Is 5GHz Better Than 2.4GHz for Your PS4? The Ultimate Gaming Guide

The question of whether to use 5GHz or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for your PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a common one, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Simply put, 5GHz is generally better for PS4 gaming, provided you meet certain conditions. The key advantage of 5GHz is its significantly faster speeds and lower latency, which are crucial for a smooth and responsive gaming experience. However, it’s not a universal solution, and the 2.4GHz band still holds its own in certain scenarios. Let’s dive deeper into why this is the case and explore the nuances of both frequencies.

Understanding 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

Before we delve into which frequency is ideal for your PS4, it’s important to understand their fundamental differences. The numbers 5GHz and 2.4GHz refer to the radio frequency bands used for wireless communication.

2.4GHz: The Long-Range Workhorse

2.4GHz Wi-Fi operates on a lower frequency, which provides several benefits:

• Greater Range: The lower frequency waves travel further, making it better for covering larger areas and penetrating obstacles such as walls, floors, and furniture.
• Ubiquitous Compatibility: It is the most common Wi-Fi band and is supported by virtually all wireless devices.
• Lower Cost: Routers and devices that support only 2.4GHz tend to be less expensive.

However, 2.4GHz also has its drawbacks:

• Slower Speeds: Compared to 5GHz, the speeds are significantly lower, typically capping out at 150 Mbps in a real-world home network, although theoretical maximums are higher.
• More Congestion: Due to its widespread use, the 2.4GHz band is often congested, especially in densely populated areas, leading to interference and slower speeds.

5GHz: The Speed Demon

5GHz Wi-Fi utilizes a higher frequency, resulting in:

• Higher Speeds: It can achieve significantly faster speeds, potentially reaching 1300 Mbps or more, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming and streaming.
• Lower Latency: The reduced lag is critical for online gaming, where split-second responsiveness is essential.
• Less Congestion: There are typically fewer devices on the 5GHz band, resulting in less interference.

However, 5GHz also has limitations:

• Shorter Range: The higher frequency waves don’t travel as far as 2.4GHz, and they are more easily blocked by obstacles.
• Less Compatibility: Older devices may not support 5GHz.

Why 5GHz is Generally Better for PS4 Gaming

Given these differences, here’s why 5GHz is usually the preferred choice for PS4 gaming:

• Reduced Latency (Lag): In online gaming, low latency is critical. 5GHz’s speed and reduced interference mean actions on your controller translate almost instantaneously on screen.
• Faster Download Speeds: Large game files and updates can be downloaded much quicker, saving you precious time.
• Improved Performance: With less network clutter, your PS4 can operate more smoothly, allowing for better gameplay responsiveness.

When 2.4GHz Might Be Necessary for Your PS4

Despite the benefits of 5GHz, there are times when 2.4GHz might be more suitable for your PS4:

• Long Distance from the Router: If your PS4 is located far from your router or is separated by multiple walls, the 2.4GHz signal might be stronger and more stable.
• Older PS4 Models or Routers: Some older routers and early PS4 models may not have the best 5GHz implementation, leading to reduced performance.
• Limited 5GHz Support: If you have many devices competing for bandwidth on the 5GHz band, you may need to use the 2.4GHz band to alleviate congestion, though it will be slower.

Making the Right Choice for Your PS4

In conclusion, while 5GHz offers superior speeds and lower latency, making it ideal for most PS4 gaming scenarios, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

1. Assess Your Situation: If your PS4 is close to the router with minimal obstacles, prioritize the 5GHz band. If your PS4 is further away or you experience signal drops using 5GHz, consider testing the 2.4GHz.
2. Test Both Frequencies: Experiment with both frequencies to see which performs best for you, since local conditions can vary.
3. Router Settings: Ensure that your router is configured to optimize performance for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Look for settings such as “channel selection” to avoid interference.
4. Dual-Band Routers: Many modern routers are dual-band, allowing you to connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. It may even be a good option to place some devices on 2.4 GHz to open up more bandwidth on the 5 GHz band.

By carefully assessing your setup, you can optimize your PS4’s connection and ensure the best possible gaming experience, regardless of whether you choose the 5GHz or the 2.4GHz band.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi?

The main difference lies in the frequency of the radio waves. 2.4GHz has a longer range but slower speeds, while 5GHz has shorter range but faster speeds and lower latency.

2. How does Wi-Fi frequency affect gaming performance on a PS4?

A higher frequency (5GHz) generally leads to better performance due to lower latency and faster speeds, essential for smooth gaming. A lower frequency (2.4 GHz) is more susceptible to interference, and slower speeds, that make gaming harder.

3. Can my PS4 automatically choose the best Wi-Fi band?

No, your PS4 does not automatically choose the best Wi-Fi band. You will have to manually select either 2.4GHz or 5GHz on the connection settings.

4. Will 5GHz Wi-Fi always be faster than 2.4GHz for my PS4?

Not always. The actual speed you experience depends on factors like distance from the router, obstacles, and network congestion. If you are close to the router, then 5GHz is almost always going to be faster.

5. What if my PS4 is far from the router? Should I use 2.4GHz or 5GHz?

In most cases, 2.4GHz will be more reliable over distance, but you will likely experience reduced speeds. 5GHz is unlikely to be as consistent with distance.

6. Does 5GHz Wi-Fi go through walls and other obstacles well?

No, not as well as 2.4GHz. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths which are more easily absorbed or blocked by walls and solid objects.

7. Is latency (lag) more important than speed for online gaming?

Yes, latency or “lag” is often more crucial for online gaming because it directly affects responsiveness. While faster speeds are good, low latency makes for smooth, real-time gameplay.

8. How can I check my PS4’s internet connection speed and latency?

You can check the PS4’s internet connection speed and latency in the Network settings under Test Internet Connection.

9. Can I improve my PS4 Wi-Fi speed if I’m using 2.4GHz?

You can try reducing interference by moving the router, switching channels on the router, or minimizing the number of connected devices, but ultimately 2.4GHz is limited compared to 5GHz.

10. How many devices connected to a network can impact my PS4’s connection?

Multiple devices can saturate the network, making the internet connection less efficient. Having too many devices on the same band can cause congestion and lead to slower speeds for your PS4.

11. Is 5G cellular network the same as 5GHz Wi-Fi?

No. 5G cellular is a mobile network technology, while 5GHz is a Wi-Fi frequency band for local networks. They operate on different types of infrastructure.

12. Do all PS4 consoles support 5GHz Wi-Fi?

Yes, all PS4 models support 5GHz Wi-Fi, although early PS4 models may have less optimized hardware for the connection.

13. My router has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, how do I choose which one for my PS4?

You will have to manually choose during network setup by choosing the correct network name(SSID) for either the 2.4 GHz or 5GHz connection. They are generally named different for ease of connection.

14. If I have a 5GHz Wi-Fi router, is it always the best choice?

Not necessarily. While 5GHz is generally preferred, factors like distance and obstacles can affect performance, making 2.4GHz a viable option in some cases.

15. What other factors can impact my PS4’s online gaming performance besides Wi-Fi?

Factors such as the overall internet speed of your ISP, network congestion in your area, and the server’s performance all play a role in your gaming performance. You can also find that some servers may have an unstable connection, that can lead to latency issues even when you have a great network.