2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz WiFi (2024)

A2.4 GHzconnection travels farther at lower speeds, while5 GHzfrequencies provide faster speeds at shorter range. Your choice of 2.4 GHz or 5GHz will depend on where and how you use your WiFi connection most.

A lot of electronic devices and appliances use the 2.4 GHz frequency, including microwaves, baby monitors, security cameras, and garage door openers. If you have many of these in your home, or if you live in an apartment or condo, that 2.4 GHz band is likely to be congested, which can damage speed and signal quality.

2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz WiFi (2024)

FAQs

2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz WiFi? ›

The 2.4 GHz band provides longer-range coverage but transmits data at slower speeds. The 5 GHz band offers less coverage but transmits at faster speeds than the 2.4 GHz band. The 6 GHz band provides the least coverage but transmits data at superfast speeds.

Does 5Ghz WiFi go through walls? ›

Yes, 5Ghz WiFi can go through walls, but it is more likely to be weakened or blocked by obstacles like walls, floors, and ceilings. 5Ghz WiFi is best suited for smaller areas with fewer obstacles, where the signal can reach further, and speeds can remain higher.

Can I use both 2.4 and 5Ghz at the same time? ›

With a dual-band router, you can set it to transmit at both frequencies concurrently. In this case, you typically have two networks (SSIDs) that appear in your network list, with identical names except for a "5G" or "2.4G" at the end. You can then choose to connect each individual device to either network.

What devices should be on 2.4GHz and 5Ghz? ›

For devices that benefit from a faster Wi-Fi connection such as 4K smart TVs that are capable of connecting to 5GHz, this option will provide a seamless experience for all the family. For streaming devices that are further away from the router, it may be a more reliable option to connect them to the 2.4 GHz.

How much slower is 2.4GHz than 5Ghz? ›

Using the latest Wi-Fi standard and the best router, 2.4 GHZ Wi-Fi can reach up to 600 Mbps under absolutely ideal conditions. But for your average home network, a max speed of 150 Mbps is more likely from a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. A 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection can reach up to 1,300 Mbps—more than double the speed.

What are the disadvantages of 5GHz Wi-Fi? ›

Disadvantages - Shorter Range, Cost, Old Component Replacement. There are some disadvantages to going to a 5GHz wireless network. One is that the higher the frequency of a wireless signal, the shorter its range. For example, 2.4 GHz networks cover a substantially larger range than 5 GHz wireless networks.

Should I use 2.4 or 5 Wi-Fi? ›

In general, the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz boils down to wireless range vs. speed. If you want better range, use 2.4 GHz. If you need higher performance or speed, use the 5GHz band.

Does my router automatically switch between 2.4 and 5? ›

If you want to switch your WiFi bands, you will have to do so manually. The answer to “Does my router automatically switch between 2.4 and 5?” is a resounding no.

Should I separate 2.4 and 5GHz router? ›

Separating the two frequencies as two different SSIDs has more benefits. The 2.4GHz travels further but is more susceptible to interference, while the 5GHz offers faster speed. In reality, all your devices hang on the 2.4GHz connection and never switch back to the 5GHz.

Can I change my WiFi from 5GHz to 2.4 GHz? ›

If it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, you will need to check if there is a toggle button on your router which conveniently allows you to switch between the two. If there is no toggle switch, you might need to separate the two signals or disable the 5GHz frequency band.

What happens if I turn off 5GHz WiFi? ›

In some cases, turning off 5GHz may improve WiFi because it can reduce interference and improve the stability of the connection. However, in other cases, turning off 5GHz may actually worsen WiFi because it can limit the available bandwidth and reduce the overall performance of the connection.

Does splitting your WiFi slow it down? ›

Theoretically, multiple devices connected to Wi-Fi doesn't slow down the internet speed. But in practice, more the number of devices are connected to the internet, the bandwidth is being shared thus affecting the speed.

Should I synchronise 2.4GHz and 5GHz settings? ›

A wireless transmission at 2.4 GHz provides internet to a larger area but sacrifices speed, while 5 GHz provides faster speeds to a smaller area. Splitting your WiFi frequencies can help improve your network coverage.

Should I run 2.4 GHz and 5GHz at the same time? ›

Wireless-- Simultaneous vs Selectable Dual Band

Simultaneous Dual Band supports two separate WiFi networks simultaneously using both 2.4- and 5-GHz frequency bands. It not only doubles the available bandwidth but also allows for a more reliable dedicated WiFi network for video and gaming (5GHz) to be created.

How do I know if my WiFi is 2.4 GHz? ›

  1. Connect to the WiFi network.
  2. Open your networks panel from your taskbar (click the WiFi icon in the bottom right).
  3. Click on “Properties” of your WiFi network.
  4. In the new window that opens, scroll all the way down to “Properties”.
  5. “Network Band” will either say 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

Can 5G signal penetrate walls? ›

Yes, 5GHz Wi-Fi can go through walls, but its range and ability to penetrate walls are generally less effective compared to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. 5GHz signals have a shorter wavelength, which makes them more susceptible to attenuation and interference from physical barriers like walls and floors.

How far will 5GHz WiFi travel? ›

5GHz: This band has much faster speeds than the 2.4GHz band but shorter ranges, maxing out at around 150 ft (≈ 45 m).

Is 2.4 GHz or 5GHz better for walls? ›

The longer waves used by the 2.4 GHz band are better suited to longer ranges and transmission through walls and solid objects. The shorter waves used by the 5 GHz band makes it less able to penetrate walls and solid objects.

Does 5GHz WiFi go through glass? ›

It's generally not recommended to place your router next to a window or a mirror, either. Wi-Fi signals can't pass through windows, glass, and mirrors because these materials contain a thin layer of metal that reflects the radio waves back instead of allowing them to pass through.

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