Triband vs Dual-band Router: Is Triband Better than Dual-band?

When looking for routers, it is common to meet the triband and dual-band routers. Most people probably get stranded on knowing whether to invest in a triband vs a dual-band router. However, after going through the features of each, people choose one.

Internet devices have been growing day by day. We have had plenty of devices such as modems and routers. Routers have also evolved hence the rise of the single-band, dual-band routers, and now the triband routers.

Each type of router comes with features that make it unique. The technologies used in every kind of router make it unique in terms of functionality. Here comes the central question. Should you invest in a triband router?

We have compiled information about triband and dual-band routers. It will help you to assess each router individually, making your decision-making better. Below is the analysis.

Triband vs Dual-band Router: Which one should I buy, advantages, and disadvantages

What is WiFi and what are the two bands?

WiFi is a wireless technology that lets multiple devices communicate with each other wirelessly and access the internet. This technology has revolutionized the way we connect to the internet and opened up so many possibilities for businesses that need high-speed connections.

The two bands of WiFi are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which are the frequencies at which WiFi operates. The 2.4 GHz band is more crowded, so this frequency is usually dedicated to data transfer while the 5 GHz band handles data streaming for things like video chatting or watching movies online.

As if that isn’t complicated enough, there are also two types of dual-band WiFi systems: tri-band and dual-band. With a tri-band system, there are three separate radio signals operating in either the 2.4 or 5 GHz band at any given time to offer more bandwidth than a dual-band system which only has two radio signals running at once.

What is a Triband router?

A triband router is one that has three channels. The work of channels is to assist in having many devices connected to them.  When you have your devices connected, the chances of experiencing delays get limited to a great degree.

A triband router consists of the traditional 2.4GHz band and additional 5GHz bands. The 5 GHz bands perform better than the 2.4GHz bands. They have higher speeds and boast of a reliable connection than the 2.4GHz bands.

The significant difference between the two bands is that the 2.4GHz band has a slower speed but covers a broader range. The 5GHz band has higher speeds but covers a lower range. Having the two combined gives an excellent outcome in terms of the speed and reliability of the network.

A triband is lovely when used for streaming content and gaming. What makes it ideal is that the functions require both a stable connection and very high speeds. Therefore, it supports many devices such as smart streaming TV or gaming devices and ensures that each has a stable connection and covers a broader range.

Moreover, the triband router is known for device prioritization. It works by ensuring that each device gets connected to a band that enhances good performance. as a result, the chances of having challenges such as lags and latency get limited to a great degree.

In terms of range coverage, a triband router covers an extended range. You will have the internet functioning over an extended range. The fantastic thing is that the devices get directed to the 2GHz band at the farthest point because of their ability.

Why would I need tri-band WiFi?

Tri-band WiFi offers more bandwidth than a dual-band system. For example, a tri-band antenna can handle three different radio signals operating in either the 2.4 or 5 GHz band at any given time to offer more bandwidth than a dual-band system which only has two radio signals running at once.

Tri-band WiFi is used in places like schools and offices where it’s important to have an uninterrupted connection no matter what the situation is. There are also times when tri-band WiFi is needed for video chat, like when you’re on Skype from your laptop computer.

Dual-band systems are less expensive though because they only need two radio signals to run instead of three. So if you’re looking for a less expensive option, go with a dual-band system!

What is a Dual-band router?

A dual-band router is composed of 2 channels. One is 2.4GHz, and the other is 5GHz, and they both work simultaneously. The 2.4GHz band is known to be having low speeds and gets interfered with by external disruptions.

In terms of speed, the 2.4GHz band is slower than the 5GHz band. It is half of what the 5GHz band provides.  The major controversy comes in with the devices that this model will serve. It is not surprising that there are devices that work with the 2.4GHz band and cannot work with the 5GHz band. Some devices will also not function well with the 2GHz band.

The 2GHz band allocates devices to a band that will support its functionality. You can also choose to switch the devices yourself depending on what they need to function well. Optimizing the internet once connected to the router is simple and very unique.

Having a dual-band is like having two networks running simultaneously. You, therefore, have the potential to run all the devices as per your needs. Maximum speeds of 2167Mbps get supported by the devices hence offering a reliable speed to all your devices.

Moreover, there is one thing that is of concern about dual-band routers. Each router gets speeds that vary hence the difference in performance. Those that have high speeds have the potential to serve high internet-consuming devices.

Having each device working on a specific band makes the performance of your devices remarkable. You will still experience higher speeds and reduces latency. You are therefore guaranteed that the service of the router is excellent.

Device allocation is what makes the connection of devices excellent. Most of the dual-band routers use Wi-Fi 4 technology. The number of ports in the dual-band router also seems to be less.

Comparison table of differences between a triband vs a dual-band router

Dual-Band RouterTriband Router
Has two channels of 2GHz and 5GHzHas three channels of 2GHz and 5GHz + 5GHz
Combination speeds are slower and at times unreliableCombination speeds are high for the three bands
Accommodates a specific number of devices for the two bandsAccommodates many devices for the bands without latency
Makes use of the Wi-Fi 4 technologyUtilizes the wifi-5 technology
May not support high speed wired devicesSupports many devices, including those that have very high speeds
Mostly comes at a lower priceThey are generally more expensive
Has high speedsHas very high speeds
Limits latency to some degreeLowers the rate of latency at the highest degree
Reliable internet to some extentIts connection is entirely reliable
Supports fewer wired deviceSome have several gigabit ports hence supporting many devices

Similarities between a dual-band and a triband router

They both have the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands. They will therefore enjoy device prioritization without much hustle.

The 2.4 GHz band ensures that all the routers have a reliable connection to all devices. The chances of having lags get minimized to a great degree.

Both of them have the potential of supporting wired devices using Ethernet ports. You can therefore connect streaming players and game consoles to the router effortlessly.

Both allow for a quick upgrade of the network. You can also extend the network of both routers effortlessly.

Advantages and disadvantages of a dual-band vs a triband router

There are various advantages with the dual-band vs triband routers and vice versa. They are as follows.

Merits of dual-band routers

  • Come at an affordable price hence affordable to many people.
  • Covers an extended range
  • Offer simplicity in set up and management
  • Offers fantastic support to Ethernet backhaul
  • Has stability in its connections
  • Easy to expand the internet
  • Reliable connection over an extended range
  • Can cover up to 4500 square feet connection
  • Offers perfect stability of the network

Demerits of dual-band routers

  • Support a limited number of devices
  • Not best for broad areas
  • May experience performance drops
  • At times they experience low speeds

Merits of a triband router

  • Easy to expand internet
  • Designed for performance with three bands
  • Offer gigabit speeds
  • Perfect for places that have heavy traffic
  • Simple to set up and manage
  • Covers a more comprehensive range of up to 6000 square feet
  • Offers support to Ethernet backhaul
  • Ideal for gaming and streaming
  • Supports many devices
  • Offer device prioritization

Demerits of a triband router

  • It comes at a higher price
  • Its technology may be a little bit challenging to operate
  • It  may not achieve range coverage

Differences between a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band

You will find both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands on both the routers. However, a triband router has an additional 5GHz band. However, the significant difference is that the 2.4 GHz band supports 400 Mbps or 600 Mbps. The speeds are dependent on the type and the performance of the router.

The 5GHz band is known for supporting speeds of up to 1300Mbps. Having a router performing on the 5 GHz band is dependent on many factors. One thing that needs consideration is Wi-Fi technology. The latest technology supports many of the bands correctly.

 The primary role of the 5GHz band is that it supports devices to have many speeds. The 2.4GHz band is known for supporting devices to have reliable speeds. When the two bands are combined, you will enjoy high speeds and a very reliable connection.

When you connect range extenders to both the dual-band and triband router, they get connected to the 2.4 GHz band. You, therefore, have a guarantee that it will improve the speeds and the range. In terms of congestion, the 5 GHz band is responsible for lowering any delays and congestion.

5GHz band is responsible for supporting services such as streaming and gaming. When connected to either the dual-band, it triple bands. You get a guarantee, therefore, of excellent performance for 4K streaming.

Benefits of a triband router vs a dual-band router

When getting a router for your home, you need to consider the benefits of a triband router vs a dual-band router. In addition, you should consider the options where a triband router is more applicable as compared to a dual-band router.

The following are the benefits of a triband router vs a dual-band router:

  • A triband router delivers faster speeds compared to a dual-band router hence a more powerful performance.
  • Using a triband router is more beneficial because it accommodates many devices compared to a dual-band router.
  • When it comes to devices’ performance, a triband router is capable of accommodating many devices and letting them perform better. For instance, the gigabit speeds allow connection to many devices that are either low performers or high performers. You can comfortably connect gaming machines and streaming players.
  • The stability of the internet is excellent, too, because of the 3 GHz band’s presence. You will therefore have more devices functioning at a more stable speed and rate without the router straining.
  • Device prioritization of a triband router seems to be better. The number of channels is 3, and the rate at which each device gets directed to a specific channel for better performance is high. Despite the amount of internet it consumes, it will enjoy a quick and reliable service. The dual-band router is limited.
  • The number of Ethernet ports in a triband router at times will be higher than the dual-band router. The upstream and downstream channel will also be higher in a triband router when you compare it to a dual-band router.

Do I buy a triband or a dual-band router?

Among the similarities, we have about the dual-band, and the triband router is that they both have the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands. You get therefore guaranteed that the performance of each will be excellent. In terms of technology, they both accommodate the same technologies. Performance gets, therefore, guaranteed for both.

However, the triband router has an additional 5GHz band. It is responsible for serving more devices than the dual-band router. Therefore, having a triband router ensures that you have many devices that will enjoy the internet at higher speeds than the dual-band router.

You are probably wondering what the difference is between tri-band and dual-band WiFi. The answer is simple, speed! Tri-band WiFi has a greater range of bandwidth which means it can deliver faster internet speeds. A dual-band WiFi limits your options to either: 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

If you have a lot of wireless devices in your home or office, then tri-band WiFi is the way to go! If you don’t need anything but basic web browsing and email, then you’ll be fine with dual-band WiFi. Now that we’ve answered the question of whether or not you need tri-band WiFi, here are some ways to choose your next router.

Cost/ Price of the router

In terms of pricing, the dual-band router is cheaper than the triband router. So depending on your budget, you may be in a position to enjoy a triband service. Getting the dual-band router may give you almost the same performance as the triband router except for speed and the number of devices.

You can find an excellent dual-band router for under 200 Dollars. The routers in this list will give you coverage for multiple devices and also for a large home. You may also get a good router for under 50 Dollars if you focus on a dual-band router.

Positioning/ placement/ size of the house

With regards to the place where you will use the router, each model has its advantages. If you have a small house or a small office, a dual-band router is fantastic. It will supply adequate internet and high speeds to the few devices that it will serve.

However, for a big institution, the case is slightly different. A triband router will serve best compared to a dual-band router. It will accommodate more devices and users than the dual-band router. Being a large institution, it will need more comprehensive coverage and stability than if it was a dual-band router.

Number of users/ Speed of the internet

Another thing that will happen in a place with many users is that the needs will vary. The best routers for multiple devices are mostly tri-band. You will therefore have many people enjoying the internet hence the need to have a higher speed. The quality of the internet should therefore be higher and can be supplied best by a triband router.

Finally, the kind of internet devices you use is also a determinant factor. If you have devices such as computers and gaming machines, you will need an internet that is fast and reliable. Having a triband router, therefore, guarantees you some excellent service. The Dual-band may operate at lower speeds and be less reliable.

Latest technologies

However, when buying a router, before choosing a triband or a dual-band, you need to look at the combination speeds and the technologies. Features such as beamforming technology, MU-MIMO technology, Dynamic QoS, and the core processor determine how fast your internet will be.

What is a tri-band router?

Final verdict

Both dual-band and triband are potent routers. Their variation comes in from the place they get used, the functions they serve, and the prices of each. Therefore, you will choose one depending on the kind of service you want and how reliable you want your internet to be.

For fast and enhanced performances, go for a triband router. If your budget is limited and your internet needs are not much, buy a dual-band router.

Dual-band vs Tri-band FAQs

Do I need a tri-band WiFi router?

There are plenty of benefits to going with a tri-band WiFi system. One of the biggest advantages is that it offers more bandwidth than a dual-band system. This means that your home or office will be able to access faster speeds and download larger files.
A tri-band WiFi system also has a better range which can be especially important if you live in an area where there’s not much wifi coverage.
A tri-band WiFi network also offers more control over individual devices. With a single dual-band signal, each device has to share the same bandwidth, which means that some devices might have limited use because they’re receiving too much or too little bandwidth for optimal performance.
With a tri-band system, all three radio signals operate simultaneously so you can use what you need without having to worry about compromising device performance for someone else’s convenience.
Finally, a tri-band WiFi system has greater security options than a dual-band one because it includes the ability to create different networks with different passwords or settings for each band in addition to being able to change the modulation mode of each band independently as well as separate encryption encoders on each band.

Is dual-band Wi-Fi better?

If you are comparing dual-band to single-band WiFi, it is definitely better. As compared to tri-band WiFi, you can choose dual-band if you are mindful of the price or if you don’t have many devices/ intensive internet use.

What is the difference between dual-band and tri-band?

A dual-band router offers two bands for devices to connect to the internet router. The two bands are 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Tri-band on the other hand offers 3 bands since it has an additional 5GHz band to the two bands.