2.4 vs 5 GHz Wi-Fi: Which network is best for streaming TV?

A wired, white-colored router sits on a wooden surface with its wireless antenna pointing upward. In the background is an out-of-focus smart TV displaying its home screen.

Many of the best wireless routers you can buy offer a choice between two types of Wi-Fi connection: 2.4 and 5 GHz. And, if you plan on using your smart TV’s wireless capabilities (or those of your dedicated streaming devices), you’ll likely run into separate options for the 2.4 and 5 GHz versions of your home network.

If you've been trying to figure out how to stop your smart TV from buffering, you might've found yourself wondering about these two options. As it turns out, there are tradeoffs to both, but one of them might be a better option for your home.