What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi? The primary differences between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless frequencies are range and bandwidth. 2.4 GHz offers coverage for farther distances but doesn’t offer as high of speeds as the 5 GHz. 5 GHz provides faster speeds at a shorter distance. Range: How far your data can travel. In most cases the higher the frequency of a wireless signal the shorter its range. Bandwidth/Speed: Higher bandwidth means that files will upload and download faster, and high bandwidth applications like streaming video will perform much smoother and faster. How to choose which frequency to use If you are trying to connect devices upstairs, downstairs, or on the opposite side of the house from your router, then you would use the 2.4 GHz frequency. If you are streaming video or wanting faster speeds, then you would go with the 5 GHz frequency. Things to note The 2.4 GHz frequency i