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Wifi Guide

What Devices Have Wifi 6e? Supported Gear Revealed

Introduction If you have been shopping for new networking gear lately, you have probably seen the term WiFi 6E everywhere. The “E” stands for Extended, and it refers to the newly opened 6 GHz band that dramatically expands wireless capacity. But the big questi

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Introduction

If you have been shopping for new networking gear lately, you have probably seen the term WiFi 6E everywhere. The “E” stands for Extended, and it refers to the newly opened 6 GHz band that dramatically expands wireless capacity. But the big question most people ask is simple: What Devices Have Wifi 6e? The answer is growing fast, but it is not yet universal. In this guide, we break down every category of WiFi 6E-compatible hardware, explain how to verify support, and help you decide whether it is time to upgrade.

Table of Contents

What Is WiFi 6E?

WiFi 6E is an extension of the WiFi 6 standard (802.11ax). While WiFi 6 operates on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, WiFi 6E adds access to the 6 GHz band. This new spectrum offers up to 1200 MHz of additional bandwidth in many regions, which translates to more channels, less congestion, and faster real-world speeds.

The key benefit is cleanliness. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are crowded with older devices, microwaves, and neighboring networks. The 6 GHz band is reserved for WiFi 6E (and newer) devices, so interference is minimal. Think of it as a brand-new highway with no traffic.

Why WiFi 6E Matters

For most households, WiFi 6 is already excellent. But WiFi 6E takes things further in specific scenarios:

  • Dense environments: Apartments, offices, and stadiums where dozens of networks compete for airtime.
  • Low latency: Gamers and VR users benefit from reduced contention on the 6 GHz band.
  • High throughput: 160 MHz and even 320 MHz channels (where supported) enable multi-gigabit wireless speeds.
  • Future-proofing: As more devices adopt 6 GHz, early adopters get a head start.

It is worth noting that WiFi 6E does not automatically make your internet faster if your ISP plan is slow. The improvement is in local wireless capacity and latency.

What Devices Have WiFi 6E?

So, What Devices Have Wifi 6e? The short answer: a growing list that includes flagship smartphones, premium laptops, modern routers, select smart TVs, and high-end gaming hardware. Support is still concentrated in mid-to-high-end products, but prices are dropping rapidly. Below is a category-by-category breakdown.

Smartphones With WiFi 6E

Most flagship Android phones from 2022 onward include WiFi 6E. Apple’s iPhone lineup has been slower, with WiFi 6E arriving in the iPhone 15 Pro and later models. Popular examples include:

  • Samsung Galaxy S22, S23, S24 series
  • Google Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Pixel Fold
  • OnePlus 10 Pro, 11, 12
  • Xiaomi 12, 13, 14 series
  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Mid-range phones often stick with WiFi 6 to keep costs down, so always check the spec sheet before buying.

Laptops and Tablets

Premium laptops and tablets increasingly ship with WiFi 6E adapters. Intel’s AX210/AX211 and AX411 modules are common, as are Qualcomm FastConnect 6900/7800 chips. Examples:

  • Dell XPS 13, 15, and XPS 17 (recent generations)
  • HP Spectre x360 and EliteBook series
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Yoga 9i
  • Apple MacBook Pro (M3 and later) and iPad Pro (M2/M4)
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Surface Pro 9
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus and ROG Flow gaming laptops

Many older laptops can be upgraded with an M.2 WiFi 6E card if they have an accessible slot and compatible BIOS.

Routers and Mesh Systems

To actually use WiFi 6E, you need a router or mesh system that broadcasts on 6 GHz. Options range from affordable to enterprise-grade:

  • ASUS RT-AXE7800 and ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000
  • Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 and Orbi RBKE963
  • TP-Link Archer AXE75 and Deco XE75
  • Linksys Hydra Pro 6E
  • Eero Pro 6E
  • Google Nest WiFi Pro

Mesh systems are ideal for larger homes, while single routers suit apartments and smaller spaces.

Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

WiFi 6E is appearing in high-end smart TVs and streaming boxes, though adoption is slower than in phones:

  • Samsung Neo QLED and OLED models (2023 and newer)
  • LG OLED C3, G3, and newer series
  • Sony Bravia XR lineup
  • Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) supports WiFi 6, with 6E in newer revisions
  • Nvidia Shield TV Pro (latest refresh)

Streaming 4K and 8K content benefits from the extra bandwidth, especially in congested homes.

Gaming Consoles and PCs

Gaming hardware is a natural fit for WiFi 6E thanks to low latency:

  • Custom gaming PCs with WiFi 6E PCIe cards (Intel AX210, etc.)
  • PlayStation 5 (supports WiFi 6; some revisions moving toward 6E)
  • Xbox Series X/S (WiFi 6)
  • Steam Deck OLED (WiFi 6E supported)
  • ROG Ally and other handheld PCs

For competitive gaming, a wired Ethernet connection still wins, but WiFi 6E is the best wireless option available today.

IoT and Smart Home Devices

Most smart home gadgets still use WiFi 4 or WiFi 5 because they are cheap and low-power. However, premium devices are starting to add WiFi 6E:

  • High-end security cameras with 4K streaming
  • Smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show 15 (select models)
  • Advanced NAS devices and home servers
  • Some robot vacuums and smart appliances from premium brands

Expect broader IoT adoption as chip costs fall over the next few years.

Comparison Table of Popular WiFi 6E Devices

Device Category Example Models WiFi Standard 6 GHz Support
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra WiFi 6E Yes
Smartphone Apple iPhone 15 Pro WiFi 6E Yes
Laptop Dell XPS 15 (2024) WiFi 6E Yes
Tablet iPad Pro M4 WiFi 6E Yes
Router ASUS RT-AXE7800 WiFi 6E Yes
Mesh System Eero Pro 6E WiFi 6E Yes
Smart TV Samsung Neo QLED 8K WiFi 6E Yes
Handheld Gaming Steam Deck OLED WiFi 6E Yes

How to Check If Your Device Supports WiFi 6E

Not sure whether your current gear is WiFi 6E-capable? Follow these steps:

  1. Check the spec sheet: Look for “WiFi 6E,” “802.11ax (6 GHz),” or “tri-band.”
  2. Inspect the router label: Many routers list supported bands on the bottom sticker.
  3. Use system tools: On Windows, run netsh wlan show drivers and look for “802.11ax” and 6 GHz support. On macOS, hold Option and click the WiFi icon to see the PHY mode.
  4. Check the phone settings: On Android, go to Settings > About Phone > Status. On iPhone, check the technical specs on Apple’s website for your model.
  5. Look up the FCC ID: Search the FCC database for your device model to confirm radio certifications.
  6. Test with a 6 GHz network: If you have a WiFi 6E router, connect and check whether the client negotiates on the 6 GHz band.

How to Set Up a WiFi 6E Network

Once you have a compatible router and at least one WiFi 6E client, setup is straightforward:

  1. Place the router centrally: 6 GHz signals have slightly shorter range than 5 GHz, so central placement matters.
  2. Enable the 6 GHz band: In the router admin panel, ensure the 6 GHz radio is turned on and broadcasting.
  3. Choose a wide channel: Select 80 MHz or 160 MHz if your environment allows it.
  4. Set a distinct SSID: Some users prefer separate SSIDs for 2.4/5 GHz and 6 GHz to control which band clients use.
  5. Update firmware: Install the latest router and client firmware for stability and security.
  6. Test speeds: Use a speed test app on a WiFi 6E device near the router to confirm multi-gigabit performance.

WiFi 6 vs WiFi 6E vs WiFi 7

Understanding the differences helps you spend wisely:

  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax): 2.4 and 5 GHz. Great for most homes. Widely supported and affordable.
  • WiFi 6E: Adds 6 GHz band. Best for congested environments and high-throughput needs.
  • WiFi 7 (802.11be): Introduces 320 MHz channels, multi-link operation, and 4K QAM. Backward compatible but requires new hardware on both ends.

If you are buying new gear today, WiFi 6E offers an excellent balance of price and performance. WiFi 7 is emerging but still premium-priced and not yet ubiquitous in clients.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Match both ends: A WiFi 6E router alone will not help if your phone only supports WiFi 6.
  • Consider range: 6 GHz does not penetrate walls as well as 2.4 GHz. Use mesh nodes for large homes.
  • Keep legacy bands on: Do not disable 2.4/5 GHz; many smart home devices still need them.
  • Secure the network: Use WPA3, which is required for 6 GHz operation.
  • Update regularly: Firmware updates improve 6 GHz stability and add features.
  • Budget wisely: Mid-range WiFi 6E routers now offer strong value; flagship models are only needed for power users.

Common Limitations and Gotchas

WiFi 6E is impressive, but it is not magic. Keep these caveats in mind:

  • Regional availability: The 6 GHz band is not fully open in every country. Check local regulations.
  • Range: Shorter range means more dead zones without mesh support.
  • Device ecosystem: Many accessories and IoT devices still lack 6 GHz support.
  • Cost: WiFi 6E gear costs more than WiFi 6, though prices are falling.
  • Battery impact: Some phones use slightly more power on 6 GHz, though modern chips mitigate this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WiFi 6E worth it in 2024 and beyond?

Yes, if you live in a congested area, have many devices, or want low-latency wireless for gaming and VR. For light users, WiFi 6 is still sufficient.

Does WiFi 6E work with older devices?

Yes. WiFi 6E routers are backward compatible with WiFi 6, 5, and 4 devices on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Only WiFi 6E clients can use 6 GHz.

How many devices can connect to WiFi 6E?

There is no hard limit beyond router capacity. A typical home router handles 30-50 clients comfortably; mesh systems scale higher.

Can I upgrade my old laptop to WiFi 6E?

Often yes, if it has an M.2 slot and supports the new card in BIOS. Check compatibility before buying.

Does WiFi 6E improve internet speed?

It improves wireless throughput and reduces latency, but your actual internet speed is still limited by your ISP plan.

What is the difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E?

WiFi 6E adds the 6 GHz band, providing more channels and less interference. Otherwise, the underlying technology is the same.

Conclusion

So, What Devices Have Wifi 6e? Today, the list spans flagship smartphones, premium laptops and tablets, modern routers and mesh systems, select smart TVs, gaming handhelds, and a growing number of high-end smart home devices. Support is no longer niche, but it is still concentrated in mid-to-premium tiers. If you are upgrading your network, pairing a WiFi 6E router with at least one compatible client delivers a noticeably cleaner, faster, and lower-latency wireless experience. As prices fall and WiFi 7 matures, 6E remains a smart, future-ready choice for most households.