Modified on 10 March 2024
With the ever-increasing number of connected devices in our homes, the demand for faster and more efficient WiFi has never been greater. WiFi 6, the latest wireless networking standard, promises significant improvements over its predecessor, WiFi 5 (also known as 802.11ac). But is it worth upgrading your current setup? Let’s delve into the pros and cons of both technologies to help you decide.
WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between WiFi 5 and WiFi 6:
| Feature | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum theoretical speed | 3.5 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps |
| MU-MIMO | Downlink only | Uplink and downlink |
| OFDMA | No | Yes |
| Target Wake Time (TWT) | No | Yes |
| Frequency bands | 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output): Allows routers to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving efficiency in multi-device environments. OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access): Enables efficient data transmission to multiple devices at once, reducing latency and congestion, especially beneficial for IoT-heavy networks. Target Wake Time (TWT): Conserves battery life in devices by scheduling communication intervals, allowing them to sleep in between data transfers.
Pros and Cons of WiFi 5 and WiFi 6
WiFi 5:
Pros:
- Widely available and supported by most existing devices
- More affordable routers and devices
Cons:
- Lower maximum speeds compared to WiFi 6
- Limited efficiency in congested environments with many devices
- Lacks features like OFDMA and TWT
WiFi 6:
Pros:
- Significantly faster speeds, especially in real-world scenarios
- Improved efficiency for handling multiple devices simultaneously
- Reduced latency for applications like gaming and video conferencing
- Enhanced battery life for devices with TWT support
Cons:
- Newer technology, leading to higher costs for routers and devices
- Limited availability of WiFi 6-compatible devices compared to WiFi 5
Cost, Availability, and Hardware Requirements
Upgrading to WiFi 6 involves acquiring a compatible router and devices. While WiFi 5 routers are readily available and relatively affordable, WiFi 6 routers still carry a premium price tag. Similarly, WiFi 6-compatible devices, like laptops, smartphones, and smart home gadgets, are gradually increasing in number, but they might still be pricier than their WiFi 5 counterparts.
Here are some examples of routers and devices supporting both WiFi 5 and WiFi 6:
WiFi 5 Routers:
- TP-Link Archer C8
- ASUS RT-AC86U
- NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700
WiFi 6 Routers:
- ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
- TP-Link Archer AX6000
- NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500
WiFi 5 Devices:
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Apple iPhone 11
- Google Pixel 4a
WiFi 6 Devices:
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
Making the Decision: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to WiFi 6 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you have a growing number of connected devices, experience frequent network congestion, or prioritize speed and efficiency, then WiFi 6 might be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget or have a limited number of devices that primarily use basic internet tasks, sticking with WiFi 5 might be sufficient for now.
Remember, the availability of WiFi 6-compatible devices is constantly growing, and prices are expected to come down over time. As the technology matures and becomes more widespread, upgrading to WiFi 6 will likely become the standard for a seamless and future-proof wireless experience.
Conclusion
From the perspective of someone that has installed multiple networks, both for offices and homes, should you install a new home network, rather install a WiFi 6 network as this not only future proofs the install, but with more and more devices supporting (at least) WiFi 6, the compatibility is only going to get better and better with time.
