Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 6E vs Wi-Fi 7
The number on the box is the speed two new devices can attempt in a clear room. Walls, older phones, and a slow ISP still set the result you feel.
Wi-Fi 6 is enough for most homes that do not have 6 GHz clients
Replace a Wi-Fi 5 router when the wired test is fine and rooms stay slow after you move the node. Skip Wi-Fi 7 until you own devices that can use it.
| Generation | Bands people actually use | Practical limit |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 5 | 2.4 and 5 GHz | Fine for light use. Busy homes feel it first. |
| Wi-Fi 6 | 2.4 and 5 GHz | Better with many devices. Still stops at walls. |
| Wi-Fi 6E | Adds 6 GHz | 6 GHz needs new clients and does not cross the house as easily. |
| Wi-Fi 7 | 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz, wider channels on supported gear | The headline rate needs a Wi-Fi 7 client and a clean path. |