Short answer: Wi-Fi 8 is the next generation, being developed as IEEE 802.11bn, and its focus is reliability rather than peak speed. The standard isn’t expected to be final until 2028, so anything sold as “Wi-Fi 8” today is pre-standard. If you need a router now, Wi-Fi 7 is the current generation.
What Wi-Fi 8 aims for
The IEEE describes 802.11bn as adding an “Ultra High Reliability” capability to Wi-Fi, in the same frequency range as today’s bands. Its targets are relative, not headline speeds: modes that raise throughput by 25%, cut 95th-percentile latency by 25% and reduce lost packets by 25% compared with Wi-Fi 7, plus lower power use for access points and backward compatibility with older devices.
The Wi-Fi Alliance, which will certify products, describes Wi-Fi 8 the same way: ultra-high reliability, higher throughput, lower latency, lower AP power consumption and better peer-to-peer operation compared with Wi-Fi 7. In practice that means fewer stalls and drop-outs, especially when moving around or on busy networks.
Where the standard stands
As of September 2026, the 802.11bn draft had passed its D2.0 working group ballot, with further drafts and ballots still to come. IEEE projected final working group approval in March 2028, and Standards Board approval in May 2028. For comparison, 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) was approved in September 2024.
“Wi-Fi 8” products are pre-standard
Should you wait?
See Wi-Fi 7 explained, Wi-Fi 6E vs Wi-Fi 7 and when to replace your router. For how the generations fit together, see Wi-Fi standards explained.