The recent launch of the Eero 7 and Eero Pro 7 marks a step forward for Amazon customers, as the company tries to put the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology within reach for customers. While the budget-friendly options are a plus, certain conditions still avoid Wi-Fi 7 from becoming the standard now.
Easier Reach to Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 routers first appeared on the market in late 2023, but their high prices made them inaccessible to many consumers. With prices starting to drop, Amazon is now introducing two new affordable models to its Eero line: Eero 7 and Eero Pro 7. Like the older models, these routers can be purchased separately or as part of multi-node mesh system, like the Eero Max 7, which started selling in November 2023.
The Eero Max 7’s pricing greatly differs from these new models because the Eero 7 is offered at £170 per unit compared to the Eero Pro 7’s price of £300. Previously, the single unit of Eero Max 7 was sold at an astonishing £600. Both the Eero 7 and Pro 7 units cover around 190m² but differ in speed performance; the standard Eero 7 provides up to 1.8Gbps, while the Pro model provides over double at 3.9Gbps.
The Coverage and Pricing Comparison of Eero 7
For customers who want to buy a multi-pack to create a mesh network, Amazon offers them at affordable prices. The two-pack Eero 7 unit’s price is £280 and covers 380m², while the three pack (covering 560m²) is priced at £350. Meanwhile, the Eero Pro 7 three-pack is £700. Compared to other Wi-Fi 7 routers in the market, these prices are very low, including the previously priced affordable Netgear Nighthawk RS200 Wi-Fi 7 reviewed router.
Performance Constraints of the Eero 7
The Eero 7, while budget-friendly, does have significant limitations. Like most midrange Wi-Fi 7 routers, it uses a dual-band system consisting of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which perform like a standard Wi-Fi 6 router. The more advanced Eero Pro 7 model unlocks the 6GHz band, which is essential for utilizing Wi-Fi 7’s high-speed capabilities.
Still, the Eero 7 from Amazon does offer a feature lacking in some other models, which is multilink operation (MLO). This technology, which uses Wi-Fi 7, makes it possible for devices to connect to several frequency bands at the same time, hence improving speed and stability. MLO has very limited usefulness right now since users will need compatible Wi-Fi 7 devices to make full use of the new feature.
Smart Home Capability and Compatibility
As is typical for an Amazon product, both Eero models offer smart home integration. They serve as Thread Border Routers, feature Thread over Matter support, and even allow direct connections with Zigbee-enabled light bulbs and switches. Managing these devices through the Eero app is simple, and from our experience with the Eero Max 7, the entire process is effortless.
Should you save up for Wi-Fi 7 investment?
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 routers is getting cheaper, but it might be important to wait for most consumers to make the switch. The prodigious growth of wireless technology suggests that tri-band routers will soon drop below £200. Most households would benefit more from a reliable Wi-Fi 6 router or mesh system until that moment comes.
To wrap up, Amazon’s Eero 7 and Pro 7 make Wi-Fi 7 even more accessible as they start getting in the market, but they are not mainstream yet. If you are looking to take that initial leap towards making your home network more robust, these are great options. Although, waiting a little longer promises a better deal.
