Picking the eero Pro or the Linksys Velop for your office? Given Linksys and eero are two of the biggest brands in the smart router market, it is not surprising you might be settling between them. These are both reliable, highly advanced and feature packed smart routers. The Linksys Velop comes with a 2.4 + 5 + 5 GHz tri-band configuration, supports pausing the internet and comes with the high speed MU-MIMO technology. The eero Pro comes with a powerful 700 MHz quad core processor, allows for beam forming which enhances the performance of the devices in your network and supports the Apple HomeKit. Which of the two smart routers is better than the other? We will compare the two smart routers head to head and help you to make a judgment as to which smart router is best for your home or office.
Alternatively, just skip to either the Linksys or the eero Pro on Amazon.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table Linksys Velop vs eero Pro
| Linksys Velop | eero Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| WiFi bands | Tri-band: 2.4 + 5 + 5GHz | Tri-band: 2.4 + 5.2 + 5.8 GHz |
| Wi Fi generation | 5 | 5 |
| Ethernet Ports | 6 (2 per node) | 2 |
| WiFi coverage | 6000 sq. ft. | 5500 sq. ft. |
| Processor | 716 MHz Quad core | 700 MHz Quad core processor |
| Encryption | WPA2 Personal | WPA2 |
| MU-MIMO technology | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app included? | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Flash Memory | 4GB | 4GB |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
| Memory (RAM) | 512MB | 512MB |
| Alexa Support | Yes | Yes |
| Apple HomeKit Support? | Not yet available | Yes |
| Mesh network support | Yes | Yes |
| Pause the internet? | Yes, but not for free | Yes |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Key Similarities between the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro:
- Alexa Support
- MU-MIMO support
- Mobile application included
- Flash memory & RAM
- WiFi technology
- Tri-band
- Beamforming
Key Differences between the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro:
- Apple HomeKit Support
- Internet pausing feature
- Bluetooth technology
- WiFi coverage
- Ethernet ports
A Comprehensive Comparison between the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro
1. MU-MIMO Support
Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro support Multi User – Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO). Here is how ordinary WiFi routers work. A device connects to a WiFi network. It directly communicates with the router and the router sends information to it and also receives information and commands from it. All is well until multiple users connect their devices to the WiFi network. The router is only able to serve one device at a time. That is why you see that public WiFi networks are extremely slow and even a slow 3G network signal can sometimes outperform most open, congested WiFi networks found in airports. MU-MIMO technology allows for multiple devices to send and receive commands to the router at the same time – no more having the one device at a time policy! This means that the performance will obviously be better.
2. Mobile Applications
Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro come with mobile applications. These are compatible with both the Android and the iOS mobile operating systems. These applications are there to guide you through the installation process. This makes it very easy to install and setup these devices in your home as all you need to do is to follow the instructions given to you by the setup wizard.
3. WiFi Technology
Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro come with the most popular WiFi technology available today. They come with WiFi 5, which is more commonly known as 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. This WiFi technology offers rock solid performance and you are guaranteed that your devices will work pretty fast. This WiFi technology will suit the needs of the average home user.
4. Tri-Band
Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro are Tri-Band routers. This means that they come with three bands, with one being in the 2.4 GHz spectrum and the other 2 being in the 5GHz spectrum. Having three bands allows for the devices in the network, together with intelligent traffic monitoring systems allows the devices to connect to the band that offers the greatest performance. For example, high bandwidth devices will use the 5GHz band, and the lower and slower 2.4GHz band will allow the slower devices to perform optimally. This reduces network congestion.
5. Alexa Support
Nowadays, there is very little that is more important than having a device that can be used with voice assistants. This is because the use of virtual assistants provides great convenience to the average user. Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro support Amazon’s Alexa. This means that you can definitely use the Alexa with these devices, as long as you have the Alexa hardware devices e.g. the Echo Dot.
6. Flash Memory and RAM
Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro have identical flash memory and RAM. As you probably learnt in high school, RAM is the “working space” of a computer. Your router is a tiny computer, and for it to perform optimally, it needs to have an adequate amount of RAM. The RAM and flash memory present in these devices is more than adequate for a router.
7. Beamforming
Beamforming is a radio wave technology that is present in the WiFi 5 standard that allows for the beamformer (the router) to transmit radio signals in the direction of the beamformee (connected network device). This creates a strong, fast and reliable wireless communication. Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro have this feature.
8. Apple HomeKit Support
The eero Pro is able to support more smart home automation devices than the Linksys Velop. This is because the eero Pro is compatible with the Apple HomeKit. This is a very huge advantage to those who use Apple devices as it means that the eero Pro can be integrated into the Apple Ecosystem. The Linksys plans to add Apple HomeKit support, but we do not know when this feature will become available.
9. Internet Pausing
The eero Pro is able to allow for more control than the Linksys Velop without any subscriptions. This is because it comes with the internet pausing feature. All you need to do is to navigate through the easy to use mobile application. You then look for the internet pausing feature and activate it. With the Linksys, you need to have a paid subscription to the Linksys Shield platform in order for you to use the internet pausing feature.
10. Bluetooth Technology
The eero Pro is more advanced than the Linksys Velop. It comes with Bluetooth 4.2 unlike the Bluetooth 4.0 protocol present in the Linksys Velop. This is the most advanced version of Bluetooth in the 4th generation. It comes with higher data transmission rates and even better security than the earlier versions.
11. WiFi Coverage
The Linksys Velop comes with better WiFi coverage than the eero Pro. It is able to cover up to 6000 sq. ft. as compared to 5500 sq. ft. supported by the eero Pro. This means that if you have a big house, the Linksys may offer better performance as it will reach all those hard to reach places.
12. Ethernet Ports
Signals that travel over a wired medium generally perform better than those that travel using the air as a medium. As a result, it is a great feature to have as many LAN ports as possible present on the router and it would be ideal for the access points/beacons to have a LAN port for them to be directly connected to the router. The Linksys Velop has more Ethernet ports than the eero Pro. It has 2 WAN/LAN ports per device and it comes as a set of 3. This means that the total number of Ethernet ports is 6. The eero Pro only has 2 WAN/LAN ports on the router. The beacons have no Ethernet ports.
13. Design
The Linksys Velop is bulkier and takes up more space than the eero Pro. This means that if you have space restrictions, it is best to go for the eero Pro. It is flatter and can be fit into much smaller spaces than the bulky Linksys Velop. Both devices are eye candy though, and they will definitely blend with your home’s décor with great ease.
Our Pick
We fell in love with the eero Pro. This is because it comes with a host of features that are largely absent in the Linksys Velop. It has Apple HomeKit support which makes it perfect for most Americans. It comes with the free internet pausing feature which allows for greater control. It also comes in a more compact form which allows for you to place it in narrower spaces.
Why Do You Need a Smart Router?
Convenience
Most of the modern smart routers are quite convenient to use. They with a host of features that bring convenience to your life such as Alexa support, Apple HomeKit support as well as easy to use user interfaces through their user interfaces.
Speed
These newer smart routers are fast. They allow for you to enjoy your favourite movie shows on Netflix without worrying about the device being unable to handle the speed required. In addition, they come with a low latency which makes them perfect for gaming.
Advanced Features
The smart routers such as the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro come with advanced features such as beamforming, Tri-Band WiFi as well as the provision to create a guest network. All these features are must – haves for any home user.
Factors to Consider When Choosing between the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro
1. Design
The Linksys Velop and the eero Pro come in very different designs. The Linksys Velop comes in a rectangular form and is a bit tall. The eero Pro is rather flat. It consumes much less space than the Linksys Velop. If you have space restrictions, it may be a good idea for you to go for the eero Pro as it is more compact than the Linksys Velop.
2. Ethernet Ports
As we mentioned earlier, a signal which travels over a wired medium generally performs better than if the same signal were to travel via a wireless medium. This is because of the obstructions that will be present e.g. walls. Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro support mesh network. In mesh networks the repeaters/beacons/access points will repeat the signal from the router. To get the lowest latency possible, it is best to have a repeater that connects to the router via an Ethernet cable (wired medium). The eero Pro lacks this feature and this makes it unideal for low latency applications.
3. Range
The Linksys Velop and the eero Pro come with different ranges. The Linksys Velop is able to cover a greater range than the eero Pro. This means that if you have a large house or property, it may be best for you to go for the Linksys Velop. This is because it offers a range which is 500 sq. ft. greater than that offered by the eero Pro.
4. Apple HomeKit Support
Linksys Velop and the eero Pro are also different in this regard. The eero Pro supports the HomeKit. This allows you to connect this device to the Apple HomeKit, and this will be a great advantage if you are an iOS user. If you do not currently own any iOS devices and if you do not plan to purchase any iOS devices then this feature may be irrelevant to you.
5. Internet Pausing
Linksys Velop and the eero Pro are different as well in this aspect. The Linksys Velop does not allow for you to access this feature if you do not pay a subscription. This means that if you do not pay this subscription, you will not be able to control access to the internet of different users. If you have kids, then this may be a problem as this feature is a must-have for any home network. If you do not have any children who will use your WiFi network, then you may find this feature irrelevant.
6. Additional features
The Linksys device was made for both average users and technical people as well as DIY hobbyists who love to use their devices to the fullest. This device allows you to gain much greater control of your router than you would if you use the eero Pro. The eero Pro is mainly made for users who want a beautiful thing that is simple to use.
Linksys Velop vs. eero Pro FAQs
Are Both Devices Compatible with Amazon Alexa?
Yes. Both the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro are compatible with Alexa devices. These devices need to be purchased separately.
Do they Come With Bluetooth?
Yes they do. Both come with the 4th generation of Bluetooth.
Are they Dual band?
No. They are triple band devices.
Do they Come with Mobile Apps?
Yes they do.
Can I Make a Mesh Network?
Yes you can. These are actually mesh routers. That is exactly what they were made for.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the similarities and the differences that exist between the Linksys Velop and the eero Pro. We declared the winner to be the eero Pro due to its compact size, the ability to use it with the Apple HomeKit – which is quite a bonus for all those who own Apple devices and it comes with the internet pausing feature included for free. This means that you do not have to worry about having a paid subscription in order for you to access this basic feature.
We included a comprehensive list of features that you will need to consider when choosing between the two smart routers. This will help you to choose which device will best suit your needs for your particular application.
Check out the best smart router, the eero Pro on Amazon.
