Eero Max 7 Review: A Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System for the Future

If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and feature-rich mesh system that supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, you might want to check out the Eero Max 7. This is Eero’s first Wi-Fi 7 offering, and it delivers impressive performance and coverage in our tests. However, it also comes with a hefty price tag and some limitations that may deter some users. Here’s what we think of the Eero Max 7.

What is Wi-Fi 7, and why does it matter?

Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the newest generation of Wi-Fi technology that promises to improve the speed, efficiency, and reliability of wireless networks. Wi-Fi 7 doubles the channel bandwidth from 160 MHz to 320 MHz, allowing for faster data rates and lower latency. It also introduces new features such as multi-link operation, enhanced multi-user MIMO, and improved beamforming, which aim to optimize the network performance in dense and dynamic environments.

Wi-Fi 7 is still in the early stages of development and adoption, and most devices do not support it yet. However, Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh systems can still work with older Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5, and provide backward compatibility. Wi-Fi 7 devices can also benefit from the increased capacity and reduced interference of the 6 GHz band, which was opened for Wi-Fi use by the FCC in 2020.

What are the features and specifications of the Eero Max 7?

The Eero Max 7 is a whole-home mesh system that consists of one or more nodes that work together to create a seamless and consistent Wi-Fi network. Each node is a tower-shaped device that measures 8.7 inches high, 7.2 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep. The nodes have a white glossy finish and a status LED on the front, four network ports and a power port on the back. The network ports include two 10 GbE ports and two 2.5 GbE ports, which can be used for wired backhaul or connecting high-speed devices.

The Eero Max 7 supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7, with one 2.4 GHz band, one 5 GHz band, and one 6 GHz band. The theoretical maximum wireless speeds are 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, 1,201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 2,402 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, for a total of 4,177 Mbps. The system also supports MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming technologies, which enable multiple devices to communicate simultaneously and efficiently.

The Eero Max 7 is also a smart home hub that supports Alexa, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter protocols. This means that you can use the Eero Max 7 to control compatible smart devices, such as lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, and sensors, without the need for additional hubs or bridges. You can also use voice commands to manage your Wi-Fi network and smart devices with an Alexa-enabled device, such as an Echo speaker or a Fire TV.

The Eero Max 7 is available in three configurations: a single node for $599.99, a two-node system for $1,149.99, and a three-node system for $1,699.99. The single node covers up to 2,500 square feet, the two-node system covers up to 5,000 square feet, and the three-node system covers up to 7,500 square feet. You can also add more nodes to expand your coverage as needed.

How easy is it to set up and use the Eero Max 7?

The Eero Max 7 is very easy to set up and use, thanks to the intuitive Eero app and the clear instructions. You just need to download the app on your iOS or Android device, create an account, and follow the steps to connect the first node to your modem and power outlet. The app will guide you through the process of naming your network, choosing a password, and placing the other nodes in optimal locations. The app will also automatically update the firmware and optimize the network settings for the best performance.

The Eero app also lets you manage and monitor your network and devices from anywhere. You can see the status of your nodes, the number and type of devices connected, the network speed and usage, and the health and security of your network. You can also create profiles and schedules for your devices, pause the internet access for specific devices or groups, share your network with guests, and access advanced settings such as port forwarding, DNS, and IP reservations.

One thing to note is that the Eero Max 7 does not have a web interface, which means that you can only access and control it through the app. This may be a drawback for some users who prefer to use a browser or have more granular control over their network settings. The Eero Max 7 also lacks some features that are common in other routers, such as USB ports, VPN support, and QoS prioritization.

How well does the Eero Max 7 perform?

The Eero Max 7 performs very well in our tests, delivering fast and consistent speeds across the network. We tested the two-node system in a 3,000-square-foot house with multiple walls and floors, and we used a Wi-Fi 7 laptop and a Wi-Fi 6 smartphone as our test devices. We measured the throughput speeds at various locations using the iPerf3 tool and the Ookla Speedtest app.

The results show that the Eero Max 7 provides excellent coverage and stability, with no dead zones or dropouts. The speeds are also impressive, especially on the 6 GHz band, where we achieved over 2 Gbps at close range and over 1 Gbps at longer distances. The 5 GHz band also delivers solid performance, with speeds ranging from 600 Mbps to 900 Mbps. The 2.4 GHz band is the slowest, but still adequate for basic tasks, with speeds around 200 Mbps.

The Eero Max 7 also handles multiple devices well, thanks to the MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies. We connected 10 devices to the network, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and streaming devices, and we did not notice any significant slowdowns or interruptions. We also streamed 4K videos, played online games, and made video calls simultaneously, and the Eero Max 7 handled them smoothly and without lag.

What are the pros and cons of the Eero Max 7?

The Eero Max 7 is a great mesh system for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 and have a future-proof network. It offers fast and reliable performance, wide and consistent coverage, easy setup and management, and smart home integration. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as the high price, the lack of USB connectivity, the limited configurability, and the subscription-based parental controls and network security software. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Eero Max 7:

• Pros:
  • Fast performance: The Eero Max 7 delivers blazing-fast speeds on the 6 GHz band, as well as solid speeds on the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. It can handle multiple devices and high-bandwidth activities without any issues.
  • Strong signal coverage: The Eero Max 7 provides wide and consistent coverage throughout the house, with no dead zones or dropouts. It can also be expanded with additional nodes as needed.
  • Easy to install and manage: The Eero Max 7 is very easy to set up and use, thanks to the intuitive Eero app and the clear instructions. The app also lets you monitor and control your network and devices from anywhere.
  • Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee protocols: The Eero Max 7 can act as a smart home hub that supports Alexa, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter protocols. This means that you can use the Eero Max 7 to control compatible smart devices, such as lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, and sensors, without the need for additional hubs or bridges. You can also use voice commands to manage your Wi-Fi network and smart devices with an Alexa-enabled device, such as an Echo speaker or a Fire TV.
  • 10GbE and 2.5GbE ports: The Eero Max 7 has four network ports on each node, including two 10 GbE ports and two 2.5 GbE ports. These ports can be used for wired backhaul or connecting high-speed devices, such as NAS drives, gaming consoles, or PCs.
• Cons:
  • Pricey: The Eero Max 7 is one of the most expensive mesh systems on the market, with a starting price of $599.99 for a single node, $1,149.99 for a two-node system, and $1,699.99 for a three-node system. This may be too costly for most users, especially considering that Wi-Fi 7 devices are still rare and Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E systems are much cheaper and still offer great performance and coverage.
  • Lacks USB connectivity: The Eero Max 7 does not have any USB ports, which means that you cannot connect external storage devices or printers to the network. This may be a deal-breaker for some users who need USB functionality for their home or office needs.
  • Not as configurable as many traditional routers: The Eero Max 7 does not have a web interface