Whether we have seen our phone, when it connects to WiFi, display “2.4GHz” or “5GHz” next to the name, whether when buying our router, or whether we have no idea what this article is talking about, most people don’t know what this number means and what they should prefer! So let’s start by explaining what these numbers mean, their differences, and what you should choose!

Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz

The 2.4GHz frequency band is known for its long range and its ability to penetrate walls and solid objects. However, it is also more sensitive to interference from other devices, such as microwaves and other 2.4GHz devices, as unfortunately, almost everything wireless around us is likely to operate at 2.4GHz. These interferences negatively affect our Internet.

Wi-Fi 5 GHz

The 5 GHz frequency band is known for its high speed. The range is quite short and it is not renowned for penetrating solid objects. For this reason, most 5GHz Routers also support 2.4GHz connection simultaneously and it is recommended to use 5GHz when we are in the same room as the Router. Interference in the 5GHz band is not common because it is not present everywhere around our Router, both because there are few devices that use 5GHz and because it does not have a long range.

What to Choose Between the Two?

The choice between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz depends on your situation. If you need a strong, reliable signal that can cover a large area and penetrate walls, the 2.4 GHz band might be the best choice. However, if speed is your priority and you are in a location with a strong signal, 5 GHz would be the better option.

It should be noted that 5 GHz can reach up to 1,300 Mbps, which is almost double the speed compared to a 2.4 GHz connection that can reach up to 600 Mbps under ideal conditions. It is more common to see up to 150 Mbps at home with 2.4 GHz. If you are one of the lucky ones with fiber optics of 200+ Mbps, then 5 GHz is ideal.