Wi-Fi as we know it is about to get a major upgrade. Just in time, too, because a lot of us are getting tired of glitchy Zoom calls and Netflix streams crapping out.
Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e will increase internet speeds (in some cases, dramatically), but it’s the type of technology that will continue to improve over time. Upcoming devices will come equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology that has the potential to greatly increase internet speeds even further than upon its initial rollout. Much like 5G technology with cell phones, the best is yet to come with Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6/6e-capable devices are beginning to roll out this year, so it's time to get you up to snuff. Here’s everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 6 routers, Wi-Fi 6 networks and speeds, compatible devices, and more.
What Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is the (aptly-named) sixth generation of Wi-Fi technology and represents a potentially massive leap forward for Wi-Fi internet speeds. Wi-Fi 6 will offer the same type of internet connection you’re used to at home, but with considerably more firepower. Wi-Fi isn’t a stand-alone internet service; rather, it uses your existing internet connection but casts a wider net than previous Wi-Fi devices.
Wi-Fi 6 and the Magic of OFDMA Technology
The magic sauce that makes Wi-Fi 6 so much better than its predecessors boils down to something called orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). It’s a mouthful, but basically, OFDMA means that your Wi-Fi has more internet frequencies to cater to specific internet activities. For example, OFDMA allows your Wi-Fi to provide specific frequencies for streaming and gaming respectively, rather than having everything try to fit in the same frequency.
Think of it like creating a freeway where there once was something closer to a two-way street. A freeway allows way more cars to travel more efficiently down the road compared to that two-way country road. Likewise, your devices can take advantage of those new OFDMA frequencies to transmit data much more quickly and efficiently. Who knows, maybe someday you’ll actually be able to stream something reliably on a public Wi-Fi connection!
How Fast Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 has the potential to reach a whopping 9.6 Gbps, which is nearly 200% faster than peak speeds from Wi-Fi 5. To put those numbers in context, check out these potential speeds from Wi-Fi technology from the past few years.
Wi-Fi Generation Speeds Compared
| Generation | Bands | Potential speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 4 | 2.4/5GHz | 300Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 5 | 2.4/5GHz | 3,500Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6/6e | 2.4/5/6GHz | 9,600Mbps |
As you can tell, the potential speeds of Wi-Fi 6 completely blow older Wi-Fi standards out of the water. But before you get too excited, let’s back up and refocus on the word “potential.” You’re unlikely to reach maximum data speeds on a single connected device, but imagine how that data could split across an entire network.
Putting Public Wi-Fi to the Test
I’m writing this article while testing a public Wi-Fi 5 connection, and the internet doesn’t feel nearly as responsive as I would like. Web pages take about 10 seconds to load, and my Spotify music streaming has been spotty. Let’s assume there are about 500 users sharing this Wi-Fi 5 connection.
If this network is running at Wi-Fi max speeds, that would mean each user would get about 7 Mbps per connected device. However, if we were sharing a Wi-Fi 6 network connection, each connected device would get closer to 20 Mbps, more than doubling the efficiency of the data speeds.
In that sense, Wi-Fi 6 is less about making one single connection blazing fast (though it helps with that, too) and more about improving the connection for all devices using the Wi-Fi network. All Internet of Things (IoT) devices that connect to a Wi-Fi 6 access point should experience faster data speeds.
What’s the Difference Between WiFi 6 and 6e?
Wi-Fi 6e is an expansion of Wi-Fi 6, with the “e” standing for “expanded.” In previous generations, the only spectrums that were available were 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with the latter being the most impressive implementation. Wi-Fi 6e brings with it the ability to access a brand new 6GHz spectrum, better in nearly every aspect compared to previous iterations (excluding range).
Wi-Fi 6 has already made impressive strides in solving spectrum congestion issues, with its ability to handle more connected devices with relative ease; 6e will move the benchmark even further with 6GHz connectivity.
A common issue with older Wi-Fi signals was having multiple networks competing for the same spectrum, having only had access to a relatively small number of frequencies. The 6GHz spectrum makes notable steps in the right direction in terms of solving the issue of limited capacity, making way for seven additional 160MHz channels. This means less lag for gamers, less buffering for streaming, and more efficient networks across the board.
Wi-Fi 6/6e Hardware Compatibility
With new technology often comes new hardware, and Wi-Fi 6 is no exception. And while it’s fairly easy to find yourself a Wi-Fi 6 router, like the Huawei WiFi 6 home router, Wi-Fi 6e routers are far less easy to come by (and FAR more expensive).
There are plenty of smart devices that support standard Wi-Fi 6 connectivity (most new iPhones and Android devices do), but a limited number of devices currently support 6e’s 6GHz spectrum—with the Samsung Galaxy S21 being one of the only, and earliest, adopters. That said, the standard will likely shift from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 6e over the coming years, so there’s currently no rush to make the switch just yet, if you’re considering it.
If you’re thinking of upgrading your phone to take advantage of WiFi 6 technology, here are the latest smartphones available right now:
Moto G 5G (2025) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Moto G Power (2025) 128GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Edge (2025) 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 50MP
Wi-Fi 6 Cybersecurity
In order for a Wi-Fi 6-compatible device to be Wi-Fi certified (meaning it can connect to a Wi-Fi network), it will require the latest security technology. Older Wi-Fi standards left security protocols as an optional add-on for Wi-Fi devices, but the next generation makes it mandatory. Security protocols include:
- Enhanced encryption algorithms
- Improved key management
- Secure roaming between cellular and Wi-Fi networks
All of these features combine to make a much more secure internet experience. Hackers will have a much harder time cracking into a Wi-Fi 6 device compared to previous generations.
Who Is WiFi 6/6e Best For?
Because Wi-Fi 6 hardware is generally pretty expensive, many are hesitant to make the switch outright. Still, some of us may benefit more than others when it comes to taking advantage of Wi-Fi 6’s network capabilities. For instance, households that have higher-than-average data needs may find that making the switch sooner than later is preferable—such as gaming households (PlayStation 5 works on Wi-Fi 6) or those with tons of devices.
Wi-Fi 6e, on the other hand, is even more expensive than Wi-Fi 6 as far as investments go, and may not be worth the cost just yet—particularly because most devices don’t yet support the technology. There may be an argument for future-proofing your network as things shift in 6e’s favor, but standard Wi-Fi 6 will likely be perfectly suitable for even the heaviest of data users for the time being.
Wi-Fi 6 FAQs
When will Wi-Fi 6e be available?
Should I switch to Wi-Fi 6/6e?
On a similar note, if you don’t mind spending a fair amount of money to get your hands on Wi-Fi 6e equipment, there is a case for getting ahead of the curve and preventing the need to pay for a new router twice. That said, most devices don’t support Wi-Fi 6e, so even if you have the proper equipment, it may be some time before you can fully take advantage of all of the improvements it has to offer.
What is a Wi-Fi 6 router?
How can I extend the range on my Wi-Fi 6 router?
Tyler Abbott
Contributing Writer
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