Summary of 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz WiFi
- Is it better to connect to 5GHz or 2.4 GHz?
- How do I know if my WiFi is 2.4 GHz?
- Does 5GHz go through walls?
- Can you connect to 2.4 and 5GHz at the same time?
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AI Overview
AI Overview
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are the two primary Wi-Fi frequencies, offering a tradeoff between range and speed. 2.4 GHz offers a longer range and better penetration through walls but slower speeds. Conversely, 5 GHz provides significantly faster speeds and less interference, but has a shorter range, making it best for high-bandwidth activities near the router.
This video explains the key differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi:
57s
Teltonika Networks
YouTube • Feb 25, 2025
Key Differences and Use Cases
Range & Coverage: 2.4 GHz covers a larger area, often reaching 150+ feet, making it ideal for large homes or outdoor, long-distance connections
. 5 GHz typically has a shorter, ~50-foot range, as higher frequencies struggle to penetrate walls and solid objects
.
Speed & Performance: 5 GHz is much faster, often supporting over 500 Mbps, which is ideal for streaming 4K video, gaming, and large file downloads. 2.4 GHz is generally limited to around 100-300 Mbps.
Interference & Congestion: 2.4 GHz is more prone to interference because it is used by many household devices (microwaves, baby monitors, Bluetooth). 5 GHz is less congested and offers more, non-overlapping channels.
Best Use Cases:
2.4 GHz: Smart home devices (IoT), security cameras,, and devices located far from the router.
5 GHz: Laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming devices in the same or adjacent room.
Summary Table
Feature 2.4 GHz 5 GHz
Speed Slower (up to 300 Mbps) Faster (up to 1 Gbps+)
Range Longer Shorter
Penetration Excellent Poor
Interference High Low
Most modern, dual-band routers broadcast both, allowing devices to automatically switch or letting users choose the best network for their needs.
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2.4GHz vs. 5GHz WiFi
I’ve read multiple articles that suggest high bandwidth, stationary items like smart TV’s and gaming systems should be on 5GHz while mobile items like phones, low bandwidth items, and older household items should be on 2GHz. I’m curious why they would suggest this when phones control most everything now.
I’m assuming an item and your phone must be on the same bandwidth, correct? For example when using apps such as Alexa, Apple/Google Home to control TV’s/Speakers etc, don’t they all need to be on the same network?