Wi-Fi has seen massive improvements over the past decade, but many people still use outdated routers that can’t keep up with modern demands. If your home or office network is slowing you down, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E could be the solution. These next-generation standards promise faster speeds, better stability, and improved performance—especially in environments with many connected devices.
Here’s what Wi-Fi 6 and 6E actually offer, how they differ from previous generations, and how to decide if it’s time to upgrade.
- What Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the successor to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Introduced in 2019, Wi-Fi 6 is designed to handle more devices at once, offer faster speeds, and reduce network congestion.
Key benefits include:
- Up to 40% faster speeds than Wi-Fi 5
- Lower latency for video conferencing, gaming, and streaming
- Better performance in crowded networks (homes with many devices)
- Improved battery life for connected devices via Target Wake Time (TWT)
- What Is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E takes all the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and adds support for the 6 GHz band, a newer, less congested frequency. This results in even faster speeds, less interference, and improved stability for high-performance applications.
However, to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, both your router and your device must support the 6 GHz band.
- Do You Need a Wi-Fi 6 or 6E Router?
If you’re using a router that’s more than 5 years old—or you’re experiencing slow speeds, frequent drops, or lag in video calls—it’s probably time to upgrade.
Wi-Fi 6 is ideal for:
- Households with 10+ connected devices
- Streaming 4K/8K content
- Smart homes with IoT devices
- Remote work environments needing stable video conferencing
Wi-Fi 6E is ideal for:
- Tech-forward homes with compatible devices
- Gamers or streamers requiring ultra-low latency
- Offices needing high throughput in high-density setups
- Device Compatibility
Most devices released from 2021 onward support Wi-Fi 6, including:
- iPhone 11 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S10 and newer
- Newer laptops with Intel AX chipsets
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
Wi-Fi 6E is still emerging. Compatible devices include:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and newer
- Google Pixel 6 Pro and newer
- Select high-end laptops and routers (e.g., ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000)
- What Routers Support Wi-Fi 6/6E?
Here are a few recommended models:
- Wi-Fi 6: TP-Link Archer AX55, Netgear Nighthawk AX8
- Wi-Fi 6E: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000, Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
Compare devices on Wirecutter or SmallNetBuilder to find the best fit for your home or office.
- ISP Support and Speed Tiers
Even with upgraded hardware, your actual speeds will depend on your internet service plan. Make sure your ISP provides speeds that take advantage of newer routers—at least 300 Mbps or more for Wi-Fi 6/6E to shine.
Use Speedtest to confirm your current connection and BroadbandNow to explore better plans in your area.
- Should You Upgrade Now?
Upgrade if:
- You’re experiencing slow speeds or frequent disconnections
- You work remotely or attend frequent video calls
- You use a lot of smart home devices or game online regularly
- Your current router is over 5 years old
Wait if:
- You only use a few devices and experience no issues
- Your internet plan is under 100 Mbps
- None of your devices support Wi-Fi 6 or 6E yet
Final Thoughts
Wi-Fi 6 and 6E offer major improvements in speed, capacity, and reliability—but the benefits depend on your devices, setup, and internet plan. If you’re ready to future-proof your network and eliminate lags and bottlenecks, upgrading your router could be the smartest move you make in 2025.
