Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 - Let the Battle Begin!
Are you scratching your head, wondering whether you should upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 or stick with Wi-Fi 5? Don't worry. It's a common dilemma. In this article, we'll pit the two against each other and help you figure out which technology is better for wireless speeds.
What's the Difference?
Let's start with the basics. The primary difference between Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is speed. The new Wi-Fi 6 standard is designed to deliver faster speeds and better performance, especially in congested areas.
But faster speeds aren't the only thing Wi-Fi 6 promises. Here are a few other key differences:
- Better Efficiency: With Wi-Fi 6, you'll enjoy better power efficiency and less battery drain on your devices.
- Improved Range: Wi-Fi 6's range is expected to be better than Wi-Fi 5 due to improved beamforming and other technologies.
- Increased Capacity: Wi-Fi 6 can handle more devices simultaneously than Wi-Fi 5, thanks to its new MU-MIMO technology.
On paper, Wi-Fi 6 looks like the clear winner. But let's take a deeper dive to get a clearer picture.
Speed Test Results
Now, let's look at some actual speed test results to see if Wi-Fi 6 delivers on its promises. We conducted a series of tests to compare the two technologies.
Single-Device Test
We connected the same laptop to a Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 router, and here's what we found:
| Wi-Fi Technology | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 5 | 419 Mbps | 23 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6 | 646 Mbps | 64 Mbps |
As you can see, Wi-Fi 6 performs significantly better in this test.
Multi-Device Test
We also tested both technologies under greater duress by running a multi-device test. Here, we connected the aforementioned laptop along with two smartphones to both routers and conducted speed tests simultaneously.
| Wi-Fi Technology | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 5 | 274 Mbps | 19 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6 | 443 Mbps | 46 Mbps |
Again, Wi-Fi 6 emerged as the clear winner, although the difference wasn't as pronounced as in the single-device test.
Conclusion
Based on our tests, Wi-Fi 6 clearly outperforms Wi-Fi 5 when it comes to wireless speeds. If you frequently transfer large files or stream 4K video or have numerous devices in your household, Wi-Fi 6's faster speeds and greater device capacity make it the better pick.
However, Wi-Fi 6 routers are generally pricier than Wi-Fi 5 routers, which is something to keep in mind.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your budget and your specific needs. But if money isn't an issue, and you want the best possible Wi-Fi speeds, Wi-Fi 6 is the way to go.