Eero vs Linksys: Which Mesh Wi-Fi System is the Best Investment?
What To Know
- In contrast, the Linksys Velop is characterized by a more angular shape, featuring a hexagonal base and a matte black finish.
- The eero Pro 6E comes with a higher price tag than the Linksys Velop, but it offers a more comprehensive package of features, performance, and security.
- The Linksys Velop, while still a solid choice, may be a better option for those on a budget or with smaller homes.
The world of home networking has evolved into a vast battleground, with top contenders like eero Pro 6E and Linksys Velop vying for supremacy. Both systems offer cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E technology, promising blazing-fast speeds and seamless connectivity. But which one truly deserves your allegiance? Let’s delve into an in-depth comparison to uncover the winner.
Design and Aesthetics
The eero Pro 6E boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a cylindrical form that blends seamlessly into any home décor. Its white exterior exudes a clean and modern aesthetic. In contrast, the Linksys Velop is characterized by a more angular shape, featuring a hexagonal base and a matte black finish. While both systems are visually appealing, the eero Pro 6E’s understated elegance gives it a slight edge.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the eero Pro 6E packs a powerful punch with a quad-core processor and 512MB of RAM. This formidable hardware enables it to handle demanding tasks effortlessly, such as streaming 4K videos, gaming online, and supporting multiple connected devices simultaneously. The Linksys Velop, on the other hand, features a dual-core processor and 256MB of RAM, which may result in performance limitations under heavy workloads.
Wi-Fi Coverage and Speed
Both systems offer impressive Wi-Fi coverage, extending their reach to every corner of your home. However, the eero Pro 6E’s tri-band design, which utilizes the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, provides a more robust and consistent connection. The 6GHz band, in particular, offers exceptional speeds for devices that support it, such as the latest smartphones and laptops. The Linksys Velop’s dual-band design (2.4GHz and 5GHz) may experience interference and reduced speeds in congested environments.
Smart Features and App Control
The eero Pro 6E and Linksys Velop both offer user-friendly mobile apps that provide comprehensive control over your network. The eero app is renowned for its intuitive interface and advanced features, including parental controls, network insights, and automatic firmware updates. The Linksys app, while functional, lacks some of the more advanced features found in the eero app.
Security and Privacy
Both systems prioritize security, offering robust encryption and firewall protection. However, the eero Pro 6E stands out with its built-in eero Secure+ subscription, which includes advanced features such as malware protection, ad blocking, and parental controls. Linksys offers a separate subscription service called Linksys Shield, but it comes at an additional cost.
Expandability and Flexibility
The eero Pro 6E and Linksys Velop both offer the flexibility to expand your network as needed. The eero Pro 6E is compatible with all other eero devices, allowing you to create a mesh network that covers even the largest homes. The Linksys Velop also supports mesh networking, but it requires the use of Velop nodes, which can add to the overall cost.
Price and Value
The eero Pro 6E comes with a higher price tag than the Linksys Velop, but it offers a more comprehensive package of features, performance, and security. The Linksys Velop, while still a solid choice, may be a better option for those on a budget or with smaller homes.
The Verdict: eero Pro 6E Emerges Triumphant
After carefully weighing all the factors, the eero Pro 6E emerges as the clear winner in this epic battle. Its superior hardware, Wi-Fi performance, smart features, security, and expandability make it the ideal choice for those seeking the best possible home networking experience. While the Linksys Velop is a capable system, it simply falls short in several key areas, making it the runner-up in this contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which system is better for gaming?
A: The eero Pro 6E’s low latency and fast speeds make it the ideal choice for online gaming.
Q: Can I use my old router with either system?
A: No, both systems require their own dedicated routers to function.
Q: Which system is easier to set up?
A: Both systems offer quick and easy setup processes, with the eero Pro 6E having a slight edge due to its user-friendly app.
