Last year, Eero replaced its Secure and Secure+ subscriptions with Eero Plus, which is priced at $100 per year, a threefold increase from $30. Is the new subscription worth it considering the extra features it brings?
Or should you rather invest in a router with enhanced security? Let’s find out!
Eero Plus Security Features
- Advanced Threat Protection: Real-time protection against various cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and malicious content. Keep your devices and personal information safe from intruders.
- Ad Blocking: Block intrusive and unwanted ads at the network level. This feature enhances your internet-using experience by reducing distractions and potentially protecting you from malicious ads.
- Content Filtering: Set up customized controls to regulate the type of content accessible on your network. It enables you to block inappropriate websites and content, making it ideal for families with children.
- Internet Backup: Keep your network up and running during an outage by connecting Eero to an alternative internet connection.
- Historical Data: This feature collects the data, which includes information about past trends, events, or behavior. The information may be valuable for researchers, businesses, and other organizations for multiple purposes.
- 1Password Integration: This password manager makes it easy to generate, store, and autofill passwords for all your online accounts on your available devices. Because reused and weak passwords often result in a security threat, such an application protects you, your family, and your business as well.
- DDNS: Dynamic DNS feature automatically updates DNS records when an IP address is changed. With it in place, you are always sure to receive the correct IP address when you request the record for a hostname.
- Block Apps: The firewall your security program installs is responsible for keeping the network and connected devices safe from unwanted risks, which in most instances, arise from malicious apps.
- VPN by Guardian: The built-in VPN creates an encrypted and secure connection between your device and the server, in turn helping you browse in peace without compromising your identity.
- Activity Center: This lets you view and manage network-related activities, status, and settings on a device.
- Enhanced Parental Controls: Manage internet access for specific devices and create schedules for internet usage. This feature lets you ensure a safe and healthy online environment for your children.
- SafeSearch: Enforce SafeSearch settings across popular search engines, preventing explicit or adult content from appearing in search results.
- Malwarebytes: Auto scan and block access to known malicious websites, preventing potential security threats before they can harm your devices.
- Data Consumption Monitoring: Access comprehensive data on your entire mesh network usage and performance. This empowers you to efficiently manage and regulate the data consumption of each user.
- VIP Customer Support: Enjoy priority customer service, faster response times, and dedicated assistance in case of any issues or concerns.
Is Eero Plus Worth It? [Detailed Analysis]
Before sharing my views below, I paired it with Eero Pro 6E and used it continuously for 3 weeks. Know that I tested it in my two-story home with 6 members, including kids. I will also be comparing it to similar subscription services.
So let’s begin without any further ado.
How Does Eero Plus Work?
Eero Plus uses a combination of machine learning and threat intelligence to protect your home network. The machine learning engine identifies malicious websites and blocks them before they can harm your connected devices.
The threat intelligence database is updated regularly with new threats, so you can be sure that your mesh network is always protected.
Security Features & My Experiences
Eero Plus boasts several advanced security features that aim to safeguard your home network and connected devices. It monitors incoming and outgoing data, swiftly detecting and neutralizing potential risks. The system is well-optimized and adds to the convenience and peace.
Here are my thoughts on the provided features:
Ad Blocking:
Ad-blocking enhances user experience and guards against potentially malicious ads. However, the integration of adblocking could’ve been better. It’s difficult to whitelist the websites you want. Furthermore, it doesn’t show what has been blocked.
So, the Adblock system of Eero Plus didn’t impress me and left me wanting more.
Content Filtering:
This feature is to regulate web access for specific devices and users. Overall, Eero Secure has shown promising results in protecting networks from cyber threats, providing peace of mind for its subscribers.
Additionally, you get a weekly activity report summarizing all network activities, providing valuable insights into your family’s online behavior.
Historical Data:
With this feature, I got access to my network usage since I started the subscription and threats against which Eero has worked.
Aside from that, I can now keep a tab on the activities users engage in and ensure they aren’t accessing anything dangerous. That’s quite handy.
1Password Integration:
Simple and easy-to-remember passwords are often a threat to your network security, but 1Password integration from Eero plus subscription has made things simpler.
With the available feature, I no longer worry about setting up “strong” passwords for different social media platforms and avoid the stress of remembering them.
But its only concern is the 1GB storage limit it imposes. It might be sufficient for families but underwhelming for large corporate setups.
DDNS:
DDNS is a service that lets you remotely access the network even if the dynamic IP changes. It acquires a unique hostname that’s easy to recognize and recall.
With that enabled, I could access websites or servers from anywhere without worrying about changing the IP address. Not only that, it improves the security and reliability of the network, which is great.
For example, you want to remote access your home computer using the Microsoft remote desktop, and for that, you enter the correct IP address. And if the IP address changes without you knowing it, you can’t remote access the computer
Block Apps:
A block apps feature that lets you block apps by name or category. I can now use this feature to block any malicious apps or a category of apps on a user basis.
To access this feature, open the Eero app, and click Discover > Eero Plus> Block apps. Using this, you can also block access to a particular or a certain category of websites.
But this feature doesn’t allow you to block a certain website or app for every existing device, and setting criteria for each can be arduous.
As soon as you install an app on your device, the software scrutinizes it and removes it if any threat is identified.
VPN by Guardian:
A VPN lets you securely and privately browse the web by encrypting your identity, thereby shielding and protecting your data from hackers or cyber attackers.
To navigate that, open the Eero app, then select Discover > Eero Plus > VPN by Guardian. Toggle to VPN and access the terms and conditions of the service.
Activity Center:
This feature lets users check the number of inspections, content blocks, and threat blocks for the week. The information is refreshed and updated every day on Sunday morning. To access it, open the app, select Device category > Device, and browse through the stats.
Eero Secure Cost & Alternatives
Eero Plus costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. I think the pricing for Eero Secure was fair, but after the transition to Eero Plus, it’s no longer the value for money.
However, I have seen it for sale at a 50% flat off, bringing the effective price down to $49.99. It’s a great deal, and I personally used the coupon code “SECURE50” to avail it. The bundled 1Password and a VPN powered by Guardian make it worthwhile.
When evaluating the price in comparison to its competitors like Bitdefender Box ($99/year) and Netgear Armor ($99.99/year), Eero Plus falls somewhere on the cheaper side of similar subscription-based security services.
While there are free alternatives available, like Asus AiProtection, Eero Plus provides added benefits like Internet Backup, DDNS, and a few additional features, making it a better choice. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of features:
| Features | Eero Secure | Netgear Armor | Bitdefender Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devices Protected | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Devices Supported | Windows, Android, iOS | Windows, Android, iOS | Windows, Android, iOS |
| Subscription Validity | Monthly / Yearly | Yearly | Monthly / Yearly |
| Vulnerability Assessment and Flaw Detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Threat Defense (behavioral threat detection) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Network Security (vulnerable port awareness, security scans, URL blocking) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Scans | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti Theft protection | No | Yes | No |
| Built-in VPN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| URL filtering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Parental Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DDoS Protection | No | Yes | No |
| Intrusions Protection System | No | Yes | Yes |
Pros and Cons of Eero Plus
Pros:
- Effective Security Features: Eero bundles a number of effective security features, such as Malwarebytes, internet backup, and more.
- Parental Controls: The enhanced parental controls allow you to restrict access to certain websites and apps.
- Premium VPN Service: Eero Plus bundles a premium VPN by Guardian that allows you to browse the web anonymously and securely.
- User-Friendly Control: Eero Secure is easy to set up and use, making it accessible even for those without technical expertise.
- Bundled 1Password:
- 30-Days Free Trial: You have the option to try the service for free for 30 days. This will help you understand if it meets your needs.
Cons:
- Poor Adblocking: The adblocking feature is limited in its capabilities. For example, you cannot see what has been blocked, and the whitelisting is also not up to the mark.
- Increased Price: Eero Plus costs $99.99 (without an offer), which is on the expensive side considering what it offers.
How To Opt for Eero Plus?
- Start by opening the Eero app on your phone. Ensure that you have already set up your Eero mesh WiFi.
- Navigate to the “Discover” tab or the “Settings” menu within the app. Look for the option related to Eero Secure or Eero Secure Subscription.
- Tap on the option to subscribe to Eero Plus.
- You will see a page with details about the features and cost. Review the subscription details and proceed.
- Enter your payment details or choose a payment method associated with your Eero account and tap on submit.
- After successful payment, you should receive a confirmation message or email stating that your subscription is active.
Eero Plus User Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Eero Plus is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, depending on the subscription plan you choose. Prices may vary based on your location and any ongoing promotions.
Bitdefender Box, Asus AiProtection, OpenDNS, Kaspersky Secure Wi-Fi, and Norton Wi-Fi Security are some alternatives. These solutions offer various features like network security, parental controls, ad-blocking, and web filtering to protect your home network and connected devices from cyber threats.
To cancel the subscription, open the Eero app, go to “Settings,” select “Eero Plus,” then tap “Manage Subscription.” Follow the prompts to cancel. Alternatively, you can cancel through the Eero website by logging into your account and navigating to the subscription section.
To temporarily disable the protection, open the Eero app, go to “Settings,” select “Eero Plus,” and then toggle off the subscription. This will turn off the advanced security features, ad-blocking, and content filtering until you reactivate it.
Conclusion
To sum up, Eero Plus presents a compelling option for bolstering your mesh network’s security and protecting your family online. However, remember that no security solution is entirely foolproof.
It’s advisable to practice good digital hygiene, keep devices and software up-to-date, and use strong passwords to further enhance your network’s protection against evolving cyber threats.
