Wi-Fi 6 is a generation of Wi-Fi networks. It’s designed to have fast speeds, low latency, and enhanced security for Wi-Fi networks. If you see that a device, gateway, or router has the Wi-Fi 6 logo, that means it’s been tested by Wi-Fi Alliance, the international non-profit organization that certifies Wi-Fi 6 as a legitimate product.
What are the benefits of Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is designed to improve wireless connectivity standards to handle the growing demands of modern life. Whether you’re connecting multiple devices or need better performance, Wi-Fi 6 brings several features that improve speed, efficiency, and security to make it a worthy upgrade.
Faster speeds
Wi-Fi 6 features speeds up to 9.6 Gbps1—nearly three times faster than Wi-Fi 5. Although real-world speeds may not reach this maximum, Wi-Fi 6 improves bandwidth distribution, ensuring faster Wi-Fi connections across all devices, especially in high-traffic wireless networks, so more devices can benefit from faster speeds in your use cases.
Improved device handling
Wi-Fi 6 is built to support more connected devices simultaneously, reducing congestion and providing smoother performance when many gadgets are connected. Its increased bandwidth capabilities mean you can forget about needing to prioritize certain devices to get a reliable connection for high-bandwidth applications like gaming, streaming, and video calling.
Lower latency
Wi-Fi 6 has reduced latency, which means less lag. Just as important for performance as overall speeds, latency refers to the time delay in data transmission over wireless networks. Low latency also means your Wi-Fi network feels more responsive and can work faster. The low latency of Wi-Fi 6 helps maintain stable performance even when several devices are running at the same time.
Extended battery life
With Target Wake Time (TWT), Wi-Fi 6 helps save battery power by allowing devices to schedule when to wake up to send or receive data. This results in longer battery life for smart devices like smartphones and tablets, by reducing the need to be continuously connected.
Enhanced security
Wi-Fi 6 includes WPA3—the latest standard security protocol for Wi-Fi—improving protection against cyber threats. WPA3 offers stronger encryption, making it harder for hackers to access your wireless network, and a host of other features designed to protect your data from attacks.
Better coverage
Wi-Fi 6 operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, improving coverage and range. The 2.4 GHz band helps Wi-Fi signals penetrate walls and other obstacles, ensuring a more stable connection throughout larger homes and offices. The 5 GHz band features blazing speeds for close-range connections that have line-of-sight to the router.
In short, Wi-Fi 6 builds on the strengths and capabilities of previous generations of Wi-Fi connectivity.
Is Wi-Fi 6 good for homes?
Wi-Fi 6 is an excellent choice for modern households that rely on multiple connected devices. With fast speeds, high bandwidths, and low latency, Wi-Fi 6 can enhance the devices already in your home while supporting the new gadgets that make their way in.
Supporting multiple devices
Your home probably has many devices connected to the internet at the same time. Wi-Fi 6 is specifically designed to manage this demand, allowing for better handling of high-traffic networks. Whether it’s streaming 4K content, online gaming, or multiple smart appliances running at once, Wi-Fi 6 ensures each device receives the bandwidth it needs without lag or slowdowns.
Enhancing smart home functionality
Wi-Fi 6 shines in smart homes where numerous smart devices, such as connected lights, thermostats, and security systems are constantly connected. Its ability to manage network congestion and improve efficiency allows smart home systems to function seamlessly without interruptions. This makes Wi-Fi 6 the ideal choice for anyone building or upgrading a smart home.
Especially as your home gets smarter and more devices require a Wi-Fi connection to reach maximum functionality, Wi-Fi 6 is a natural upgrade for your connected home. It even offers backward compatibility, meaning many of the devices you already own can continue to function on your new network.
Is Wi-Fi 6 compatible with all devices?
Wi-Fi 6 is usually compatible with most Wi-Fi-connected devices, even if they were built for an older version of the standard. If you are looking to upgrade from an older Wi-Fi technology, that means the devices you currently have connected will most likely connect to your new Wi-Fi 6 gateway. That said, you may not be able to enjoy optimal internet access and performance unless you’re using a device that is designed to support Wi-Fi 6. Similarly, the latest generation of Wi-Fi devices that support Wi-Fi 7 are backward compatible and can operate on Wi-Fi 6 networks.
[Read: Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7: How are they different?]
Get the speed, bandwidth, and lower latency you need to connect your smart devices and smart home. Learn more about our Wi-Fi solutions, or visit att.com for our other products and services.
1In ideal lab conditions. Speeds vary by device.
This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Matt Johnsen, a TechBuzz contributor and AT&T employee. The statements in this article are his own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
Editor’s note: This article has been significantly revised by Zoya Cochran on August 20, 2025 to expand the definition of Wi-Fi 6, its capabilities, and to include Wi-Fi 7.
