What is the Difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?

PDF download Download Article
Key differences explained and when you should use one or the other
PDF download Download Article

Do you have a dual-band router? Are you wondering what the difference between the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band is? Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz have different speeds and different ranges. Knowing when to use one or the other can help you maximize the efficiency of your Wi-Fi network and get the most out of it. This wikiHow article teaches you the key differences between a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network and when you should use one or the other.

Things You Should Know

  • A 5 GHz network is faster and more reliable but doesn't cover as much range.
  • A 2.4 GHz network is slower but covers a wider range and is able to penetrate walls and solid objects more easily.
  • A 2.4 GHz network is more susceptible to interference from other devices.
Section 1 of 4:

The Difference Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most newer dual-band routers allow you to connect to one of two wireless networks; a 2.4 GHz network, or a 5 GHz network. The biggest difference between these two networks is speed and range. 2.4 GHz offers a slower connection speed but covers a wider area. 5 GHz offers a faster connection speed but doesn't cover as wide of an area. [1]
    • Most dual-band routers broadcast both networks at the same time, allowing you to connect any device to whichever network you choose. Some older routers that only support one network may require you to configure your router in order to select whichever network you want to use.
    • In addition to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, there are also wireless routers that support Wi-Fi 6E which adds a 6 GHz band that supports even faster connections with lower latency. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Pros and Cons of 2.4 GHz

PDF download Download Article
  1. [3]
    • 2.4 GHz covers a wider range of up to about 150 feet or 45 meters under ideal conditions. [4]
    • 2.4 GHz is better able to penetrate walls and solid objects.
    • More devices can connect to a 2.4 GHz network.
    • 2.4 GHz is slower than a 5 GHz network, reaching speeds of up to 300 Mbps under ideal conditions.
    • 2.4 GHz is more susceptible to interference from other devices.
    • 2.4 GHz is less reliable than a 5 GHz network and more prone to network drops.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Pros and Cons of 5 GHz

PDF download Download Article
    • 5 GHz is faster, able to reach speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps under ideal conditions.
    • 5 GHz is less prone to interference from other devices.
    • 5 GHz is more reliable and provides a more stable connection.
    • 5 GHz doesn't cover as much range, topping out at about 90 feet or 27 meters. [5]
    • 5 GHz is less able to travel through walls and solid devices.
    • Not as many devices can connect to a 5 GHz network.
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

When You Should Use a 2.4 or 5 GHz Network

PDF download Download Article
  1. You should connect to a 2.4 GHz network under the following conditions.
    • Connect to a 2.4 GHz network if you need range. If you live in a larger house and you have a portable device, such as smartphone or laptop, and you need more range to cover all the rooms, or if you want to work in your backyard, it's better to connect to a 2.4 GHz network. Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi extenders or connect another router to expand your Wi-Fi network .
    • Connect to a 2.4 GHz network if walls or obstacles are interfering with your connection.
    • Some devices can only connect 2.4 GHz. Many devices, such as appliances and smart lightbulbs, cannot be connected to a 5 GHz network.
  2. You should use a 5 GHz network under the following conditions:
    • Use 5 GHz when you need a faster and more reliable internet connection. A 5 GHz network is better suited for activities that require a faster and more stable internet connection. Activities like online gaming or live streaming.
    • Use 5 GHz if you are receiving interference from other devices. Devices such as garage door openers and other cell phones also use 2.4 GHz. This can interfere with your network connection and cause connection drops.
    • Use 5 GHz when you are within range of your wireless router. Generally speaking, if you are close enough to your router that you are able to receive a 5 GHz signal, you should connect to 5 GHz. It's faster and more reliable.
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      See Who Is Connected to Your Wireless Network
      Mirror Your Screen to a TV: Miracast, Chromecast & Wireless HDMI
      How to
      Connect a Router to a Modem
      Easy Ways to Change the Wi-Fi Network Name
      7 Simple Steps to Hide Your Wireless Network
      How to
      Locate the SSID On Your Computer (Windows & Mac)
      How to
      Set Up and Connect to a Wi-Fi Network: Easy Guide
      How to
      Reset Your Router Password
      How to
      Find the WiFi Password of a Past Connection Using Command Prompt (CMD)
      10 Easy Steps to Set Up a Wireless Router
      How to
      Use a Router As a Switch
      4 Simple Ways To Add an HP Printer to a Wireless Network
      How to
      Jam a Network
      Set Up a Wireless Hotspot on Windows with Command Prompt
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.howtogeek.com/222249/whats-the-difference-between-2.4-ghz-and-5-ghz-wi-fi-and-which-should-you-use/
      2. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-wi-fi-6e
      3. ↑ https://networkshardware.com/2-4ghz-vs-5ghz/
      4. ↑ https://epb.com/get-connected/gig-internet/how-far-will-your-wi-fi-signal-reach/
      5. ↑ https://epb.com/get-connected/gig-internet/how-far-will-your-wi-fi-signal-reach/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10,521 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement