Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Channel Bandwidth | 160 MHz | 320 MHz |
| Max QAM | 1024-QAM | 4096-QAM |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | No | Yes |
| Max Spatial Streams | 8x8 MU-MIMO | 16x16 MU-MIMO |
| Theoretical Max Speed | ~9.6 Gbps | ~46 Gbps |
| Latency | Low | Extremely Low |
| Security | WPA3 | WPA3 (Mandatory) |
Should You Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7?
- If you need the fastest speeds for 8K streaming, VR/AR, or cloud gaming, Wi-Fi 7 is a game-changer.
- Homes and offices with many devices will benefit from Wi-Fi 7's higher capacity and efficiency.
- Wi-Fi 7 is future-proof, but Wi-Fi 6 is still excellent for most users in 2025.
Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6 FAQ
- Is Wi-Fi 7 much faster than Wi-Fi 6?
- Yes, Wi-Fi 7 offers up to 46 Gbps theoretical speeds, nearly five times faster than Wi-Fi 6.
- Do I need new devices for Wi-Fi 7?
- To enjoy all the benefits of Wi-Fi 7, both your router and client devices must support the new standard.
- Is Wi-Fi 7 more secure?
- Wi-Fi 7 mandates WPA3 security, offering robust protection for your network.