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Should up upgrade to Wi-Fi 7? This next-gen router made the switch so easy for me
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The Eero 7 Dual Band Router retails for $180 per unit.
- Users won't have to wait long to enjoy high-speed connectivity at home as the device is very easy to set up.
- However, this router model is light on features; it doesn't offer much beyond its simple package.
One of the biggest hurdles of any new technology is getting people to adopt it. In my opinion, the best way to see widespread adoption is to make onboarding really easy -- eliminate that high barrier of entry. A device that exemplifies this ideal is the new Eero 7 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Router.
Also: Eero's new Wi-Fi 7 routers will upgrade your home internet for a surprisingly low cost
In late February, Eero announced the device as an entry-level router to bring Wi-Fi 7 into homes. The standard promises lower latency, higher wireless speeds, and increased bandwidth to support multiple devices. This level of performance and other features are present in the Eero 7, enabling users to enjoy the next generation of connectivity.
Setting up the router
Before I discuss my experience with the Eero 7, let's quickly explain this device to the uninitiated. As mentioned earlier, it is a compact dual-band router that supports 2.4 and 5Ghz channels to deliver "wireless speeds of up to 1.8Gbps and wired speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps," according to Eero. Around the back are two 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports. Sandwiched between them is a USB-C input for the power adapter.
Also: I tested Asus' latest Wi-Fi 7 router - here's my buying advice after two weeks
I had two review units, and the more time I spent with them, the more I couldn't help but compare them to the Asus RT-BE86U router I recently tested. My experiences with the two products were quite different. In fact, I had a better time with the Eero 7.
Setting up the Eero 7 was much easier. I started by downloading the official Eero app on my phone per the instructions. Then, I unplugged my modem, connected it to the router, and plugged the two into the wall socket. I proceeded to open the app and, after navigating through the on-screen instructions, established a wireless connection. The whole process took less than five minutes.
What's funny is when I completed everything, I redid the process because I thought I missed a step. But I didn't -- it was just that fast.
Connecting the second router as an extender was even quicker. All I did was plug in the power adapter and use the same app to link it to the original device. There was no fuss or required software patch to install. Everything worked right out of the box.
Even faster speeds
The company states a single Eero 7 covers 2,000 square feet and can support over 120 devices. I happen to live in a perfect testing environment because the router delivered fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds all over my apartment -- even to my kitchen, which is normally a dead zone. The signal did not falter once, even with multiple smartphones, computers, and TVs connected simultaneously. It all ran as smooth as butter.
Also: Slow Wi-Fi at home? 3 things I always check first for faster internet speed
The Eero app includes an internet speed test. According to the results I received, the router provides download speeds up to a whopping 690 Mbps and upload speeds up to 24 Mbps. A line of text in the app states that this speed allows owners to stream 4K movies, hop on video calls, and play online games simultaneously.
Third-party internet tests show that the Eero 7's download speeds hover around 200 Mbps, and upload speeds are roughly 20 Mbps. Don't be perturbed by the discrepancy in the numbers -- this is still plenty fast.
Notes on build quality
As much as I enjoyed using the Eero 7, it does lack features others might want. You can create guest networks and screen time schedules, but the gadget doesn't have parental controls or internet security. To get these features and more, you'll need to subscribe to Eero Plus, which gives you malware protection, a VPN, and parental controls among other things. Monthly subscriptions cost $10/month while yearly plans cost $100.
Because it lacks a third 6Ghz channel, power users might find its wireless speeds slow or inconsistent. During testing, there were a few instances where web pages were endlessly loading, and I had to refresh the browser a few times.
Also: Bye bye, Wi-Fi: This low-cost adapter lets you set up a wired network without running ethernet
I didn't mind the router's lack of features too much. The straightforward installation process and solid connection speeds overshadowed its limited offerings.
ZDNET's buying advice
At the bottom of the Eero 7's box is the product's tagline, which reads: "The way Wi-Fi should be." And I have to agree. This little gadget sets a new standard for Wi-Fi in 2025. This router is a must-have for people looking to upgrade their at-home networks.
There are three different ways to purchase the Eero 7. The 1-pack retails for $170. If you want multiple units, the company also sells two-pack and three-pack options for $280 and $350, respectively. People who want faster speeds should check out the Eero 7 Pro. It supports a third 6Ghz channel and promises wireless speeds of up to 3.8 Gbps.