Understanding Wi-Fi Standards: A Quick History

Wi-Fi has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, transforming how we connect to the internet. Initially, the Wi-Fi standard was known by technical names like 802.11a, 802.11b, and so forth—designations set by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). While technically precise, these names were confusing for everyday users.

For the sake of simplicity, the Wi-Fi Alliance, the global body responsible for certifying Wi-Fi hardware, introduced labels more recognizable to consumers. This is how 802.11ac became WiFi5, while 802.11ax became WiFi6. Each update came with improvements in speed, reliability, and connectivity.

What Is WiFi5 and What Sets It Apart

Wi-Fi 5, or 802.11ac, revolutionized wireless networking. Officially adopted in 2014, this standard operated entirely on the 5GHz frequency band. This alternative offered higher data speeds and less interference from devices like microwaves or baby monitors, which cause congestion on the 2.4GHz band.

It included MU-MIMO, or Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output, which was one of Wi-Fi 5's key technologies. This meant that a router could talk to several devices at once instead of queuing them in turn, making all the difference to the multi-phone, multi-laptop, and multi-smart-TV household. The limits of MU-MIMO on WiFi5 were restricted to downloads and only a few streams at a time. So it was useful but not a game-changer.

In general, Wi-Fi 5 still brings some fairly robust performance for single-user applications and supports high-speed streaming, gaming, and browsing for an adequate number of connected devices.

Wi-Fi 6: The Next Generation of Wireless Technology

Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, was released in 2019 with significant upgrades over previous versions. It's different from Wi-Fi 5 in that it runs on 2.4GHz as well as 5GHz bands, which increases compatibility and range. But what truly sets Wi-Fi 6 apart is how it handles multiple connections and density.

At the core of this enhancement lies OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), a technology that allows a single transmission to carry data for multiple devices at once. This makes Wi-Fi 6 much more efficient in environments like office complexes, stadiums, or even smart homes with up to hundreds of devices connected.

Another achievement is Target Wake Time (TWT), a power-saving technology that determines when devices wake up and talk to the router. It is highly beneficial to battery-powered devices such as security cameras and smartwatches, meaning they can enjoy longer intervals of usage on one charge.

Wi-Fi 6 also upgrades MU-MIMO by supporting it in upload and download streams and allowing more concurrent streams. In short, it treats every connected device more fairly, with a higher speed and reliability.

WiFi5 vs WiFi6: Real-World Performance Comparison

While Wi-Fi 6 seems like a superior offering on paper, how well does it fare in the real world? Differences are negligible in smaller houses but become phenomenal with an increase in the number of devices connected to the network.

Speed-wise, Wi-Fi 6 can theoretically reach 9.6 Gbps, whereas the maximum speed for Wi-Fi 5 is 3.5 Gbps. In practice, though, most home users won't hit these speeds because internet service providers are prone to restricting throughput well below these thresholds. However, Wi-Fi 6 is considerably more efficient, with its average speed maintained even when there are several users at the same time.

Latency is also a weak area of Wi-Fi 6. With OFDMA and enhanced scheduling, online gaming, Zoom meetings, and 4K streaming are less buffered or laggy.

Coverage is marginally better with Wi-Fi 6, especially in homes with multiple floors, because it operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. It can manage interference better and provide more consistent speed over greater distances.

Wi-Fi 6 Routers: What to Expect in 2025

Wi-Fi 6 routers are now widespread across all price points, from budget to high-end mesh devices. Leading manufacturers in the market are TP-Link, ASUS, Huawei, and Xiaomi.

Brand-new routers now implement dual-band or tri-band technology, feature a variety of antennas, and provide mobile apps for control. While more expensive models possess faster processors and better range, even entry-level WiFi6 routers exceed older WiFi5 routers in very crowded network environments.

For upgraders, do look into whether your current devices—laptops, mobiles, smart TVs—are WiFi6 compliant. Luckily, Wi-Fi 6 is backwards compatible with Wi-Fi 5, so your old devices will still work, but will not receive the advantage of the new standard's full capabilities until they are replaced.

Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6: What Should You Opt For

Choosing between WiFi5 and WiFi6 is mostly based on the purpose of use of your internet and how many devices are connected within your house or office.

In case you're alone or only one or two individuals live with you, and you're just using your internet for YouTube watching, web browsing, or occasional Netflix streaming, then a WiFi5 router is still an option, as long as you're looking to cut costs.

But if you've got gamers, remote workers, or more than a few smart devices (like smart speakers, security systems, or thermostats) in your home, then WiFi6 is the brainier, future-proofed choice. Offices, co-workspaces, and small businesses with many users will also notice a huge performance and reliability boost.

Should You Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6? Final Thoughts

Wi-Fi 6 isn't hype. It adds meaningful improvements in how your network acts—faster speed, more reliability, better battery life for your devices, and the ability to handle densely populated environments with no sweat.

If you are in search of a new router in 2025, it is highly recommended that you buy a Wi-Fi 6 model even though your current devices are Wi-Fi 5. Since future phones, tablets, or laptops will be upgraded to support Wi-Fi 6 upon their release, this translates to the fact that you can fully utilize their benefits.

The bottom line: If you're currently on WiFi5, it's worth switching to WiFi6—especially if your current router is older than three years.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About WiFi5 and WiFi6

1. Are WiFi5 devices compatible with a WiFi6 router?

Yes, Wi-Fi 6 routers are backward compatible. Your WiFi5 devices will still work, though they'll be missing out on the speed and efficiency benefits.

2. Is WiFi6 faster than WiFi5 in everyday usage?

In environments with multiple devices, yes. You'll notice smoother streaming, faster downloads, and less lag.

3. Does Wi-Fi 6 use more battery on mobile devices?

No. Thanks to Target Wake Time (TWT), Wi-Fi 6 can help battery-powered devices last longer.

4. Is 2.4GHz or 5GHz better on WiFi6?

Both are useful. 2.4GHz provides better range, while 5GHz offers higher speeds. Wi-Fi 6 uses both to maximize performance.

5. How many devices does WiFi6 support in contrast to WiFi5?

Wi-Fi 6 can support dozens more devices simultaneously with better speed and less interference.

6. Do I need a new modem for Wi-Fi 6?

Not always. If your modem is working with your ISP and provides internet, a WiFi6 router can simply replace the old one.