What Wi-Fi Does a MacBook Have? Modules, Speeds, and Standards (2014–2026)

When it comes to wireless modules in MacBookUsers often face confusion: which standards are supported, why speeds are lower than expected, or how Wi-Fi in MacBooks compares to Windows laptops. This is especially true for owners of models with chips. Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and older versions on Intel, where the differences in hardware are significant.

In this article we will examine in detail:

• 🔍 What Wi-Fi modules installed in MacBooks of different generations (2014–2026) and their key characteristics.
• ⚡ Real speeds connections in standards Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 And Wi-Fi 6E — and why they may differ from those stated.
• 🛠️ How to check Current Wi-Fi settings on macOS (including hidden settings).
• 🆚 Comparison with Windows PCWhy do MacBooks sometimes perform more slowly or less reliably?

You'll also find practical tips on optimizing your connection and answers to frequently asked questions, such as whether it's possible to replace the Wi-Fi module in a MacBook or why MacBook Air M1 does not support Wi-Fi 6E.

1. MacBook Wi-Fi Modules: Models and Generations (2014–2026)

Apple uses Wi-Fi modules from Broadcom (since 2020 - also our own chip-based solutions Apple Silicon). The main difference between generations is support for standards. 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) And 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E), as well as the maximum theoretical speed.

Below is a table showing the distribution of modules by MacBook model. Please note: even within the same line (for example, MacBook Pro 13") the hardware may vary depending on the year of production.

Key findings:

• 🔹 MacBook on Intel (until 2020) limited Wi-Fi 5 and speeds up to 1.7 Gbps.
• 🔹 Models with M1 received Wi-Fi 6, but without range support 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E).
• 🔹 Only MacBook Pro 14"/16" on M1 Pro/Max and all MacBooks on M2/M3 support Wi-Fi 6E.

⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, in Russia) the range 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E may be prohibited or restricted by regulators. Before purchasing a router with 6E support, check the current regulations in your country.

2. MacBook Wi-Fi speed: why is it slower than advertised?

Manufacturers indicate theoretical maximum speed (for example, 2.4 Gbps for MacBook Pro M2), but in practice you are unlikely to get more 500–900 Mbps even under ideal conditions. Here are the main reasons:

• 📡 Router limitations: If your router only supports Wi-Fi 5, the MacBook will not be able to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6/6E.
• 📶 Interference and distance: Walls, other devices on the frequency 2.4 GHz and even microwaves slow down.
• 🖥️ macOS settings: By default, the system may limit bandwidth to save power.
• 🌐 Provider: Internet connection speed is often slower than the speed of the local Wi-Fi network.

To check real speed, use services like Speedtest or Fast.comBut first, make sure that:

1. The MacBook is connected to the network. 5 GHz (and not 2.4 GHz).
2. The router is located nearby (or in the same room).
3. There are no active downloads or updates on the MacBook.

3. How to check Wi-Fi settings on a MacBook?

macOS has hidden Wi-Fi diagnostic tools that show you current connection speed, signal level and even router channelHere's how to open them:

1. Hold Option (⌥) and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. An expanded menu will appear with network information, including:
   • 📌 PHY Mode (For example, 802.11ax for Wi-Fi 6).
   • 📌 TX Rate — current transfer rate.
   • 📌 RSSI — signal level (the closer to 0, the better).

Hold Option (⌥) → Wi-Fi menu → Open Wi-Fi diagnostics

 → About This Mac → System Report → Network → Wi-Fi

If you see in the report PHY Mode: 802.11ac on a MacBook with M1/M2, this means that the router does not support Wi-Fi 6 or the connection is made using an outdated standard.

Hold Option and click on the Wi-Fi icon | Check the PHY Mode (should be 802.11ax for Wi-Fi 6) | Run Wi-Fi diagnostics from the menu | Check the signal strength (RSSI is better than -60 dBm) | Compare the speed in 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz

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4. Comparing Wi-Fi in MacBooks and Windows laptops

Many users note that MacBooks sometimes show a more stable connectionthan Windows PCs with similar modules. Reasons:

• 🍎 Driver optimization: Apple develops software for its own hardware, while in Windows, Wi-Fi drivers are often written by chip manufacturers (for example, Intel or Qualcomm).
• 🔄 Roaming: MacBooks switch faster between access points in large networks (for example, in offices).
• 🔋 Energy saving: Windows may limit Wi-Fi power by default to save battery life.

However, there is a downside:

• ❌ Some features are not supported: For example, macOS does not have an interface for manually selecting a Wi-Fi channel (like Windows).
• ❌ More difficult to diagnose problems: Windows has utilities like Netsh or Wireshark, whereas in macOS many tools are hidden.

If you need maximum performance, on a Windows PC you can manually configure the adapter settings (for example, disable 802.11n for forced use 802.11ac/ax). macOS doesn't have such options—the system automatically selects the optimal settings.

5. Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi module in a MacBook?

Technically, yes, but with reservations. In most MacBooks, the Wi-Fi module is soldered to the motherboard, and replacing it requires soldering. Exceptions:

• 🔧 MacBook Pro until 2015 (module on connector PCIe).
• 🔧 Some models MacBook Air 2017–2019 (module on a removable connector).

Important: Starting with MacBooks with M1/M2 chips, the Wi-Fi module is integrated into the processor (SoC) and cannot be replaced separately. The only option is to use an external USB adapter (eg. TP-Link Archer T4U), but this is inconvenient for a laptop.

⚠️ Attention: Replacing the Wi-Fi module in modern MacBooks (2018+) yourself will void the warranty and may cause system errors. Apple blocks non-genuine components at the software level.

If you need critical support Wi-Fi 6E, and you have a MacBook on M1 (without 6E), the only solution is to upgrade to a model on M2/M3 or use an external adapter.

6. Optimizing Wi-Fi on a MacBook: Practical Tips

If your MacBook connects to the network, but the speed or stability is poor, try these steps:

1. Update macOS:

    → System Preferences → Software Update

   New versions of macOS improve support for Wi-Fi standards and fix bugs.

2. Reset network settings:

   System Preferences → Network → Select Wi-Fi → Click "–" (remove) → Restart your MacBook

   After reboot, the network will be added automatically.

3. Turn off Bluetooth: If you are not using wireless headphones or a keyboard, turn off Bluetooth as it can interfere with the frequency. 2.4 GHz.
4. Configure your router:
   • 🔹 Install a channel 5 GHz with width 80 MHz (for Wi-Fi 6).
   • 🔹 Turn on WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
   • 🔹 Turn it off 802.11b/g in the router settings - these outdated standards slow down the network.

If problems persist, check to see if your MacBook is overheating—at high temperatures, the chip may artificially limit Wi-Fi performance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi on MacBooks

System Preferences → Sharing → Check "Internet Sharing" → Select a source (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) and create a network.