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Not all products, pricing, and services are available in all areas. Pricing and actual speeds may vary. Internet speeds based on wired connection. Restrictions apply.
Both WiFi and 5G offer fast Internet connection, but which is faster? WiFi is used to connect devices to the Internet without the use of cellular data, whereas 5G requires a cellular connection. As a result, the two are challenging to compare. They are best used together to create a reliable connection wherever you go. Though 5G is typically the fastest mobile Internet connection, reliability can be a challenge. WiFi offers a faster, more reliable Internet connection when combined with a reliable router and a reliable Internet plan.
While both 5G and WiFi connect users to the Internet, they are not the same. 5G connects to cell towers that send out a signal only mobile devices with cellular capabilities can access. WiFi is emitted through a router to your device. WiFi is a great option for devices that cannot connect to a cellular tower, or for saving on data. But on-the-go, 5G serves as the perfect substitute when there isn’t a WiFi access point nearby.
5G is the fastest connection option on-the-go. It enables us to use our devices from almost anywhere with operating cell towers while providing faster speeds and bandwidth than 4G most of the time. The main disadvantage of 5G is its availability, as some areas do not yet have 5G towers, and it can be less reliable.
WiFi 6
WiFi 6 is the newest generation of WiFi and is known for its high efficiency and overall bug improvements. This includes faster speeds, improved battery life for your devices, and less bandwidth congestion. When comparing WiFi 6 to 5G, 5G will very rarely provide a faster connection than WiFi 6. What's more, WiFi 6 is more accessible and reliable for indoor use – and the download speeds are ideal for streaming without using cellular data.
Ethernet
Ethernet is a wired Internet system used in local, metropolitan and wide-area networks. Ethernet is faster than WiFi because it connects through a physical cable rather than a signal – and a wired connection is always faster and more reliable than any wireless, whether WiFi 6 or 5G. The fastest average speed of Ethernet is around 10 Gbps, making it the fastest Internet option. Though Ethernet offers the fastest Internet speeds, most homes will find their devices cannot connect via Ethernet, or they don’t want to connect their device to an Ethernet cable. This makes WiFi more accessible and versatile.
If you want to browse the Internet while on-the-go, Spectrum Mobile® offers 5G at no additional cost. For those who want to connect to the Internet at home, we recommend pairing your Spectrum Internet® plan with Spectrum Advanced WiFi for a strong connection you can control.
To get reliable Internet connection wherever you go, we recommend a combination of WiFi 6 and 5G – WiFi when at home and near WiFi access points, and 5G when on-the-go. Spectrum Mobile plans include 5G at no additional charge, making it easier than ever to stay connected.
In fact, the best way to get all this state-of-the-art connectivity is with Spectrum Internet Gig, which includes Spectrum Advanced WiFi. Bundle Internet Gig with Mobile or TV to save every month and get a multi-year price guarantee. Shop Spectrum.com to take advantage of this great deal today!
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