WPA2 vs WPA3

If you've ever poked around your router settings, you've likely ran into riveting terms such as WPA2 and WPA3.

These are the security protocols protecting your home WiFi network from unwanted guests, data thieves and other online troublemakers.

WPA3 is the newer standard, but is newer always better?

Short answer: yes.

Long answer: let's get into it.

What is WPA?

WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access.

It's the security system used by your router to scramble data as it travels across your WiFi network, so it stays private and out of the wrong hands.

If your Wi-Fi was a house, WPA is the lock on your front door. The stronger that lock is, the harder it is for someone to break in.

Over the years, Wi-Fi security standards have evolved:

• WEP: Outdated and easily compromised
• WPA: An improvement, but now showing its age
• WPA2: The long-standing security standard for home WiFi
• WPA3: The newest and most secure option available today

Most modern routers use either WPA2 or WPA3 or a mix of the two. 

WPA2 vs WPA3 at a Glance

What can we take from this information? 

WPA3 was designed to fix weaknesses that existed in WPA2.

What Makes WPA3 More Secure?

WPA2 has been keeping Wi-Fi networks secure for nearly 20 years. Not a bad run. But cyber threats have moved on. 

Enter WPA3: a newer standard with stronger security built in.

Better Protection Against Password Guessing

One of WPA2's greatest weaknesses is that attackers can repeatedly attempt to guess your Wi-Fi password offline if they capture certain network data.

WPA3 introduces a process called Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE). 

What this does is replace WPA2’s pre-shared key (PSK) method with a more sophisticated password-based authentication protocol. 

In short, SAE makes large-scale password guessing attacks far more difficult.

Even if your password isn't quite as strong as it should be, WPA3 offers an extra layer of protection.

Stronger Encryption

WPA3 uses stronger cryptographic protections to secure data moving across your network.

For most households, this means:

• Better privacy
• Better security
• More protection for connected devices

And in a world where everything from laptops to doorbells connects to Wi-Fi, that's ruddy good news.

Safer Public Wi-Fi Connections

Public Wi-Fi can be a bit of a wild west.

WPA3 includes improvements that help encrypt connections on open networks, making it harder for others on the same network to snoop on your activity.

Which is especially handy when you're checking emails over a flat white in a café or waiting for your flight in a crowded airport.

Is WPA2 Still Safe?

For the most part. 

When configured correctly with:

• A strong password
• Modern router firmware
• WPA2-AES encryption enabled

WPA2 still has plenty left in the tank. WPA3 just arrived with some shiny new upgrades and a few clever ways to keep cyber criminals at arm's length.

Should You Switch to WPA3?

If your router and devices support WPA3, we’d say go for it.

You'll get:

• Stronger security
• Better protection against password-cracking attempts
• More future-ready Wi-Fi security
• Extra privacy when using public networks

That said, WPA3 isn't everywhere just yet.

Some older laptops, smart TVs, printers and smart home gadgets still only support WPA2. If that's the case, don't panic. WPA2 is still a perfectly secure option and continues to do the job for most people.

Many modern routers also support a mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode, giving newer devices the benefits of WPA3 while older ones stay connected without fuss. 

Clever stuff. 

What is WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode?

WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode is the Wi-Fi equivalent of speaking two languages.

Your router can support newer WPA3 devices and older WPA2 devices at the same time.

That means stronger security where it's available, without breaking compatibility for older gadgets.

We'll take that.

How to Check Which Security Standard You're Using

Most routers let you check this through their settings page or companion app.

Look for:

• Wireless Settings
• Wi-Fi Security
• Security Mode

You may see options such as:

• WPA2-Personal
• WPA3-Personal
• WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode

If WPA3 is available, it's usually worth enabling.

Just make sure all your devices still connect afterwards.

Does WPA3 Make Your Broadband Faster?

Nope.

WPA3 improves security, not speed.

Your broadband speed is determined by factors like:

• Your broadband package
• Router performance
• Network congestion
• Wi-Fi signal strength

What WPA3 does provide is peace of mind that your network is better protected while you're streaming, gaming and WFHing.

WPA2 vs WPA3: Which Should You Choose?

For most people, the answer is simple.

Choose WPA3 Whenever Your Router and Devices Support It

It offers stronger protection, improved encryption and better defence against modern cyber threats.

If some of your devices are knocking on a bit, WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode is usually the sweet spot.

You get the latest security where possible without creating compatibility headaches.

And that's exactly how Wi-Fi security should be.

No device left behind!

Final Thoughts

Wi-Fi security has come a loooong way.

While WPA2 has served households well for years, WPA3 raises the bar with stronger protection and even smarter security features.

If your hardware supports it, switching to WPA3 is one of the easiest ways to make your home network more secure.

All the protection with none of the palaver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WPA3 Mandatory on New Routers?

Many newer routers support WPA3 as standard, although some still offer WPA2 compatibility modes for older devices.

Can Older Devices Connect to WPA3 Networks?

Not always. Some older devices only support WPA2, which is why mixed mode exists.

Is WPA2 Being Phased Out?

Not officially. WPA2 is still widely used, but WPA3 is increasingly becoming the recommended standard.

How Do I Know if My Router Supports WPA3?

Check your router's specifications, manufacturer website or security settings menu. If WPA3 is available, you'll usually see it listed as a selectable security mode.