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What Devices Are Wifi 6? Compatible Gear Listed

Introduction If you have ever wondered What Devices Are Wifi 6?, you are not alone. Wi-Fi 6, also known by its technical name 802.11ax, has become the new standard for wireless networking, and manufacturers across every product category have been rushing to ad

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Introduction

If you have ever wondered What Devices Are Wifi 6?, you are not alone. Wi-Fi 6, also known by its technical name 802.11ax, has become the new standard for wireless networking, and manufacturers across every product category have been rushing to add support. From smartphones and laptops to routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even refrigerators, the list of compatible gear keeps growing every month.

This guide breaks down exactly which devices support Wi-Fi 6, how to check whether your current gear is compatible, and what you should buy if you are planning an upgrade. Whether you are a home user trying to eliminate dead zones or a professional setting up a busy office network, understanding the Wi-Fi 6 device landscape will help you spend your money wisely.

Table of Contents

What Is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 is the sixth generation of the Wi-Fi standard, officially called IEEE 802.11ax. It was designed to improve performance in environments where many devices connect simultaneously, such as homes, offices, stadiums, and apartment buildings. While older standards focused primarily on peak speed, Wi-Fi 6 focuses on efficiency, capacity, and battery life.

Key technologies behind Wi-Fi 6 include OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which allows a single transmission to serve multiple devices at once; MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output), which improves downlink and uplink performance; Target Wake Time, which helps battery-powered devices sleep longer; and 1024-QAM modulation, which packs more data into each signal. The result is faster real-world speeds, lower latency, and better performance when dozens of devices share one network.

Wi-Fi 6 operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, unlike Wi-Fi 6E, which adds the 6 GHz band. This backward compatibility means Wi-Fi 6 routers work perfectly well with older Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 devices, although those older devices will not benefit from the new features.

What Devices Are Wifi 6?

When people ask What Devices Are Wifi 6?, they are usually trying to figure out whether their phone, laptop, or router needs an upgrade. The short answer is that almost every major device category released since 2019 has at least some Wi-Fi 6 models. However, support varies by price tier, manufacturer, and region, so it pays to check the specifications before buying.

The following sections break down the major categories and give you a clear picture of which gear is compatible.

Smartphones With Wi-Fi 6

Smartphones were among the first consumer devices to adopt Wi-Fi 6. Apple introduced it with the iPhone 11 series in 2019, and most Android flagships followed within a year. Today, even many mid-range phones include Wi-Fi 6 support.

  • Apple: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, and all newer models including the entire iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 lineups.
  • Samsung: Galaxy S10 series and newer, Galaxy Note 10 and newer, Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, and Galaxy A-series mid-range models from recent years.
  • Google: Pixel 5 and newer, including Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series.
  • OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo: Most flagships from 2020 onward, with growing mid-range support.

If your phone was released before 2019, it almost certainly uses Wi-Fi 5 or older and will not benefit from a Wi-Fi 6 router beyond basic connectivity.

Laptops and Tablets

Laptops have adopted Wi-Fi 6 aggressively because of the productivity benefits. Intel’s AX200 and AX201 wireless cards brought Wi-Fi 6 to Windows laptops starting in late 2019, and Apple added it to MacBooks and iPads around the same time.

  • Apple MacBooks: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models from late 2020 (M1 chip) onward.
  • Apple iPads: iPad Pro (2020 and later), iPad Air (4th gen and later), iPad (9th gen and later), iPad mini (6th gen and later).
  • Windows laptops: Most models from 2020 onward with Intel 10th gen or newer processors, or AMD Ryzen 4000 series and newer with compatible wireless cards.
  • Chromebooks: Many mid-range and premium models from 2021 onward.

Some budget laptops still ship with Wi-Fi 5 to cut costs, so always verify the wireless card specification before purchasing.

Routers and Mesh Systems

A Wi-Fi 6 router is the foundation of any upgraded network. Without a Wi-Fi 6 router, your Wi-Fi 6 phones and laptops cannot use the new features. The good news is that prices have dropped significantly, and there are excellent options at every budget.

  • Entry-level: TP-Link Archer AX21, Asus RT-AX1800S, Netgear R6700AX.
  • Mid-range: TP-Link Archer AX55, Asus RT-AX58U, Netgear Nighthawk AX4, Linksys MR7350.
  • High-end: Asus RT-AX88U, Netgear Nighthawk AX12, TP-Link Archer AX6000.
  • Mesh systems: Eero 6, Eero 6+, Google Nest Wifi Pro, Netgear Orbi RBK752, Asus ZenWiFi AX.

Mesh systems are particularly valuable for larger homes because they use multiple nodes to blanket the entire house in consistent coverage, and Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems handle many simultaneous connections far better than older mesh kits.

Smart Home and IoT Devices

Smart home gear has been slower to adopt Wi-Fi 6 because many devices only need minimal bandwidth. However, the trend is accelerating, especially for devices that stream video or handle constant cloud communication.

  • Smart displays: Amazon Echo Show 10 and newer, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen).
  • Security cameras: Arlo Pro 4 and newer, Ring Stick Up Cam Battery (recent models), EufyCam 2 Pro.
  • Smart thermostats and hubs: Some newer models support Wi-Fi 6, but many still use Wi-Fi 4 or 5.
  • Smart appliances: Select refrigerators, washers, and ovens from Samsung and LG.

For low-bandwidth devices like smart plugs and light bulbs, Wi-Fi 6 support is less critical, although Target Wake Time can significantly extend battery life in sensors.

Gaming Consoles and Smart TVs

Gaming and streaming benefit enormously from Wi-Fi 6’s lower latency and higher throughput.

  • Gaming consoles: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S both support Wi-Fi 6.
  • Smart TVs: Many 2021 and newer models from Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL include Wi-Fi 6, especially mid-range and premium sets.
  • Streaming devices: Apple TV 4K (2nd gen and later), Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Roku Ultra (recent models).
  • Handheld gaming: Nintendo Switch does not support Wi-Fi 6; Steam Deck does.

Wi-Fi Standards Comparison Table

Understanding how Wi-Fi 6 compares to previous and newer standards helps clarify why an upgrade matters. The table below summarizes the key differences.

Feature Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Wi-Fi 6E
Release Year 2009 2014 2019 2021
Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz 2.4, 5, 6 GHz
Max Theoretical Speed 600 Mbps 3.5 Gbps 9.6 Gbps 9.6 Gbps
OFDMA Support No No Yes Yes
MU-MIMO Downlink only Downlink only Uplink and Downlink Uplink and Downlink
Target Wake Time No No Yes Yes
Best For Basic browsing HD streaming Busy smart homes Congested areas

How to Check If Your Device Supports Wi-Fi 6

Before spending money on new gear, verify what you already own. The process differs by device type, but the following steps cover the most common cases.

Checking a Smartphone

  1. Open the device settings and look for “About phone” or “About device.”
  2. Find the model number and search the manufacturer’s specifications page.
  3. Look for “Wi-Fi 6,” “802.11ax,” or “Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)” in the connectivity section.
  4. Alternatively, check the box or original documentation that came with the phone.

Checking a Laptop or Desktop

  1. On Windows, open Device Manager and expand “Network adapters.”
  2. Look for an adapter name containing “AX,” “Wi-Fi 6,” or “802.11ax.”
  3. On macOS, click the Apple menu, choose “About This Mac,” then “System Report,” and check the Wi-Fi card entry.
  4. On Linux, run lspci | grep -i network or iw dev to identify the wireless chipset.

Checking a Router

  1. Look at the model number printed on the device label.
  2. Search the manufacturer’s website for that model number.
  3. Confirm that the specifications list “802.11ax” or “Wi-Fi 6.”
  4. Log into the router admin panel and check the wireless settings for AX mode options.

How to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 is straightforward, but the order of steps matters. Follow this process to get the best results.

  1. Start with the router. A Wi-Fi 6 router is the single most impactful upgrade because it enables the new standard for every device that connects.
  2. Place the router centrally. Position it in the middle of your home or office, elevated and away from thick walls and metal objects.
  3. Update firmware. After unboxing, check for firmware updates to ensure the latest performance and security patches.
  4. Enable WPA3. Wi-Fi 6 pairs well with WPA3 encryption for stronger security.
  5. Connect Wi-Fi 6 clients. Add your phones, laptops, and consoles to the new network.
  6. Test and optimize. Use a speed test app in multiple rooms to identify weak spots and consider adding a mesh node if needed.
  7. Retire or repurpose old gear. Turn an old router into an access point or guest network node.

Wi-Fi 6 Compatible Gear Listed by Category

Below is a curated list of popular Wi-Fi 6 compatible gear across major categories. This is not exhaustive, but it gives you a strong starting point.

Routers

  • TP-Link Archer AX21 (budget)
  • Asus RT-AX58U (mid-range)
  • Netgear Nighthawk AX12 (premium)
  • Linksys MR9600 (mesh-ready)

Mesh Systems

  • Eero 6 (3-pack)
  • Google Nest Wifi Pro
  • Netgear Orbi RBK752
  • Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Smartphones

  • Apple iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16 series
  • Samsung Galaxy S23, S24, S25 series
  • Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series
  • OnePlus 11 and 12 series

Laptops

  • Apple MacBook Air M2 and M3
  • Dell XPS 13 and XPS 15 (recent models)
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9+)
  • HP Spectre x360 (recent models)

Consoles and Streaming

  • Sony PlayStation 5
  • Microsoft Xbox Series X and Series S
  • Apple TV 4K (2nd gen+)
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7: What Comes Next

Wi-Fi 6E is essentially Wi-Fi 6 with access to the 6 GHz band, which offers wider channels and less congestion. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) pushes even further with multi-link operation and 320 MHz channels. While these newer standards are exciting, Wi-Fi 6 remains the sweet spot for most users because of its broad device support and reasonable pricing.

If you are buying new gear today, consider whether Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 is worth the premium. For most households, a solid Wi-Fi 6 router and compatible clients will deliver excellent performance for years. Enthusiasts and professionals with heavy bandwidth needs may benefit from stepping up to Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Match your router to your internet plan. A gigabit internet plan pairs well with a Wi-Fi 6 router; a 100 Mbps plan does not need a premium model.
  • Use the 5 GHz band for speed. Reserve 2.4 GHz for range and for older or low-bandwidth devices.
  • Keep firmware updated. Manufacturers regularly improve performance and security.
  • Separate IoT devices. Put smart home gadgets on a guest network to reduce congestion on your main network.
  • Consider mesh for large homes. A single router rarely covers more than 1,500 to 2,000 square feet well.
  • Do not chase theoretical speeds. Real-world Wi-Fi 6 speeds are typically 30 to 50 percent of the maximum rating.
  • Check client support first. A Wi-Fi 6 router cannot speed up a Wi-Fi 5 phone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Buying a Wi-Fi 6 router for a house full of Wi-Fi 4 devices. You will see little benefit until clients are upgraded.
  • Ignoring placement. Even the best router performs poorly in a closet or basement.
  • Using old Ethernet cables. Wi-Fi 6 routers with multi-gig ports need Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables to reach full speed.
  • Overlooking WPA3. Enable it if all your devices support it.
  • Buying the cheapest option blindly. Entry-level Wi-Fi 6 routers may lack the processing power for busy networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wi-Fi 6 backward compatible?

Yes. Wi-Fi 6 routers work with Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 4, and older devices. Those older devices connect at their own maximum speeds and do not benefit from Wi-Fi 6 features.

Do I need a new router to use Wi-Fi 6 devices?

Wi-Fi 6 devices will connect to older routers, but they will fall back to Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 4 speeds. To unlock Wi-Fi 6 benefits, you need a Wi-Fi 6 router.

What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz band, offering more channels and less interference. Devices must specifically support Wi-Fi 6E to use the 6 GHz band.

Will Wi-Fi 6 improve gaming?

Yes, particularly in households with many connected devices. Lower latency and better traffic management reduce lag spikes during online gaming.

How long will Wi-Fi 6 remain relevant?

Wi-Fi 6 is expected to remain the mainstream standard for several years. Wi-Fi 7 is emerging but will take time to reach affordable price points and broad device support.

Can I add Wi-Fi 6 to an older laptop?

Often yes, by replacing the internal wireless card or using a USB Wi-Fi 6 adapter, provided the laptop has a compatible slot and driver support.

Conclusion

So, What Devices Are Wifi 6? The answer spans nearly every category of modern electronics: smartphones, laptops, tablets, routers, mesh systems, gaming consoles, smart TVs, streaming boxes, and an increasing number of smart home devices. Since 2019, adoption has accelerated to the point where Wi-Fi 6 is now the default in most new mid-range and premium products.

To get the most from the standard, pair a Wi-Fi 6 router with Wi-Fi 6 clients, place the router well, keep firmware updated, and consider mesh if you have a larger home. While Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are on the horizon, Wi-Fi 6 offers an excellent balance of performance, compatibility, and price for the vast majority of users. By understanding which devices support the standard and how to upgrade strategically, you can build a faster, more reliable wireless network that will serve you well for years to come.