Side by side
Wi-Fi 6 router vs Wi-Fi 7 router
Quick verdict
Buying new? Wi-Fi 7 is more future-proof; if your Wi-Fi 6 router works well and your internet is under ~1 Gbit/s, keep it.
| Criterion | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Speed tech | Wi-Fi 7 router | 320 MHz, MLO, 4096-QAM |
| Fast internet | Wi-Fi 7 router | For fast fibre or cable |
| Future-proofing | Wi-Fi 7 router | Stays current longer |
| Device support | Wi-Fi 6 router | Almost all current devices |
| Value | Depends | Depends on today's price |
At a glance
| Feature | Wi-Fi 6 router | Wi-Fi 7 router |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 802.11ax | 802.11be |
| Frequency bands | 2.4 and 5 GHz (6 GHz only with Wi-Fi 6E) | 2.4, 5 and usually 6 GHz |
| Max channel width | 160 MHz | 320 MHz (in 6 GHz) |
| Multi-Link Operation | No | Yes, uses several bands at once |
| Modulation | 1024-QAM | 4096-QAM |
| Device support | Almost all current devices | Recent high-end phones and laptops |
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Which one should you buy?
Mister Magelo’s verdict
If you buy a new router today, Wi-Fi 7 is the more future-proof choice, especially with a fast fibre or cable connection and recent phones or laptops. If your Wi-Fi 6 router works well and your internet is below about 1 Gbit/s, there is little reason to replace it yet. Poor coverage is usually better solved with mesh than with a new standard.
Independent recommendation · Retailers can’t pay for rankingChoose Wi-Fi 6 router if…
- your internet connection is below about 1 Gbit/s
- most of your devices are a few years old
- you want a solid router at a lower price
Choose Wi-Fi 7 router if…
- you have fast fibre or cable internet
- you own recent phones or laptops with Wi-Fi 7
- you want a router that stays current for many years