Can ESP32 Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi? Exploring Wi-Fi Connectivity Options with ESP32

Many people are curious whether the ESP32 finally supports 5GHz Wi-Fi, especially with the increasing demand for faster internet speeds and less interference in wireless networks. As 5GHz Wi-Fi becomes more popular for certain applications, it’s natural to wonder if this the ESP32 can take advantage of it.

Since the original ESP32 release, plenty of different versions of ESP32 were released. Starting with the already available SoCs, such as ESP32-S2, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C6 and finishing with the latest announcements, such as ESP32-C5, ESP32-H2 and ESP32-P4.

But with all these releases, the short answer is that the ESP32 does not natively support 5GHz Wi-Fi. However, the announced ESP32-C5 by the Espressif is promised to support the 5 GHz WiFi.

Understanding the Differences between 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi #

When it comes to Wi-Fi, the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands are designed for different purposes.

The 5GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference, making it great for activities like streaming or gaming. It also has more available channels, which reduces congestion in busy environments. However, its range is limited, as 5GHz signals don’t penetrate walls and solid objects as effectively as 2.4GHz.

On the other hand, the 2.4GHz band provides better range and compatibility with older devices. While it tends to have slower speeds and is more prone to interference from devices like microwaves or Bluetooth gadgets, it’s particularly well-suited for IoT applications. This is because:

• Better range and penetration: IoT devices are often placed in areas far from the router (e.g., outdoor sensors or basements). The longer range and superior wall penetration of 2.4GHz signals ensure reliable connectivity.

• Lower power consumption: Many IoT devices are battery-powered and rely on energy-efficient communication. 2.4GHz typically consumes less power than 5GHz, making it ideal for these devices.

• Widespread compatibility: IoT devices are designed to connect to a broad range of networks, and the 2.4GHz band is supported by nearly all routers and access points.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Can ESP32 Connect to 5GHz WiFi? #

If you’re using an older ESP32 model, such as the original ESP32, ESP32-S2, or ESP32-S3, the answer is no — these devices only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Even some newer ESP32 models, like the ESP32-C3 and ESP32-C6, which feature Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, still lack 5GHz Wi-Fi support. Similarly, the ESP8266, the older ESP32 version, as you could imagine, does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi either.

However, there’s some good news! In 2022, Espressif announced the release of the ESP32-C5, a microcontroller that supports dual-band Wi-Fi, including both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The ESP32-C5 features dual band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and maintains backward compatibility with 802.11b/g/n. This makes it the first ESP32 device to support 5GHz Wi-Fi, opening up new possibilities for high-speed and low-latency applications.

Despite the announcement of the ESP32-C5, it is important to note that as of now, the ESP32-C5 is not available on the market at all. While it shows promise as the first ESP32 chip to support 5GHz Wi-Fi, most existing ESP32 boards, including newer models, are still limited to 2.4GHz.

For example, the ESP32-C3, released in 2021, and the ESP32-C6, released in 2022, introduced improved features like Wi-Fi 6 capabilities but still lack support for 5GHz Wi-Fi. Similarly, the ESP32-H2, announced in 2021, focuses on Zigbee and Thread protocols rather than Wi-Fi and does not support 5GHz either.

While Espressif has announced the ESP32-C5 with 5GHz Wi-Fi support, its absence from the market until now means that, for now, the ESP32 family remains limited to 2.4GHz connectivity.

Would It Actually Make Sense to Use 5GHz Wi-Fi on ESP32? #

The idea of using 5GHz Wi-Fi on the ESP32 might sound appealing at first, given its advantages in terms of speed and reduced network congestion. For applications that require fast data transmission, such as video streaming or real-time data processing, 5GHz could theoretically provide significant benefits. Its availability of more channels and lower interference compared to the crowded 2.4GHz band could also enhance performance in environments with multiple devices or overlapping networks.

However, when considering the typical use cases of the ESP32, 5GHz Wi-Fi may not always make sense. The shorter range of 5GHz signals and their reduced ability to penetrate walls and obstacles make them less practical for IoT projects that require long-range connectivity or operate in environments with physical barriers. Many IoT devices are designed for efficiency and reliability over speed, and the 2.4GHz band’s broader coverage and better wall penetration align more closely with these needs.

Moreover, power consumption is a key consideration. 5GHz Wi-Fi generally requires more power, which could be a drawback for battery-powered IoT devices. However, if you would need the 5GHz WiFi Speeds in your project, it would probably already have high power consumption from data processing, such as video from camera and the ESP32 would be powered from the power outlet.

Finally, compatibility and ecosystem factors also come into play. Most networks infrastructure, including routers and smart home systems, are still heavily reliant on the 2.4GHz band. Supporting 5GHz might introduce challenges in maintaining broad compatibility with existing networks and devices.

While 5GHz Wi-Fi offers clear advantages in speed and reduced congestion, its limitations in range, power efficiency, and compatibility mean it’s not always the best fit for the ESP32’s primary use cases. For most IoT applications, the 2.4GHz band remains the more practical and versatile choice.

ESP32 WiFi Frequency #

The ESP32 WiFi frequency is generally 2.4 GHz, but different versions come with varying standards to enhance performance. Some models, like the ESP32-C5, expand capabilities with dual-band support, including 5 GHz, while others, such as the ESP32-C6, adopt WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for improved efficiency and connectivity in dense wireless environments. The table below outlines the WiFi frequencies and standards supported by each ESP32 model:

What Alternatives Exist? #

If your project requires 5GHz Wi-Fi, you can still incorporate it with the ESP32 by using complementary hardware or by considering devices that natively support 5GHz. Here are some practical options:

1. Pair the ESP32 with a Raspberry Pi

• Use the ESP32 for IoT tasks like sensors or local data processing, and let the Raspberry Pi handle 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Establish communication between the ESP32 and Raspberry Pi using Wi-Fi (on 2.4GHz), Bluetooth, or even a wired connection like UART or SPI.
• The Raspberry Pi acts as a bridge, connecting to the 5GHz network and relaying data between the ESP32 and other systems (e.g., the cloud).

Check current price:

2. Leverage Zigbee or Thread with a 5GHz Gateway

• Another alternative is to choose an ESP32 variant like the ESP32-H2, which supports Zigbee or Thread protocols, and pair it with a Zigbee bridge that connects to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network.
• The Zigbee bridge handles communication between the ESP32-H2 and your 5GHz network, acting as a gateway to relay data efficiently.
• Examples of Zigbee bridges with 5GHz Wi-Fi support include the SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Ultra (ZBBridge-U) and the Aqara Hub M2, both of which support dual-band Wi-Fi and robust Zigbee device management.

Check current price:

3. Wait for the ESP32-C5 Release
   • Espressif has announced the ESP32-C5, which will support dual band Wi-Fi, including 5GHz.
   • As of now, the ESP32-C5 is not available on the market, but once released, it could be an excellent option for projects that require native 5GHz support without relying on external hardware.
   • If your project timeline allows, waiting for the ESP32-C5 could provide a more streamlined solution, but seeing it now, the wait might actually be very long or it might never come.

Conclusion #

The ESP32 is a great microcontroller, but its lack of native 5GHz Wi-Fi support can be a limitation for projects requiring high-speed connectivity or reduced interference. While most ESP32 models, including the ESP32-C3 and ESP32-C6, remain limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, the upcoming ESP32-C5 promises to introduce dual-band support, including 5GHz, once it becomes available.

For now, there are practical alternatives to integrate 5GHz Wi-Fi into your projects. Pairing the ESP32 with complementary hardware like a Raspberry Pi or using Zigbee or Thread protocols with a 5GHz-capable gateway can bridge the gap. Additionally, external Wi-Fi modules or waiting for the release of the ESP32-C5 can open up new possibilities for 5GHz support.