WiFi 6 is 40% faster, handles more devices, and uses less battery. Upgrade if you have 10+ devices or need better performance in crowded areas.
Factor
WiFi 5
WiFi 6
Max Speed
3.5 Gbps
9.6 Gbps
Devices
⭐⭐⭐ Good (1-10)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent (10-50+)
Battery Life
Normal
✅ Better (TWT)
Price
✅ Cheaper
❌ More expensive
WiFi 5
Previous WiFi standard (802.11ac) from 2013.
✓ Pros
Cheaper routers
All devices support it
Good for most homes
✗ Cons
Slower speeds
Worse in crowded areas
Fewer simultaneous devices
WiFi 6
Current WiFi standard (802.11ax) from 2019.
✓ Pros
40% faster speeds
Better for 10+ devices
Less congestion
Better battery life
Works in crowded areas
✗ Cons
More expensive routers
Older devices don't benefit
The Verdict
Upgrade to WiFi 6 if you have 10+ devices, work from home, or live in apartments (WiFi 6 handles interference better). Keep WiFi 5 if you only have 3-5 devices and it works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will WiFi 6 make my internet faster?
Only if your internet is faster than 500 Mbps AND you have WiFi 6 devices. Most benefit is better performance with many devices.
Do I need WiFi 6 devices to benefit?
Yes. WiFi 5 devices won't get faster on WiFi 6 router, but they will work better in crowded environments.