Although both are used to carry WiFi signals, one has certain advantages over the other. In this guide, we’ll show you the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi and which you should choose when setting up your home WiFi router. Read this guide to know more.
What’s the Difference Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?
As mentioned earlier, the two prominent WiFi frequency bands routers use to transmit signals to your WiFi-supported devices are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The primary difference between the two is range and speed.
1 What’s the Difference Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?2 “Which is Better: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi?”— Factors to Consider2.1 Size of Your Home2.2 Type of Device and Bandwidth Used2.3 Interference3 Final Thoughts
A 2.4 GHz WiFI band provides more range but is limited in speed. This frequency is often set on most WiFi routers since coverage is prioritized more on home WiFi than speed, especially when multiple devices connect to different areas of the house. This WiFi band is also better at penetrating solid objects like walls, doors, etc., but can be susceptible to interference since it needs to travel farther. On the other hand, a 5 GHz WiFi frequency can handle data faster but compromises your WiFi’s range. This setting is more suitable for high-bandwidth activities, like streaming, gaming, and video conferences. However, to be effective, you’ll need to place your device as close to your router as possible. Also, if you’re living within a confined residential space—such as a condo or apartment—you’re better off using 5 GHz to avoid network congestion.
“Which is Better: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi?”— Factors to Consider
When choosing between 2.4 vs 5 GHz WiFi frequency, you’ll need to consider various factors first. Some homes might benefit from a 2.4 GHz WiFi band, while others might opt for 5 GHz to make the most of their WiFi plan. Here are some factors that you should consider when picking between the two main WiFI frequencies:
Size of Your Home
The environment where you often use your WiFi connection will significantly influence your choice of WiFi band. If you have a larger home, a 2.4 GHz frequency is better since it covers a wide area and can penetrate solid obstructions, like wood or concrete walls, floors, and doors. If you’re living in a smaller residential space, like a condominium or an apartment, a 5 GHz band will work better since you’ll most likely use your device closer to your WiFi router. It also reduces network congestion dealt with by nearby WiFi networks.
Type of Device and Bandwidth Used
A 2.4 GHz WiFi will work well with most WiFi-ready devices. It’s also more suited when most users in your home are doing low-bandwidth activities online, such as browsing social media, working on cloud-based services, responding to emails, etc. However, if you’re using a smart TV, console, or other devices that often consume high bandwidth, it’s better to use a 5 GHz frequency. Activities such as streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and other high-bandwidth tasks will also work well with this WiFi band.
Interference
The 5 GHz WiFi band will work better against interferences since your device needs to be closer to your router. It will also provide faster speeds and a stable connection comparable to an Ethernet or wired connection. So, if you’re using your device near your router, even in a large space, you can try a 5 GHz band to avoid interference. But, a 2.4 GHz frequency is more susceptible to interference since it has more range and covers a variety of devices. Some of its signals might overlap other routers, Bluetooth-enabled devices, microwaves, baby monitors, and other equipment which sends WiFi-interfering signals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi can be confusing, especially for first-time WiFi users. Each of these WiFi frequencies will have an advantage over the other, depending on how you use them. Overall, it will depend on the WiFi range you prefer and the internet activities you’re often doing. Hopefully, this guide helps you to know the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi frequency bands and what to consider when choosing a WiFi band for your router.
