this faster port.

Setup and User Experience

What truly stands out about the eero Pro 6E is its remarkably straightforward setup process. Though somewhat standard among networking devices, the eero interface is intuitive and efficient, taking just minutes to install. Users should note, however, that the eero app is mandatory for both initial setup and ongoing management. While this might be frustrating for some, it provides a streamlined experience, especially for those already integrated into the Amazon ecosystem. Notably, the eero Pro 6E also serves as a Zigbee smart home hub, compatible with Thread and Amazon Alexa, although testing those features would require additional smart devices.

Customizability

Customization options in the eero app are limited, which may disappoint power users seeking enhanced control. Users can adjust basic settings like DNS, IP reservations, and port forwarding, yet features such as Quality of Service (SQM) are somewhat automated—merely toggling it on means you have to rely on the router to manage bandwidth effectively. Furthermore, while parents can set up profiles to regulate internet access for various devices, additional features like content filtering necessitate a subscription to eero Plus, which was not available during this review.

Performance Testing

On the performance front, I only had access to a 1Gbps fibre broadband plan. During tests with Ookla's Speedtest, I achieved speeds peaking at around 984Mbps. For local network performance, I used two laptops: one hardwired to the primary eero unit and another equipped with Wi-Fi 7. The eero Pro 6E delivered an average speed of 930Mbps, showcasing stable connectivity with minimal fluctuations. At a further distance, the connection remained decent, falling to a respectable 282Mbps.

Competitors and Pricing

At S$649 for a two-pack, the eero Pro 6E falls into a higher price bracket compared to its competitors, such as the Linksys Velop Pro 6E, which has been around and might be cheaper during sales. While both brands offer user-friendly interfaces, the eero Pro 6E feels quicker and offers better overall performance despite the higher cost. However, for those looking for extensive customization, this device—and perhaps the brand—might not be suitable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re after a straightforward, high-performing mesh Wi-Fi solution, the eero Pro 6E could be worth your investment. It’s already available for purchase through multiple online retailers, so keep an eye out for potential bundles or discounts. But ensure you evaluate your needs carefully before diving in!