IPQ5424 vs IPQ9574: Choosing the Right Wi-Fi 7 SoC for Your Next Project

The Wi-Fi 7 era has officially arrived, bringing higher throughput, lower latency, and advanced features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and 320 MHz channel bandwidth. Among Qualcomm’s latest Wi-Fi 7 platforms, the IPQ5424 and IPQ9574 stand out as two of the most relevant options for product developers and integrators.

But which SoC should you choose? In this article, we break down the key differences, advantages, and use cases for IPQ5424 vs IPQ9574, helping you make the right decision for your next wireless project.

1. Introduction to Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 SoCs

IPQ5424 – Positioned as a mid-tier Wi-Fi 7 SoC, it delivers strong performance for cost-sensitive deployments while still supporting the latest 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) features.
IPQ9574 – A high-performance flagship SoC designed for premium routers, enterprise access points, and demanding industrial applications.

Both chips support the new Wi-Fi 7 standard but are tailored to different performance levels and project requirements.

2. Technical Specifications at a Glance

Feature

Qualcomm IPQ5424

Qualcomm IPQ9574

CPU

Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55

Quad-core ARM Cortex-A73

Wireless Standard

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

Channel Bandwidth

Up to 320 MHz

Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

Yes

Yes (advanced support)

Target Use Case

Mid-range routers, CPE, SMB solutions

Enterprise APs, high-end routers, industrial applications

Throughput

Optimized for efficiency

Optimized for peak performance

3. Key Differences Between IPQ5424 and IPQ9574

Performance

IPQ9574 offers higher CPU power (Cortex-A73) and better handling of heavy traffic loads.
IPQ5424 balances performance and cost, making it suitable for mid-tier products.

Target Market

IPQ5424: Ideal for SMB, residential, and cost-sensitive industrial deployments.
IPQ9574: Tailored for enterprise-class APs, premium CPE, and carrier-grade solutions.

Scalability

With its stronger processing capability, IPQ9574 is better suited for high-density environments (stadiums, airports, smart cities).
IPQ5424 works well in medium-density applications (office buildings, SMB networks, hospitality).

4. When to Choose IPQ5424

You should consider IPQ5424 if:

Your project requires Wi-Fi 7 features but with optimized cost.
You are building mid-range router boards or CPE devices.
You target applications like SMB networking, hospitality Wi-Fi, or smart homes.

5. When to Choose IPQ9574

Choose IPQ9574 if:

You need maximum throughput and lowest latency.
Your deployment is enterprise-level or industrial-grade.
You require support for large numbers of simultaneous connections.

6. Final Thoughts

Both IPQ5424 and IPQ9574 represent Qualcomm’s push into the Wi-Fi 7 era. The decision comes down to performance vs. cost:

IPQ5424 → Best for mid-tier, cost-optimized Wi-Fi 7 products.
IPQ9574 → Best for high-end, enterprise, and industrial Wi-Fi 7 solutions.

By aligning the right SoC with your project requirements, you can maximize efficiency, reduce development risk, and deliver cutting-edge wireless products to market.

7. About Wallys Communications

At Wallys Communications, we specialize in developing industrial Wi-Fi router boards, network cards, and custom solutions based on Qualcomm chipsets, including IPQ5424 and IPQ9574. Our products are optimized for long-distance transmission, smart cities, industrial applications, and OEM/ODM customization.

👉 For more details on our Wi-Fi 7 router boards and modules, contact our sales team at sales1@wallystech.com

or visit www.wallystech.com.