What is WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest mainstream wireless standard, delivering faster speeds, better performance with multiple devices, and reduced congestion in busy households. Most UK broadband providers now include WiFi 6 routers with their packages.
How WiFi 6 Works
WiFi 6 introduces several technologies that fundamentally improve how your router communicates with devices. The biggest change is OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which divides each WiFi channel into smaller sub-channels. This lets the router send data to multiple devices at the same time, rather than taking turns.
MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) has been upgraded from 4 to 8 simultaneous streams, meaning more devices can receive data at once. Combined with BSS Colouring, which reduces interference from neighbouring WiFi networks, WiFi 6 is a significant leap for anyone in a flat or terraced house where networks overlap.
For mobile devices, Target Wake Time (TWT) allows devices to schedule when they wake up to send and receive data, dramatically improving battery life on phones, tablets, and smart home devices.
WiFi 6 Benefits
- ✓Faster Speeds: Up to 9.6 Gbps theoretical maximum — roughly 3x faster than WiFi 5 (802.11ac).
- ✓More Devices: OFDMA technology lets the router communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, not one at a time.
- ✓Less Congestion: BSS Colouring reduces interference from neighbouring WiFi networks — ideal for flats and terraced houses.
- ✓Better Battery Life: Target Wake Time (TWT) lets devices sleep longer between transmissions, extending battery life on phones and tablets.
- ✓Improved Range: Beamforming focuses the signal towards your devices rather than broadcasting in all directions.
- ✓Lower Latency: MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) reduces delays when multiple devices stream simultaneously.
WiFi 6 vs WiFi 5 Comparison
| Feature | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Name | 802.11ax | 802.11ac |
| Max Speed (theoretical) | 9.6 Gbps | 3.5 Gbps |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz | 5 GHz only |
| Channel Width | Up to 160 MHz | Up to 160 MHz |
| Multi-Device Tech | OFDMA + MU-MIMO | MU-MIMO only |
| Max Simultaneous Streams | 8 | 4 |
| Congestion Handling | BSS Colouring (excellent) | Limited |
| Battery Optimisation | Target Wake Time (TWT) | None |
| Security | WPA3 required | WPA2 |
UK Broadband Routers with WiFi 6
BT
Smart Hub 2
Included with Full Fibre packages. Supports WiFi 6 on both bands.
Virgin Media
Hub 5 / Hub 5x
Hub 5 supports WiFi 6. Hub 5x adds WiFi 6E (6 GHz band).
Sky
Sky Max Hub
WiFi 6 router available with Sky Broadband Superfast and above.
EE
Smart Hub Plus
WiFi 6 capable. Included with EE fibre packages.
Plusnet
Hub Two
WiFi 5 only. Consider a third-party WiFi 6 router.
Do You Need WiFi 6?
Yes, If You...
- • Have 10+ connected devices at home
- • Stream 4K on multiple TVs simultaneously
- • Work from home with video calls
- • Game online and need low latency
- • Live in a flat with many neighbouring networks
- • Have smart home devices (Ring, Hive, Alexa)
Maybe Not If...
- • You have fewer than 5 devices
- • Your current WiFi works well enough
- • You mostly use wired Ethernet connections
- • None of your devices support WiFi 6
- • You live alone with basic browsing needs
Important: WiFi 6 only helps if your devices also support it. Most phones, laptops, and tablets from 2020 onwards include WiFi 6. Older devices will still work — they just connect using WiFi 5 speeds. The next standard, WiFi 7, is starting to appear but remains early-adopter territory.
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