Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: What’s the difference and which should you choose?

Newer standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are designed to handle more devices at once, with both improving how efficiently data is transmitted across a network for better range and coverage, especially in crowded or high-traffic environments. But knowing which is right for you can be tricky. Read on to learn more about these wifi standards, how they differ, and which you should choose. 

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, officially known as IEEE 802.11ax, were introduced in 2019. Wi-Fi 6 focuses on improving network efficiency, speed, and capacity. It achieves these improvements by building upon the foundation of its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5, and building in advanced features to handle crowded networks, all while enhancing wifi speed and reducing latency.

What is Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which incorporates the 6 Ghz frequency band to provide additional channels. 

Introduction to the 6 GHz band and features of Wi-Fi 6E

Wifi operates on different bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Each band is divided into smaller sections called channels, like lanes on a highway. These frequencies are allocated within specific bands:

• 2.4 GHz band: Offers longer range but lower speeds due to congestion and interference from other devices (e.g., microwaves, Bluetooth).
• 5 GHz band: Provides faster speeds with less interference, but has a shorter range compared to 2.4 GHz.
• 6 GHz band (introduced with Wi-Fi 6E): Adds a new channel and higher bandwidth, reducing congestion and improving performance in high-density environments.

Key differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E

Frequency bands (5 GHz vs. 6 GHz)

Wi-Fi 6 operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, while Wi-Fi 6E extends this functionality to include the 6 GHz band. 

Wi-Fi 6 uses the 5 Ghz band, offering higher data rates with less interference compared to the older 2.4 Ghz band. However, more devices adopting Wi-Fi 6 means the 5 Ghz spectrum becomes congested, resulting in slower speeds and less reliable wifi. 

In contrast, Wi-Fi 6E uses the 6 Ghz band. Only Wi-Fi 6E (and newer) devices can use the 6 GHz band, meaning it’s free from interference caused by older Wi-Fi 4, 5, and 6 devices. Since fewer devices currently operate on 6 GHz, it experiences less traffic and competition compared to the crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Together, these factors make the 6 GHz band ideal for high-speed, low-latency applications like gaming, video conferencing, and AR/VR, while reducing interference from older wifi technologies.

Which wifi standard is right for you?

Choosing between Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6 comes down to the size of your space and the number of devices you connect.

When to choose Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 can be an excellent choice for homes with less congested areas. Wi-Fi 6 is ideal for:

• Internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps
• Smaller footprint homes like studios and 1-2 bedroom apartments
• Households with a small number of streaming or gaming devices

Our Wi-Fi 6 router, the eero 6+, support speeds up to 1 Gbps, has a built-in smart home hub for supported devices, and is compatible with previous generation eero devices—making it a great choice for a smaller home. 

When to choose Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6E is designed for environments that demand more bandwidth and reduced interference. These include:

• Internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps
• Businesses in urban areas where the 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands are crowded
• Smart buildings with smart devices such as sensors, smart lighting, and security systems
• Offices or homes with high bandwidth needs, like simultaneous 4k streaming, VR, and cloud gaming

Our Wi-Fi 6E router, the eero Pro 6E, enables access to the 6 GHz band, provides network speeds up to 2.3 Gbps when using both wired (up to a gigabit) and wireless (up to 1.6 Gbps) devices, supports 100+ connected devices, and covers 2,000 sq. ft. per device. eero Pro 6E is the ideal solution for homes or small businesses that have higher bandwidth requirements.

Sources: 

Spiceworks. What Is Wi-Fi 6? Meaning, Speed, Features, and Benefits

Trusted Reviews. What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wired. What Is Wi-Fi 6E and Do I Need It?

FCC. FCC Opens 6 GHz Band to Wi-Fi and Other Unlicensed Uses

Tech 21 Century. All About the New Wi-Fi 6 Standard – 802.11ax Explained