2.4GHz vs 5GHz: What's the Difference?

The Quick Version

Your router

router

A device that creates your home WiFi network and shares your internet connection with multiple devices. Often combined with a modem in one box.

Full definition → broadcasts on two different radio frequencies:

• 2.4GHz

  2.4GHz

  A WiFi radio frequency with longer range but slower speeds. Better at penetrating walls but more prone to interference from other devices like microwaves and Bluetooth.

  Full definition → = Longer range, slower speeds, more interference
• 5GHz

  5GHz

  A WiFi radio frequency with faster speeds but shorter range. Less interference from other devices but struggles with walls and distance.

  Full definition → = Shorter range, faster speeds, less interference

Most modern routers use both simultaneously (called “dual-band

dual-band

A router that broadcasts on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies simultaneously. Most modern routers are dual-band, giving your devices the best of both frequencies.

Full definition → ”), and your devices will typically choose which one to connect to automatically.

2.4GHz: The Long-Range Option

Best for: Devices far from the router, IoT devices, older gadgets

The 2.4GHz frequency has been used for WiFi since the beginning. It travels further and penetrates walls better, but it’s also more crowded.

Advantages:

• Better range - signals travel further
• Better wall penetration - works through brick and concrete
• Works with all WiFi devices, including older ones
• Good for smart home devices that don’t need speed

Disadvantages:

• Slower speeds (typically 50-150 Mbps in practice)
• Only 3 non-overlapping channels (leads to congestion)
• Interference from microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth
• Neighbours’ networks compete on the same channels

5GHz: The Fast Lane

Best for: Streaming, video calls, gaming, devices close to the router

5GHz is the faster option but has some limitations to be aware of.

Advantages:

• Much faster speeds (up to 500+ Mbps with modern routers)
• 23 non-overlapping channels (less congestion)
• Less interference from household devices
• Better for high-bandwidth activities

Disadvantages:

• Shorter range - signal drops off faster
• Struggles with walls, especially brick and concrete
• Some older devices don’t support it
• May need multiple access points for coverage

Which Should You Use?

Scenario	Best Choice
Streaming Netflix in the lounge room (near router)	5GHz
Video calls for work	5GHz
Smart home devices (lights, sensors)	2.4GHz
Outdoor cameras	2.4GHz
Gaming	5GHz (or ethernet)
Working from a back bedroom	2.4GHz or mesh WiFi

The Modern Solution

Many newer routers offer band steering

band steering

A router feature that automatically moves your devices between 2.4GHz and 5GHz based on signal strength and demand. Helps devices stay on the best frequency without manual switching.

Full definition → - they automatically push devices to the best frequency based on location and activity. If your network has a single name (SSID

SSID

Service Set Identifier

The name of your WiFi network — what you see when scanning for networks on your phone or laptop. You can usually change this in your router settings.

Full definition → ) for both bands, your router is probably doing this already.

If you’re experiencing slow speeds or dropouts, try manually connecting to the other frequency to see if it helps. On most devices, you can see which band you’re connected to in the WiFi settings.

When Neither Works Well

If 5GHz doesn’t reach and 2.4GHz is too slow, you likely have a coverage problem that the frequencies alone can’t solve. Solutions include:

• Repositioning your router to a more central location
• Adding a mesh WiFi

  mesh WiFi

  A system of multiple WiFi units that work together as one seamless network. Unlike extenders, mesh systems use one network name and automatically hand off devices as you move.

  Full definition → system
• Installing access points

  access points

  Dedicated WiFi broadcasting devices that connect to your network via ethernet cable. Better performance than wireless extenders because they have a wired connection to your router.

  Full definition → with ethernet backhaul

  ethernet backhaul

  Using physical ethernet cables to connect mesh nodes or access points instead of wireless connections. Provides faster, more reliable performance.

  Full definition →

A WiFi assessment can identify exactly what’s happening in your specific home.

Official Resources

• Wi-Fi Alliance - Official WiFi standards and frequency information
• ACMA Spectrum Management - Australian regulator guidance on WiFi frequencies and devices