Learning how smart plugs use 5GHz frequencies is important, especially when a router struggles with traffic. Picture routers as double-decker buses that let data travel on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz paths. However, some devices can only zoom on the fast track. Changing tracks can seriously impact how routers connect and work together in a network. It's an exciting method to improve connections.
Unfortunately, most smart home devices, such as smart plugs, only run on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. So that begs the question, are there any smart plugs that support the 5GHz frequency? Follow along as we find out.
5GHz Smart Plugs
As mentioned above, most 5 GHz routers available are dual-band and have two radios; one 2.4 GHz and one 5GHz. The very latest models are tri-band with an additional 6 GHz frequency.
Dual-band and tri-band routers either broadcast all frequencies with the same Wi-Fi network name or make them available under slightly different network names.
Read on to discover which smart plugs are compatible if your router restricts itself to a 5GHz frequency.
Using the Leviton DW15-P smart wall plug, you don’t have to worry about a hub – its app is all you need to run it.
- Voice control
- Lighting schedules
- Vacation (randomization) mode
As the Leviton DW15-P smart plug operates on 5GHz Wi-Fi, you don't need a hub for it to work. The downside to that is it is not fully “local only” – you need to sign in to the Leviton app for it to work.
Having reviewed numerous smart home devices over the years, I can attest that Leviton holds a highly regarded position in the sector as a brand.
Smart Plug Features
Packed with various features and settings, it allows you to customize sunset/sunrise times, create lighting scenes, utilize the auto-shutoff feature, and even establish a vacation (randomization) function when you are away.
To make your settings and commands easier, the smart plug is compatible Alexa and Google Assistant as well as IFTTT and SmartThings.
The device can support a capacity of up to ¾ horsepower, 15A general use, 5A LED/CFL, and 1500W incandescent bulbs. So it's ideal for electronics, appliances, and lamps in your home.
- No hub required for operation – simple plug and play
- Compatible with multiple tools – Google assistant, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, etc.
- A selection of customizable schedules and settings
- No way to track power consumption
The Leviton DW3HL-1BW smart plug is built to cater to both dimmable and non-dimmable LED and incandescent bulbs.
- Up to 100W LED bulbs
- Up to 300W incandescent bulbs
- 2-way status updates
Using the Leviton DW3HL-1BW 5GHz smart plug, you will be able to control your home lighting from anywhere through its smartphone app.
The smart plug is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices – to allow for voice commands and smart home integrations.
Integrating a protected memory function, the smart plug maintains an On/Off status during minor power fluctuations.
The plug is ideally designed for table-, floor-, and hanging lights – allowing for dimming functions as well.
When you are away, you can set up the vacation randomization mode for automatic lighting control.
- Fitted with a green LED locator
- Built with multiple settings options – even a vacation mode
- Features a transient surge protection design
- Some users found it a little difficult to set up
Other 5GHz Smart Plugs
Broadlink Smart Plug Mini
Despite hours of research, the only other 5GHz smart plug I could find was this one from Broadlink.
It also operates on the older 802.11.b/g/n standard which was the first version of the Wi-Fi standard to support 5GHz.
Introduced in 2013 and 2019, the 802.11ac and 802.11ax Wi-Fi standards provide significantly faster data rates. As a result, this Broadlink smart plug may not be compatible with newer routers operating on these standards.
Difference between 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz Frequencies
2.4GHz
The 2.4GHz band is the most commonly used frequency as it is supported by nearly all wifi-enabled devices. It also has better range and is able to penetrate walls and other obstacles more effectively than higher frequencies.
However, this band tends to be crowded, since many devices including microwaves and cordless phones also operate on this frequency, leading to interference and slower speeds.
5GHz
Conversely, the 5GHz band, with its higher frequency, can offer faster data transmission rates as it is less congested. However, it has a shorter range compared to the 2.4GHz band and is less effective at penetrating obstacles.
6GHz
The 6GHz band, introduced with Wi-Fi 6E, offers even faster speeds and more available channels than the 5GHz band. However, similar to 5GHz, its range is limited and it is less capable of penetrating solid objects.
Alternatives to 5GHz Smart Plugs
From researching this article, I've listed a few alternative approaches to consider.
Option 1: Utilize a Zigbee Hub like the Amazon Echo 4th Gen and a Zigbee Smart Plug
An alternative to finding a 5GHz smart plug is to use a Zigbee hub, such as the Amazon Echo 4. Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol commonly used in smart home devices (I've written a full guide on Zigbee here). The Amazon Echo 4, amongst other hubs, comes with built-in Zigbee compatibility. With this in place, you could then purchase a Zigbee smart plug. Check out my guide on Zigbee smart plugs here.
Once you have your Zigbee smart plug and your Amazon Echo 4 (or any other Zigbee hub), you can connect them directly without needing to worry about your Wi-Fi frequency band.
Option 2: Change your Wi-Fi Router or add an additional dual-band Router to your network
Since a majority of smart devices operate on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, if you are serious about using smart home technology, you'll need a router that supports this frequency. So, it might be worth considering a change to your current router. If a full replacement isn't practical, an alternative option would be to add an additional dual-band router to your existing network setup.
This would not only allow for support of the more common 2.4GHz smart devices but also retain the benefits of the faster 5GHz band for suitable devices.
Once you have a router that can support the 2.4GHz band, you can then buy any of the standard smart plugs on the market.
Using the Leviton DW15-P smart wall plug, you don’t have to worry about a hub – its app is all you need to run it.
- Voice control
- Lighting schedules
- Vacation (randomization) mode
2 Comments
David
Spectrum offers routers that only allow the 5Ghz part of the router. It is a ridiculous setup. Trying to use wireless smart devices like plugs is a pain to find. I wish companies would just switch over the connecting to 5ghz already and quit staying in the past.
Bob St. Cyr
The big pain with the 2.4 device is that you need to swap you phone connection from the 5G connection you are most likely on to the 2.4 connection in order to control the device.