Wifi 6 Vs Wifi 5 Does The Speed Upgrade Matter For Small Apartments

For residents in small apartments—especially those in dense urban buildings—Wi-Fi performance can make or break daily life. From video calls to streaming 4K content and gaming, a reliable connection is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As WiFi 6 becomes more widely available, many are wondering: is upgrading from WiFi 5 really worth it in a compact living space? The answer isn’t as simple as “faster is better.” It depends on your usage, number of devices, building infrastructure, and future-proofing goals.

This article breaks down the real differences between WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and WiFi 6 (802.11ax), evaluates their performance in small apartment environments, and helps you decide whether the upgrade delivers tangible benefits—or just marketing hype.

Understanding WiFi 5 and WiFi 6: Key Differences

Before assessing whether WiFi 6 matters in a small apartment, it’s essential to understand what sets it apart from its predecessor.

WiFi 5, introduced in 2013, operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band (with backward compatibility to 2.4 GHz via dual-band routers). It supports Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) for downstream data only and uses OFDM modulation. While it was a major leap at the time, it struggles with congestion in high-density environments like apartment complexes.

WiFi 6, released in 2019, introduces several technological improvements designed to enhance efficiency, not just raw speed. These include:

• OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access): Allows a single transmission to serve multiple devices simultaneously, reducing latency and improving throughput in crowded networks.
• Upgraded MU-MIMO: Supports both uplink and downlink transmissions with more spatial streams (up to 8x8), enabling smoother communication between the router and multiple devices.
• Target Wake Time (TWT): Reduces device power consumption by scheduling when devices wake up to send or receive data—ideal for smart home gadgets.
• 1024-QAM modulation: Increases data density, allowing up to 25% higher throughput under ideal conditions compared to WiFi 5’s 256-QAM.
• BSS Coloring: Helps reduce interference from neighboring networks—a common issue in apartment buildings—by distinguishing between overlapping signals.

While theoretical maximum speeds increased from 3.5 Gbps (WiFi 5) to 9.6 Gbps (WiFi 6), real-world gains are far more modest. For most users, especially in small spaces, actual internet speeds are capped by their ISP plan, not their router’s capability.

Tip: Even if your router supports WiFi 6 speeds, your internet plan likely maxes out at 100–500 Mbps. Don't expect gigabit wireless performance unless you have a matching fiber-optic plan.

Performance in Small Apartments: Real-World Impact

Small apartments typically range from 300 to 800 square feet and often feature open layouts. This compact footprint actually favors modern Wi-Fi performance because signal degradation due to distance or thick walls is minimal. However, other factors dominate:

• Density of connected devices (smartphones, laptops, TVs, IoT gadgets)
• Interference from adjacent networks
• Construction materials (e.g., concrete floors, metal studs)
• Internet service quality and bandwidth cap

In such environments, WiFi 6 shines not through raw speed, but through improved network efficiency. Consider a one-bedroom apartment with two roommates, each using a laptop, phone, tablet, and smart TV, plus shared devices like a printer, smart speaker, and security camera. That’s easily 10+ connected devices.

With WiFi 5, the router handles these connections sequentially during peak usage, causing lag during video calls or buffering on streaming apps. WiFi 6’s OFDMA and enhanced MU-MIMO allow simultaneous data delivery, reducing wait times and jitter—even when multiple devices are active.

“WiFi 6 isn’t about making your Netflix stream faster; it’s about ensuring your partner’s Zoom call doesn’t stutter while the kids play online games and the smart fridge updates its software.” — David Lin, Senior Network Engineer at Urban Broadband Solutions

WiFi 6 vs WiFi 5: A Direct Comparison

Feature	WiFi 5 (802.11ac)	WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Max Theoretical Speed	3.5 Gbps	9.6 Gbps
Frequencies Supported	5 GHz (and 2.4 GHz on dual-band)	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (also supports 6 GHz in WiFi 6E)
MU-MIMO Support	Downlink only (4x4)	Uplink and downlink (up to 8x8)
OFDMA	No	Yes
Target Wake Time (TWT)	No	Yes
BSS Coloring	No	Yes
Best Use Case	Single-user households, light streaming, basic browsing	Multi-device homes, high congestion areas, future-proofing

The table illustrates that WiFi 6’s advantages lie in efficiency, not headline-grabbing speed. In a small apartment with moderate-to-heavy device usage, this translates into more consistent performance during peak hours.

Mini Case Study: Two Roommates, One Apartment

Jessica and Carlos share a 650-square-foot apartment in a downtown high-rise. Their internet plan is 300 Mbps, and they each work remotely. Their device list includes:

• 2 laptops (work + personal)
• 2 smartphones
• 1 iPad
• Smart TV and streaming box
• Amazon Echo and Google Nest thermostat
• Gaming console

Last year, they used a three-year-old WiFi 5 router. During mornings, when both were on Zoom calls and uploading files, video would freeze and audio would cut out. Streaming in the evening often required pausing to buffer. After upgrading to a mid-range WiFi 6 router ($120), they noticed immediate improvements:

• No more dropped calls during simultaneous video conferencing
• Streaming started instantly, even with multiple devices active
• Smart home devices responded faster
• Lower latency in online gaming sessions

Interestingly, their measured download speeds remained around 280 Mbps—nearly identical to before. The difference wasn’t speed, but stability. The new router handled traffic more efficiently, thanks to OFDMA and BSS coloring reducing interference from nearby networks in the building.

They also found their phones and laptops had slightly better battery life, likely due to Target Wake Time allowing devices to sleep longer between communications.

When Does the Upgrade Make Sense?

Not every small apartment resident needs WiFi 6. The decision should be based on current pain points and future plans. Below is a checklist to help determine if upgrading is worthwhile.

WiFi 6 Upgrade Checklist

Consider upgrading if you answer “yes” to three or more of the following:

1. Do you have more than five devices regularly connected to Wi-Fi?
2. Do you experience lag during video calls or live streaming?
3. Is your apartment in a densely populated building (e.g., high-rise or condo complex)?
4. Do you use smart home devices (lights, cameras, thermostats) that rely on constant connectivity?
5. Are you planning to adopt new tech (VR, cloud gaming, 8K streaming) in the next 2–3 years?
6. Does your internet plan exceed 200 Mbps?

If most answers are “no,” WiFi 5 may still serve you well—especially if your current router is relatively new. But if you're hitting performance limits, WiFi 6 offers meaningful improvements in responsiveness and reliability.

Tip: Pair your WiFi 6 router with WiFi 6-compatible devices (like newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, or laptops with Intel AX200/AX210 chips) to fully benefit from the technology.

Common Misconceptions About WiFi 6

Marketing often oversimplifies the benefits of WiFi 6, leading to misconceptions:

• Myth: WiFi 6 will double my internet speed.
  Reality: Your ISP determines maximum speed. WiFi 6 improves how efficiently that bandwidth is distributed.
• Myth: I need WiFi 6 because I have fast internet.
  Reality: If you have gigabit fiber but only use one or two devices, WiFi 5 may suffice. Efficiency matters more than peak speed.
• Myth: WiFi 6 has better range.
  Reality: Range is similar to WiFi 5. Some WiFi 6 routers use better antennas or amplifiers, but the protocol itself doesn’t extend coverage.

What WiFi 6 truly excels at is managing congestion—making it ideal for small apartments where multiple networks overlap and dozens of devices compete for airtime.

FAQ: Common Questions About WiFi 6 in Small Spaces

Do I need WiFi 6 if I live alone and only use one device?

Probably not. If you’re primarily browsing, watching videos, or working on a single laptop, WiFi 5 provides more than enough performance. The benefits of WiFi 6 are most noticeable with multiple concurrent users and devices.

Can WiFi 6 help with neighbor network interference?

Yes. BSS Coloring allows your router to distinguish between your network and nearby ones, reducing co-channel interference. This is especially valuable in apartment buildings where multiple routers operate on the same channels.

Is WiFi 6 worth it for renters?

Absolutely. Since renters can’t modify wiring or install mesh systems easily, a single powerful WiFi 6 router can significantly improve performance without permanent changes. Just ensure you can take it with you when you move.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Space

The shift from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6 isn’t a revolution in speed—it’s an evolution in intelligence. For small apartment dwellers, the real value lies in smoother multitasking, reduced lag, and better handling of modern digital lifestyles. While raw speed headlines grab attention, the quieter improvements in efficiency, battery life, and interference resistance deliver more consistent day-to-day performance.

If you’re struggling with dropped connections, slow response times, or juggling multiple devices in a compact space, upgrading to WiFi 6 is a smart investment. But if your current setup works well and your usage is light, there’s no urgent need to replace a functioning WiFi 5 system.

Technology moves fast, but so do our expectations. As smart homes grow and remote work continues, networks must keep pace. Choosing WiFi 6 today isn’t just about solving current problems—it’s about preparing for the demands of tomorrow, one seamless connection at a time.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your home network? Check your router model, count your connected devices, and test your speeds during peak hours. Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help someone else decide whether to upgrade!