What Supports Wifi 6? Devices Supporting Wifi 6
Introduction If you have been shopping for new gadgets lately, you have probably noticed the term “Wi-Fi 6” stamped on product boxes, spec sheets, and marketing banners everywhere. It is the latest mainstream wireless standard, promising faster speeds, lower l
Introduction
If you have been shopping for new gadgets lately, you have probably noticed the term “Wi-Fi 6” stamped on product boxes, spec sheets, and marketing banners everywhere. It is the latest mainstream wireless standard, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. But before you invest in a new router or phone, you naturally want to know: What Supports Wifi 6? Which devices can actually take advantage of this technology, and which ones will leave you stuck on older standards?
In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 6 compatibility. We will cover smartphones, laptops, tablets, routers, smart home gear, TVs, and more. You will also learn how to check whether your current devices support Wi-Fi 6, how to upgrade your setup, and how to get the most out of the new standard. Whether you are a casual user or a power user running a smart home, this article will help you make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
- What Is Wi-Fi 6?
- What Supports Wifi 6?
- Smartphones That Support Wi-Fi 6
- Laptops and Tablets
- Routers and Mesh Systems
- Smart Home Devices and TVs
- Comparison Table of Wi-Fi 6 Devices
- How to Check If Your Device Supports Wi-Fi 6
- How to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6
- Tips and Best Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is the consumer-friendly name for the IEEE 802.11ax standard. It is the successor to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and brings a host of improvements designed for modern, device-heavy homes and offices. The key technologies behind Wi-Fi 6 include Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Target Wake Time (TWT), 1024-QAM modulation, and BSS Coloring.
OFDMA allows a router to serve multiple devices simultaneously rather than one at a time, which dramatically reduces latency in crowded environments. Target Wake Time lets devices schedule when they wake up to send or receive data, improving battery life on phones and IoT gadgets. 1024-QAM increases the amount of data packed into each transmission, boosting peak speeds. BSS Coloring helps reduce interference from neighboring networks.
In practical terms, Wi-Fi 6 is not just about raw speed. While peak theoretical speeds can reach up to 9.6 Gbps compared to Wi-Fi 5’s 3.5 Gbps, most users will notice smoother streaming, faster downloads in busy households, and more reliable connections for smart home devices. It is especially beneficial in apartments, offices, and homes with dozens of connected gadgets.
What Supports Wifi 6?
So, What Supports Wifi 6? The short answer is: a growing list of modern devices across nearly every category. Wi-Fi 6 requires both a compatible router (or access point) and a compatible client device. If either side is older, the connection falls back to the highest standard both support.
Devices that support Wi-Fi 6 typically include the following categories:
- Smartphones released from late 2019 onward
- Laptops and tablets with recent Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon
- Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers and mesh systems
- Smart TVs and streaming devices from recent model years
- Smart home devices such as plugs, cameras, and speakers
- Gaming consoles and handhelds
Compatibility is determined by the wireless chipset inside the device. Even if a product is new, it may still use an older Wi-Fi 5 chip to save costs. Always check the spec sheet for “802.11ax” or “Wi-Fi 6” before buying.
Smartphones That Support Wi-Fi 6
Smartphones were among the first devices to adopt Wi-Fi 6. Apple introduced it with the iPhone 11 series in 2019, and Samsung followed with the Galaxy S10 lineup. Today, most mid-range and flagship phones include Wi-Fi 6.
Apple iPhones
The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max were the first iPhones to support Wi-Fi 6. Every subsequent model, including the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series, supports it. The iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) also includes Wi-Fi 6. Note that the iPhone 11 series does not support Wi-Fi 6E.
Android Phones
Samsung’s Galaxy S10 and later, Galaxy Note 10 and later, and Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series support Wi-Fi 6. Google Pixel 4 and newer (Pixel 5, 6, 7, 8) support it. OnePlus 8 and newer, Xiaomi Mi 10 and newer, and many other brands have adopted it. Budget and entry-level phones may still use Wi-Fi 5, so check the specs.
Laptops and Tablets
Laptops and tablets have rapidly adopted Wi-Fi 6, especially those released from 2020 onward. Intel’s AX200 and AX201 wireless cards brought Wi-Fi 6 to Windows laptops, while AMD platforms followed. Apple’s M1 and M2 MacBooks and iPads also include Wi-Fi 6.
Windows Laptops
Most Windows laptops released after 2020 with 11th Gen Intel Core processors or newer include Wi-Fi 6 by default. AMD Ryzen 4000 series and later platforms also commonly feature it. You can upgrade older laptops by swapping in an Intel AX200 or AX210 M.2 Wi-Fi card, provided the laptop has an M.2 slot and the BIOS allows it.
MacBooks and iPads
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models from late 2020 (M1 and later) support Wi-Fi 6. iPad Pro (2021 and later), iPad Air (4th gen and later), and iPad (9th gen and later) also include it. Older Intel-based MacBooks may support Wi-Fi 5 only.
Routers and Mesh Systems
A Wi-Fi 6 router is the heart of any upgraded network. Without one, your Wi-Fi 6 devices will connect using older standards. Major brands like Asus, Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and Eero offer a wide range of Wi-Fi 6 routers and mesh systems.
When choosing a router, consider whether you need Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz band, offering even more spectrum and less congestion. Wi-Fi 6E routers are backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6 devices but require Wi-Fi 6E-capable clients to use the 6 GHz band.
Mesh systems are ideal for larger homes. Popular Wi-Fi 6 mesh options include Eero 6, Netgear Orbi RBK752, and TP-Link Deco X20. These systems use multiple nodes to blanket your home in coverage, and many support wired backhaul for even better performance.
Smart Home Devices and TVs
Smart home devices and TVs have been slower to adopt Wi-Fi 6, but the trend is accelerating. Many new smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony now include Wi-Fi 6. Streaming devices like the Apple TV 4K (2nd gen and later) and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max also support it.
Smart home gadgets such as plugs, bulbs, and cameras are gradually moving to Wi-Fi 6. However, many IoT devices still use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 to keep costs low. If you have a large smart home, a Wi-Fi 6 router’s improved handling of many small devices can still benefit your network even if individual gadgets are older.
Comparison Table of Wi-Fi 6 Devices
The table below summarizes which device categories support Wi-Fi 6 and what to look for when shopping.
| Device Category | Wi-Fi 6 Support | Key Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | Yes (most 2019+) | iPhone 11+, Galaxy S10+ | Check chipset; budget phones may lack it |
| Laptops | Yes (most 2020+) | MacBook M1+, Intel 11th Gen+ | Older models can sometimes be upgraded |
| Tablets | Yes (recent models) | iPad Air 4+, Galaxy Tab S7+ | Verify before purchase |
| Routers | Yes (Wi-Fi 6/6E) | Asus AX, Netgear Nighthawk, Eero 6 | Required for full network benefits |
| Smart TVs | Increasingly yes | Samsung 2021+, LG 2021+ | Check model year and specs |
| Streaming Devices | Select models | Apple TV 4K (2nd gen), Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Not all streaming sticks support it |
| Smart Home | Gradual adoption | Select cameras, plugs, speakers | Many still use Wi-Fi 4/5 |
| Gaming Consoles | Limited | PS5 (Wi-Fi 6), Xbox Series X (Wi-Fi 5) | Console support varies |
How to Check If Your Device Supports Wi-Fi 6
Not sure whether your current gear supports Wi-Fi 6? Here is a step-by-step process to find out.
- Check the product name and model. Search the exact model number plus “Wi-Fi 6” or “802.11ax” on the manufacturer’s website.
- Read the spec sheet. Look for “Wireless: 802.11ax” or “Wi-Fi 6” in the technical specifications.
- On Windows: Open Command Prompt and type
netsh wlan show drivers. Look for “Radio types supported” and check if “802.11ax” is listed. - On macOS: Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. Look for “PHY Mode” which may show 802.11ax if connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings, then General, then About. While the model name does not state Wi-Fi version, you can cross-reference the model number with Apple’s spec page.
- On Android: Go to Settings, then About Phone, then check the model. Then look up the model’s wireless specs on the manufacturer’s site.
- Check your router admin panel. Log in to your router and look at the connected devices list. Some routers show the Wi-Fi standard each client is using.
If your device does not support Wi-Fi 6, it will simply connect at the highest standard both it and the router support, such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 4. There is no harm in mixing old and new devices on a Wi-Fi 6 network.
How to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6
Ready to move to Wi-Fi 6? Follow these steps to upgrade your network and devices smoothly.
- Assess your current setup. Identify which devices already support Wi-Fi 6 and which do not. Prioritize upgrading the router first.
- Choose a Wi-Fi 6 router or mesh system. Match the router to your home size and budget. For large homes, consider a mesh system.
- Place the router centrally. Position it in a central, elevated location away from thick walls and metal objects.
- Update firmware. After setup, check for firmware updates to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
- Enable WPA3 if available. Wi-Fi 6 routers often support WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security protocol. Enable it for stronger protection.
- Connect your devices. Reconnect your Wi-Fi 6 devices to the new network. They should automatically negotiate the best standard.
- Consider upgrading key devices. If your phone or laptop is old, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 model will unlock the full benefits.
- Test your speeds. Use a speed test app near the router and in distant rooms to verify performance improvements.
Tips and Best Practices
Getting the most out of Wi-Fi 6 requires more than just buying compatible gear. Here are some practical tips.
- Use the 5 GHz band for high-bandwidth tasks. While 2.4 GHz offers better range, 5 GHz (and 6 GHz on Wi-Fi 6E) delivers faster speeds and less interference.
- Enable OFDMA and TWT. Many routers have these enabled by default, but check your settings to confirm.
- Keep firmware updated. Router manufacturers regularly release updates that improve performance and security.
- Use wired backhaul for mesh nodes. If possible, connect mesh nodes via Ethernet for the best performance.
- Do not overlook placement. Even the best router performs poorly if hidden in a closet or behind a TV.
- Separate IoT devices. Consider putting smart home gadgets on a guest network or a dedicated 2.4 GHz network to reduce congestion.
- Upgrade devices strategically. Focus on devices you use most for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
- Consider Wi-Fi 6E for future-proofing. If you are buying a new router now, Wi-Fi 6E offers access to the 6 GHz band, which is less crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi 6 backward compatible?
Yes. Wi-Fi 6 routers and devices are fully backward compatible with Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 4, and older standards. Older devices will connect at their maximum supported speed.
Do I need a Wi-Fi 6 router if my devices support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes. Both the router and the client device must support Wi-Fi 6 to get Wi-Fi 6 speeds and features. If only your phone supports it but your router does not, you will not see any benefit.
Is Wi-Fi 6 worth it for a small home?
It can be. Even in small homes, Wi-Fi 6 improves efficiency, reduces latency, and handles multiple devices better. If you have many smart home gadgets or do video calls, the upgrade is worthwhile.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6 that adds the 6 GHz frequency band. This provides more channels and less interference, but requires both a Wi-Fi 6E router and a Wi-Fi 6E client device.
Does Wi-Fi 6 help with gaming?
Yes. Lower latency and better handling of multiple devices can improve online gaming, especially in households where others are streaming or downloading simultaneously.
Does Wi-Fi 6 improve battery life?
It can. Target Wake Time allows devices to sleep longer between transmissions, which can extend battery life on phones, tablets, and IoT devices.
Conclusion
Understanding What Supports Wifi 6? is the first step toward building a faster, more reliable wireless network. From smartphones and laptops to routers and smart home devices, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility has become widespread, though not universal. The key is to verify specs before buying and to upgrade your router first, since it is the foundation of your entire network.
If you are investing in new devices anyway, choosing Wi-Fi 6 models ensures you are future-proofed for years to come. Combined with good placement, updated firmware, and smart network management, a Wi-Fi 6 setup can transform your home or office connectivity. Whether you are streaming, gaming, working from home, or running a smart home, Wi-Fi 6 delivers the efficiency and performance modern life demands.