Do Any Smart Bulbs Work With 5GHZ WiFi? (Know Here!)

Are you interested to know, Do any smart bulbs work with 5GHz WiFi? This article has all the answers you need.

Most smart bulbs use the 2.4GHz frequency to connect to your WiFi network. However, we’re interested if there are those that work with 5GHz. Well, the good news is there are a few.

Let’s find out!

Yes, Smart bulbs work with your 5GHz WiFi, but it needs to be compatible out of the box.

Some models of the Philips Hue, GE CYNC, and TP-Link Kasa has a feature that can connect to your 5G or dual-band WiFi network.

Before we delve into this topic, here are some insights that you may find valuable.

What to Consider When Connecting Your Smart Bulbs to 5G WiFi

Is there a 5Ghz smart bulb? Yes, some smart bulbs are now compatible with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

But here’s what you need to know before making a purchase.

Most smart bulbs only support a 2.4GHz connection
5GHz WiFi might not be the ideal setup for a smart home network
5GHz WiFi does offer better speeds and connectivity
When it comes to range, a 2.4GHz network is still king
Check your smart bulb’s compatibility with your network

When connecting your smart bulbs to 5G WiFi, you should consider these things.

Now, let’s answer more of your questions.

Do Any Smart Bulbs Work With 5GHz WiFi

If you’re considering setting up smart bulbs in your home, you must understand the advantages of getting 5GHz-compatible ones.

2.4GHz is the most widely used frequency for WiFi networks, but it has limitations. 5GHz, on the other hand, is less likely to be interrupted by other devices.

#1: Is 5GHz WiFi Bad For Smart Bulbs and Other Smart Devices

5GHz is not necessarily bad for smart bulbs and other devices, but it may not be the best option.

Although 5 GHz provides a stronger and faster connection than 2.4 GHz WiFi, some devices may not be compatible.

Always check the specifications and use the recommended frequency to avoid connection issues.

However, speed is not a priority with smart bulbs. Smart bulbs only need a little bandwidth to communicate with your devices. What they need is a stable and consistent internet connection.

Poor 5GHz network coverage may cause issues, such as:

Smart bulbs not responding to your commands
Smart bulbs losing connection altogether
Weaker signals or dead zones
Interference with other devices
Smart bulbs are not working at all

To avoid these frustrating issues, ensure your WiFi band meets the recommended specifications for your smart bulbs.

Tip: Consider your home layout and network configuration when connecting your smart bulbs to a 5GHz network.

Additionally, assess your network setup.

#2: Why Do Smart Bulbs Use 2.4GHz

Most smart bulbs manufacturer use 2.4 GHz as the default protocol for their products because it is the common frequency used for WiFI and other wireless devices.

This means it is readily available and compatible with most devices. Additionally, smart bulbs do not require high-speed data transfer.

Here are other reasons why smart bulbs use 2.4 GHz:

It has a longer range to cover more area.
Better penetration to reach more devices.
It is widely available.
More compatible with most routers and devices.
It is energy-efficient and cost-effective.

However, 2.4GHz also has some drawbacks, such as:

The network can get crowded easily.
Prone to interference from other devices with the same frequency.
It is slower compared to 5GHz.
Less secure than 5GHz.

Typically, smart bulbs use 2.4 GHz for their connectivity because it is better suited for their needs and functions.

However, if you are experiencing performance issues and connection drops, 5 GHz smart bulbs are a better option.

#3: Can a 2.4GHz Smart Bulb Connect to My 5GHz WiFi

If you have a 5 GHz-only WiFi network at home, you may wonder if you can connect your 2.4 GHz smart bulbs. Unfortunately, the answer is no.

A 2.4 GHz smart bulb cannot directly connect to a 5 GHz network because they run on two separate frequencies that aren’t compatible with each other.

There are several differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, such as:

2.4 GHz has a longer range and can penetrate solid objects better.
5 GHz has a shorter range but provides faster speeds.
2.4 GHz is more susceptible to interference from other devices.
5 GHz is less crowded and offers less interference.

If you have a 5 GHz-only WiFi network at home, you must find a different solution for your smart bulbs.

Alternatively, you can use a separate network bridge device that connects your smart bulb to your 5 GHz-only WiFi network.

Pro Tip: Use a dual-band WiFi router capable of broadcasting in both frequencies simultaneously.

#4: Do You Need 5GHz WiFi for Your Smart Bulb Connections

In general, you don’t need to have 5 GHz WiFi to connect your smart bulbs. Most of the products in the market are designed to work seamlessly with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks.

Although 2.4 GHz has a slower speed, it is sufficient enough for the basic operations of smart bulbs.

Turning the smart bulb on or off
Setting timers and brightness levels
Changing the color of smart bulbs
Creating schedules

Note: These basic operations can be easily controlled through your smart bulb’s mobile app, voice commands, and a smart home hub.

#5 How to Connect Smart Bulb to 5GHz WiFi

As mentioned in the previous section, 2.4 GHz smart bulbs cannot connect to a 5 GHz-only WiFi. However, you can use some workarounds to connect them indirectly.

One option is a dual-band WiFi range extender, which creates a separate 2.4 GHz network for your smart bulbs and a 5 GHz network for your other devices.

Here’s how to set it up:

Plug in your extender near your router.
Follow the instructions to set it up.
Set a different name and password for your extender.
Connect your smart bulbs to it.

Using these alternative technologies, you can bypass the limitations of 5 GHz networks and enjoy seamless connectivity for your smart bulbs.

#6: Smart Bulbs You Can Get That Connect to 5GHz WiFi

We have established that there are only a handful of smart bulbs that connect to 5GHz WiFi out of the box.

Some bulbs come with Bluetooth and Zigbee integration that allows you to connect them to your existing WiFi network. If they have these features, it doesn’t matter if you have a 2.4 or 5 GHz connection.

You can also get a smart bulb that supports both WiFi and Bluetooth. The bulb will take care of how it wants to connect to its hub and your network with these two different methods.

The important thing here is that you can link them to your connection especially if you prefer using 5 GHz WiFi.

Here are the bulbs that you can get that are compatible with your 5 GHz WiFi network:

These smart bulbs offer a wide range of features and can be integrated into your 5 GHz WiFi setup.

Bottom Line:

Now that you know the answer to Do any smart bulbs work with 5 GHz WiFi, it’s time to choose a smart bulb for your home.

Most smart bulbs use 2.4 GHz, but others also support 5 GHz. You must consider the pros and cons of both frequencies. By choosing the right smart bulbs, you can have a great lighting experience in your home.

Finn Wheatley

Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.