So, you have a new smart TV, and you want to hook it up to the internet, but you’re not sure if you should connect it to 2G or 5G.
The situation can be confusing, especially if you are unfamiliar with the differences.
Your smart TV should use 5G if you require speedy internet and if it’s a 4K smart TV. When streaming, it’s best to have the fastest internet possible. However, 2G may be more suitable for you if your TV is far from the router. That’s because 2G can offer wider coverage than 5G.
If you are new to the world of technology and smart TVs, it can all become one big jumbled mess.
Therefore, I’ve prepared this informative article to explain when to connect your smart TV to 5G and 2G.
Choosing Between 5G and 2G for Your Smart TV
Purchasing a new piece of technology can be fun and exciting, especially if it’s a smart TV equipped with all the apps and widgets you can imagine.
But what frequency do you need to enjoy these features: 5G or 2G? What’s the difference?
The Difference Between 5G and 2G
To understand which frequency is best, you need to know the difference between the two.
Simply put, 5G is for speed while 2G is for coverage.
For example, 5G is best for devices that use a lot of bandwidth, such as gaming consoles and smart TVs.
On the other hand, 2G is best used for smartphones and other devices that do not use much bandwidth.
2G or 5G? 6 Things To Consider
When choosing between 5G and 2G, it’s essential to consider several things to know which frequency is the best for your circumstance.
Therefore, I created a list of 6 things you should consider when choosing between 5G and 2G for your smart TV.
The Distance Between Your Smart TV and the Router
First and foremost, the most critical factor is how far away you are from your internet source.
Both 5G and 2G reach around 410 feet (125 m) from the WiFi router; however, it’s more difficult for 5G to penetrate objects.
Therefore, if your TV is in the same room as your WiFi router, there should be no issue connecting it to 5G.
On the other hand, if you live in a 2,500 square foot (232 sq. m.) house, and your TV is at the opposite end from the router, it would be better to connect to 2G instead.
I have the distance dilemma as my smart TV is as far as it possibly can be from my router, and I highly recommend this WiFi booster on Amazon.com, called the JOOWIN WiFi Signal Booster.
It can help boost your 5G signal to reach your TV if you want a faster connection.
You may also wonder: Do router antennas make a difference?
The Number of Devices Connected to Your Network
Businesses have claimed that you can connect up to 250 devices to one router; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a working connection.
If you have too many devices on one network, it can bog down your internet speed.
Therefore, you must check what’s connected to it.
Depending on the router you have, you can connect anywhere from 32 to 64 devices.
However, keep in mind that the more devices connected to your router, the slower your connection.
If everything is hooked to your 5G, connecting your smart TV to your 2G might be better.
The Type of Smart TV You Have
Something to keep in mind when deciding whether to connect your smart television to 5G or 2G is the type of TV you have.
While 2G is best in some instances, that’s not always the case, especially if you have a 4K TV.
If you have a 4K smart TV, it’s a good idea to upgrade to an MU-MIMO router.
MU-MIMO stands for multi-use, multi-input, and multi-output.
You can find very affordable devices online, like the Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router on Amazon.com.
It will help the router to communicate with up to 25 devices at once, and it claims to be up to 1.75 times faster than a regular router.
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The Amount of Streaming You Do
If you’re an avid user of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Discovery Plus, or any other type of streaming service, you’ll want to connect to 5G instead of 2G.
Also, if you do a lot of gaming or stream your games through your TV, you’ll want to connect to 5G.
However, if you don’t have a way to connect your TV to 5G and your only option is 2G, that’s okay, too.
If you have multiple devices on your 2G, you might need to take a couple of them off the internet to give your TV the best connection.
How Much You’re Willing To Pay for the Internet
While 5G doesn’t necessarily cost more than 2G, it’s best to get fiber optic internet instead of cable if you decide to upgrade to 5G.
Fiber optic ensures the best speed, but it can be pricey.
For cable, it costs between $30 and $100, while for fiber optic, you can expect to pay between $65 and $299.
Of course, this depends on the service you choose and the bandwidth you need. You’ll want the best connection possible for a smart TV.
The Number of People Using Your Home Internet
Something that most people forget is how many people they have in the home.
How many smart TVs, gaming consoles, and high-bandwidth devices do your housemates have?
The number of people in your home goes back to how many devices you have connected to a particular frequency.
Let’s assume you have 3 others living in the home with you. They all play Xbox, and they all have smart TVs.
Chances are, their consoles and gaming systems are connected to 5G.
In this instance, you may want to either connect to 2G or upgrade to fiber-optic with an MU-MIMO router so you can also connect to 5G.
However, if your housemates only have laptops and a couple of smart TVs connected to your 5G, then there should be no issue.
If anything, you could always get a TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router, which is designed to have multiple high-bandwidth devices connected at once (from Amazon.com).
Is 5G the Best for Smart TVs?
5G is the best for smart TVs in most scenarios. However, you’re better off with 2G if you require more internet coverage in your home. 5G is great in terms of speed, whereas 2G is great in terms of Internet coverage. If you’re far away from your router or can’t afford 5G, go for 2G.
Most people buy smart TVs so that they can watch their favorite programs online via their smart TVs.
If that’s the case for you, too, it’s better to choose 5G over 2G.
If you live in a big home and your 5G cannot give you the coverage you need, consider getting a 5G booster.
That way, you don’t need to settle with 2G due to coverage issues.
Of course, just because you have a smart TV doesn’t mean you need to spend on a 5G connection.
If you don’t stream much, 2G is good enough to do the job.
Final Thoughts
Generally, 5G is better than 2G as it can provide you with better internet speed, especially if you stream a lot.
For a more direct connection, check that you have fiber optic, along with an MU-MIMO router.
However, keep in mind that there are times when 2G is a better choice than 5G.
Regardless, there are several things to consider when debating whether to connect your smart TV to 5G or 2G.
If you’re far away from your router, or if you cannot afford the optimal 5G setup, then 2G might be a better choice instead.
Read next: Will a Smart TV Work With an Antenna? 5 Device Facts