Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G – Which one is better?

Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are high level technologies that are mostly used for the transmission of high internet speeds both in industrial settings and home environments. While they share a number f commons, they differ in many ways. So which one is better?

If you run some form of office or industry, or if you like to have high speed and wide range internet coverage in your home, it is imperative that you find a form of internet technology that will amply supply all your users and devices. High speed internet does not particularly come cheap, and deciding for the best form of technology is important.

Wi-Fi 6 and 5G networks are extremely efficient and fast when it comes to high sped and wide range internet transmission. You can have many devices connected to either of these technologies and they would till experience fast speeds. These two don’t shy away from a challenge. So which one is better?

What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G?

Technology	Wi-Fi 6	5G
Maximum Speed	9.6GBps	10GBps
Frequency	2.4GHZ / 5GHZ	3.3 – 3.6GHz/4.8 – 5GHz
Range	Large homes and offices	Large homes and offices
Application	Indoors	Indoors/ outdoors

Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G – How do they compare?

Performance

The Wi-Fi 6 internet standard is an ideal technology for connecting multiple devices at the same time. It is also referred to as 802.11ax, and is an improvement of Wi-Fi 5, also known as 802.11ac. This kind of technology is mainly transmitted via routers that have different processors and bandwidths. With this kind of Wi-Fi standard, you can transmit high speed internet to multiple devices at the same time.

It operates mostly on two bandwidths, and devices that are able to transmit the Wi-Fi 6 internet are tri-band devices. This means that they operate on a lower 2.4GHz bandwidth that transmits at a lower speed, and a bigger 5GHz bandwidth that often transmits at twice as much speed as the 2.4GHz. Most of these routers have a secondary 5GHz bandwidth that further boosts the speed of transmission. The Wi-Fi 6 standard is able to support streaming to a wide range of devices ranging from 8 to even 20 depending on the quality of the router. Wi-Fi 6 is able to reach speeds of up to 9.6Gbps.

The 5G technology is also exceptionally fast, and is more often used in cellular devices. It can, however, be used in multiple devices. This technology is an improvement of 4G technology, and it can transmit at 10 times as much speed as its predecessor. When it comes to its bandwidths, this network is mostly broadcast from devices that use a 3.3 – 3.6GHz or a 4.8 – 5GHz bandwidth. This technology boasts extremely fast speeds, low latency and wide coverage. To use it in your cellular network, you need to have a gadget that is 5G enabled. When used for multiple devices, it is possible to connect as many as 100 devices, and have 4K and 8K streaming across a number of them. This technology reaches speeds of up to 10Gbps.

5G technology stands out in this category because it can be used across cellular and computer devices, and it also boasts a slightly faster maximum speed than Wi-Fi 6.

Range and Application

Wi-Fi 6 is predominantly used in expansive indoor spaces. It is a commercial grade standard that is largely used in homes that reach up to 5000 square feet. If you have a multi-storey home that has an attic, an upper floor, ground floor and basement that is about 4000 square feet to 5000 square feet, you will likely enjoy coverage in all rooms. It is also convenient for connection in an office or public area such as a hotel setting, and even spaces as expansive as hospitals, airports and stadia that need high speed and heavy transmission across many devices. The down side to this technology is that it may not be ideal for the outdoors.

When it comes to functionality, the 5G network works just as well in the outdoors as it does indoors. It can be used in really small spaces, and can also be used in massive environments. Much like the Wi-Fi 6 internet standard, the 5G technology can be used in massive homes that have multiple storeys. The characteristic that sets the 5G apart is that you can use it on your cellular device, meaning that you can be able to use it wherever you go.

What stands out about these two technologies is that they do not have to be used exclusively. They can work hand in hand, with the 5G serving you on the go, and the Wi-Fi 6 serving you when you get home.

The 5G transmission technology stands out in this category for its ability to be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G Overview

Wi-Fi 6 Overview

This network standard is also commonly referred to as 802.11 ax and it is an improvement of the Wi-Fi 5 standard, also known as 802.11ac. This standard is able to transmit internet at varying speeds that are largely dictated by the router being used. It has a capacity to transmit at speeds of up to 9.6Gbps.

This standard is mainly transmitted across two bandwidths which are the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bandwidths. The 5GHz bandwidth transmits the higher speeds, and it is usually backed by a secondary 5GHz for optimal speeds and range.

Wi-Fi 6 can be used in large multi-storey homes that reach up to 5000 square feet, and in massive environments such as hospitals, stadia and even airports.

Pros

• It supports extremely fast internet speeds
• It can be used in heavy applications and massive industries
• It has low latency

Cons

• It is not ideal for outdoor spaces

5G Technology

This king of technology came as an improvement of 4G connection, and it boasts lighting speed transmission. It is used across a myriad of devices and spaces, and the good thing about it is that you do not have to be confined to one place to use it.

It operate across two sets of bandwidth, the first being a 3.3 – 3.6 GHz bandwidth, and the second being a 4.8 – 5GHz bandwidth. This technology can be used at home, in large spaces such as stadia and you can also use it on the go on your cellular device.

It boasts fast speeds that reach up to 10Gbps.

Pros

• It supports extremely fast speeds
• It can be used in various applications and environments
• It has low latency

Cons

• Devices have to be 5G compatible

Verdict: So, which one is better – Wi-Fi 6 or 5G?

5G technology is the winner of this comparison because it is quite versatile and can be used across many devices in both indoor and outdoor settings. It is also able to reach slightly faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6.

FAQs

1. My router is labeled ‘5G’. Does it mean that it automatically connects to 5G network?

No, it does not. It means that the device is operates on a 5GHz bandwidth.

2. How can I know that my new device is 5G enabled?

It should come with clear indication at least on the packaging, but be sure to confirm from the seller before purchase.