What Devices Have Wifi 6? Compatible Models Listed
Introduction If you have ever wondered What Devices Have Wifi 6?, you are not alone. Since the Wi-Fi 6 standard (also known as 802.11ax) launched, manufacturers have been steadily rolling out support across smartphones, laptops, routers, smart home gadgets, an
Introduction
If you have ever wondered What Devices Have Wifi 6?, you are not alone. Since the Wi-Fi 6 standard (also known as 802.11ax) launched, manufacturers have been steadily rolling out support across smartphones, laptops, routers, smart home gadgets, and entertainment systems. But with so many product generations and confusing naming conventions, figuring out which devices actually support the newer standard can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We will explain what Wi-Fi 6 is, why it matters, and most importantly, provide detailed lists of compatible models across every major device category. Whether you are shopping for a new phone, upgrading your home network, or simply checking whether your current gear supports the latest wireless standard, this article has you covered.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is Wi-Fi 6?
- Why Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6?
- What Devices Have Wifi 6?
- Wi-Fi 6 Compatible Smartphones
- Wi-Fi 6 Laptops and Tablets
- Wi-Fi 6 Routers and Mesh Systems
- Smart Home and IoT Devices
- Gaming Consoles and Entertainment Devices
- How to Check If Your Device Supports Wi-Fi 6
- Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6E
- Tips and Best Practices
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest mainstream wireless networking standard, officially certified as 802.11ax. It represents a major leap forward from Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), focusing not just on raw speed but on efficiency, capacity, and performance in crowded environments. While Wi-Fi 5 excelled at delivering fast connections to a single device, Wi-Fi 6 was designed to handle dozens of connected devices simultaneously without slowing down.
The key technologies behind Wi-Fi 6 include OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which allows a router to communicate with multiple devices at once; MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output), which improves uplink and downlink performance; and Target Wake Time (TWT), which helps battery-powered devices sleep longer between transmissions. Together, these features make Wi-Fi 6 ideal for modern homes filled with smart devices, streaming boxes, phones, and laptops.
It is important to note that Wi-Fi 6 operates on the same 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands as previous generations. A newer variant called Wi-Fi 6E adds support for the 6 GHz band, but standard Wi-Fi 6 devices do not require new spectrum to deliver their benefits.
Why Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6?
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 offers several tangible benefits even if your internet plan is not the fastest. First, you get better performance in dense environments. If you live in an apartment building or have a large family with many connected devices, Wi-Fi 6 reduces congestion and latency. Second, battery life improves on phones and laptops thanks to TWT. Third, speeds can be significantly higher, with theoretical maximums reaching up to 9.6 Gbps compared to 3.5 Gbps for Wi-Fi 5.
However, to enjoy these benefits, both your router and your client devices must support Wi-Fi 6. A Wi-Fi 6 router paired with older Wi-Fi 5 devices will still work, but those devices will not gain the efficiency improvements. That is why knowing What Devices Have Wifi 6? is so important before investing in new hardware.
What Devices Have Wifi 6?
The short answer is: almost every flagship and mid-range device released from 2019 onward supports Wi-Fi 6. Manufacturers across the board have adopted the standard, though budget devices sometimes lag behind. Below, we break down compatibility by category so you can quickly find the information you need.
Wi-Fi 6 Compatible Smartphones
Smartphones were among the first consumer devices to adopt Wi-Fi 6. Apple introduced support with the iPhone 11 lineup, while Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and others followed shortly after. Today, nearly all mid-range and flagship phones ship with Wi-Fi 6.
| Brand | Wi-Fi 6 Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series | All iPhones from 11 onward support Wi-Fi 6 |
| Samsung | Galaxy S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series; Galaxy Note 10, 20; Galaxy A52, A53, A54, A55 | Most Galaxy A-series from A52 up include Wi-Fi 6 |
| Pixel 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series | Pixel 4 was first to add support | |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 series | Flagship lineup consistently supports Wi-Fi 6 |
| Xiaomi | Mi 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 series; Redmi Note 10 Pro and above | Budget Redmi models vary by region |
Wi-Fi 6 Laptops and Tablets
Most laptops released after 2019 include Wi-Fi 6, especially those powered by Intel 10th Gen or newer processors with integrated AX200/AX201 wireless cards. Apple’s Mac lineup gained Wi-Fi 6 starting with the M1 MacBook Air and Pro in late 2020. Tablets followed a similar timeline.
| Device Type | Examples | Wi-Fi 6 Support |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Laptops | Dell XPS 13/15, HP Spectre, Lenovo ThinkPad X1, ASUS ZenBook | Most 2020+ models |
| MacBooks | MacBook Air (M1, M2, M3), MacBook Pro (M1, M2, M3) | All Apple Silicon MacBooks |
| Chromebooks | Google Pixelbook Go, ASUS Chromebook Flip, Lenovo Flex 5 | Select 2020+ models |
| iPads | iPad Pro (2020+), iPad Air (4th gen+), iPad (9th gen+), iPad mini (6th gen) | Most recent generations |
| Android Tablets | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, S8, S9; Lenovo Tab P11 | Flagship tablets only |
Wi-Fi 6 Routers and Mesh Systems
To get the full benefit of Wi-Fi 6, you need a compatible router. Fortunately, options range from budget-friendly single units to premium mesh systems. Popular choices include the TP-Link Archer AX series, ASUS RT-AX series, Netgear Nighthawk AX series, and mesh systems like the Eero Pro 6, Google Nest Wifi Pro, and Netgear Orbi AX.
Smart Home and IoT Devices
Smart home devices were slower to adopt Wi-Fi 6 because many prioritize low power and low cost over raw speed. However, newer smart speakers, security cameras, and smart displays now include support. Amazon Echo (4th gen and newer), Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), and recent Ring and Arlo cameras support Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E.
Gaming Consoles and Entertainment Devices
Gaming consoles have been a mixed bag. The PlayStation 5 supports Wi-Fi 6, while the Xbox Series X and Series S also include it. The Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, however, do not support Wi-Fi 6 and remain on Wi-Fi 5. Streaming devices like the Apple TV 4K (2nd gen), Roku Ultra, and Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd gen) also support the standard.
How to Check If Your Device Supports Wi-Fi 6
If you are unsure whether your device supports Wi-Fi 6, follow these steps.
- Check the specifications page. Visit the manufacturer’s website and look for “Wi-Fi 6,” “802.11ax,” or “Wi-Fi Certified 6” in the tech specs.
- Look at the device settings. On a phone or laptop, go to Wi-Fi settings and check the connection details. Some systems display the Wi-Fi generation in use.
- Use a system information tool. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type
netsh wlan show drivers. Look for “802.11ax” in the radio types supported line. - Check the router admin panel. When a device connects to a Wi-Fi 6 router, the admin dashboard often shows the protocol version per connected client.
- Search the model number. A quick web search of your exact model number plus “Wi-Fi 6” will usually confirm support.
Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6E
Understanding the differences between generations helps you decide whether upgrading is worth it. The table below summarizes the key distinctions.
| Feature | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Bands | 5 GHz | 2.4 + 5 GHz | 2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz |
| Max Speed | ~3.5 Gbps | ~9.6 Gbps | ~9.6 Gbps |
| OFDMA | No | Yes | Yes |
| Target Wake Time | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Single-device speed | Crowded networks | Ultra-low latency, new spectrum |
Tips and Best Practices
Getting the most out of Wi-Fi 6 requires more than just buying compatible devices. Here are some practical tips.
- Upgrade both ends. A Wi-Fi 6 router alone will not speed up older devices. Aim to upgrade client devices gradually.
- Place your router centrally. Even with advanced technology, physical placement matters. Keep the router away from walls and metal objects.
- Use WPA3 security. Wi-Fi 6 devices support WPA3, which offers stronger encryption than WPA2.
- Enable OFDMA and MU-MIMO. Check your router settings to ensure these features are turned on, as some ship with them disabled.
- Update firmware. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve Wi-Fi 6 performance and stability.
- Consider a mesh system. For large homes, a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system eliminates dead zones better than a single router.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many users make avoidable errors when transitioning to Wi-Fi 6. One common mistake is assuming that Wi-Fi 6 automatically means faster internet. Your internet plan speed is the real bottleneck, so upgrading Wi-Fi alone will not exceed your ISP’s limits. Another mistake is buying a Wi-Fi 6 router but keeping all old devices, expecting dramatic improvements. While the router will handle congestion better, individual old devices will not gain speed benefits.
Some users also confuse Wi-Fi 6 with Wi-Fi 6E and pay a premium for 6 GHz support they may not need. Finally, forgetting to update device firmware can leave performance gains on the table. Always keep your router and devices updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi 6 backward compatible?
Yes. Wi-Fi 6 routers and devices work seamlessly with older Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 equipment. Older devices simply connect using their native standard.
Does Wi-Fi 6 improve range?
Wi-Fi 6 does not dramatically increase range, but it improves signal reliability and performance at the edges of coverage, especially in congested environments.
Do I need Wi-Fi 6 if I have a slow internet plan?
Even with a slow plan, Wi-Fi 6 helps when many devices share the network. It reduces latency and improves responsiveness for gaming and video calls.
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. It requires both a 6E router and 6E-compatible devices.
How do I know if my router is Wi-Fi 6?
Check the product name and specs. Routers with “AX” in the model number, such as AX1800 or AX3000, typically support Wi-Fi 6.
Are there any smartphones without Wi-Fi 6 in 2024?
Yes, many budget and entry-level phones still use Wi-Fi 5 to keep costs down. Always verify specs before purchasing.
Conclusion
Understanding What Devices Have Wifi 6? is the first step toward building a faster, more reliable home network. From flagship smartphones and modern laptops to gaming consoles and smart home gear, Wi-Fi 6 support has become widespread across device categories. By checking compatibility, upgrading both your router and client devices, and following best practices, you can enjoy lower latency, better battery life, and smoother performance across all your connected technology. Whether you are a casual user or a power user with dozens of devices, Wi-Fi 6 offers meaningful improvements that make it a worthwhile upgrade for today’s connected world.