If you are in the process of buying a router for yourself, you might wonder if you should get a single band router or a dual-band router. Both of these routers have their features and limitations and operate differently. So, it is essential to know the difference between the two and how they perform. This article will answer such questions for you. We will discuss what single-band routers and dual-band routers are and compare a dual-band router vs. a single-band router.
Dual Band Router VS Single Band Router
You might wonder what a router band is about. The router band shows the speed with which the router transfers data. To put it simply, it is the speed of the internet the router will provide.
Single-band routers are appropriate if you need moderate-speed internet, whereas a dual-band router is for higher speed. Before going into the differences between the two, let us first look at how each of these routers works.
Dual Band Router:
Dual-band routers operate on two frequencies simultaneously, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Hence, these routers can provide coverage over a wider area. You can connect more devices to a double-band router than a single-band router.
A dual-band router will be perfect for users who play video games, stream live, or watch series very often. Not only will you get a higher interest speed but also faster connectivity.
Since these routers operate on two frequencies, you do not have to worry about band interference between the router’s band and the other devices in the house. The other devices that work on 2.4G Hz will not affect the connectivity of your router and not cause any network congestion.
The two networks, one on 2.4 GHz and one on 5 GHz, work separately. Some of the devices you connect to the dual-band router will work on 2.4 GHz while others on 5GHz. You can change the speed limit of both networks and use a preferred network for a device.
Single Band Router:
Single-band routers provide a weak to moderate signal strength and are appropriate for smaller spaces. They could be used in homes or smaller workplaces. You can connect fewer devices with a single-band router than with a dual-band router.
Single-band routers have a frequency of 2.4G Hertz. If you use the internet to watch movies or TV programs, exchange emails, or surf the web, a single-band router will get the job done.
If you do not stream live shows or TV shows heavily or do not have a large number of users, then a single-band router is appropriate for you. Although you can find some single-band routers in the market that are high-end and give better speed wifi and coverage than other single-band routers, they will still not match a dual-band router.
As mentioned earlier, single-band routers work at a frequency of 2.4G hertz. Many other devices that you might have in your home, like Bluetooth devices, operate on the same frequency. This can result in interference between the bands. If it happens more often, it can affect the router’s performance in terms of connectivity and speed.
Single-band routers are less expensive than dual-band routers. So if you do not have a lot of internet users at your home and do not use it heavily, single-band routers are convenient.
Differences Between Single-Band Router And Dual-Band Router
Now that we have seen the fundamentals of both these routers, let us compare these two based on some crucial factors. This will make choosing between the two very simple for you.
Preferred Location:
Single-band routers are best suitable for tiny homes with fewer members. Whereas if you have more members or a bigger workspace, dual-band routers are more appropriate for you.
Also, dual-band routers will work better for you if you live in a wifi-dense area like an apartment. This is because dual-band routers operate on dual-frequency, and hence their connectivity is not affected by other devices operating at 2.4G Hz frequency.
Coverage And Connection:
Single-band routers provide smaller coverage areas, and you can only connect a few devices to them. Dual-band routers offer more comprehensive coverage and can be connected to multiple devices.
Signal Strength:
Single-band routers provide weaker signal strength. Their signal strength suffices for watching videos or communicating over the internet. Dual-band routers are more suitable for more internet-consuming tasks like streaming or gaming. They provide higher signal strength.
Cost:
Single-band routers are economical, whereas dual-band routers are more expensive.
Final Thoughts:
This article talks about single-band routers and dual-band routers. It also goes through a dual-band router vs. single-band router comparison. The above factors will help you determine which router is more suitable for you. You should consider the tasks you usually use the internet for, the number of people using the router, and the coverage you need. Coverage is the area of your house or workplace. If you are thinking of buying a single-band router, you can still find some high-quality ones that can give fast and secure internet. You shall also look into the brands and compare them to make possible purchases.
