BGR Recommends 4 Devices for 5GHz Wi-Fi and 4 for 2.4GHz

Q: Wi-Fi 7 can use all bands at once. Does this mean the debate between 2.4GHz and 5GHz is finally over?

Not entirely. Wi‑Fi 7 largely reduces the old 2.4GHz-versus-5GHz tradeoff for compatible devices, but it does not erase it across real-world networks. The reason is Multi-Link Operation, or MLO, Wi‑Fi 7’s headline feature. It lets supported devices use multiple bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz and, where available, 6GHz—as one logical connection. That improves reliability, lowers latency and helps traffic avoid congestion. In practice, this means users no longer need to think as much about manually picking one band for a phone, laptop or gaming device. But the physics have not changed. 2.4GHz still travels farther and penetrates walls better, while 5GHz still delivers higher speeds over shorter distances. The 6GHz band is faster and cleaner still, but has the shortest range. Wi‑Fi 7 can manage those differences more intelligently; it cannot eliminate them. There is also an adoption gap. Many current devices—especially smart-home gear, cameras, wearables, e-readers and older TVs—do not support Wi‑Fi 7 or MLO. They still connect the old way and remain subject to the traditional tradeoff: 2.4GHz for range and low-bandwidth stability, 5GHz for speed and lower latency. Even among Wi‑Fi 7 clients, many use MLO mainly for fast switching and stability rather than true simultaneous throughput across bands. So the debate is mostly over for newer premium devices, but not for mixed households and offices where older and low-cost devices still dominate.

3 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Jul 15

BGR says smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming hardware and most work systems should favor 5GHz for faster downloads, smoother video calls and lower-latency streaming or play.
5GHz delivers higher speeds but shorter range, making it best when devices stay relatively close to the router; Ethernet still beats Wi-Fi for gaming when practical.
Smart home gear, guest devices, e-readers and smart wearables can stay on 2.4GHz because they need less bandwidth and benefit more from longer range and better wall penetration.
BGR adds that moving many low-bandwidth devices off 5GHz can reduce congestion, while guest networks and protocols such as Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave can improve security and isolation.