wifi range comparison
This quick guide breaks down the pros and cons of each frequency band to help you choose the best option for your internet needs—whether you're prioritizing speed, range, or device compatibility.
| 2.4 GHZ: PROS | 2.4 GHZ: CONS |
|---|---|
| Longer wavelength | Lower maximum speeds (theoretically up to ~150Mbps) |
| Longer signal range | More prone to interference and congestion (since most common household electrical devices and most Bluetooth devices also use this band.) |
| Better object penetration (particularly over distance) |
| 5 GHZ: PROS | 5 GHZ: CONS |
|---|---|
| Higher maximum speeds (can exceed 1 Gbps/1000Mbps) | Shorter wavelength (with more "peaks and valleys" to navigate over a particular length/distance vs. 2.4 GHz) |
| Less prone to interference and congestion | Weaker object/wall penetration (as a result of those wavelength "peaks and valleys") |
| Compatible w/more (and higher) frequencies | Older devices (pre-2010s) are unable to support 5 GHz |
| Better w/more stationary (home office, smart TVs/streaming devices, gaming consoles) and/or high-bandwidth situations (gaming, video calls, large file transfers) |