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What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi? New Hardware

Introduction If you have recently shopped for a new router or read about WiFi 6E and WiFi 7, you have probably come across the term 6GHz. It is the newest frequency band for wireless networking, and it promises faster speeds, lower latency, and less interferen

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Introduction

If you have recently shopped for a new router or read about WiFi 6E and WiFi 7, you have probably come across the term 6GHz. It is the newest frequency band for wireless networking, and it promises faster speeds, lower latency, and less interference than the older 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Naturally, this leads to a common question: What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi?

The short answer is that support is still limited to relatively new, high-end hardware. You will find 6GHz capability in flagship smartphones, recent laptops, advanced routers, and a growing list of premium consumer electronics. However, many everyday gadgets—including most smart home devices, budget tablets, and older game consoles—still rely exclusively on 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

In this guide, we will break down exactly which devices can connect to 6GHz WiFi, how to check if your current hardware supports it, and what you need to do to get connected. We will also compare 6GHz against the older bands and share practical tips for getting the best performance.

What Is 6GHz WiFi?

6GHz WiFi refers to wireless networking that operates in the 6 gigahertz radio frequency band. This band was opened for unlicensed use in several countries, including the United States, and it is the foundation of WiFi 6E and WiFi 7. The “E” in WiFi 6E stands for “Extended,” meaning it extends WiFi 6 capabilities into the 6GHz spectrum.

Unlike 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which have been crowded for years, the 6GHz band offers wide, clear channels with far less interference from neighbors, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices. This translates to higher throughput, lower latency, and more reliable connections—especially in dense environments like apartment buildings or offices.

It is important to understand that 6GHz is not a separate internet service. It is simply a wireless band that your router and client devices use to communicate. To use it, both your router and your device must support 6GHz, which usually means WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 certification.

When people ask What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi?, they are really asking which client hardware has the right wireless chip to talk to a 6GHz router. That hardware is still rolling out, so compatibility varies widely by manufacturer and price tier.

Smartphones and Tablets That Support 6GHz WiFi

Smartphones were among the first consumer devices to adopt 6GHz WiFi, but support is generally limited to flagship models. If you are wondering What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi? in the mobile category, start with premium handsets released in the last few years.

Supported Smartphones

Many recent Android flagships include 6GHz support. Examples include:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and later S-series flagships
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable models
  • Google Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro
  • OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12
  • Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 series

On the Apple side, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max support WiFi 6E, which includes 6GHz. Standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models do not. Future iPhone models are expected to continue this pattern, with Pro models getting the newer wireless hardware first.

Mid-range and budget phones almost never support 6GHz. Manufacturers typically reserve the required wireless chips for their top-tier devices to control costs.

Supported Tablets

Tablet support is even more limited than phone support. As of now, 6GHz WiFi is mostly found in:

  • Apple iPad Pro models with M2 or M4 chips
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S10 series

Most iPad Air, iPad mini, and budget Android tablets still rely on 5GHz and 2.4GHz only. If you need a tablet for 6GHz networking, check the specifications carefully before buying.

Laptops and Computers with 6GHz WiFi

Laptops are another strong category for 6GHz adoption, particularly premium ultrabooks and gaming machines. If you are asking What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi? for productivity or gaming, recent laptops are a good place to look.

Many business and consumer laptops released from 2022 onward include WiFi 6E cards. Common examples include:

  • Dell XPS 13 and XPS 15 (select configurations)
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga (newer generations)
  • HP Spectre x360 and Envy series (recent models)
  • ASUS Zenbook and ROG gaming laptops
  • MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with M2 or M3 chips

Desktop users are not left out. If you build your own PC or upgrade an existing one, you can install a PCIe WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 card. Popular options include Intel AX210 and BE200 modules, which add 6GHz capability to any desktop with an available slot.

Keep in mind that having a WiFi 6E laptop does not automatically mean you are using 6GHz. Your router must also support the band, and you may need to configure your network settings to prefer it.

WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 Routers

You cannot use 6GHz WiFi without a router that broadcasts it. Routers are the gatekeepers of the 6GHz band, and they are the most important piece of hardware in the equation.

WiFi 6E routers were the first to bring 6GHz to consumers. More recently, WiFi 7 routers have arrived, offering even wider channels and features like multi-link operation. When shopping, look for boxes that explicitly say “WiFi 6E” or “WiFi 7.” A standard WiFi 6 router will not give you 6GHz access.

Popular router brands with 6GHz models include ASUS, Netgear, TP-Link, Eero, and Linksys. Some mesh systems now include 6GHz backhaul, which lets satellite nodes communicate with the main router over the uncongested 6GHz band, leaving 5GHz and 2.4GHz free for client devices.

If you are building a network around the question What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi?, start with a compatible router. Everything else depends on it.

Smart Home Devices and IoT

Smart home devices are the least likely category to support 6GHz. Most smart bulbs, plugs, cameras, and sensors are designed for low cost and low power, which means they use 2.4GHz exclusively. The 2.4GHz band travels farther through walls and is cheaper to implement, making it ideal for IoT.

You should not expect your smart thermostat, video doorbell, or smart speaker to connect to 6GHz anytime soon. Even many newer Matter and Thread devices still operate on 2.4GHz or use low-power radio protocols rather than WiFi at all.

That said, some high-end smart home hubs and WiFi 6E routers can act as bridges. Your 6GHz-capable phone or laptop can connect to the router over 6GHz, while the router handles IoT traffic on 2.4GHz behind the scenes. This separation is actually beneficial, because it keeps low-bandwidth gadgets from crowding the high-speed band.

Gaming Consoles and Gaming PCs

Gaming is a use case where low latency matters, so it is natural to wonder if consoles support 6GHz. The answer is mixed.

Current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S primarily rely on WiFi 6 over 5GHz. They do not yet support the 6GHz band. If you want wireless gaming on 6GHz, a gaming PC is your best option.

Gaming laptops and desktops with WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 cards can take advantage of 6GHz for lower ping and faster downloads, provided your router supports it. For competitive gaming, 6GHz offers less interference than 5GHz, which can matter in crowded wireless environments.

If you are a console gamer, you will likely get better results using a wired Ethernet connection or a 5GHz WiFi connection rather than waiting for 6GHz support to arrive in future console revisions.

Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

High-end smart TVs are beginning to adopt WiFi 6E, but it is still far from universal. Premium models from Samsung, LG, and Sony released in 2023 and 2024 may include 6GHz support, especially in their flagship OLED and Neo QLED lines.

Streaming sticks and boxes are generally behind. Devices like the Roku Streaming Stick, Chromecast with Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick typically support 2.4GHz and 5GHz only. The Apple TV 4K (2022) supports WiFi 6, but 6GHz support depends on the specific model and region.

For 4K and 8K streaming, 5GHz is usually sufficient. You would only need 6GHz if you are streaming uncompressed high-bitrate content or using your TV as a wireless display for a nearby PC. If you are asking What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi? for home entertainment, check your TV’s technical specifications rather than assuming support.

How to Check If Your Device Supports 6GHz WiFi

Before you buy a new router or troubleshoot a connection, you need to confirm that your device can actually see 6GHz networks. Here is a step-by-step process for the most common platforms.

  1. Check the product specifications. Look for “WiFi 6E,” “WiFi 7,” or “802.11ax/be 6GHz” in the official specs. If the box only says “WiFi 6” or “802.11ax,” it probably does not support 6GHz.
  2. Look for certification logos. WiFi Alliance certification marks for WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 are strong indicators of 6GHz capability.
  3. On Windows: Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, and double-click your wireless adapter. Go to the Advanced tab and look for a setting related to 802.11ax or 6GHz. You can also check the adapter model—Intel AX210 and BE200 support 6GHz.
  4. On macOS: Hold the Option key and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar. Look at the PHY Mode or supported channels listed for your current connection. If you see 6GHz channels listed, your Mac supports the band.
  5. On Android: Go to Settings > About phone > Status or Network, and check the WiFi specifications. Some phones also display supported bands in the WiFi settings menu. Third-party WiFi analyzer apps can show whether your device detects 6GHz access points.
  6. On iOS: Apple does not make it easy to check bands directly from the phone. Your best bet is to look up your exact iPhone model number on Apple’s support site and verify whether it lists WiFi 6E.

If none of these steps confirm 6GHz support, your device is limited to 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

How to Connect Devices to 6GHz WiFi

Once you have confirmed that both your router and your device support 6GHz, connecting is straightforward. Follow these steps to get online.

  1. Get a 6GHz-capable router. Purchase a WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router and complete the initial setup using the manufacturer’s app or web interface.
  2. Enable the 6GHz band. Log into your router’s admin panel and make sure the 6GHz radio is turned on. Some routers broadcast a separate network name (SSID) for 6GHz, while others use a single SSID for all bands and let devices choose automatically.
  3. Place the router centrally. Because 6GHz signals have shorter range and struggle more with walls than 5GHz, position your router in an open area close to where you will use your devices.
  4. Connect your device. On your phone, laptop, or tablet, open the WiFi settings. If your router uses a separate 6GHz SSID, select it and enter the password. If it uses band steering, simply connect to your normal network name and the device should choose 6GHz if the signal is strong enough.
  5. Verify the connection. Check your device’s WiFi details or run a speed test. You should see significantly higher speeds on 6GHz compared to 5GHz, especially at close range.
  6. Troubleshoot if needed. If you do not see a 6GHz option, move closer to the router, restart both devices, and ensure your router firmware is up to date.

6GHz vs 5GHz vs 2.4GHz Comparison

To understand where 6GHz fits, it helps to compare it directly against the two older bands. The table below summarizes the key differences.

Feature 2.4GHz 5GHz 6GHz
Typical max speed Up to 600 Mbps Up to 3.5 Gbps Up to 9.6 Gbps (WiFi 6E) or higher (WiFi 7)
Range Best range; penetrates walls well Moderate range Shortest range; struggles with walls
Interference High; crowded by microwaves, Bluetooth, and neighbors Moderate Low; largely uncongested
Available channels Few, narrow channels More, wider channels Many wide, clear channels
Best for Smart home devices, distant coverage General browsing, streaming, gaming High-bandwidth tasks at close range
Device compatibility Nearly all WiFi devices Most devices from the last decade WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 devices only

As the table shows, 6GHz is not a replacement for 2.4GHz or 5GHz. It is a specialized tool for speed and low interference when you are close to the router.

Tips and Best Practices for 6GHz WiFi

Getting the most out of 6GHz requires a slightly different approach than older bands. Here are some practical recommendations.

  • Use 6GHz for high-bandwidth, short-range tasks. Video calls, large file transfers, cloud backups, and wireless VR are ideal candidates.
  • Keep 5GHz as your general-purpose band. For everyday browsing and streaming in other rooms, 5GHz offers better range and compatibility.
  • Reserve 2.4GHz for IoT devices. Smart plugs, lights, and sensors work best on 2.4GHz because of its superior wall penetration.
  • Update your router firmware regularly. 6GHz behavior and stability can improve with software updates.
  • Position your router in an open space. Avoid placing it inside a cabinet or behind a TV, since 6GHz signals are easily blocked.
  • Use band steering carefully. If your router combines all bands under one name, older devices might struggle to connect. Consider giving 6GHz its own SSID if you have mixed-device households.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

There are a few downsides to 6GHz that you should understand before investing in new hardware. First, range is noticeably shorter than 5GHz. A single router may not cover an entire home on 6GHz alone, especially if you have thick walls. Second, device support is still growing, so many of your existing gadgets will not be able to use it. Third, 6GHz routers and clients tend to cost more than older WiFi 5 or basic WiFi 6 equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi?

Currently, 6GHz WiFi is supported by flagship smartphones (such as Samsung Galaxy S-series and Google Pixel Pro models), select tablets (like iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S9/S10), recent laptops with WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 cards, and compatible routers. Most smart home devices, budget electronics, and game consoles do not yet support it.

Do I need a new router to use 6GHz?

Yes. You need a WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router that explicitly supports the 6GHz band. Older WiFi 5 and standard WiFi 6 routers cannot broadcast on 6GHz.

Is 6GHz WiFi safe?

Yes. 6GHz uses non-ionizing radio waves, just like 2.4GHz and 5GHz. It is regulated by national communications authorities and is considered safe for home and office use.

Can 6GHz signals go through walls?

Not as well as 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Higher frequencies are more easily absorbed by walls, furniture, and other obstacles. For best results, keep 6GHz devices in the same room as the router or in an open area nearby.

Does every WiFi 6 device support 6GHz?

No. WiFi 6E is the version that adds 6GHz support. Standard WiFi 6 devices operate only on 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

Will 6GHz make my internet faster?

It can improve your local wireless speeds, but it will not make your internet connection faster than the plan you pay for from your ISP. It mainly reduces congestion and latency between your device and your router.

Should I upgrade all my devices to 6GHz?

Not necessarily. Only upgrade if you have a compatible router and devices that can benefit from the extra speed and lower interference. For many users, a solid 5GHz network is still more than enough.

Conclusion

6GHz WiFi represents a meaningful step forward in wireless networking, but it is still early in its adoption cycle. If you are asking What Devices Use 6ghz Wifi?, the answer today is mostly premium smartphones, tablets, laptops, and routers. Smart home gadgets, game consoles, and budget devices are largely still on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and that is unlikely to change quickly.

To use 6GHz, you need both a compatible router and a compatible client device. Start by checking your hardware specifications, then position your router for optimal short-range performance. Use 6GHz for bandwidth-heavy tasks when you are nearby, and rely on 5GHz and 2.4GHz for everything else.

As more manufacturers adopt WiFi 6E and WiFi 7, the list of 6GHz devices will continue to grow. For now, understanding which of your current gadgets can take advantage of the band will help you build a smarter, faster home network without spending money on upgrades you do not need.