You might have to choose between WPS and WPA3 while setting up a Wi-Fi network. These two options give you varying levels of security protection for the most part. However, depending on your networking needs, you may have additional advantages as well. Don’t worry if you are confused, though. I will help you choose the best option through a WPS vs WPA3 comparison.
Understanding WPS and WPA3
We shall first have an overview of WPS and WPA3.
What is WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)?
WPS, which stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, is a network security standard that is used across the globe. It was introduced back in 2006 and was designed to simplify the process of Wi-Fi connection. Cisco and the Wi-Fi Alliance developed this system so that users can connect devices to a Wi-Fi network without entering lengthy passphrases.
The primary use case was for printers, cameras, scanners, Wi-Fi extenders, and smart home devices that did not have the right interface for inputting such passwords. You can use WPS via Push Button Configuration and PIN, but both methods are prone to security threats.
So, despite offering a lot of convenience, WPS offers lower security compared to other options.
What is WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)?
WPA3, which stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access III, is a Wi-Fi security protocol. This Wi-Fi protocol has been the recommended standard for Wi-Fi connections since 2018. Compared to its predecessor, WPA2, WPA3 is capable of offering impressive security, encryption, and authentication options.
Unlike WPS, WPA3 applies to the entire Wi-Fi network. When you join a Wi-Fi network that uses the WPA3 security protocol, all devices connected to the network are protected by this protocol. As you can guess, the level of protection you would get from a WPA3 network is better than that of a WPS network.
In short, WPA3 offers the best possible security for your wireless network.
WPS vs. WPA3 Security Comparison
We shall now talk about two major security-related aspects of WPS and WPA3.
Security Mechanisms
Since its launch in 2006, WPS has not received any major upgrades for its security mechanism. Over the past two decades, multiple vulnerabilities have affected the WPS system. In particular, the PIN-entry system of WPS has been a target of multiple brute-force attacks. Subsequently, manufacturers have started turning off PIN-based access by default. Therefore, if you want to use WPS in 2025, Push Button Configuration is the best shot.
WPA3, on the other hand, represents the best security you can get when it comes to Wi-Fi networks. Since its launch in 2018, WPA3 has seen widespread adoption in both the residential and commercial sectors. When compared to WPA2, WPA3 brings features like 192-bit and 128-bit encryption and Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE). Overall, WPA3 can offer better protection from brute force and other attacks based on offline dictionaries.
Known Vulnerabilities
The more significant issue with WPS is the known vulnerabilities associated with the technology. In 2011, a major vulnerability was discovered, and it exposed how WPS can easily be cracked via brute force attacks. It is equally vulnerable to offline dictionary attacks as well, especially when the PIN method is used. Further, in 2014, Donique Bongard provided proof for offline dictionary attacks that could crack the PIN in minutes. WPS also presents a variety of physical access-related vulnerabilities.
As I said, WPA3 is considered the most secure Wi-Fi protocol in 2025. The use of better encryption and SAE can protect WPA3 networks from major threats out there. It works great in public network mode as well. It still does not mean that WPA3 is completely secure. The Dragonblood vulnerabilities from 2019 let attackers recover Wi-Fi passwords on a WPA network. It is also prone to Denial-of-Service attacks, which prevent the user from accessing the network.
I must clarify something here:
Though both WPS and WPA3 have some vulnerabilities, WPA3 is several times better than WPS.
WPS vs. WPA3 Speed and Performance
Are you wondering whether the selection between WPS and WPA3 has implications for the performance of the network? Well, here are some insights.
Impact on Network Throughput
As far as network throughput is concerned, WPS has no impact on performance or speed. As I said, WPS is a way to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and it does not use heavy encryption or authentication algorithms. So you can get maximum speed and performance from the router.
WPA3, on the other hand, uses a brand-new authentication algorithm and heavy encryption. Therefore, you may notice a slight overload of network resources. However, modern Wi-Fi devices are optimized to cover these issues, offering impressive speed and performance in the end.
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
As far as real-world performance and speed are concerned, you cannot tell the difference between WPS and WPA3. Both platforms offer the best speed that your Wi-Fi router can support.
Device Compatibility with WPS vs WPA3
In the end, devices should support WPS and WPA3, right?
WPS Compatibility
Because it was launched in 2006, WPS has what I call universal compatibility. You can find WPS support on most devices, including modern ones. Even in 2025, most routers ship with a dedicated WPS button, which allows you to connect devices without entering lengthy passwords. So, even when many manufacturers are turning off the PIN method for authentication, WPS continues to have some support.
However, due to the increasing concerns over security, experts predict a gradual phasing out of WPS. Given that the convenience of WPS is outweighed by the security risks, manufacturers may let it go soon.
WPA3 Compatibility
As long as you have a new Wi-Fi router, you don’t have to worry about WPA3 support. Wi-Fi routers are now recommending the WPA3 protocol as the most secure option for a Wi-Fi network. However, there could be a few issues when using the protocol alongside legacy devices. In those instances, you need to roll back to something like WPA2. Even WPA2 seems more secure than WPS.
It is also a good time to mention that WPS does not work with WPA3. That is, you cannot use the PBC or PIN method of Wi-Fi Protected Setup when you are using the WPA3 protocol. It means you need to bump down the network security to WPA2 or WPA if you need the convenience of WPS.
Future of WPS and WPA3
Here’s what we expect to see in the case of WPS and WPA3.
WPS: Declining Usage
As I mentioned earlier, WPS is witnessing declining usage, probably due to security threats. So, we won’t be wrong to expect an extinction of WPS. However, devices that lack an appropriate interface may need another way to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
WPA3: The New Standard
WPA3 seems to be the current best choice, and it will remain in the market until the Wi-Fi Alliance comes up with a better security protocol. We still have no idea whether the Wi-Fi Alliance is working on something of this sort. But, given the increasing number of security threats, it is a likely possibility.
Making the Right Choice: WPS or WPA3?
Here’s a simple selection:
You should choose WPA3 over WPS whenever possible. Sure, WPS may seem convenient, but you need not remember the password. However, you also expose the network to many issues, especially if a threat actor can have physical access to the network.
You should use WPS only when absolutely necessary. Even in that case, turn on WPS during a time window and turn it back off when you have connected the device. This way, you give up the convenience but still can use WPS with legacy devices.
Conclusion
I should mention that comparing WPS vs WPA3 is tricky in itself. While WPS is a technology for quick Wi-Fi connection, WPA3 is a protocol. However, given that WPS does not work with WPA3, the insights I’ve given here will definitely help you.
