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eero PoE 6 AP Review: The Amazon Gateway’s Much-Needed Wi-Fi Companion

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There's nothing new about the Amazon eero PoE 6 other than it's from a company that, before this, only made wireless mesh systems. It's the first eero Wi-Fi broadcaster that's all about wiring.

As a standard dual-band Wi-Fi 6 PoE access point, this new hardware will work with any router. However, considering the hefty price tag of $299.99, there's no point in getting it unless you've already gotten the Amazon eero Gateway.

The two complete each other and, in a small way, help make sense of their overpriced combined cost of $1,000.

That said, this quick review supplements my take on the Amazon eero Gateway. Make sure you've read that before continuing.

Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point include mounting accessories
The Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point includes nothing but mounting accessories.

Amazon eero PoE 6: A typical access point that’s not so typical

Out of the box, the Amazon eero PoE 6 is a compact PoE access point.

On the Wi-Fi front, it's modest, supporting dual-band 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 with up to 2400Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz.

The AP does come with a 2.5GBASE-T Multi-Gig PoE port, which means it can deliver its top Wi-Fi speed instead of being limited to Gigabit in some of its peers.

There's also a non-PoE Gigabit LAN port that can be used for a wired client, though chances are that this port will not be used at all, considering the eero PoE 6 is designed to be mounted on a ceiling (or a wall).

There's also a USB-C power port, but the AP doesn't include a power adapter or PoE injector. If you don't already have a PoE switch, you'll have to spend some extra to get it up and running.

But again, you shouldn't get it if you don't already have the Amazon eero PoE Gateway. That's similar to how the U6 Enterprise best fits the UDM-SE.

Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point and Gateway togetherAmazon eero PoE wired mesh combo
The Amazon eero PoE 6 access point is designed to be the Wi-Fi portion of the Amazon eero PoE Gateway router.

Since I compared the Amazon eero PoE Gateway to the UDM-SE, I'll compare the eero PoE 6 access point to the U6 Enterprise.

The table below shows the differences between the two and helps you understand how the new eero access point is overpricedโ€”just like the case of the Gateway router.

Hardware specifications: Amazon eero PoE 6 vs. Ubiquiti U6 Enterprise

Amazon eero PoE 6 access pointUnbiquiti U6 Enterprise
ModelT01001U6 Enterprise
NameAmazon eero PoE 6 Access PointUbiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point
Wi-Fi StandardsDual-band AX3000Tri-band AXE11000
1st Band
2.4GHz
(channel width)
2x2 AX
Up to 600Mbps
(20/40MHz)
2nd Band
5GHz
(channel width)
2x2 AX
Up to 2400Mbps
(20/40/80/160MHz)
4x4 AX
Up to 4800Mbps
(20/40/80/160MHz)
3rd Band
6GHz
(channel width)
None4x4 AXE
Up to 4800Mbps
(20/40/80/160MHz)
Backward Compatibility802.11ac/n/g/a/b
Power over Ethernet 
(PoE)
802.3af
(PoE)
802.3at
(PoE+)
Power Consumption15W22W
Network Port
(auto-sensing)
1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig PoE,
1x Gigabit
SecurityWPA, WPA2, WPA3
Local ManagedNoNo
Cloud-Managed
(web interface)
noYes
(free)
Mobile Appeero
(free with optional eero Plus subscription)
UniFi
(free)
ModeAccess Point
Dimensions 
(W x D x H)
ร˜6.45 x 1.7"
(ร˜163.8 x 43 mm)
ร˜7.76 x 1.38"
(ร˜197 x 35 mm)
Weight1.04 lbs (473g)1.01 lbs (460 g)
LEDFlashing white lightColor-changing (White/blue) LED
US Retail Cost
(at launch)
$299.99$290
Hardware specifications: Amazon eero PoE 6 vs. Ubiquiti U6 Enterprise
Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point TopAmazon eero PoE 6 Access Point Underside
The Amazon eero PoE 6's top and its underside. Note the two network ports, including a 2.5Gbps PoE port. The access point is relatively compact.

Amazon eero PoE 6 access point: No local web interface, simple setup

The Amazon eero PoE 6 is a standalone access point. You must connect it to an existing network via a network cable, as with any PoE device. Access points are generally not meant for a fully wireless setup.

Like the case of the U6, the Eero Pro 6 doesn't have a local web user interface. To set it up, you'll need to use the eero app, and the process is similar to setting up any eero mesh system.

You first run the app, sign in with an eero account, and follow the onscreen instructions to add the access point to the network.

Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point in action
The Amazon eero PoE 6 in action, powered by the eero PoE Gateway

Now, there are three scenarios to consider.

First, if you use the AP with a third-party router, you'll need to get a PoE injector, a power adapter, or a PoE switch before you can power it up.

After that, you'll need to continue to use the eero app to manage it. In this case, note two things I experienced in my trial:

  1. The eero app treats the AP like any other eero router. Specifically, it will create a separate network on top of the existing oneโ€”you'll get a double NAT. Consequently, devices connected to the eero Pro 6 will be isolated from the main network. To fix this, you need to turn the AP into bridge mode.
  2. The Amazon eero PoE 6 doesn't work with all existing standard PoE switches as it's supposed to. Out of the switches I've tested, it worked with all except the Zyxel XS1930-12HP, which shares the same PoE++ standard as the Amazon eero PoE Gateway. It was a bit strange, but it could have been a fluke.

The second scenario is when you already have an eero network. In this case, you still need a PoE powering solution, as mentioned above, but the management is generally seamless.

And finally, the last scenario, also recommended, is when you have a network hosted by an Amazon eero PoE Gateway. In this case, the eero PoE 6 will work exactly as intended. All you need to do is connect it to one of the Gateway's PoE ports, and it'll add Wi-Fi to the router, turning the whole network into a mesh system. Add more units if you need to expand the coverage.

Lots of eero Plus nags

No matter your scenario, you'll likely run into many popups nagging you to opt for eero Plus, which costs $9.99/month (or $99.99/year).

I noted that the Amazon eero PoE 6 won't allow you to customize its Wi-Fi radios until you do so.

Again, this practice is so off-putting and is one of the reasons it's hard for me to recommend eero in general.

Amazon eero PoE Gateway and PoE 6 Access pointYou haev to have eero Plus to customize the Amazon eero PoE 6 Radio
The Amazon eero PoE Gateway router works seamlessly with the PoE 6 Access point. But no matter how you use it, you'll run into the dreadful eero Plus paywall nag, such as if you want to do something as basic as customizing the AP's Wi-Fi radios.

Amazon eero PoE Gateway: Excellent throughputs, but the range could be better

For this review, I tested the Amazon eero PoE 6 with the Gateway, and the AP delivers excellent performanceโ€”for its middling Wi-Fi specsโ€”as you'll note in the charts below.

Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point Long Range PerformancesAmazon eero PoE 6 Access Point Close Range Performances
The Amazon eero PoE 6 access point's Wi-Fi performance. Most Wi-Fi 6 APs on the charts were tested via a Gigabit wired connection.

This kind of performance was likely thanks to its 2.5Gbps PoE port. It's one of a few Wi-Fi 6 access points with this port. Most Wi-Fi 6 APs come with a Gigabit portโ€”the Multi-Gig 2.5Gbps port didn't become mainstream until Wi-Fi 6E hardware.

The access point also passed my 3-day stress test with no disconnection. It proved to be reliable.

On the downside, it wasn't perfect, either. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

First, the AP's range is rather limited. In my experience, its 5Ghz band starts losing a bar from just 40 feet away. That said, you should expect each unit to deliver around 1800 ft2 (167 m2) coverageโ€”your mileage will vary.

The Amazon eero PoE 6 is easy to setup but clients tend to connect to its 2.4GHz band
The Amazon eero PoE 6 is easy to set up, but clients tend to connect to its 2.4GHz band instead of the 5GHz one. And you need eero Plus to manage its Wi-Fi radios.

Secondly, most of the time, devices are initially connected to the AP's 2.4GHz band for a while before moving to the 5GHz band.

And finally, the eero PoE 6 can get rather warm. It is not as hot as the eero PoE Gateway, but hotter than many other Wi-Fi 6 access points I have tested. Heat and electronics are never a good combination.

Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point's Rating

6.8 out of 10
Amazone eero PoE Gateway and eero PoE 6 access point
Performance
8 out of 10
Features
5 out of 10
Ease of Use
8 out of 10
Value
6 out of 10

Pros

Easy to use, 2.5Gbps PoE port; fast and reliable performance

Can work as a standalone AP or part of an eero ecosystem

Cons

Expensive, modest Wi-Fi specs, no Wi-Fi 6E, no PoE injector or power adapter included; range could be better

No local management or web user interface, the eero app requires vendor login, and lots of eero Plus subscription nags

Limited features and settings; isolated by default when working with a third-party router; runs a bit hot

Conclusion

If you already have the Amazon eero PoE Gateway and want to add Wi-Fi to it, the Amazon eero PoE 6 access point is a must-buy.

The two complete each other to create a seamless and ease-to-use Wi-Fi system that works well enough to make their combo cost a bit less outrageous.

If you don't want to use the Gatewayโ€”and if so, I don't blame youโ€”go with another access point. Most are more affordable and don't nag you to pay a subscription to get all they offer.

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5 thoughts on “eero PoE 6 AP Review: The Amazon Gateway’s Much-Needed Wi-Fi Companion”

  1. The home I bought comes with two Eero PoE 6 and I was considering upgrading them to the U6 Enterprise, so this is the perfect review for me ๐Ÿ™‚
    Thanks for doing what you do Dong!

    Reply
      • Update: moved into the house and tried to use the Eero APs and holy cow are they bad.

        Both were hard-wired to a switch, yet apparently they are designed such that one uses the hardware and the other one wirelessly connects to that one. You can’t override this and it’s just how they’re designed–baffling.

        Nearly everything is hidden behind the $10/month subscription–hard pass.

        Swapped them out for 1x U6 Enterprise and 1x U6 Pro and couldn’t be happier!

        Reply

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