Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band vs. WiFi 6E: Which is Best for You

First-time router shopping? To begin with, one cannot guess the number of bands or features just by looking at different models. Don’t fall for the fancy-schmancy stuff – focus on the functionalities!

Vendors will oversell the latest technology and compel you to give them all your money, so I’m here to be your hero. I’ll tell you all there is to know about high-flying router technologies, which will help you make an informed decision.

What is a Router and How it Works

A router is a tangible device that connects your home to the ISP’s network through a modem. Your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and other gadgets in the house establish a connection with the router through an ethernet cable or wireless signal (Wi-Fi).

Wi-Fi uses radio frequencies to transfer data, and a particular broadcast frequency used to send or receive data signals is called a Wi-Fi band. The number of bands your router supports specifies the number of radio transmitters it uses to broadcast Wi-Fi signals.

Dual-Band Router

As the name suggests, a dual-band router comes with two frequency bands - the 2.4-gigahertz (GHz) band and the 5 GHz band.

Understanding the Dual-Band Technology

Single-band routers with the 2.4 GHz frequency were the norm before the 5GHz band was introduced in 1999. The 5GHz band could not replace the 2.4 GHz band due to its lower range and incompatibility with certain devices, thus the dual-band concept was developed.

Since dual-band routers support both frequencies, your network traffic gets divided among them. This prevents network congestion, so your router delivers better speeds on all connected devices. Some routers give users the option to switch between bands while others allot one automatically.

P.S: Many old devices do not detect the 5 GHz frequency, so they can only connect to the 2.4 GHz band.

Pros and Cons of Dual-Band Routers

Tri-Band Router

You guessed it right! A tri-band router is equipped with three frequency bands to further enhance Wi-Fi performance.

Tri-band routers offer one of the two frequency combinations, depending on the they are tailored to:

• One 2.4 GHz band + Two 5 GHz bands (conventional)
• One 2.4 GHz band + One 5 GHz band + One 6 GHz band (cutting-edge)

Understanding the Tri-Band Technology

Tri-band routers are designed to provide more Wi-Fi channel width than dual-band routers. They are ideal for big households or offices where numerous users share a network. You won’t notice a difference in speed or overall performance with a few connected devices.

The tri-band technology is still somewhat new and its capabilities showcase a futuristic approach – assuming that the number of Wi-Fi-compatible devices per user will increase. The third band is like an extra lane for traffic on a highway, i.e. you get more space, efficiency, and speed when needed.

Pros and Cons of Tri-Band Routers

Wi-Fi 6E Router

Wi-Fi 6E routers are the new generation of tri-band routers equipped with the ultra-wide 6 GHz frequency band. The 6 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum offers faster wireless speeds, more than double the bandwidth (of traditional routers), and lower latency.

Understanding the Wi-Fi 6E Technology

The 6 GHz band was approved for unlicensed use in 2020, which was a huge addition to the Wi-Fi spectrum. Even though the progression from 5 GHz to 6 GHz doesn’t seem like a big deal, it is!

 The 6 GHz frequency has raised the number of airwaves available to routers by four times (at least).

In essence, Wi-Fi 6E enhances the capacity, speed, and overall performance of the tri-band router by incorporating the 6 GHz band.

Comparing Band Capacities

*MHz stands for megahertz

Pros and Cons of Wi-Fi 6E

Ultimate Comparison: Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band vs. Wi-Fi 6E

Which Type of Router Should You Choose?

The Wi-Fi 6E router is the most promising option, as it features the latest technology, enables the fastest wireless internet, and seamlessly supports multiple devices. However, it’s not the best choice, especially if you have a tight budget.

Most internet providers let customers rent out or purchase a router from them. The router from the provider is most compatible with its services, thus it is highly recommended over buying your own.

Which Router is Best for What?

Remember: The overall speed and capacity of a router may vary by the user’s internet plan. If your internet provider is delivering slow speed, investing in an advanced router won’t help.