Review: Linksys Velop Pro 6E

In today’s fast-paced world, a speedy internet connection is non-negotiable. However, the harsh reality is that many of us find ourselves grappling with less-than-stellar Wi-Fi connections, turning our digital lives into a daily struggle. Picture this: you’re diligently working from home, and just as you’re about to hit a productivity peak, the Wi-Fi signal decides to play hide-and-seek. It’s the frustrating dance of unreliable strength, connections that seem to have a mind of their own, and that one mysterious dead zone in your bedroom that defies all attempts at connectivity. The Linksys Velop Pro 6E has been designed to solve this exact problem.

The Linksys Velop Pro 6E, a Wi-Fi mesh system operating on three radio bands, including the 6GHz band, delivers comprehensive Wi-Fi 6E coverage for the entire home while adhering to the latest standards. Linksys offers three configurations: a one-pack, a two-pack, and a three-pack variant covering 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 sq ft, respectively. In this review, we tested the three-pack option provided by Linksys.

Linksys says that the setup can be completed in under ten minutes using its mobile app, and this claim holds true. Despite previous experiences with complicated setups and not-so-user-friendly apps, configuring the Velop Pro 6E proved to be remarkably straightforward. Simply plug in a few cables, launch the app, follow the instructions, and you’re ready to go.

It’s important to note that initially, all three nodes should be positioned close to each other. Each unit of the Velop Pro 6E comes with only two Ethernet ports, one WAN and one LAN. This might be a drawback for some users as most mesh systems offer at least a couple of extra LAN ports.

The Velop Pro 6E boasts a design featuring six internal antennas housed in sleek minimalist towers with curved sides. Each unit stands just under 20cm tall and includes a rubbery base for surface protection. Although constructed from plastic, the units feel durable, though these can’t be wall-mounted. The Velop Pro 6E is powered by the Qualcomm Immersive Home 316 platform, providing tri-band networking and incorporating Wi-Fi 6E technologies such as 6GHz data transmissions, 160MHz channel bandwidth, WPA3 encryption, MU-MIMO data streaming, direct-to-client beamforming, and Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) data transmissions.

A standout feature of the Velop Pro 6E is its compatibility with the 6GHz band, an integral component of the Wi-Fi 6E standard. This cutting-edge frequency is capable of delivering impressive speeds, particularly if you’ve recently transitioned to a new phone or laptop that supports 6E. With a compatible device, you can expect blazing-fast wireless speeds exceeding 1Gbps. Even older devices stand to gain from clearer, less congested connections on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

The Velop Pro 6E offers good overall coverage and can support gigabit speeds on the latest devices. However, it’s worth noting that the fast 6GHz Wi-Fi is only available in short ranges. The system also provides seamless home-wide Wi-Fi coverage and allows for remote management of your home network through the Linksys app.

The Linksys Velop Pro 6E is a strong performer that covers a lot of ground. It is a robust and reliable Wi-Fi 6E mesh system that offers fast connectivity and good coverage. It’s reasonably priced for a Wi-Fi 6E system and is straightforward to set up. The Velop Pro 6E represents good value for money and is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their home network. It thus comes across as highly recommended.

Price: AED 2165