Wi-Fi what…? The distinction between Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and seven

Whereas Wi-Fi networking has simplified a bit previously decade, I can not blame anybody that is confused, particularly in the event that they’re new to desktop and laptop PCs. There are a number of main Wi-Fi requirements current on routers, all of which have various efficiency tiers inside them. On high of that, you must resolve whether or not a mesh router or a standalone unit works greatest for you.

Let’s begin with the fundamentals, although. There are three main Wi-Fi requirements in use at present: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7. You may nonetheless discover Wi-Fi 5 routers on the market — beforehand labeled 802.11ac — however it’s best to actively keep away from them because you would possibly cripple the efficiency of the newest tech devices.

What’s Wi-Fi 6?

The brand new baseline for Wi-Fi

Going into 2025, that is the commonest Wi-Fi customary you may see. Most up-to-date client gadgets assist it, and your web service supplier (ISP) seemingly features a suitable router with its service. Wi-Fi 6 is affordable sufficient that even finances routers use it.

Wi-Fi 6 operates over the two.4GHz and/or 5GHz frequency bands, relying in your community configuration and what a connecting gadget helps. Many good residence equipment solely assist 2.4GHz, for instance, since that requires much less energy and capabilities at additional distances. Routers typically supply separate 2.4 and 5GHz community IDs (often known as SSIDs), nevertheless it’s now more and more frequent for them to make use of a single ID, forwarding gadgets to the suitable band as obligatory.

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How briskly is Wi-Fi 6?

LG

The utmost attainable bandwidth over a Wi-Fi 6 community is 9.6Gbps. That features all wi-fi channels and assumes excellent circumstances. Naturally, indicators are by no means excellent in apply, and that bandwidth is commonly shared by dozens of gadgets, from smart bulbs to your 4K TV. Actual-world obtain speeds are unlikely to high 800Mbps, and uploads could also be far slower.

You may most likely be restricted by your ISP greater than your router. Should you’re not paying for gigabit web, it’ll be unattainable to attain 1Gbps anyway, excluding purely native connections.

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What’s Wi-Fi 6E?

Perhaps the candy spot for price-to-performance

Eero / Pocket-lint

Wi-Fi 6E is a latest evolution of Wi-Fi 6, and in most conditions, it is not essentially sooner. A 6E community nonetheless maxes out at 9.6Gbps, and gadgets usually join over the identical 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

What’s new is the addition of a 6GHz band. That is probably sooner than 5GHz for particular person connections, with the catch (past compatibility) being an excellent shorter vary. 6GHz indicators will not all the time attain throughout your property, not to mention open air — you would not wish to attempt 6GHz for fence cameras or a sensible lawnmower.

The best profit could also be releasing up the two.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Certainly, some mesh routers use 6GHz for a devoted backhaul between nodes, leaving the remainder of a community’s bandwidth untouched. That may be essential in properties with heavy web use — if one particular person is streaming 4K films in the lounge whereas one other is downloading a recreation on Steam, and everybody relies on voice-controlled good lighting, you do not wish to create congestion shuttling knowledge from one aspect of the home to the opposite.

Wi-Fi 6E routers can typically be costly, significantly in mesh kind. However costs are coming down, and 6E assist is showing on increasingly more telephones, computer systems, and tablets. It is most likely the easiest way to go if you happen to legitimately want efficiency however do not have a ton of disposable revenue.

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What’s Wi-Fi 7?

The most effective of one of the best

Like 6E, Wi-Fi 7 is a tri-band know-how with 2.4, 5, and 6GHz choices. Its theoretical high pace, nonetheless, is 46Gbps, which is sort of troublesome to understand from a house person’s perspective. That is sufficient to comfortably stream dozens of 8K films.

Wi-Fi 7 helps wider 320Hz channels, providing twice the channel bandwidth of Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. Even with out that, one other characteristic Wi-Fi 7 gives is Multi-Hyperlink Operation (MLO). This enables a tool to function throughout a number of bands concurrently, which is a large deal for purposes like video, gaming, and file transfers. PC gaming manufacturers are embracing Wi-Fi 7 with open arms.

There are two large drawbacks to Wi-Fi 7: value and compatibility. Whilst you could possibly discover first rate routers beneath $200, one of the best ones are over $300, and whole-home mesh packages can typically method or high $1,000. There is not even a lot profit, but — whereas flagship merchandise just like the iPhone 16 Pro assist Wi-Fi 7, odds are that most of the gadgets in your house are restricted to Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. Even Apple’s $3,500 Imaginative and prescient Professional headset is proscribed to Wi-Fi 6.

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Which form of Wi-Fi router must you select?

Take into consideration the longer term, however guard your pockets

Eero

You possibly can really feel comfy sticking with Wi-Fi 6 in case your finances is proscribed. That is quick sufficient for many functions, and a Wi-Fi 6 router will not grow to be out of date anytime quickly. Your private home will most likely maintain working fantastic 5 years from now.

It is extra intense duties that demand one thing like Wi-Fi 6E. I purchased a 6E mesh system a couple of years in the past as a result of I am a tech journalist with a spouse, baby, and dozens of Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets. It is ok that I hardly ever have points, and I am anticipating to carry out a couple of extra years earlier than I improve.

It might be price investing in Wi-Fi 7 for the sake of future proofing, however provided that you have bought an ample amount of money. Only a few client merchandise assist Wi-Fi 7 in the meanwhile, and if you happen to wait a couple of years, the price of suitable routers is sure to plummet. It is a good luxurious — however most individuals might put the financial savings to raised use.