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: 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.
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 overpricedโjust like the case of the Gateway router.
Hardware specifications: Amazon eero PoE 6 vs. Ubiquiti U6 Enterprise
Model | T01001 | U6 Enterprise |
Name | Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point | Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point |
Wi-Fi Standards | Dual-band AX3000 | Tri-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) | None | 4x4 AXE Up to 4800Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
Backward Compatibility | 802.11ac/n/g/a/b | |
Power over Ethernet (PoE) | 802.3af (PoE) | 802.3at (PoE+) |
Power Consumption | 15W | 22W |
Network Port (auto-sensing) | 1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig PoE, 1x Gigabit | |
Security | WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | |
Local Managed | No | No |
Cloud-Managed (web interface) | no | Yes (free) |
Mobile App | eero (free with optional eero Plus subscription) | UniFi (free) |
Mode | Access Point | |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | ร6.45 x 1.7" (ร163.8 x 43 mm) | ร7.76 x 1.38" (ร197 x 35 mm) |
Weight | 1.04 lbs (473g) | 1.01 lbs (460 g) |
LED | Flashing white light | Color-changing (White/blue) LED |
US Retail Cost (at launch) | $299.99 | $290 |
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.
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:
- The eero app treats the AP like any other eero router. Specifically, it will create a separate network on top of the existing oneโyou'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.
- 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: 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 performanceโfor its middling Wi-Fi specsโas you'll note in the charts below.
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 portโthe 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) coverageโyour mileage will vary.
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
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 Gatewayโand if so, I don't blame youโgo with another access point. Most are more affordable and don't nag you to pay a subscription to get all they offer.
Hi, are you planning to review velop wifi 7?
Likely, John.
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 ๐
Thanks for doing what you do Dong!
Much easier than getting another new home for sure. ๐
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!