Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7: what actually changes at home

Wi-Fi 6 improves how a router handles many devices at once. Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz band, which is much less crowded than 2.4 and 5 GHz but covers a smaller area because it passes through walls less well. Wi-Fi 7 adds wider channels and the ability to use several bands at the same time.

The catch is that you only see the benefit when both the router and the device support the standard. Before buying new hardware, try the free upgrades: move the router to a central, elevated spot, use a cable to connect any access points, and pick a less crowded channel.