During CES 2026, we saw a number of new innovations – including humanoid robots, new TV displays, and more. However, one thing that many people did not expect to see was Wi-Fi 8.

Wi-Fi 7 was released in 2024, and in just two years now, companies have started demoing Wi-Fi 8 technology before most of us have even switched to Wi-Fi 7 routers. However Wi-Fi 8 has not yet received standards approval by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a global nonprofit that owns the Wi-Fi trademarks.

What is Wi-Fi 8?

According to The Verge, Wi-Fi 8 will offer similar speeds to Wi-Fi 7, but with better power efficiency and better connectivity. Early demonstrations highlighted Wi-Fi 8’s ability to maintain a fast, stable connection even when devices move away from the router, with less risk of signal drops or interruptions – a major benefit for streaming, gaming and homes full of wireless gadgets.

Wi-Fi 7 promises speeds of up to 46 Gbps, low latency, and multi-link operation (MLO) that allows devices to use multiple bands (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz) simultaneously for better performance.

Should I skip Wi-Fi 7?

While Wi-Fi 8 will be a leap forward over Wi-Fi 7 when it comes to connectivity and efficiency, it is believed that the standard will only be formalized by 2028. However, companies like Asus are already planning to bring Wi-Fi 8 routers to the market based on the draft of the standard by the end of this year.

And if you get the option to choose between Wi-Fi 7 and early Wi-Fi 8 routers, it would be wise to choose the latter considering the advantages.

Which companies demonstrated Wi-Fi 8 technology?

The Asus ROG NeoCore Wi-Fi 8 router was one of the first concept models showcased at CES. According to Asus, the production version will match the data speeds of Wi-Fi 7 but offer higher throughput and lower latency, aimed at reducing network congestion and lag for demanding applications.

Broadcom also joined the Wi-Fi 8 rollout at CES, introducing the BCM4918 APU and dual-band radios BCM6714 and BCM6719. These components are designed for use in residential Wi-Fi 8 routers and gateways, supporting the transition to the new standard in everyday home networks. The move signals major industry momentum behind Wi-Fi 8 hardware even before the standard is formally finalized.

MediaTek announced its Phylogic 8000 family of Wi-Fi 8 chips, which it describes as “premium and flagship devices that leverage Wi-Fi 8 technology,” including access points, smartphones, laptops, televisions, and smart home products. The first devices with these chips are expected to arrive within the year, bringing Wi-Fi 8 beyond routers to a range of consumer electronics.