# eero Signal 4G vs. 5G: Which Backup Should You Buy?

> eero Signal 4G vs. 5G: the cheaper 4G LTE model suits most homes, since eero says backup speeds are usually similar. Here is when 5G RedCap is worth it.

- URL: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/eero-signal-4g-vs-5g/
- Type: Guide
- Topic: Mesh WiFi
- Author: Tehseen Arbab
- Published: 2026-11-01
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Publisher: WiFi Weekly (https://wifiweekly.com/)

## Short answer

For most households, the eero Signal 4G LTE model is the better buy: eero says you'll get similar backup speeds with either version, and the 4G model costs less. Pick the 5G RedCap model only if you want a better chance at faster backup where 5G RedCap service exists. Either way, the data plan (10 GB a year with annual eero Plus) matters more than the radio.

## Key takeaways

- eero says most customers will see similar backup speeds on the 4G LTE and 5G RedCap versions, and that the 4G LTE model offers the same core backup functionality for less.
- eero's typical estimate for eero Signal is 11-48 Mbps download, 3-27 Mbps upload and 50-100 ms latency. Where 5G RedCap isn't available, the 5G model falls back to 4G LTE.
- Annual eero Plus includes up to 10 GB of backup data a year; eero Plus 100 adds up to 100 GB a month ($99.99 the first year, then $199.99 a year on eero's shop page, checked November 1, 2026). Monthly Plus plans don't work with eero Signal.
- eero Signal has no battery, needs a USB-C-powered eero, doesn't work with an eero network in bridge mode, and can take up to a minute to switch over.
- If you already pay for a phone plan with hotspot data, eero Plus's Hotspot Backup feature can use your phone as backup instead.

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For most homes, the eero Signal 4G LTE model is the one to buy. eero's own support page says "you'll experience similar backup speeds with either version" in most cases, and that the 4G LTE model "provides the same core backup functionality at a more affordable price." The 5G RedCap model makes sense only if you want a better shot at faster backup in an area where carriers offer 5G RedCap, and you're willing to pay more for a chance, not a promise. For both, the bigger decision is the data plan: annual eero Plus covers just 10 GB of backup data a year.

This guide is based on eero's support, shop and legal pages. We have not tested eero Signal.

## What eero Signal does

eero Signal is a small cellular modem that plugs into a USB-C-powered eero and takes over when your main internet drops. It doesn't make its own Wi-Fi; your eero network keeps running and simply switches its internet source. eero says it connects through "an included multicarrier eSIM," so you don't pick a carrier or buy a SIM.

When your main connection fails, eero's troubleshooting page says your main connection can be down for up to a minute before backup starts, and "quick connection hiccups may not activate cellular backup." A solid aqua light shows you're on cellular backup.

## 4G LTE vs. 5G RedCap: the real differences

| | eero Signal 4G LTE | eero Signal 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Model numbers (per eero) | RG4U / RG4W | RG5W |
| Cellular networks | 4G LTE | 5G RedCap, falls back to 4G LTE |
| Speed, per eero | Similar in most cases | Similar in most cases; some areas may see an advantage |
| Compatible eeros and data plans | Same | Same |
| Price | Lower | Higher |

### What "RedCap" means for speed

RedCap, short for Reduced Capability, is a slimmed-down form of 5G from the 3GPP standards body's Release 17. A GSA article published by 3GPP says it's limited to 20 MHz of bandwidth, with peak rates "up to 226 Mbps in downlink and up to 120 Mbps in uplink." Those are theoretical peaks for the technology, not what eero Signal delivers. RedCap is designed for devices that need modest throughput at lower cost, not full-speed 5G home internet.

eero's own estimate is the number to plan around: "most customers will typically experience download speeds of 11-48 Mbps, upload speeds of 3-27 Mbps," with 50-100 ms latency. eero doesn't publish separate figures for each model. Its network management statement adds that minimum speeds aren't guaranteed and that the underlying carriers, which eero doesn't name, may slow traffic during congestion.

In practice, 11-48 Mbps is enough to keep email, messaging, smart-home devices and a video call or two online, but it's far below most wired plans. Our [internet speed guide](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/how-much-internet-speed-do-i-need/) shows what common activities need.

### When the 5G model is worth paying for

- **You're buying for the long term.** The 5G model can use both 5G RedCap and LTE, so it has more options if carriers expand RedCap coverage near you. That's a hedge, not something eero promises.
- **Your area has 5G RedCap service.** eero says some customers in some areas may see faster backup on RedCap. eero doesn't say where that is, so you're buying on chance.

If neither applies, the 4G LTE model gives you the same features for less.

## The data plan matters more than the radio

eero Signal needs a backup data plan, and eero says monthly eero Plus plans "are incompatible with eero Signal."

| Plan | Backup data | Price on eero's shop page (Nov. 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual eero Plus | Up to 10 GB per year | $99.99 a year |
| eero Plus 100 | Up to 100 GB per month | $99.99 the first year, then $199.99 a year |

eero's support page lists eero Plus 100 at $99 and $199, slightly different from the shop page; check the app before you subscribe. New eero Signal purchases include six months of eero Plus.

To put 10 GB in perspective: a connection running flat out at 20 Mbps uses 10 GB in about 67 minutes (10 GB × 8,000 megabits per GB ÷ 20 Mbps ≈ 4,000 seconds). Light use stretches that much further, but a few hours of HD video streaming or a large cloud backup during an outage can use a year's allowance. eero lists streaming, video calls, big downloads, cloud backups, software updates and gaming as heavy users. In the app (Internet > Backup usage > Devices), you can choose which devices may use backup data.

When the data runs out, eero says backup stops, the app notifies you that your data is depleted, and eero Signal's light shows yellow/orange.

If you work from home and outages last hours, eero Plus 100 is the realistic plan. If you mainly want cameras, alarms and phones to stay connected through short outages, 10 GB a year may be enough. For what else Plus includes, see [Is eero Plus worth it?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/is-eero-plus-worth-it/).

## Before you buy either model

- **You need a USB-C-powered eero:** eero 6, eero 6 Extender, eero Pro 6, eero 6+, eero Pro 6E, eero PoE 6, eero 7, eero Pro 7, eero Max 7, eero PoE 7 or eero PoE Gateway. If your eero came from your ISP, eero says to contact the ISP first. Comparing eero's current Wi-Fi 7 models? See [eero 7 vs. eero Pro 7 vs. eero Max 7](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/eero-7-vs-eero-pro-7-vs-eero-max-7/).
- **No bridge mode:** "eero Signal cannot be used with a bridged eero network." Your eero has to run in NAT mode, as the router. If yours sits behind an ISP gateway in bridge mode, read our [bridge mode guide](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/bridge-mode-double-nat-own-router/) before buying.
- **No battery:** "eero Signal does not include a battery; it will not work in the event of a power outage unless you have a backup battery." The eero it plugs into needs power too. For storms and grid outages, budget for a small UPS.
- **Check cell coverage where your eero sits.** eero recommends placing it high and near an exterior wall where cell service is best, and it can plug into any compatible eero in your network.

## Cheaper alternative: your phone's hotspot

eero Plus also includes **Hotspot Backup**, which can use "a nearby mobile hotspot or wifi network as a backup" when your internet goes down, with up to eight saved backup connections. There's nothing extra to buy, but speeds and data charges depend on your phone plan, and your phone has to stay home with its hotspot on. eero's backup order puts eero Signal ahead of Ring Alarm Pro and its wireless (hotspot) backup, so you can set up both.

Choose eero Signal over a phone hotspot if backup needs to work when nobody's home, such as for cameras, alarms or a remote worker's desk.

## Sources and verification

| Important claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Similar speeds on both models; 4G LTE same core features for less; 5G falls back to LTE | [eero Support](https://eero.com/support/articles/eero-signal) | Verified |
| Typical 11-48 Mbps down, 3-27 Mbps up, 50-100 ms | [eero Support](https://eero.com/support/articles/eero-signal), [eero](https://www.eero.com/legal/network-management-statement?lang=en-us) | Verified |
| Compatible eeros, no battery, NAT mode only, multicarrier eSIM, six months of Plus included | [eero Support](https://eero.com/support/articles/eero-signal) | Verified |
| Up to one minute before failover; data-use controls; LED colors | [eero Support](https://eero.com/support/articles/how-do-i-troubleshoot-eero-signal) | Verified |
| Plan data and prices; monthly plans incompatible | [eero shop](https://eero.com/shop/eero-signal), [eero Support](https://eero.com/support/articles/eero-signal) | Qualified (shop and support pages differ slightly on Plus 100 price) |
| No guaranteed minimum speed; carrier congestion management | [eero](https://www.eero.com/legal/network-management-statement?lang=en-us) | Verified |
| RedCap: Release 17, 20 MHz, 226/120 Mbps theoretical peak | [3GPP / GSA](https://www.3gpp.org/news-events/partner-news/redcap-gsa-article01) | Verified |
| Hotspot Backup: up to eight backup connections; eero Plus feature | [eero Support](https://eero.com/support/articles/what-is-eero-hotspot-backup) | Verified |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is eero Signal 5G faster than the 4G LTE model?

Not usually, according to eero. Its support page says that in most cases you'll experience similar backup speeds with either version, with some customers in some areas seeing an advantage on 5G RedCap. Where 5G RedCap isn't available, the 5G model uses 4G LTE.

### How much data does eero Signal include?

An annual eero Plus subscription includes up to 10 GB of backup data per year. eero Plus 100 includes up to 100 GB per month. New eero Signal purchases include six months of eero Plus. When the data runs out, backup stops for the rest of the data period.

### Does eero Signal work during a power outage?

Only with backup power. eero says eero Signal does not include a battery and will not work in a power outage unless you have a backup battery, and the eero it plugs into needs power too.

### Which eero models work with eero Signal?

USB-C-powered eeros: eero 6, eero 6 Extender, eero Pro 6, eero 6+, eero Pro 6E, eero PoE 6, eero 7, eero Pro 7, eero Max 7, eero PoE 7 and eero PoE Gateway. ISP-provided eeros need a check with your provider.

### Do I need a SIM card or carrier plan?

No. eero says eero Signal uses an included multicarrier eSIM and picks a network for your location. The data comes from your eero Plus or eero Plus 100 subscription.

## Sources

- eero Signal, eero Support: https://eero.com/support/articles/eero-signal
- How do I troubleshoot eero Signal?, eero Support: https://eero.com/support/articles/how-do-i-troubleshoot-eero-signal
- eero Signal (shop), eero: https://eero.com/shop/eero-signal
- Network Management Statement, eero: https://www.eero.com/legal/network-management-statement?lang=en-us
- What is eero Hotspot Backup?, eero Support: https://eero.com/support/articles/what-is-eero-hotspot-backup
- eero expands offerings for homes, businesses and professional installers with eero Signal and eero PoE 7, Amazon: https://press.aboutamazon.com/devices/2025/9/eero-expands-offerings-for-homes-businesses-and-professional-installers-with-eero-signal-and-eero-poe-7
- RedCap: GSA article, 3GPP / GSA: https://www.3gpp.org/news-events/partner-news/redcap-gsa-article01
- eero Signal announcement, 9to5Mac: https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/12/eero-signal-announcement-features/