Wireless vs. Ethernet for Streaming

There is nothing inherently wrong with good dependable WIFI wrt to streaming. As long as the bits get there fast enough, it doesn’t matter. Good dependable WIFI can be more than fast enough to handle streaming 4K video.

Due to the logistics of my home, my only option for my streamer is WIFI. I use a relatively inexpensive TP-Link WIFI extender connecting over my 5G network. It has a wired ethernet port for my streamer. I get a dependable 150Mbps with this connection, which is plenty to feed my Hi-res Tidal/Qoboz audio needs, AND a 4K television AND my computers with video conferencing (sometimes simultaneously). There are likely lots of folks reading this who don't get 150Mbps with their wired connections.

A poor WIFI connection for whatever reason (poor coverage, contention from neighbors, etc.) would obviously be another story.

wifi works perfectly well for streamed music, if it works well... if you follow me

lots of people, places have wifi that is not implemented well, too much traffic etc etc

modern mesh networks, as @nekoaudio says, solves alot of the past problems with wifi

My 2 cents:

When you are using the internet, you have to make sure you aren't pushing up against the limits of data transfer.

I have Verizon Fios Gigabit. It works fine. But, if there is a lot of traffic/demand, I can have Qobuz/Roon hiccup.

Nothing major, but it has happened when I am playing music and other bandwidth demanding services are in use at the same time.

As others have said, wired connection is the safest/most stable way to connect, but if there are no other demands, and you have a good connection, wireless is just as good.

B

I would place the mesh node close to the system and plug in Then turn on and tune out..

I use a wifi extender (wall wart… $69) next to my system and plug my Ethernet cable into that. I have a very good streamer and it buffers and presents fantastic music regardless of the current status of my internet provider or the wifi.