While Nest WiFi Pro offers features like parental control and network security for free, the Eero Pro 6E requires a subscription for these features. However, the subscription does offer much more advanced features unavailable in Nest, including VPN, password manager, adblocker, etc.
Nest WiFi Pro vs Eero Pro 6E: Which Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router is Best?
By Naila Syifa
Updated January 2024
Wi-Fi 6E is a new Wi-Fi standard that operates on the 6 GHz frequency band, which offers wider channels and less interference. This new standard provides faster speeds, better performance, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously.
If you're looking for the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh router, both the Nest WiFi Pro and Eero Pro 6E are excellent options, but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. In this article, we'll compare the two routers in terms of specs, performance, design, features, setup process, and price, to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
While Nest WiFi Pro offers features like parental control and network security for free, the Eero Pro 6E requires a subscription for these features. However, the subscription does offer much more advanced features unavailable in Nest, including VPN, password manager, adblocker, etc.
Google Nest WiFi Pro
Entry-Level Wi-Fi 6E Router
✓ Tri-Band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
✓ Combined Speed up to 5.4 Gbps
✓ Free Parental Control and Internet Security
✓ Google Home, Matter, Thread
Eero Pro 6E
Advanced Wi-Fi 6E Router
✓ Tri-Band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
✓ TrueMesh Techology
✓ Works as Smart Home Hub
✓ More Features with Eero Plus
#1 Price
Nest WiFi Pro
Most Wi-Fi 6E mesh routers are expensive, and the Nest WiFi Pro and Eero Pro 6E are no exception. However, the Eero Pro 6E is generally more expensive than the Nest WiFi Pro.
A 1-pack Nest WiFi Pro costs around US$200, while the 2-pack and 3-pack costs around US$300 and US$400 respectively. On the other hand, a 1-pack Eero Pro 6E costs around US$250 while the 2-pack and 3-pack cost around US$400 and US$550 respectively.
#2 Specs & Performance
Eero Pro 6E
Both being a Wi-Fi 6E mesh router, the Nest WiFi Pro and Eero Pro offer tri-band connectivity consisting of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. The 6 GHz band provides faster speeds and less interference, making both routers perfect for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
However, both routers are different in terms of coverage and speed. The Nest WiFi Pro covers a wider area of 2200 sq. ft. for each unit installed, and has a faster combined speed of up to 5.4 Gbps. Meanwhile, the Eero Pro 6E covers a smaller area of 2000 sq. ft. for each unit installed, and has a lower network speed of up to 2.3 Gbps when using both wired and wireless connections.
#3 Design
Nest WiFi Pro
Nest WiFi Pro has an oval, marshmallow-shaped design that looks modern and sleek, while the Eero Pro 6E has a rectangular design that is shorter in height but wider in width. The design is a matter of personal preference, but both routers are compact and can be easily placed on a shelf or table without taking up too much space.
Both routers are also equipped with 2 Ethernet ports each. This makes possible for wired connections between different router units, which is great for devices that require a stable and fast internet connection.
If you prefer a colorful design, the Nest WiFi Pro may be the better option for you. It comes in four different colors: Fog, Lemongrass, Linen, and Snow. The Eero Pro 6E, on the other hand, leaves you with only one color option: White.
#4 Features
Nest WiFi Pro
The Nest WiFi Pro and Eero Pro 6E share some common features that allow you to manage your network, such as setting up a Wi-Fi schedule or a separate network for guests. Parental control settings and network security features are also available in both routers, but one difference is that while the Nest WiFi Pro provides these features for free, the Eero Pro 6E charges a subscription fee for these features.
If you're willing to pay extra money, the Eero Plus subscription provides more value than just parental control and basic network security features. It offers VPN protection, password manager, antivirus software, ad blocker, internet backup, and more. These advanced features are not available in Nest WiFi Pro, making Eero Pro 6E the better option for those looking for more comprehensive and advanced features.
Eero Pro 6E
The Eero Pro 6E is also equipped with patented TrueMesh technology, which intelligently directs traffic to minimize signal drop-offs and dead spots, ensuring that you get a strong and reliable signal throughout your home. The router even double-functions as a Zigbee smart home hub, which allows you to connect and control supported smart home devices without needing an additional hub.
One thing that the Eero Pro 6E shares in common with Nest WiFi Pro is that they both also serve as a Thread border router. A Thread border router acts as a bridge between your Wi-Fi network and your Thread smart home devices, allowing for fast and energy-efficient communication. Such a feature is particularly useful for those who have smart home devices that use Thread technology. It also makes your mesh router future-proof, as Thread is expected to become more widely adopted in the smart home industry.
#5 Setup
Eero Pro 6E
Just like any other Wi-Fi router, setting up the Nest WiFi Pro and Eero Pro 6E requires an internet service provider and a mobile device that will be used to install the app. The app will guide you through the setup process, which is generally straightforward and easy to follow.
If you want a faster network connection, you can use an Ethernet cable to establish a wired connection between each unit of the mesh router. This Ethernet backhaul setup will provide a more stable and faster connection between the units, ensuring that you get the best possible performance from your Wi-Fi 6E mesh router.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while the Google Nest WiFi is not compatible with older Google Wi-Fi devices, the Eero Pro 6E is backward compatible with previous Eero devices, making it a better option for those who already have Eero devices at home. This means, you can add the Eero Pro 6E to your existing Eero network and expand your Wi-Fi coverage without having to replace all of your old Eero devices. However, take note that using the same generation of Eero devices is more recommended to ensure the best performance.
Nest WiFi Pro vs Eero Pro 6E
Final Thoughts
Nest WiFi Pro
Both the Nest WiFi Pro and the Eero Pro 6E are great Wi-Fi 6E mesh routers that offer fast speeds, wide coverage, and smart features. The Nest WiFi Pro is a better option if you're on a budget, need wider coverage, and don't want to pay extra for parental control and network security features. On the other hand, the Eero Pro 6E is a better option if you don't mind spending more money for better network protection and advanced features, and if you already have Eero devices at home that you want to expand.
Ultimately, the choice between the two routers will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If you like to read more about Wi-Fi Mesh Systems, check out our other relevant guides here:
Nest WiFi vs Nest WiFi Pro
Nest WiFi Pro vs Orbi AX6000
Eero Max 7 vs Eero Pro 6E
Nest WiFi Pro vs TP-Link Deco XE75
Asus ZenWiFi XT8 vs Orbi AX6000
Asus ZenWiFi XT8 vs Eero Pro 6
Asus ZenWiFi XT8 vs Nest WiFi Pro
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