Eero Plus: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Eero Mesh System
Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems are known for their simplicity and user-friendly setup, but to truly maximize their capabilities, you’ll need to consider subscribing to Eero Plus, their premium subscription service. While a basic Eero system offers essential features like guest networking and Wi-Fi scheduling, Eero Plus unlocks a suite of advanced features designed to enhance security, parental controls, and internet reliability, putting your entire network in control.
The Evolution of Eero’s Subscription Service:
Eero’s subscription journey began with a two-tiered setup: Eero Secure and Eero Secure+. Eero Secure offered advanced security, content filtering, ad-blocking, activity insights, and VIP support for a modest $3 per month or $30 per year. For those seeking more comprehensive protection, Eero Secure+ added premium third-party apps like 1Password (a password manager), Encrypt.me (a VPN for secure browsing), and Malwarebytes (antivirus software). This tier also included DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System), allowing remote network access, for $10 per month or $100 per year.
However, this dual subscription system has been streamlined, and the current Eero Plus, priced at $10 per month or $100 per year, encompasses all the features previously offered across both tiers.
The Perks of Eero Plus:
Eero Plus delivers a robust set of features that can significantly enhance your daily internet experience:
1. Enhanced Security:
Eero Plus takes network security to the next level. Beyond basic firewall protection, it includes:
- Advanced Threat Protection: Identifies and blocks malicious websites, viruses, and other online threats, safeguarding your devices from potential harm.
- Content Filtering: Allows you to customize website access for your family, blocking inappropriate content and ensuring a safe online environment for children.
- Ad Blocking: Reduces online clutter and speeds up your browsing experience by blocking intrusive ads, leading to a more focused and enjoyable web journey.
- Activity Insights: Provides valuable information about your network activity, including website visits, app usage, and device connections. This transparency helps you understand your online habits and potentially identify security risks.
2. Powerful Parental Controls:
Eero Plus goes beyond simply blocking websites, offering comprehensive parental control features:
- Time Limits: Set daily or weekly time limits for specific devices or for the entire network, helping kids establish healthy screen time habits.
- Bedtime: Schedule internet access for your children, letting them enjoy their devices during designated times while ensuring a restful sleep schedule.
- App Blocking: Block specific apps on connected devices, providing granular control over the content your children access.
- Family Profiles: Create individual profiles for each family member, tailoring content filtering and access restrictions to their age and needs.
3. Reliable Internet Connectivity:
With Eero Plus, you can rest assured that your internet connection remains reliable even in challenging situations:
- Internet Backup: The subscription includes Internet Backup, a crucial feature that automatically switches your network to a secondary connection (like a hotspot or alternative Wi-Fi network) if your primary internet connection fails. This ensures a seamless transition during outages, minimizing disruptions to your online activities.
- Prioritized Traffic: Eero Plus allows you to prioritize specific devices and applications, making sure they receive the bandwidth they need for optimal performance in situations where bandwidth is limited.
4. Comprehensive Management and Support:
Eero Plus provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing your network and accessing expert assistance:
- Network Dashboard: Access a detailed network dashboard with insights into device connections, data usage, and network performance, providing a clear overview of your entire internet ecosystem.
- Remote Management: Control your network settings from anywhere with the Eero app, allowing you to adjust time limits, block websites, and manage your network even when you’re away from home.
- Priority Support: Enjoy priority phone and email support from Eero’s team of experts, ensuring swift and efficient assistance when you need it.
Is Eero Plus Worth It?
The value proposition of Eero Plus hinges on your individual needs and internet usage habits. While many manufacturers offer parental controls and basic security features for free, Eero Plus stands out by offering a comprehensive package with premium features and third-party integrations.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Seamless and User-Friendly: Eero’s interface is renowned for its simplicity, making these advanced features accessible to users of any technical skill level.
- Comprehensive Security: Eero Plus’s multi-layered security features provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of online threats.
- Powerful Parental Controls: Eero Plus offers granular control over content access, time limits, and app usage, empowering parents to create a safe and healthy online environment for their children.
- Reliable Internet Backup: Internet Backup ensures continuous internet access even during outages, making Eero Plus a valuable investment for households that rely heavily on internet connectivity.
- Premium App Integrations: Eero Plus offers access to popular third-party apps like 1Password, Encrypt.me, and Malwarebytes, providing a centralized hub for managing your online security and privacy.
Cons:
- Cost: Eero Plus is relatively expensive compared to the free security and parental control features offered by some competitors.
- Limited Free Features: Basic Eero systems lack many of the advanced features available with Eero Plus, potentially limiting their appeal to users who are budget-conscious or only require basic network management.
The Bottom Line:
Eero Plus is a powerful subscription service that unlocks the full potential of your Eero mesh system. It offers a robust set of features, including advanced security, comprehensive parental controls, reliable internet backup, and premium app integrations.
If you prioritize robust security, advanced parental control, and reliable internet connectivity, Eero Plus might be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget or only require basic network management, you might find Eero Plus’s cost prohibitive.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and internet usage habits. Consider your priorities and carefully weigh the features and benefits of Eero Plus before making your decision. Remember, Eero Plus often runs discount offers, so keeping an eye out for these deals can help you save money.
Alternatively, if you find the subscription costs too high, consider exploring other mesh Wi-Fi systems that provide comparable features without the premium pricing. The world of home networking is constantly evolving, and there are numerous affordable and feature-rich alternatives available.
