Which eero Model Should You Buy? Comparing the Lineup

Start with your internet service and devices

Before comparing eero models, look at what they will connect to. Your router should be able to pass the speed your internet service actually delivers, and it should support the Wi-Fi generation your phones, laptops, and streaming boxes use. The eero lineup is generally split into an entry tier, a mid tier, and a top tier. The entry tier is built around everyday browsing and streaming. The mid tier adds another radio for more devices. The top tier brings the newest Wi-Fi generation and faster wired ports.

For most buyers, the practical choice is between a current-generation model and a previous-generation model. Wi-Fi 6, introduced in 2018, was designed for higher data rates, better performance in dense environments, and improved power efficiency. Wi-Fi 7, introduced in 2024, adds 320 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4K QAM for higher throughput. If your devices are older, the Wi-Fi 6 tier is usually enough. If you want to be ready for newer devices, the Wi-Fi 7 tier makes sense.

Coverage: choose a system, not just a router

eero's value is in mesh Wi-Fi. Instead of relying on a single box, you can place multiple nodes around the home. For a compact home, a node may be all you need. For a multi-room house, start with a system that has enough nodes to cover the floor plan and add more if a room still has weak signal.

Mesh systems are easiest to understand when you think about where the signal needs to go. A node in the living room covers the spaces near it, while another node extends coverage to a hallway, bedroom, or home office.

Related reading: how many mesh units and single-router vs mesh Wi-Fi. For a broader list, see best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

• Compact spaces: a node may cover the whole home
• Typical houses: a multi-node mesh spreads signal between rooms
• Difficult layouts: add nodes near dead zones or in rooms with thick walls

Speed: match the generation to your plan

The fastest Wi-Fi generation only helps if your internet plan can deliver that much data and your devices support it. Wi-Fi 6 uses 160 MHz channels and 1024 QAM. Wi-Fi 7 doubles the maximum channel width in the 6 GHz band to 320 MHz and moves to 4K QAM, which achieves 20% higher transmission rates than Wi-Fi 6's 1024 QAM. The practical takeaway: if you subscribe to a very high-speed plan, the top eero tier with Wi-Fi 7 is the better match. If your plan is moderate, a Wi-Fi 6 model will not be the bottleneck.

The Wi-Fi standard is not the only speed factor. The router's Ethernet ports, the modem or ONT, and the placement of the nodes also affect what you see on a speed test. Start with your internet service and work backward to the router. For more on this, read router speed: what you need and Wi-Fi 7 explained.

Wired ports: the hidden difference

The most overlooked difference between eero models is the Ethernet ports. A node needs a port for the modem or upstream network. Additional ports are available for wired clients. If you have a desktop, a game console, a video streamer, or a network switch, the number of extra ports matters. Higher-end eero models tend to add an extra LAN port and sometimes a multi-gig port for a fast wired backhaul or a NAS.

Wired connections are still more predictable than Wi-Fi. A device connected by Ethernet does not compete for airtime with phones, tablets, and smart-home gadgets. If you can run cable between nodes, choose a model with enough LAN ports for that connection and review Ethernet backhaul before you buy.

Port speed also matters for high-speed plans. A multi-gig port gives you headroom for a faster wired backhaul or a local network with a NAS. For more, see multi-gig internet and router ports.

Security and management

All current Wi-Fi CERTIFIED routers use WPA3, and WPA3 is mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices. WPA3 networks use the latest security protocols, disallow outdated legacy protocols, and require Protected Management Frames. When you set up an eero, enable WPA3 and keep the firmware updated.

A mesh router is also a network management tool. The app should let you see connected devices, set up a guest network, and apply parental controls. Those features matter more once you have several nodes and many devices.

Which tier should you pick?

The right eero model is the one that fits your home without forcing you to pay for unused capacity. For a small home with a moderate internet plan, the entry tier can be enough. For a larger home with many devices, move to the mid tier. For a high-speed internet plan or a wired home network, the top tier is the better fit.

Before you buy

Check the spec tables in the buying guides carefully. Focus on the Wi-Fi standard, the number of Ethernet ports, and the port speed. If you already have a modem or ONT, choose a model with a WAN port that fits your current setup. If you plan to wire the nodes, make sure the model has enough LAN ports for that connection.

For a complete list of current models, start with best eero routers. Then narrow by Wi-Fi generation, coverage, and wired port options using the related guides below.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is a more expensive eero model always better?

No. A higher-tier model adds capability, but it only helps if your internet plan, home size, and devices need it. For a compact home with a modest plan, the entry-level tier is usually enough. For a larger home or a faster plan, move up the lineup.

Do I need Wi-Fi 7?

Only when your internet service and your clients support it. Wi-Fi 7 uses 320 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4K QAM, but older devices will connect at their own supported speed. If you are buying for the long term, a Wi-Fi 7 model adds headroom.

How many Ethernet ports should I look for?

Look for an extra LAN port beyond the port used for the modem. If you plan to connect a switch, a computer, or a wired backhaul, more LAN ports make setup easier. For a wired backhaul, each node needs a port for the cable and another port for a client if you also want to connect something locally.

What security settings should I use?

Use WPA3 and Protected Management Frames. WPA3 is mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices and provides stronger protection from password-guessing attempts. Keep the router firmware updated so security improvements are applied over time.

Should I wire the eero nodes together?

Wired backhaul is usually more stable than wireless backhaul, but it requires nodes with an extra Ethernet port and Ethernet cabling between them. If you cannot wire, place nodes closer together to keep the wireless link strong. See Ethernet backhaul for details.