WiFi 4 vs. WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6: What’s the Difference?

WiFi standards like WiFi 4, WiFi 5, and WiFi 6 dominate tech specs for routers, laptops, and smartphones. But what do these numbers really mean? How do they differ in speed, performance, and real-world use? Let's break down the key differences, including why even when using the same frequency band (like 2.4GHz or 5GHz), performance can vary dramatically between generations.

1. What Are WiFi 4, WiFi 5, and WiFi 6?

The WiFi Alliance simplified the naming of wireless standards to make them easier to understand:

• WiFi 4 (802.11n): Launched in 2009, it introduced MIMO technology (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) for faster speeds. It operates only on the 2.4GHz band and has a max theoretical speed of 600 Mbps.

• WiFi 5 (802.11ac): Released in 2013, it focused on the 5GHz band for less interference and higher speeds. It introduced 256-QAM modulation and MU-MIMO (downlink only), hitting up to 3.5 Gbps.

• WiFi 6 (802.11ax): Debuted in 2019, it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with cutting-edge tech like OFDMA and 1024-QAM for a theoretical max speed of 9.6 Gbps.

2. Key Differences: Speed, Frequency Bands & Technology

Frequency Band Support

• 2.4GHz Band:

  Do WiFi 4 and WiFi 6 have the same speed on 2.4GHz?
  No. WiFi 4 maxes out at 150 Mbps per stream (64-QAM), while WiFi 6 achieves 574 Mbps per stream (1024-QAM + wider 40MHz channels).

• WiFi 4 exclusively uses this band. It's great for range but prone to interference from microwaves, Bluetooth devices, etc.

• WiFi 6 also supports 2.4GHz but dramatically boosts speeds through better modulation and channel efficiency.

• 5GHz Band:

  Are WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 identical on 5GHz?
  No. WiFi 6's 5GHz performance is up to 3x faster: A WiFi 5 device might hit 867 Mbps per stream, while WiFi 6 reaches 2402 Mbps (using 160MHz and 1024-QAM).

• WiFi 5 operates solely here, offering cleaner signals but shorter range.

• WiFi 6 retains 5GHz support but adds 160MHz channel width and OFDMA for vastly improved efficiency.

Speed & Technology Upgrades

• Modulation:

• WiFi 4: 64-QAM

• WiFi 5: 256-QAM

• WiFi 6: 1024-QAM (denser data packing = higher speeds).

• MU-MIMO:

• WiFi 5: Downlink-only, supporting up to 4 devices.

• WiFi 6: Uplink + Downlink MU-MIMO, handling 8+ devices simultaneously.

• OFDMA:
  A WiFi 6-exclusive feature that splits channels into smaller subcarriers. This reduces latency in crowded networks (e.g., smart homes with 30+ devices).

• Battery Efficiency:
  WiFi 6's Target Wake Time (TWT) lets devices sleep until needed, saving power on phones, IoT gadgets, and laptops.

3. Real-World Impact: When Does It Matter?

Speed Demands

• WiFi 4: Adequate for basic browsing or HD streaming on sub-100 Mbps plans.

• WiFi 5: Handles 4K streaming and gigabit connections.

• WiFi 6: Ideal for 8K video, VR gaming, or households with 50+ devices.

Latency & Congestion

WiFi 6's OFDMA and MU-MIMO shine in crowded environments. For example:

• A WiFi 5 router might struggle with 10+ smart devices + Zoom calls.

• A WiFi 6 router manages this smoothly, cutting lag by up to 75%.

4. Should You Upgrade to WiFi 6?

• Upgrade if:

• You have gigabit internet or game competitively.

• Your home has 20+ connected devices.

• You own WiFi 6-compatible gadgets (e.g., iPhone 15, Galaxy S24).

• Stick with WiFi 5 if:

• Your internet plan is under 300 Mbps.

• Your current setup works fine for Netflix and emails.

The Bottom Line
While WiFi 4 and WiFi 6 both support 2.4GHz, and WiFi 5/6 share 5GHz, the newer standards deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and smarter traffic management. As smart homes and 8K content grow, WiFi 6 future-proofs your network. For new router purchases, WiFi 6 is a no-brainer—it's built to handle tomorrow's tech today.

Pro Tip: Always check device compatibility. A WiFi 6 router needs WiFi 6-enabled phones/laptops to unlock its full potential.