Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard that opens up a third frequency band for wireless communication. Alongside the existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, Wi-Fi 6E devices can now use the 6 GHz band, which was freed up by regulators for consumer Wi-Fi use.
The main benefit is extra bandwidth. More channels mean less crowding, so your devices get faster, more stable connections. In practice, you'll see theoretical maximum speeds of around 9.6 Gbps (compared to 10.8 Gbps for Wi-Fi 6 on paper, but that's less important than real-world performance). The 6 GHz band also keeps gaming, streaming, and video calls away from interference caused by microwave ovens and cordless phones, which tend to interfere with 2.4 GHz.
Wi-Fi 6E routers are backward compatible, so older devices still work, but only on the existing bands. New phones, laptops, and tablets with Wi-Fi 6E chips will connect via 6 GHz if your router supports it.
When shopping for a router or device, check whether it explicitly supports Wi-Fi 6E. Standard Wi-Fi 6 routers won't access the 6 GHz band. If your home is already congested with smart devices, neighbours' networks, or both, Wi-Fi 6E can make a real difference. If you live in a smaller flat with light usage, Wi-Fi 6 may suffice.