In today’s connected world, reliable and robust Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. From streaming your favorite shows to supporting remote work and smart home devices, a strong internet connection is the backbone of modern living. Eero has emerged as a leading name in mesh Wi-Fi systems, promising seamless coverage and enhanced performance throughout your home. But as you consider upgrading your home network, a crucial question arises: how much does Eero WiFi cost on a monthly basis? The answer isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all figure, as Eero’s pricing structure involves both upfront hardware costs and optional subscription services. This article delves deep into the various Eero offerings and their associated monthly implications, helping you make an informed decision for your home network needs.
Understanding Eero’s Hardware Costs: The Initial Investment
Before we get to any potential monthly fees, it’s essential to understand the initial cost of Eero hardware. Eero operates on a mesh Wi-Fi system model, meaning you purchase one or more Eero “nodes” (routers and extenders) that work together to create a unified network. The number of nodes you need is largely dependent on the size of your home and the complexity of its layout.
Eero Base Stations: The Foundation of Your Network
The core of any Eero system is the Eero base station, which acts as your primary router. Eero offers several generations of its base stations, each with varying features and price points.
Eero (1st Generation):
This older model, while still functional, is often available at lower price points through third-party sellers. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of newer iterations.
Eero 6 Series:
This popular series offers Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, which means faster speeds and improved performance, especially for homes with multiple connected devices. The Eero 6 comes as a single unit or in various multi-packs.
Eero Pro 6 Series:
The Pro line takes it a step further with Wi-Fi 6 and tri-band technology. Tri-band systems offer a dedicated wireless backhaul channel between nodes, further boosting performance and reducing latency. This is particularly beneficial for larger homes or those with demanding internet usage.
Eero 6+ and Eero Pro 6E:
These represent the latest advancements, incorporating Wi-Fi 6E, which utilizes the 6 GHz band for even greater speed and reduced interference. The Eero Pro 6E is Eero’s premium offering, designed for the most demanding users and the largest homes.
The cost of Eero base stations can range significantly. A single Eero 6 unit might cost around $120-$150, while a multi-pack of Eero Pro 6 units could easily run into the $500-$700 range or more. These are one-time hardware purchases, not monthly charges.
Eero Satellites: Extending Your Reach
To create a seamless mesh network, you’ll often need Eero satellites. These are smaller nodes that communicate with your Eero base station to extend Wi-Fi coverage into areas with weak signals. Eero offers various satellite options:
Eero Beacon:
These compact units plug directly into wall outlets and are designed to fill in coverage gaps. They are generally the most affordable satellite option.
The cost of Eero satellites typically ranges from $70-$100 per unit. Again, this is an upfront hardware purchase.
Eero’s Subscription Services: Adding Value and Advanced Features
While Eero’s hardware provides the foundation for your home network, the company also offers optional subscription services that unlock additional features and benefits. This is where the “monthly cost” aspect of Eero comes into play.
Eero Secure: Enhanced Network Security
Eero Secure is Eero’s baseline subscription service, primarily focused on enhancing the security and management of your home network. For a monthly fee, Eero Secure provides a suite of valuable features designed to protect your devices and provide greater control over your internet usage.
Key Features of Eero Secure:
- Advanced Security: Eero Secure actively scans your network for threats, blocks malicious websites, and helps prevent malware from infecting your connected devices. This is particularly important in an era of increasing cyber threats.
- Content Filtering: You can set up profiles for different users or devices and control the types of content they can access. This is invaluable for parents wanting to protect their children from inappropriate material online.
- Ad Blocking: Eero Secure can block intrusive ads across your network, leading to a cleaner browsing experience and potentially faster page loading times.
- Password Control: Easily manage and update Wi-Fi passwords for your network and individual devices.
- Device Isolation: Create separate, isolated networks for guests or specific devices to enhance security and prevent potential conflicts.
The monthly cost for Eero Secure is typically around $3-$4 per month. Alternatively, Eero offers an annual subscription that often provides a discount, making it a more cost-effective option if you plan to use the service long-term.
Eero Secure+ : The Ultimate Eero Experience
Eero Secure+ is Eero’s premium subscription service, building upon the features of Eero Secure and adding robust security software for your devices. This service is aimed at users who want comprehensive protection for their entire digital life.
Key Features of Eero Secure+ (in addition to Eero Secure features):
- Malwarebytes Premium Protection: This is the star feature of Eero Secure+. It includes Malwarebytes Premium, a powerful antivirus and anti-malware software that can be installed on an unlimited number of computers, smartphones, and tablets connected to your Eero network. Malwarebytes is renowned for its effectiveness in detecting and removing a wide range of digital threats.
- Encrypted DNS: Eero Secure+ utilizes encrypted DNS (Domain Name System) to further protect your online privacy and prevent your internet activity from being tracked by your ISP or other third parties.
- VPN Protection (Optional): While not directly integrated as a VPN service itself, Eero Secure+ empowers you to use your own VPN service across all your connected devices without impacting network performance.
The monthly cost for Eero Secure+ is generally around $10-$12 per month. Again, an annual payment option is usually available, offering savings over the monthly commitment.
So, How Much is Eero WiFi Per Month?
Now to directly address the central question: “How much is Eero WiFi per month?”
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If you only purchase Eero hardware and do not subscribe to any Eero services, your monthly cost for Eero Wi-Fi is $0. The cost is entirely upfront for the hardware.
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If you opt for Eero Secure, your monthly cost will be approximately $3-$4.
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If you choose Eero Secure+, your monthly cost will be approximately $10-$12.
It’s crucial to understand that these monthly fees are for the services provided by Eero, not for the internet service itself. You will still need to pay your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your broadband connection. Eero replaces your ISP’s often-inferior router and creates a superior Wi-Fi network within your home, but it does not provide the internet data itself.
Factors Influencing Your Eero Decision
When deciding if an Eero subscription is right for you, consider these factors:
Your Home Size and Layout:
If you have a large home or one with many dead zones, investing in a multi-node Eero system is likely necessary. This increases your initial hardware cost but can significantly improve your Wi-Fi experience, making the investment worthwhile.
Your Internet Usage Habits:
Do you have a large household with many devices constantly connected? Do you stream 4K content regularly, play online games, or rely on your Wi-Fi for remote work? If so, the performance and reliability offered by Eero, especially with the performance benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and tri-band, will be highly appreciated.
Your Security Needs:
How important is network security to you? If you have many smart home devices, children using the internet, or concerns about online privacy, Eero Secure or Eero Secure+ offer valuable protection. The inclusion of Malwarebytes Premium in Secure+ provides an extra layer of robust device security that is difficult and often more expensive to replicate with separate antivirus software.
Your Budget:
Eero offers a tiered approach, allowing you to choose the level of service that fits your budget. The hardware itself is an investment, and then you can decide if the monthly subscription fees for added security and features are justified.
Comparing Eero to Traditional Routers
It’s worth comparing the Eero experience to a traditional, single router. While a basic Wi-Fi router might be cheaper upfront, it often struggles to provide consistent coverage throughout a larger home. This can lead to dropped connections, slow speeds in certain rooms, and a frustrating user experience. Eero’s mesh technology addresses these issues by creating a distributed network of access points, ensuring strong Wi-Fi wherever you are in your home.
When considering the total cost of ownership, you might find that the upfront cost of a good Eero system, even without a subscription, is comparable to or even less than the cost of a high-end traditional router that might still struggle with comprehensive coverage. The optional monthly fees for Eero Secure and Secure+ then add value by providing enhanced security and management features that are often not built into standalone routers.
Conclusion: A Flexible Approach to Home Wi-Fi
In summary, the question “how much is Eero WiFi per month?” is best answered by understanding that Eero’s primary cost is the upfront hardware purchase. If you choose not to subscribe to any of Eero’s services, your monthly cost for Eero Wi-Fi is zero. However, for those seeking advanced security, content control, and device protection, Eero Secure offers a low monthly cost of around $3-$4, while Eero Secure+ provides comprehensive security for around $10-$12 per month.
Eero’s flexible pricing model allows you to tailor your home network experience to your specific needs and budget. By investing in Eero hardware and potentially a monthly subscription, you can significantly enhance your home’s Wi-Fi performance, reliability, and security, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable connected life. Carefully consider your household’s requirements, your security priorities, and your budget to determine the Eero solution that best fits your needs.
Does Eero require a monthly subscription?
Eero WiFi itself does not require a mandatory monthly subscription for its basic functionality. Once you purchase an Eero device, you can set it up and use it to create a mesh WiFi network throughout your home. This includes features like managing your network, connecting devices, and ensuring seamless WiFi coverage in all rooms.
However, Eero does offer an optional subscription service called Eero Secure and Eero Secure+. These services provide enhanced features such as advanced security scanning, content filtering, parental controls, VPN protection, and access to specific security partners. You can enjoy a robust WiFi experience without paying anything extra beyond the initial hardware cost.
What is included in the Eero Secure subscription?
The Eero Secure subscription offers a range of benefits designed to improve your home network’s security and your online experience. Key features include advanced threat detection, which actively scans for and blocks malicious websites and malware. It also provides content filters and robust parental controls, allowing you to manage what your family can access online and set screen time limits.
In addition to security and parental controls, Eero Secure+ includes additional perks like a VPN service for encrypted browsing and access to certain partner services. This tiered approach allows users to choose the level of protection and features that best suit their needs and budget, with the basic Eero functionality remaining free of charge.
What are the costs associated with Eero WiFi if I don’t subscribe to Eero Secure?
If you choose not to subscribe to Eero Secure or Eero Secure+, the primary cost associated with Eero WiFi is the upfront purchase of the Eero hardware. This includes single Eero units or mesh WiFi systems with multiple nodes. The price varies depending on the model and the number of devices you need to cover your home’s square footage effectively.
Beyond the initial hardware investment, there are no recurring monthly fees required to operate your Eero mesh network. You will still need an active internet service plan from an Internet Service Provider (ISP), as Eero is a WiFi system that broadcasts the internet signal provided by your ISP.
Can I use Eero without an existing internet plan?
No, Eero WiFi systems cannot function without an existing internet plan from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Eero is a WiFi router and mesh system designed to distribute and broadcast your internet connection throughout your home. It does not provide internet service itself.
To use Eero, you must have an active broadband connection (such as cable, fiber, or DSL) from an ISP. You will connect your Eero device to your modem, which is provided by your ISP, and then Eero will create your wireless network, allowing your devices to connect to the internet wirelessly.
What happens to my Eero functionality if I cancel Eero Secure?
If you decide to cancel your Eero Secure or Eero Secure+ subscription, you will retain the core functionality of your Eero WiFi system. This means your mesh network will continue to provide seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home, allowing all your devices to connect to the internet. You will still have access to the Eero app for basic network management, including checking connected devices, running speed tests, and restarting your network.
However, you will lose access to the advanced features included in the subscription. This includes the enhanced security features like malware blocking and threat scanning, as well as the parental controls and content filtering capabilities. If you subscribed to Eero Secure+, you would also lose access to the included VPN service and any other partner benefits associated with that tier.
Are there different tiers of Eero subscriptions, and what do they cost?
Yes, Eero offers different subscription tiers to cater to varying user needs, primarily Eero Secure and Eero Secure+. The pricing for these subscriptions is typically structured on a monthly or annual basis. Eero Secure usually offers core security and parental control features, while Eero Secure+ bundles these with additional benefits like VPN protection and access to specialized security partners.
The exact cost of these subscriptions can vary, and it’s best to check the official Eero website or the Eero app for the most up-to-date pricing information. Eero often provides introductory offers or discounts for annual plans, making them more cost-effective for users committed to the service long-term.
Can I use Eero with any ISP, or are there restrictions?
You can use Eero WiFi systems with virtually any Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides a standard internet connection. Eero is designed to be a replacement or supplement to your ISP’s provided router or modem/router combo. As long as your ISP provides a modem that outputs a standard Ethernet connection for internet access, your Eero system can be connected and configured to broadcast your WiFi signal.
There are no specific ISP partnerships or restrictions that dictate which providers you must use with Eero. You simply connect your Eero device to your existing modem, and the Eero app guides you through the setup process, allowing you to manage your network regardless of your ISP.