Wireless connection guide
WiFi speed test
Check the real speed reaching your phone or computer, then use the comparison steps below to find out whether a slowdown comes from WiFi or your internet service.
Run the free speed testHow to test WiFi correctly
- Pause large downloads, cloud backups, streams, and software updates on other devices.
- Turn off any VPN. Stand in the room where you normally use the connection and run the test twice.
- Move next to the router and repeat the test. A large improvement points to WiFi range or interference.
- If possible, connect the same computer by Ethernet and test again. A fast wired result with a slow wireless result isolates the problem to WiFi.
How to read the four results
Download
Controls streaming quality, page loads, and file downloads. Compare it with your plan, but remember that plans are normally advertised as an 'up to' rate.
Upload
Affects video calls, livestreaming, sending files, and cloud backups. Cable and mobile plans often provide much less upload than download.
Ping
Measures response time in milliseconds. Under 30 ms is excellent; 30–60 ms is good for most real-time uses; above 100 ms feels delayed.
Jitter
Shows how much latency changes between requests. Under 15 ms is a useful target for calls and games. High jitter can cause stutter even with fast download speed.
Why your WiFi speed changes
Wireless speed is not fixed. Every wall weakens the signal, nearby networks compete for the same channels, and older phones or laptops may not support the fastest mode your router offers. Microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and poor router placement can also affect the connection.
Time of day matters too. If both WiFi and Ethernet slow down every evening, the cause may be congestion at your internet provider rather than your router. Save results from morning and evening tests for several days before contacting the provider.
Quick fixes for slow WiFi
- Place the router in an open, central, elevated location instead of inside a cabinet.
- Use 5 GHz or 6 GHz near the router; use 2.4 GHz when range matters more than peak speed.
- Restart the router, update its firmware, and let automatic channel selection avoid interference.
- For a weak distant room, consider a wired access point or mesh system rather than a cheap repeater.
WiFi speed test FAQ
What is a good WiFi speed?
About 25 Mbps download is enough for one 4K stream, while 100 Mbps or more is comfortable for a household with several active devices. Calls and games also need stable ping and jitter, not only high download speed.
Why is WiFi slower than Ethernet?
WiFi shares radio spectrum with nearby networks and devices. Walls, distance, interference, router placement, and older wireless standards reduce speed. Ethernet uses a dedicated cable and is usually faster and more consistent.
Should I test on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi?
Test both if your router offers them. A 5 GHz connection is usually faster at short range, while 2.4 GHz reaches farther and passes through walls better. Newer 6 GHz WiFi can be faster but has shorter range.