2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz vs 6 GHz: which Wi-Fi band to use
A home router transmits on two or three frequency bands. Each band has a different frequency range, different channel widths, and different top speeds. This page uses FCC filings and maker spec pages to show the differences.
The frequency ranges, from FCC filings
FCC grants list the frequencies a router is approved to use. The TP-Link Archer BE800 grant lists these ranges (fccid.io 2AXJ4BE800):
| Band | Frequencies on the grant |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | 2412–2462 MHz |
| 5 GHz | 5180–5240, 5260–5320, 5500–5720, 5745–5825 MHz |
| 6 GHz | 6115–7115 MHz |
The 2.4 GHz range is 50 MHz from first to last channel centre (computed: 2462 − 2412). The 6 GHz range is 1000 MHz (computed: 7115 − 6115). More room means more wide channels fit without overlap.
Channel widths each band allows
FCC test reports for the Archer BE800 list 20 and 40 MHz modes at 2.4 GHz, 80 and 160 MHz modes at 5 GHz, and a 320 MHz mode (2.4 GHz report p9, 5 GHz report p9, MPE report p6). The eero Pro 7 filings list 20/40 MHz at 2.4 GHz, up to 160 MHz at 5 GHz, and up to 320 MHz at 6 GHz (fccid.io 2AEM4-17731221).
Top speeds per band, from one maker
TP-Link states these per-band maximums for the Archer BE800 (TP-Link):
| Band | Maker's maximum rate |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | 1376 Mbps |
| 5 GHz | 5760 Mbps |
| 6 GHz | 11520 Mbps |
These are link rates under ideal conditions, not test results. Your device's own limits apply (see below).
Your device must support the band
A router's 6 GHz band helps only if your device has a 6 GHz radio. Apple lists 2.4/5/6 GHz for iPhone 17 and iPhone 16, and 2.4/5 GHz only for iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e (Apple Platform Deployment). Google lists 2.4/5/6 GHz for Pixel 10 (Google Store).
Range
Higher frequencies lose more signal through walls and over distance. We have no maker or FCC figure that states range per band for the same router, so we give none here (not yet sourced) . Makers state coverage for the whole unit only, for example "up to 2,000 sq. ft." for eero Pro 7 (eero).
Which to choose
- Use 6 GHz when your device supports it and you are in the same room or close to the router.
- Use 5 GHz for most other cases.
- Use 2.4 GHz for far rooms and for small devices that support only 2.4 GHz.
Sources
- fccid.io, TP-Link Archer BE800 grant and reports: https://fccid.io/2AXJ4BE800
- fccid.io, eero Pro 7 grant: https://fccid.io/2AEM4-17731221
- TP-Link Archer BE800: https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be800/v1/
- Apple Platform Deployment: https://support.apple.com/guide/deployment/wi-fi-ethernet-specifications-apple-devices-dep268652e6c/web
- Google Pixel 10 specs: https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_10_specs
- eero Pro 7: https://eero.com/shop/eero-pro-7
UNSOURCED count: 1 (per-band range).