Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7 — Which One Should You Use in Your Home?

Wi-Fi is the invisible backbone of every modern home. From streaming movies and gaming to smart locks, cameras, and voice assistants, everything depends on a strong wireless connection. But with new Wi-Fi standards coming out every few years, it can be hard to know which one you actually need.

At Advanced AV & Automation, we help homeowners and builders design networks that are reliable today and ready for tomorrow. Here’s a breakdown of Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 7, and which one makes the most sense for your home.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

Each new Wi-Fi generation is faster, more efficient, and better at handling crowded homes full of connected devices.

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) — Introduced in 2014, still common today.

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — Released in 2019, now the mainstream choice for new devices.

• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) — Just rolling out in 2024–2025, the future standard.

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)

• Speed: Up to ~3.5 Gbps (in ideal conditions).

• Strengths: Solid for HD streaming and light smart home use.

• Weaknesses: Struggles in homes with lots of devices. Doesn’t handle interference well.

• Best For: Small homes or households with fewer connected devices.

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

• Speed: Up to ~9.6 Gbps (theoretical).

• Strengths:

  • Designed for crowded networks (handles dozens of devices at once).

  • Lower latency, ideal for gaming and video calls.

  • Better range with improved efficiency.

  • More secure (WPA3 encryption standard).

• Best For: Medium to large homes, families with 20–50+ devices, 4K streaming, work-from-home setups.

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

• Speed: Up to ~46 Gbps (yes, that’s correct).

• Strengths:

  • Ultra-low latency for gaming, VR, and real-time applications.

  • Uses 320 MHz channels for wider bandwidth.

  • Supports multi-link operation (devices can connect to multiple bands at once).

• Best For: Early adopters, gamers, or high-tech luxury homes. Perfect for households preparing for 8K streaming, AR/VR, and next-gen devices.

• Limitations: Few devices currently support Wi-Fi 7. Equipment is expensive.

So Which One Should You Use?

• If your router is Wi-Fi 5 or older, it’s time to upgrade.

• For most families today, Wi-Fi 6 is the sweet spot. It balances speed, efficiency, and affordability, and works with today’s smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices.

• If you’re building a luxury or custom home and want to be truly future-proof, Wi-Fi 7 is worth considering — but make sure the rest of your network (wiring, switches, access points) can support it.

The Real Secret: It’s About Design, Not Just Standards

A powerful Wi-Fi 7 router won’t fix dead spots if it’s stuck in one corner of the house. That’s why we recommend professionally designed networks with:

• Multiple access points for whole-home coverage.

• Hardwired backbones for stability.

• Proper placement based on heat mapping, not guesswork.

📞 Not sure which Wi-Fi standard your home needs? Call Advanced AV & Automation at (281) 794-3036 or email rick@advancedava.com. We’ll design a network that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your future.