Is Using a 5GHz Smart Bulb a Good Idea?

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Hashir

Last updated: November 19, 2024

Expert verified

As the smart home ecosystem expands, the compatibility of devices with different WiFi frequencies becomes a crucial consideration. While most smart bulbs traditionally connect over the 2.4 GHz band, the emergence of 5 GHz WiFi-compatible bulbs brings about new possibilities and questions. 

This article explores the viability and performance of 5 GHz WiFi-compatible smart bulbs, offering insights to guide your decision in optimizing your smart home. 

Is 5GHz Smart Bulb Worth it or Not?

Smart bulbs that work with 5GHz WiFi are indeed available, with top brands like Philips Hue, LIFX, TP-Link, and GE offering products that can connect to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands. The advantage of using 5GHz is faster connectivity, which can be a significant benefit for smart home devices.

However, it’s essential to consider the characteristics and compatibility of these smart bulbs before deciding if they are worth it.

1.📶 Connectivity and Range

1. 2.4GHz Advantage: Most smart bulbs are designed for 2.4GHz Wi-Fi due to its superior range and ability to penetrate walls.
2. 5GHz Limitation: While faster, the 5GHz band has a shorter range and struggles with obstacles, which may cause connectivity issues in larger homes or those with many walls.

2.💰 Compatibility & Cost

1. Check Compatibility: Not all smart bulbs work with 5GHz Wi-Fi. Always verify the bulb’s specifications to ensure it matches your home network.
2. Higher Price Tag: 5GHz-compatible bulbs are often pricier. If speed and performance are crucial, the extra cost might be worth it.

3. ⚙️ Performance

1. Personal Needs Matter: The performance largely depends on your specific requirements, so what works for one household might not work for another.
2. Mixed Reviews: While some users praise the faster speeds, others report challenges with maintaining a stable smart home setup.

4. 🏠 Use Case

1. Better for Larger Homes: For better range and seamless connectivity, 2.4GHz bulbs remain a more reliable option.
2. Good for Smaller Spaces: If you need fast connectivity and your home layout supports the 5GHz range effectively, it could be a great choice.

How Smart Bulbs Work on Different Wireless Technologies

Smart bulbs connect and communicate through various wireless technologies like WiFi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth.

1. Wifi

WiFi smart bulbs connect directly to your home network, offering easy setup and remote control via the internet. While convenient, they can add to network congestion if you have many devices.

2. Zigbee

Zigbee smart bulbs use a low-power mesh network and require a hub (e.g., Philips Hue Bridge) to connect to your router. They are reliable, energy-efficient, and extend network range through device-to-device communication.

3. Bluetooth

Bluetooth bulbs connect to your phone or tablet without a hub or WiFi. They’re easy to set up but have a limited control range (around 30 feet) and can’t be controlled remotely.

Upsides of 5 GHz Smart Bulb

Here are some of the key benefits:

1. ⚡ Faster Wi-Fi Speeds

• Higher Data Transfer: Ideal for tasks requiring real-time communication, making it perfect for advanced smart home setups.
• Less Congestion: The 5GHz band is less crowded compared to 2.4GHz, reducing interference from other devices.
• Quick Response: This results in a faster and more stable connection, enabling quicker responses to commands and smoother integration with other smart devices.

2. 🔗 Stronger Connectivity

• Perfect for Small Spaces: In compact environments or when the bulb is close to the router, 5GHz smart bulbs provide robust and reliable performance.
• Reliable Signal: Although the range is shorter, the 5GHz band offers stronger, more consistent connectivity within its coverage area.
• Less Interference: Fewer conflicts with common household devices (like microwaves or cordless phones) mean a clearer connection.

Drawbacks of Smart Bulbs That Work on 5GHz

Here are some of the common disadvantages:

1. 📡  Shorter WiFi Range

The 5GHz band has a shorter range compared to 2.4GHz, which limits how far the WiFi signal can travel. This is a challenge for larger homes or spaces where smart bulbs are placed far from the router. Bulbs outside the effective range may experience weak connections or fail to connect entirely.

2. 🚧 Reduced Signal Penetration

The 5GHz frequency struggles with penetrating solid objects like walls, doors, or furniture, unlike the 2.4GHz band. This can result in connectivity issues for bulbs located in different rooms or areas with multiple obstacles, leading to unstable or inconsistent performance.

What Is The Difference Between 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz WiFi?

2.4 GHz WiFi offers wider coverage and better penetration through solid objects but is slower and more prone to interference. In contrast, 5 GHz WiFi provides faster speeds, less interference, and more channels but has a shorter range and less wall penetration

1. Speed: 

5 GHz WiFi offers faster data rates compared to 2.4 GHz. Under ideal conditions, 2.4 GHz WiFi can support up to 450 Mbps or 600 Mbps, while 5 GHz WiFi can support up to 1300 Mbps. This makes the 5 GHz band suitable for activities that require high-speed internet, like streaming HD videos or online gaming.

2. Range: 

2.4 GHz WiFi provides coverage over a larger area but at slower speeds. Its signals can travel farther and are better at penetrating solid objects like walls and floors. On the other hand, 5 GHz WiFi provides faster speeds but has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating solid objects.

3. Interference: 

The 2.4 GHz band is more prone to interference because it’s used by many common household devices like microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones. In contrast, the 5 GHz band has more channels and is less congested, which means it’s less likely to experience interference from other devices.

4. Channels: 

5 GHz WiFi has more channels available compared to 2.4 GHz. This means there’s less chance of overlapping channels and WiFi traffic jams, which is a common problem in the 2.4 GHz band due to its limited number of channels.

Are There Any Smart Bulbs That Work With 5 GHz WiFi Connection?

Yes, some smart bulbs work on a 5 GHz WiFi connection, offering features like color adjustment, scheduling, and voice control.  

However, it is important to note that while 5 GHz compatibility is becoming more common, many smart bulbs still primarily operate on the 2.4 GHz band due to its wider range. 

Below is a general overview of some smart bulbs, but please verify the 5 GHz compatibility directly with the manufacturer or through product specifications as this feature may vary.

5 GHz WiFi Smart Bulbs: A Fruitful Investment Or A Waste of Money?

I believe that the compatibility of smart bulbs with 5 GHz WiFi has introduced a new layer of convenience and efficiency in smart home systems. While these bulbs offer faster connectivity and reduced interference, it’s crucial to weigh these benefits against potential limitations like range and compatibility with your home’s layout.

Here’s what to take away from this post:

• Smart bulbs compatible with 5 GHz WiFi can significantly enhance your smart home experience with faster connectivity and reduced interference.
• The effectiveness of these bulbs largely depends on the specific layout and size of your home.
• It’s essential to check the compatibility of the smart bulb with your home network setup, as not all smart bulbs support 5 GHz WiFi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ojash

Author

Hi, I’m Ojash! My journey into smart home technology began with a simple lighting upgrade that quickly turned into a passion. I was fascinated by how connected devices could completely transform everyday living. With over 7 years of experience, I now specialize in creating tailored smart home solutions that enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Through my work at JustSmarter, I enjoy sharing practical advice and insights, helping readers confidently explore the smart home world.

Hashir

Reviewer

Hi, I’m Hashir, a tech enthusiast with a deep love for smart home innovations. My interest in technology has always been driven by the idea of making everyday life more streamlined and efficient. After years of experimenting with smart devices in my own home, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I focus on practical, easy-to-understand solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their home. Writing for JustSmarter allows me to connect with fellow tech lovers and help them take their first steps—or next steps—into the exciting world of smart homes.